March 2025 · 7 min read · By Antalya Solar Energy Regulatory Team

Turkey's net metering scheme — officially known as Lisanssız Elektrik Üretim (unlicensed electricity generation) — is the primary regulatory framework enabling solar owners to receive credit for excess electricity exported to the grid. With significant regulatory updates in 2024–2025 and further changes expected in 2026, this guide explains everything a Turkish business or homeowner needs to know.

What Is Net Metering (Lisanssız Üretim)?

Under Turkey's Renewable Energy Law (Kanun No. 6446) and the Electricity Market Licence Regulation, consumers can install solar power systems and offset their electricity bills with the power they generate. When your solar system produces more than you consume in a billing period, the excess is exported to the grid and credited against future electricity bills at the same retail tariff rate you pay for imports.

The scheme is operated by TEDAŞ (Türkiye Elektrik Dağıtım A.Ş.) regional distribution companies. In Antalya, this is Antalya Dağıtım A.Ş. (formerly Enerjisa). All grid connection applications, meter installations, and billing adjustments are handled by TEDAŞ.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Any electricity subscriber (residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural)
  • System capacity up to 1,000 kW (1 MW) per connection point without a generation licence
  • System capacity must not exceed annual consumption at the connection point
  • Installed capacity is subject to TEDAŞ distribution grid capacity approval (connection study)

Key Parameters for 2026

ParameterCurrent (2025–2026)
Maximum System Size1,000 kW per connection point
Export Credit RateRetail tariff (same as import rate)
Credit ValidityCarried forward monthly for 10 years
Meter TypeBidirectional smart meter (installed by TEDAŞ)
Renewable Energy CertificateYEK-G available for voluntary green procurement
Application AuthorityRegional TEDAŞ distribution company
Licence RequiredNo (for systems ≤1 MW)

The TEDAŞ Application Process

Step 1 — Pre-Application Study: TEDAŞ reviews the local grid capacity to determine if your connection point can accommodate the proposed solar system. For systems under 100 kW this is typically rubber-stamped; for 100 kW–1 MW it may require a grid reinforcement contribution.

Step 2 — Connection Agreement: TEDAŞ issues a Connection Agreement specifying the technical conditions (max export capacity, protection relay settings, meter type). You have 60 days to sign and return.

Step 3 — Installation: You install the solar system per the Connection Agreement technical specs and obtain the relevant municipal building permit.

Step 4 — Commissioning Inspection: TEDAŞ engineer visits to inspect the installation, verifies compliance with the Connection Agreement, and installs the bidirectional smart meter.

Step 5 — Billing Starts: From the commissioning date, net metering billing begins. Your bill shows import kWh, export kWh (credited), and the net amount payable. Excess credits roll over monthly.

What Happens to Large Surpluses?

If your system consistently produces much more than you consume (over-sized system), the excess credits accumulate. After 10 years from commissioning, any remaining accumulated credit expires. This is why correct system sizing is important — we size systems to match or slightly under-serve annual consumption, maximising the value of every kWh generated.

Changes Expected in 2026

EPDK has signalled two potential regulatory developments for 2026:

  • YEK-G Integration: Enhanced voluntary renewable energy certificate system allowing solar owners to monetise environmental attributes separately from energy arbitrage.
  • Capacity Queue Management: Some distribution regions (particularly in western Turkey) are approaching grid hosting capacity limits. TEDAŞ may implement capacity allocation queues for new applications in congested zones. Antalya is currently not congested.
  • 1 MW Cap Review: EPDK is studying whether to raise the unlicensed generation cap above 1 MW, which would benefit large industrial self-consumers. No formal proposal has been tabled as of this writing.

Practical Implications for Antalya Businesses

The current net metering framework is highly favourable for Antalya commercial solar investors:

  • Retail tariff credit (~₺3.5/kWh) is more valuable than wholesale market prices
  • Antalya's grid capacity is generally adequate for new solar connections
  • TEDAŞ Antalya processing times have improved to 6–10 weeks for systems under 500 kW
  • No annual cap on total net metered systems in Antalya distribution territory

Conclusion: Act Now

The current net metering terms are the best they have been for Turkish solar investors, and regulatory changes — even if positive — introduce uncertainty. The safest strategy is to commission your system under the current clear and favourable framework rather than waiting for speculative improvements. Contact our team to confirm current TEDAŞ connection capacity in your specific area before committing to a system size.

Questions About Net Metering in Antalya?

Our regulatory team handles TEDAŞ applications daily. Contact us for current processing times and connection capacity in your area.

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