Solar Panel Manufacturer Prepares to Export to the U.S. Market

A solar panel production facility that began operations in Manisa two years ago and rapidly increased its capacity to over 1 gigawatt is preparing to export to the US market. HSA Enerji production facility, established in a 20,000 square-meter enclosed area in Manisa Organized Industrial Zone and employing 450 people, has seen the solar panel manufacturing sector in Turkey—which has approximately 15 years of history—develop rapidly, especially in recent years, according to General Manager Mehmet Doğan. Noting that Turkey's annual average installation capacity of 1-1.5 gigawatts—favorable for solar energy plant establishment due to its geographic location and structure—rose to 3 gigawatts last year, Doğan stated this could increase to 6-7 gigawatts annually in the short term. Stating that growing investments have also developed the solar panel manufacturing sector, Doğan continued: "Looking at panel production facilities as a sector, last year we had 16-17 facilities with active production capacity of 6-7 gigawatts. However, coming into this year, we have industrialists who are seriously committed to this business. Currently we have 37 manufacturers in our country with panel production facilities capable of producing 20 gigawatts. This is a significant figure. When compared to the world, there are 38 countries with panel facilities. Of these, 18 have capacity of 1 gigawatt and above. Our country ranks 6th in the world by production capacity and first in Europe. This shows we are in a very good position."

"Should be viewed as a strategic sector"

Doğan noted that industrialists are showing intense interest in solar energy investments, and no one hesitates to make investments in energy—the most important input cost—as soon as possible. "Previously it was on rooftops, but with last year's regulatory change, investments moved to fields. Manisa Organized Industrial Zone is also a zone with valuable brands. Despite reaching over 30 megawatts in rooftop installations here, it is still insufficient," he said. Doğan stated that panel manufacturers are trying to play an active role not only in domestic demand but also in foreign markets to compete globally. Saying that panel production should be approached as a strategic sector, Doğan provided the following explanation on the matter: "We need to view this business like the defense industry and deepen our knowledge and experience. That is, we need to establish cell facilities and create a raw materials ecosystem in this region. Only then will we reach a competitive position in exports. As of the end of 2023 and 2024, we set a target to export 25 percent of our production to the US market, where we are competitive. However, if we also deepen our knowledge, this business will become more meaningful. We all believe we will first meet domestic demand, but we should all target exports. Our export target for next year is approximately 80-90 million dollars."   Source