Türkiye’s Solar Leap: HIT-30 and the Rise of Domestic PV Manufacturing

Türkiye has launched the HIT-30 Program to strengthen its position in the global solar energy sector. The initiative offers up to $8,000/MW in grants for upstream manufacturing—specifically for solar ingot, wafer, and cell production—and includes a $2.5 billion incentive package aimed at establishing 15 GW of domestic capacity.

Five companies have been selected to receive support, provided they meet a minimum annual cell production target of 5 GW. The program complements existing facilities like Smart Solar and KalyonPV, the latter already producing ingots and wafers.

Beyond production, HIT-30 supports Türkiye’s 2053 net-zero target and emphasizes collaboration with public research institutions. It encourages domestic R&D and innovation to ensure long-term competitiveness.

ODTÜ-GÜNAM plays a central role in this transformation, contributing with advanced research, pilot-scale manufacturing, and industry-academia programs like PVCon and PVDemy. Its involvement is expected to be key in achieving the program’s goals and reinforcing Türkiye’s role in the global clean energy transition.

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Türkiye’s Solar Leap: HIT-30 and the Rise of Domestic PV Manufacturing

Türkiye has taken a bold step toward becoming a global hub in solar energy manufacturing with the launch of the HIT-30 Program, which provides up to $8,000/MW in grants for solar ingot, wafer, and cell production, and a $2.5 billion incentive package aimed at creating 15 GW of domestic production capacity. This initiative includes robust support mechanisms such as land allocation, tax exemptions, and R&D incentives – marking a shift from panel assembly to upstream production.

As part of the program, five companies (Alfa Solar Energy, Astronergy, CW Energy, Elin Energy, and Schmid Pekintaş Energy) were selected through a rigorous evaluation process to benefit from the incentives, provided they successfully establish a minimum of 5 GW annual solar cell production capacity. Türkiye already hosts two solar cell factories: Smart Solar and KalyonPV, the latter of which is also capable of ingot and wafer production.

The program supports Türkiye’s 2053 carbon neutrality target by aiming for 3–5 GW of new solar PV installations annually. With its industrial infrastructure, qualified young workforce, and strategic geographical location, Türkiye is seizing the opportunity to lead in clean energy production and technology development as global supply chains undergo transformation.

HIT-30 places strong emphasis on domestic R&D and innovation. Companies benefiting from the program are strongly encouraged to collaborate with state universities and public research centers to foster an ecosystem of shared knowledge and long-term technological advancement. This strategy ensures that the program not only builds manufacturing capacity but also nurtures a sustainable innovation pipeline aligned with national goals.

Türkiye’s Center of Excellence in Solar Energy Research and Applications (ODTÜ-GÜNAM) drives innovation in high-efficiency, low-cost, and sustainable PV solutions, and is a cornerstone of the national R&D&I ecosystem. ODTÜ-GÜNAM’s initiatives like PVCon, a global conference series, and PVDemy, an industry-focused training program, build strong links between academia and industry. With cutting-edge facilities, including a pilot production line and test center, and a mission to accelerate solar innovation, GÜNAM will play a pivotal role in realizing the ambitions of HIT-30 and shaping Türkiye’s position in the global solar landscape.

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