Net metering is the mechanism that makes grid-connected solar energy in Antalya so attractive: the grid acts as a giant battery, absorbing your surplus by day and supplying you at night. In Turkey it is known as mahsuplaşma, and understanding how it works is essential to sizing a system correctly and calculating realistic savings.
This guide explains the framework in plain English for homeowners, international property owners and businesses in Antalya. One important caveat first: the rules have been amended several times in recent years and can change again. The principles below are stable, but we always verify the current EPDK provisions and your distribution company's requirements before designing a system. Treat this article as orientation, not legal advice.
What net metering means in Turkey
Net metering in Turkey means that the electricity your solar system generates and the electricity you draw from the grid are measured separately by a bidirectional meter, and then offset against each other over a defined settlement period. If you export more than you import in that period, the difference is surplus; if you import more, you pay for the net amount. Energy you consume directly at the moment of generation never passes through the meter as an import at all, which is why it is the most valuable kind.
The legal framework: unlicensed generation
Small and medium solar systems linked to a consumption point fall under the Regulation on Unlicensed Electricity Generation (Lisanssız Elektrik Üretim Yönetmeliği), issued by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK). The key players are:
- EPDK: sets the rules, including eligibility, netting methods and the treatment of surplus.
- The regional distribution company (EDAŞ): receives applications, evaluates grid capacity, issues the connection opinion and signs the connection agreement.
- TEDAŞ procedures: govern the technical acceptance of the installation before it may operate.
- Your electricity supplier: reflects the netting on your bill.
A central principle is that unlicensed generation is intended for self-consumption. Systems are linked to a consumption point, and their size is expected to stay in proportion to that consumption. Building a system far larger than your use in the hope of selling electricity is generally not what this route is designed for; larger generation projects follow different rules.
Monthly versus hourly netting
The settlement period is where many misunderstandings start. Under monthly netting, all exports and imports in a calendar month are added up and offset, so a sunny afternoon's surplus can cover the same month's evening consumption. Under hourly netting, the offset happens within each hour: surplus at 1 pm cannot cancel consumption at 9 pm. Turkish rules have moved towards hourly settlement for some subscriber groups, while others have been treated differently, and transitional provisions have applied.
What happens to surplus electricity
When your exports exceed your imports over the settlement period, the surplus is treated according to the current regulation. Depending on the rules in force and your subscriber group, surplus may be purchased at a regulated rate, which is typically lower than the retail price you pay, or limited where generation is disproportionate to consumption. Because these provisions are among the most frequently revised, we never assume a fixed value for exported energy and always state the assumption clearly in your proposal.
Who can apply, including foreign property owners
Any electricity consumer with a valid subscription can apply for grid-connected solar energy in Antalya, and foreign nationals who own property in Turkey are treated in the same way as citizens. Typical requirements include:
- An electricity subscription in the applicant's name at the property.
- Proof of ownership or the owner's consent, such as the title deed.
- Identification and a Turkish tax number for foreign owners.
- Approval from the owners' association or building management for shared buildings.
- Technical documents, including the single-line diagram and equipment details, which we prepare.
Step by step: from application to your first netted bill
- Survey and pre-design, including a check of your subscription type and connection capacity.
- Submission of the application and documents to the distribution company.
- Evaluation of grid capacity and issue of the connection opinion.
- Signature of the connection agreement and approval of the electrical project.
- Installation and commissioning of the system.
- Technical inspection and acceptance, followed by installation of the bidirectional meter.
- Netting begins and appears on your electricity bill.
For homes and small businesses the process commonly takes one to two months; larger systems can take longer, depending on grid capacity and documentation.
How netting rules should shape your Antalya solar energy system
Good design starts with the netting rule, not with the roof. Where settlement is short, we size the system closer to your daytime demand and look for loads that can shift into sunny hours, such as pool filtration, water heating, laundry and cold rooms. For homes with heavy evening use, a hybrid system with battery storage can store midday surplus for later. High-consumption households should also consider the residential tariff threshold: homes above it pay a higher unsubsidised rate, which makes every self-consumed kilowatt-hour worth more.
Common misconceptions
- "I will be paid the full price for everything I export." Exported surplus is usually worth less than electricity you consume directly.
- "Net metering keeps my lights on during a power cut." Grid-tied inverters shut down in outages; only a battery-backed hybrid system provides backup.
- "A bigger system always saves more." Beyond your consumption, extra capacity may earn little or nothing.
- "The rules are fixed for 25 years." Regulations evolve, so designs should remain sensible under different netting methods.
How Antalya Solar helps
For Antalya solar energy projects we handle the complete process: checking the current rules, preparing and submitting the application, following up with the distribution company, installing the system and coordinating acceptance and metering. Our proposals state the netting assumption behind every savings figure, so you know exactly what you are planning for. Read more on our on-grid solar page or book a free survey to see how net metering applies to your property.
