Life-Cycle Cost Analysis on Photovoltaic Modules for Türkiye

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In this study, we conduct a localized life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of residential photovoltaic (PV) modules in Türkiye, using the city of Eskisehir as a case study. We model a typical 3 kW rooftop PV system over a 30-year horizon and track all relevant cash flows: installation, maintenance, taxes, mortgage payments, and interactions with the grid under current Turkish policies such as net metering and Feed-in Tariffs. Building on an earlier 2013 household survey and updated national data from TurkStat and the Central Bank, we embed realistic assumptions on electricity prices, inflation, discount rates, and solar resource quality to answer a central question: is a residential PV investment financially rational for an average household in Eskisehir?

Our results show that, despite high upfront costs, PV systems are economically viable under today’s conditions. In the business-as-usual scenario, a 3 kW system generates about €883.75 in Net Present Value (NPV) savings over 30 years, with outcomes ranging from a modest loss (around −€392) in a pessimistic policy setting to roughly €2350 in an optimistic scenario with stronger incentives and cheaper technology. At the same time, the system avoids more than 40 tons of CO₂ emissions over its lifetime, supporting Türkiye’s climate and energy-security objectives. We conclude that residential PV can be a rational long-term investment, but its success depends heavily on stable policy support—particularly Feed-in Tariffs or premiums, tax incentives, and accessible financing that lower effective costs and reduce risk for households.

Acaroğlu, H., Baykul M. C., & Kara, Ö. (2025). A Life-Cycle Cost Analysis on Photovoltaic (PV) Modules for Türkiye: The Case of Eskisehir’s Solar Market Transactions. Sustainability, 17(24), 11023. SSCISCIE