How Much Electricity Does 1 m² of Solar Panel Produce?

1 m2 güneş paneli ne kadar elektrik üretir — or translated as “how much electricity does 1 m² solar panel produce”—is one of the most common questions asked by those interested in solar energy. The amount of energy a single square meter of solar panel can generate depends on many variables, including panel efficiency, annual sunlight hours in the installation region, the panel’s angle and orientation, ambient temperature, and any shading throughout the day. For this reason, the production value of a 1 m² solar panel is not identical in every location or panel type; however, realistic average values can be calculated using accurate irradiation data. Especially in countries like Turkey, where the solar potential is high, even a single square meter can generate far more energy than expected.

Moreover, understanding the output of a 1 m² panel is useful as a reference value for rooftop systems, agricultural irrigation setups, portable energy applications, and even large-scale solar power plant feasibility calculations. Therefore, analyzing this topic accurately is essential for both investors and individual users. In the following sections, you will find detailed explanations of daily, monthly, and annual production values of 1 m² panels under typical Turkish conditions, as well as the differences between cities and efficiency levels.

Average Production Values for Turkey

In Turkey, the average electricity production of a 1 m² solar panel is quite high due to the country’s high annual sunlight exposure. Turkey receives approximately 2,700 hours of sunlight per year, which means that a 1 m² panel typically has the potential to generate between 180 and 220 kWh annually. Depending on panel efficiency and local irradiation levels, this number may rise even higher. In regions such as the Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia, 1 m² of solar panel can reach up to 230 kWh of annual production.

In contrast, production values are slightly lower in Marmara, Thrace, and some central regions, yet many cities still remain above global averages. When examining Turkey’s solar map, it becomes clear that most parts of the country are highly suitable for solar energy generation. Consequently, even a single square meter contributes a meaningful amount of electricity annually. These average values help individuals who want to install rooftop systems understand the approximate performance expectations before their investment.

Summer–Winter Production Differences

Summer is the period when solar panels generate the most electricity. Sunlight strikes the panels at a steeper angle, and days are significantly longer, both of which maximize energy production. During summer months, a 1 m² solar panel in many Turkish cities can generate between 0.7 and 1 kWh per day. In regions such as Antalya, Mersin, and Şanlıurfa, these values can be even higher. Although high temperatures slightly reduce panel efficiency, the increased sunlight intensity and extended daylight hours more than compensate for this loss.

In winter, daylight hours shorten, the sun’s angle becomes shallower, and cloud coverage increases. Naturally, this reduces efficiency. Across Turkey, a 1 m² panel produces around 0.2–0.4 kWh daily during the winter season. In regions with heavy cloud cover such as the Eastern Black Sea or Eastern Anatolia, these values can drop even further. However, production never falls to zero, as modern panels are designed to operate even in low-light conditions. These seasonal differences balance out over the year, resulting in the country’s annual average production values.

Expected Production at Different Efficiency Levels (18%, 20%, 22%)

As panel efficiency increases, the amount of power generated from the same surface area also increases. The difference between an 18% efficiency panel and a 22% efficiency panel is roughly 40 watts per square meter, which accumulates to a significant difference over an entire year. For instance, a 1 m² panel with 18% efficiency typically produces around 170–190 kWh annually, while a 22% efficiency panel can reach 210–240 kWh. Therefore, even small efficiency improvements translate into notable performance gains.

Panels with 20% efficiency, which are among the most common today, offer an excellent balance between cost and performance. A 20% efficiency panel generally produces between 190 and 215 kWh annually in Turkish conditions. Meanwhile, 22% efficiency panels—often based on advanced N-Type TOPCon or IBC technologies—provide maximum production per square meter. These are ideal for users with limited rooftop space, as they yield significantly higher production without requiring additional area.

Energy Production of 1 m² Solar Panel by City

Different regions of Turkey receive different levels of solar irradiation. Therefore, the energy output of a 1 m² panel varies significantly by city. The following subsections explain production from the highest to the lowest solar irradiation regions.

Antalya – High Irradiation Region

Antalya is one of Turkey’s most sun-rich cities, receiving more than 3,100 hours of sunlight annually. As a result, a 1 m² solar panel in Antalya offers exceptionally high production outputs. Typically, a 1 m² solar panel can generate around 220–240 kWh per year. During summer, daily production easily exceeds 1 kWh, and even in winter, the city achieves higher production levels compared to many others. This makes Antalya one of the most ideal regions in Turkey for solar energy investment.

Antalya’s low cloud density, strong irradiation levels, and stable sunlight distribution significantly boost panel efficiency. Even lower-efficiency panels installed in Antalya can outperform high-efficiency panels installed in less sunny regions. For this reason, agricultural irrigation systems, hotel rooftops, and residential installations in the region tend to produce exceptionally favorable results.

Izmir – Medium-High Irradiation Region

Izmir receives around 2,900 hours of sunlight annually, making it one of Turkey’s most suitable regions for solar energy. A 1 m² panel in Izmir typically produces 200–220 kWh per year. High summer irradiation levels allow for strong daily production figures in rooftop systems. Izmir’s humidity levels are lower than those of Antalya, which helps the panels operate at slightly cooler temperatures and thus higher efficiency.

Although winter cloudiness increases production losses slightly, Izmir remains well above the national average. With high-efficiency panels, annual production can even reach 230 kWh per m². For both residential and commercial users, Izmir stands out as one of the most advantageous solar regions in Turkey.

Istanbul – Medium Irradiation Region

Istanbul, despite its dense population and frequent cloud cover, has a higher solar potential than many assume. With roughly 2,400 annual sunlight hours, a 1 m² panel can generate around 170–190 kWh per year. Cloudy winter days reduce production significantly; however, summer yields are strong and help balance the annual total. A properly designed rooftop system in Istanbul can perform consistently throughout the year.

Although air pollution in Istanbul can affect panel surfaces, regular cleaning minimizes this loss. Additionally, frequent winds help keep panel temperatures low during summer, which can improve efficiency. Overall, solar systems installed in Istanbul can deliver reliable and steady annual production.

Erzurum – Low Irradiation Region

Erzurum has one of the lowest irradiation levels in Turkey due to its long winters and geographical features. Its annual sunlight exposure is around 2,000–2,100 hours. As a result, a 1 m² solar panel typically generates between 130 and 160 kWh annually in the region. During winter, the sun’s low angle significantly reduces daily production, especially on snowy or cloudy days.

Interestingly, the cold climate supports efficiency because panels perform better at lower temperatures. For this reason, summer production in Erzurum can be surprisingly strong and comparable with some other cities. With correct tilt angles and system design, solar installations can still be worthwhile even in low-irradiation regions.

How Much Energy Does 1 m² Solar Panel Produce Annually?

On average, a 1 m² solar panel produces between 170 and 220 kWh annually in Turkey. This value varies based on the panel’s efficiency, technology, and irradiation levels in the installation region. High-efficiency panels can raise this production up to 250 kWh. Because Turkey has a much higher solar potential compared to many European countries, even a single square meter of solar panel can provide meaningful annual energy savings. For rooftop systems, total production scales with panel area and can eventually meet a large portion of a household’s yearly electricity consumption.

Annual production is typically calculated by multiplying the daily production average by the city’s annual sunlight hours. Factors such as shading, cable losses, temperature, and inverter efficiency must be considered for accurate real-world results. When these parameters are included, annual production estimates become reliable and practical.

Which Devices Can Run on a 1 m² Solar Panel?

A 1 m² solar panel can produce approximately 0.5–0.7 kWh of electricity per day on average. This amount is sufficient to power small electronic devices. For example, a smartphone charger, Wi-Fi modem, LED lamps, or low-consumption security cameras can easily be operated using the energy from a single square meter panel. Outdoor lighting systems, camping setups, and small DIY energy projects can also be supported by this daily output.

For larger household devices, however, more panel area is required. Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, or vacuum cleaners consume significantly more power and would require multiple panels working together. With the addition of an energy storage system, even a single square meter panel could operate small devices for several hours by storing daily production. The feasibility depends entirely on the device’s daily energy consumption.