Solar Resource Utilization in Public Institutions Through Energy Performance Contracting: A Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Photovoltaic Efficiency, Governance, and Policy Accountability

This study conducts a multi-dimensional evaluation of Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs) applied to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in public institutions, emphasizing their technical efficiency, governance structure, and policy accountability. Within the broader context of solar resource utilization and sustainable energy transition, EPCs are increasingly recognized as strategic mechanisms to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions without imposing immediate fiscal burdens on public budgets. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative assessments of photovoltaic system performance—based on SCADA-verified production data and CO₂ mitigation outcomes—with qualitative evaluations of contract design, stakeholder coordination, and institutional transparency. The case of a 1710.72 kWp university-based PV installation in Türkiye demonstrates that EPCs can effectively deliver high operational reliability (performance ratio: 83%) and substantial environmental benefits (1168.64 tons of CO₂ avoided annually). However, the study also reveals that EPC success is critically shaped by the coherence of regulatory frameworks, administrative capacity, and accountability mechanisms. Institutional fragmentation, limited data integration, and insufficient governance oversight remain significant barriers to scaling EPC adoption in the public sector. The research concludes by proposing an integrated policy framework that aligns technical performance monitoring with transparent governance and policy coherence. This approach supports real-time performance tracking, multi-level coordination, and enhanced institutional accountability—key enablers for accelerating the solar energy transition through scalable and financially sustainable EPC models in public infrastructure.