What happened
Turkey's Ministry of Trade has added the 18th SolarEX Istanbul to its list of 'prestigious domestic sectoral trade fairs' eligible for support in 2026. The designation makes domestic solar energy manufacturers and storage technology companies eligible for government subsidies: 8,670 Turkish lira per square metre of exhibition space, up to a maximum of 1,292,800 lira per company.
The fair will occupy 65,000 square metres across seven halls and conference facilities at Istanbul Fair Centre on 8–10 April 2026. Organisers expect participation from more than 500 domestic and international firms in solar energy technology, energy storage, smart energy solutions and energy digitalisation.
Why it matters
The support is intended to help Turkish manufacturers compete with global competitors on equal terms and increase their visibility in international markets. The subsidy reduces the cost barrier to participation, enabling smaller producers to afford exhibition space at Turkey's largest solar energy event. For the government, the designation signals priority support for the renewable energy sector as part of Turkey's energy transition strategy.
Background
SolarEX Istanbul is described as Turkey's only dedicated solar and storage technology fair and ranks among the world's three largest such events. The fair has grown annually and serves as a platform for industry networking, technology demonstration and new venture investment in the solar and energy storage sectors.
What's next
Registration for exhibition space opens at www.solarexistanbul.com. The fair runs 8–10 April 2026.