University of Tehran Journal of Solar Energy Research 2588-3097 10 2 2025 04 01 Land Use and Ecosystem Impacts of Solar Power Plants: A Case-Based Assessment from Türkiye 2349 2366 103924 10.22059/jser.2025.401354.1627 EN Emine Su Turan Çukurova University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, Adana, Türkiye Journal Article 2025 08 26 This study provides a multidimensional assessment of the land use and ecosystem impacts of Solar Power Plants (SPPs) in Türkiye, where solar investments have rapidly expanded due to high irradiation potential. While solar energy is a key pillar of the low-carbon transition, large-scale ground-mounted installations increasingly intersect with agricultural lands, rural livelihoods, and biodiversity hotspots. Drawing on regional case studies and national-scale trends, the research identifies spatial patterns of SPP development and highlights the socio-ecological risks associated with poor site selection. Key findings emphasize the need to balance energy generation with land conservation, ecosystem services, and social acceptance. The paper advances an integrative planning framework based on agrovoltaic systems, nature-based solutions, and GIS-supported decision-making. Rather than proposing a singular model, the study synthesizes best practices to guide strategic land use that minimizes conflict and enhances resilience. This work contributes to energy policy by reframing SPP investments as not only technological projects but also socio-environmental interventions, underlining the urgency of participatory, spatially just, and ecologically compatible energy transitions in Türkiye and beyond. https://jser.ut.ac.ir/article_103924_6ed181413678273c7a473257d105eafe.pdf