GÜNDER, which was founded in 1991, maintains studies in development of industry, science and technology in the field of solar energy by establishing the regulatory framework and raising awareness. GÜNDER is a unique non-governmental organization of Turkey that consists of administrators and civil servants of public bodies, academic members and industry representatives of Solar Thermal and PV, is the voice of solar energy by representing the entire value chain. GÜNDER is not only the member of ISES, SolarPower Europe (the new EPIA) and ESTIF, but also represents Turkish Republic in the programs of IEA SHC and IEA PVPS.
GÜNDER, founded in 1991, was appointed to represent International Solar Energy Society - Turkey Section (ISES-TR) by resolve of the Council of Ministers with date of 10th February 1992 and with number of 92/2752, depending on the 1st article of the law about the establisment of international institutions with number of 3335. The charter members of GÜNDER are Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR), General Directorate of Renewable Energy (before Electric Power Resources Survey and Development Administration) (GDRE), General Directorate of State Meteorology (DMI) and The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) and academicians studying related areas and companies making production and commerce in the the field of solar energy.
GÜNDER is not only appointed to represent Republic of Turkey in International Energy Agency Solar Heating Cooling Program (IEA SHC) and International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (IEA PVPS), but also working actively in cooperation with Solar Power Europe (the new EPIA, European Photovoltaic Industry Association), European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF), International Solar Energy Society (ISES), Turkish HVAC-R Exporters (ISIB), The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) through its memberships. GÜNDER designs integrated works both to raise the awareness effectively in all parts of the society and to popularize making use of solar energy, and to have a role in solar energy industry in a way to prevent unfair competition and to increase the quality in all processes from manufacture to application by also setting up the auto-control mechanisms for the healthy development of the industry, and also it puts these works into practice in coordination with all parties of our solar energy industry. GÜNDER was ascended itself by incorporating National Photovoltaic Technology Platform (UFTP) in 2013. It was aimed at carrying on photovoltaic studies of GÜNDER with the brand name of UFTP.
GÜNDER conducts studies of popularizing the manufacture and applications of solar energy systems and creates value by participating in national and international projects. By organizing industry development and information meetings, various trainings, seminars, workshops, conferences and similar activities or by participating in or making contribution to the activities organized by the other organizations (ICCI, INTERSOLAR, ISK-SODEX, RENSEF, SOLAREX, TESKON), it tries to increase the solar energy awareness and to make the efforts in this regard effective, and it tries to provide a healthy development of the industry with its contributions to the legislation development. It also conducts the international promotional activities of Turkish Solar Energy Industry and it develops importation-focused international collaborations.
