The usage possibility of ejector-absorption cooling systems (EACSs) in Turkey using meteorological data has been investigated. This study also determines whether or not the required heat for the generator of an EACS can be obtained from solar energy in Turkey. There are two important reasons for the usage of EACSs in Turkey. One of them is that the production and use of the CFCs and HCFCs will be phased out a few years according to the Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987. The other is that Turkey is located between 36degrees and 42 degreesN latitudes and has a typical Mediterranean climate. Therefore, Turkey has a high solar-energy potential, and the yearly average solar-radiation and the total yearly radiation period are 3.6 kWh/m(2) day and similar to2610 h, respectively. Sixteen cities (Ordu, Tekirdag, Sakarya, Corum, Erzincan, Bursa, Balikesir, Afyon, Bingol, Burdur, Konya, Nigde, Adiyaman, Hakkari, Anamur, Finike) were selected in Turkey for which the radiation data and sunshine-duration information have been collected since 2000. The required optimum collector-surface area was identified by using the meteorological data for maximum coefficient-of-performance (COPmax conditions of the EACS operated with aqua-ammonia. In addition, the required minimum energy for the auxiliary heater was also calculated so that the system can be used throughout the year. It is shown that the heat-gain factor (HGF) varies in the range from 1.34 to 2.85 for all the seasons in the selected cities. The maximum HGF is 2.85 for Finike. According to the results obtained in this study, for 8-->9 months (March-October), it is sufficient to have a collector surface-area of 4 in 2 with high-performance refrigeration all over of Turkey. This study will provide guidance for the efficient utilisation of renewable energy sources in Turkey, which is heavily dependent upon imported energy sources, i.e. natural gas. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.