Enhancing Renewable Energy Production through Optimization of Utility-Scale Solar Farms in Libya

Abstract

The increasing demand for reliable electricity, coupled with the growing interest in renewable energy, has highlighted the importance of optimizing utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar farms to maximize energy production. Libya possesses exceptional solar resources, receiving between 3,200 and 3,500 hours of sunshine annually and an average daily solar irradiance of 6–8 kWh/m², making it one of the most suitable locations for large-scale solar power generation. This study evaluates the impact of engineering optimization techniques on the performance of a hypothetical 100 MW utility-scale PV solar farm operating under Libyan climatic conditions. The analysis was conducted using the PVWatts Version 5 performance model together with meteorological data obtained from publicly available solar databases. Key design parameters, including panel tilt angle, array spacing, mounting configuration, and solar tracking systems, were analyzed to determine their influence on annual electricity generation and overall system performance. The projected results indicate that optimization techniques significantly improve renewable electricity production, with optimized fixed-tilt systems increasing annual energy generation by approximately 4.2%, while single-axis and dual-axis tracking systems achieved improvements of approximately 19% and 24%, respectively. Although dual-axis tracking produced the highest energy output, the single-axis configuration demonstrated a more practical balance between performance improvement, mechanical complexity, and operational feasibility. The findings demonstrate that appropriate engineering optimization can substantially enhance the efficiency of utility-scale solar farms without increasing installed generating capacity. The proposed approach provides a practical framework for supporting future photovoltaic developments in Libya and contributes to the efficient utilization of the country's abundant solar resources while strengthening long-term renewable energy planning.