Enhancing Solar Power Generation in Libya Using Solar Tracking Systems: A Study to Determine the Optimal Technology

Abstract

Libya enjoys an average of up to 3,200 hours of sunshine annually. However, when using fixed solar panels, only around two hours of vertical sunlight can be effectively utilised due to the sun’s rotation around its axis and the Earth. Since solar panels generate electricity most efficiently when the sunlight falls perpendicularly on their surface, there is a need to enhance these systems in order to increase the number of effective hours throughout the day. For this purpose, single-axis solar tracking structures are selected. These systems are equipped with tracking devices that follow the sun from early morning until sunset, thereby increasing the productivity of power generation. Another type of solar tracking system is the dual-axis structure, but this is neither necessary nor suitable in Libya due to the stability of the tilt angle. Dual-axis systems are more costly and are generally used in countries where the solar angle varies significantly. In Libya, the tilt angle remains largely stable, with only minor variations from east to west, which can be adjusted based on the site of the solar farm and kept fixed while still tracking the sun’s movement from sunrise to sunset. Studies have shown that using single-axis solar tracking structures can achieve up to 35% higher productivity compared to fixed solar panel structures, with lower cost and maintenance requirements than dual-axis systems.