Performance Evaluation of a 2 MW On-grid Solar Photovoltaic Plant with Single-Axis Tracker in the Hyper-Arid Climate of Traghn, South Libya

Aiman saleh alamin shakra Moodu

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.64101

Performance Evaluation of a 2 MW On-grid Solar Photovoltaic Plant with Single-Axis Tracker in the Hyper-Arid Climate of Traghn, South Libya

Author(s)	Dr. Aiman saleh alamin shakra Moodu
Country	India
Abstract	Southern Libya possesses some of the highest solar irradiance levels globally, presenting a significant opportunity for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment to address the nation's energy deficit. However, the harsh desert environment creates unique challenges for system performance and durability. This study presents a comprehensive, one-year performance evaluation of a 2 MWAC grid-connected PV plant utilizing horizontal single-axis trackers (HSAT) located in Traghn, South Libya. Meteorological and operational data were acquired via a SCADA system, and performance metrics were calculated according to the IEC 61724 standard. The analysis confirms the site's exceptional solar resource, with the single-axis tracking system delivering an annual in-plane irradiation of 2,680 kWh/m², a 19% gain over the global horizontal irradiation. Despite this high resource, extreme ambient temperatures significantly curtailed system efficiency. The plant achieved an annual average Performance Ratio (PR) of 79.4% and a Capacity Factor (CF) of 24.1%. Thermal capture losses were identified as the dominant performance constraint, causing monthly PR to drop to approximately 74% during summer when module temperatures frequently exceeded 65°C. Soiling losses, quantified at an estimated 4.5% annually, were also significant, necessitating frequent cleaning cycles. The results validate the technical viability of single-axis tracker technology in Southern Libya but underscore the critical necessity of selecting modules with low-temperature coefficients and implementing robust, climate-adapted operation and maintenance protocols to mitigate thermal and soiling losses.
Keywords	Solar Photovoltaic (PV); Performance Ratio; Single-Axis Tracker; Desert Climate; IEC 61724; Soiling Losses; Thermal Losses; Libya
Field	Physics > Electric
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-12-20
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i06.64101

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Performance Evaluation of a 2 MW On-grid Solar Photovoltaic Plant with Single-Axis Tracker in the Hyper-Arid Climate of Traghn, South Libya

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