Benghazi, Sha'biyat Banghazi, Libya, located at 32.1159°N, 20.0654°E in the Northern Sub Tropics, presents a favorable environment for solar PV energy generation throughout the year. This coastal city experiences varying levels of solar potential across different seasons, offering opportunities for consistent energy production.

Seasonal Solar Performance

The solar output in Benghazi demonstrates significant fluctuations across seasons. Summer stands out as the peak period, with an impressive 8.20 kWh/day per kW of installed solar capacity. Spring follows closely, yielding 7.09 kWh/day. Autumn sees a moderate decrease to 5.00 kWh/day, while winter experiences the lowest output at 3.65 kWh/day.

These figures indicate that Benghazi is particularly well-suited for solar energy generation during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. The extended daylight hours and clearer skies during this period contribute to the higher energy yields.

Optimal Panel Installation

To maximize year-round solar production in Benghazi, Sha'biyat Banghazi, fixed solar panels should be tilted at an angle of 27 degrees facing South. This orientation allows for optimal sunlight capture throughout the year, balancing the varying sun angles across seasons.

Environmental Considerations

While Benghazi's climate is generally conducive to solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:

1. Dust and sand: Being in a semi-arid region, dust accumulation on panels can reduce efficiency.
2. Coastal humidity: Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea may lead to salt spray and moisture buildup.

To mitigate these issues, regular panel cleaning and the use of protective coatings can help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, installing panels at a slight angle aids in natural dust removal during occasional rainfalls.

Overall, Benghazi's location offers excellent potential for solar PV energy generation, particularly during the summer and spring months. With proper installation and maintenance, solar panels can provide a reliable and sustainable energy source throughout the year.

Note: The Northern Sub Tropics extend from 23.5° latitude North up to 35° latitude.

So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 8 locations across Libya. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.

Link: Solar PV potential in Libya by location

Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Benghazi

Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 32.1159, Longitude: 20.0654 (Benghazi, Libya), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:

Average 8.20kWh/day in Summer.

Average 5.00kWh/day in Autumn.

Average 3.65kWh/day in Winter.

Average 7.09kWh/day in Spring.

Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 27° South in Benghazi, Libya

To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Benghazi, Libya (Lat/Long 32.1159, 20.0654) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 27° South for fixed panel installations.

As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.

We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.

At Latitude: 32.1159, Longitude: 20.0654, the ideal angle to tilt panels is 27° South

Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Benghazi, Libya

If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Benghazi, Libya. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 27° South tilt angle throughout the year.

Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.

This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.

Calculate solar panel row spacing in Benghazi, Libya

We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Benghazi, Libya.

Our calculation method

1. Solar Position:
   We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination.
2. Shadow Projection:
   We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle.
3. Minimum Spacing:
   We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.

This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.

Topography for solar PV around Benghazi, Libya

The topography around Benghazi, Libya is characterized by a mix of coastal plains and gentle hills. The city itself is situated on a relatively flat coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea. As you move inland from the coast, the terrain gradually rises into a series of low hills and plateaus known as the Jabal al Akhdar, or Green Mountain region.

To the immediate south and east of Benghazi, the land remains fairly flat for several kilometers before it starts to rise. This coastal plain is mostly arid, with sparse vegetation typical of a semi-desert environment. The soil is generally sandy or rocky, with occasional areas of more fertile land.

As you travel further inland, the landscape becomes more varied. The hills of the Jabal al Akhdar begin to appear, offering a contrast to the coastal flatlands. These hills are not particularly high, typically reaching elevations of 200 to 600 meters above sea level. They are characterized by gentle slopes and rounded tops, rather than steep or jagged peaks.

For large-scale solar PV installations, the areas most suited would likely be found in the flat or gently sloping regions to the south and southeast of Benghazi. These areas offer several advantages:

• They receive ample sunlight throughout the year, typical of North African latitudes.
• The terrain is relatively flat, which simplifies construction and reduces costs associated with land preparation.
• There is minimal natural vegetation or human development, reducing potential conflicts over land use.
• The proximity to Benghazi provides access to existing infrastructure and a potential workforce.

Specific locations that might be particularly suitable include the expanses of land between Benghazi and the town of Al Marj to the east, or the areas south of Benghazi towards Suluq. These regions offer large, uninterrupted stretches of flat or gently undulating terrain that could accommodate extensive solar arrays.

However, it's important to note that any large-scale solar project would require detailed on-site surveys to assess factors such as exact topography, soil conditions, and access to the electrical grid. Additionally, environmental impact studies and considerations of local land use policies would be necessary before proceeding with such a project.

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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential

The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.

However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.

Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site

Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide

Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.

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