Between Coast and Desert: Performance Comparison of Monocrystalline Silicon (Mono-Si) And Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) For Electricity Generation in Seven Libyan Cities

Abstract

Libya relies heavily on fossil fuels (oil and natural gas) for electricity generation, leading to significant greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and severe environmental pollution. Conversely, Libya possesses a strategic geographical location in North Africa, with approximately 88% of its 1.75 million km² area being desert terrain. The country exhibits exceptional solar potential, with Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) ranging from 1,940 to 2,338 kWh/m²/year and annual sunshine duration reaching 3,670 hours in the southern regions.

Accordingly, this paper presents an integrated spatial, technical, and economic assessment of solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in Libya. The study conducts a comprehensive performance comparison between two leading technologies: Monocrystalline Silicon (Mono-Si) and Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) across seven strategically selected climatic zones (Tripoli, Benghazi, Misrata, Sabha, Murzuq, Al-Kufra, and Hun), utilizing validated datasets from the Global Solar Atlas and NASA POWER platforms. The analytical framework employs robust scientific simulation models, including the single-diode equivalent circuit model, cell temperature calculation algorithms, and the Capacity Factor (CF) determination. These two technologies were specifically selected due to their suitability for Libya's extreme climatic conditions, characterized by arid, dusty environments and desert temperatures exceeding 40°C. The results demonstrate the superior productivity of the southern regions (Murzuq, Al-Kufra, and Sabha), with Murzuq achieving the highest Capacity Factor (CF) of 24.77% using CdTe technology, which proved highly efficient in hot desert environments due to its favorable low-temperature coefficient. The study recommends the development of a strategic roadmap prioritizing utility-scale solar installations in the south and promoting distributed generation systems in the north, thereby providing a scientific foundation for sustainable energy transition policies in Libya.