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18 

 

 

 

Article 

Simulation and modeling of the possibility of 

implementing solar high-concentrating 

photovoltaic in Libya 
Ali O. M. Maka1*, Mohamed Alatrash2, Tarik Ghalut3 

1The Libyan Centre for Research and Development of Saharian Communities, Mourzq, Libya 
2Harouge oil operation, Tripoli, Libya 
3University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya 

A R T I C L E   I N F O 
 

Article history: 
Received 01 April 2023  
Received in revised form 
29 April 2023 
Accepted 05 May 2023 
 
Keywords: 
Concentrating photovoltaics, Triple-junction cell 
Modelling and simulation, Solar energy 
 
*Corresponding author 
Email address:  
maca_4212@yahoo.co.uk  

 
DOI: 10.55670/fpll.fuen.3.1.3 

A B S T R A C T 
 

Concentrating photovoltaics is a type of solar photovoltaic technology that 
relies on sunlight concentrating to produce electrical energy. In this regard, 
high-efficiency solar cells comprise many different materials cells, and energy 
band gaps are stacked respectively on top of each other. This technology, 
depending on a large portion of the solar spectrum component, which absorbed 
by the triple-junction solar cell; the consequence is a rise in the device’s 
conversion efficiency. The layers of semiconductor materials, including 
GaInP/GaInAs/Ge, are coupled in series to gain high efficiency. Besides, an 
accurate assessment of the energy yield from a concentrating photovoltaic 
(CPV) device throughout its lifetime and the electrical performance 
characteristics in different operating environments is required. Hence, an 
MSCS-1D: V-2 solar cell simulator tool and a system advisor model (SAM) are 
used to model and simulate performance behavior. In this paper, we modeled 
and simulated mini solar concentrating photovoltaics. Based on that, solar CPV 
technology can be implemented in such regions to generate electricity and heat. 
Moreover, the selected region has a great potential for direct normal 
irradiations (DNI) annually. In addition, that encourages further study via 
applying large-scale in the form of CPV power plants. 

 
1. Introduction  

The need for energy has been growing recently, and 

supplies that depend primarily on fossil fuels are utilized to 

supply home and industrial demands. However, it’s also 

commonly known that fossil fuels are the main contributors 

to environmental pollution, which leads to global warming 

issues, and their availability is constrained. Based on that, 

people worldwide look forward to developing renewable 

energy technology for environmental friends [1]. Also, the 

development of solar energy technology can play a significant 

role in fulfilling sustainable development shortly [2]. Over the 

years, scholars have become increasingly interested in solar 

energy or solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies. However, 

conventional PV cells have a large module area and limited 

conversion efficiency. The solar-concentrating photovoltaics 

have attracted attention from scholars and manufacturers 

over the past few decades to address the constraint. 

Therefore, using specific concentrators and lenses or mirrors, 

the incident solar radiations are focused on smaller scales; 

this results in electrically more effective photovoltaic cells 

through CPV devices [3, 4]. The concentrating photovoltaic 

technology can be utilized to generate electricity in space and 

on Earth. It is important to mention that about 46% of 

incident solar energy can be converted to electricity by CPV 

cells, with the remaining energy being lost as heat [5]. A 

different materials energy band gap is used in the technology 

of the third generation of photovoltaic solar cells, which are 

stacked on top of each other, and the yield is highly efficient 

solar cells. A concentrating PV module typically comprises a 

high-efficiency solar cell and a light concentrator, which can 

be manufactured from a mirror, a parabolic dish, or lenses [6-

8]. The operating evaluation of CPV modules is essential for 

performance evaluation and rated power estimation, which 

may also result in design enhancements to the solar cell 

assembly, packaging of the optics concentrating, or the need 

for thermal management [9]. Due to its high energy yield, the 

high-concentrating photovoltaics HCPV technique is widely 

utilized in electrical energy generation. However, in high-

concentrating PV technology, as a consequence of optic 

concentration, the cell operating temperature rises to more 

 

 

Future Energy 

Open Access Journal 

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February 2024| Volume 03 | Issue 01 | Pages 18-22 

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A.Maka et al. /Future Energy                                                                                                      February 2024| Volume 03 | Issue 01| Pages 18-22 

19 

 

than 120oC. Nevertheless, for higher operating performance, 

longevity, and reliability aspect, it is always advised to keep 

cell/module temperature equal to or less than 80oC [6, 10]. 

The energy band gap of the semiconductor materials restricts 

the theoretical efficiency of the single solar cell. Based on that, 

the Shockley Queisser efficiency constraint, which caps the 

single cell’s efficiency at 31%, is an important loss factor to 

consider [11]. So, that leads to thinking about finding 

advanced ways to develop solar cell efficiency above those 

limited values. Hence, different energy band gaps of 

semiconductor materials are utilized to decrease 

thermalization losses and boost conversion efficiency [12, 

13]. It is worth mentioning that Saudi Arabia is one of the 

meddle-east countries with harsh environments and has 

implemented many applications of HCPV systems since the 

1980s. The designed system operated at a concentration ratio 

of 1400 X; as reported in the system operating performance, 

it worked well and was harmonious with the environment 

[14]. Therefore, this work modeling and simulates the 

performance behavior of a triple-junction solar cell/modules 

and mini CPV. This gives an idea of the cell’s behavior to 

improve the design and enhance performance. The 

consequences are drawn through performance analysis and 

prediction of energy yield. This work is a primary study 

towered large-scale, and in the future, we look forward to 

seeing that implementation on the ground.   

2. Modeling Approach  

In this work, we set up one triple-junction solar cell using 

the so-called MSCS-1D: V-2, Solar Cell Simulator. It 

characterized electrical performance under a concentration 

ratio from 1 to 1000 X and estimated cell efficiency. Based on 

that, in doing so, we set up a module/array of triple-junction 

using so-called the System Advisor Model (SAM), owner of the 

International Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). 

Subsequently, it estimated annual module efficiency during 

the daytime. Therefore, the environmental data of Sebha city, 

located in southwest Libya, is considered in the 

characterization of performance behavior analysis. That 

depends on the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB), 

which includes the parameters of DNI, wind speed, ambient 

temperature, and air mass. Furthermore, the integration of 

overall power produced also predicts yearly energy yield. 

Hence, the tools used in this study are due to their powerful 

tools, accuracy, and accessibility of software; for that reason, 

we used them for the simulation. Moreover, the performance 

analysis of solar cells and module takes place by quantifying 

the conversion efficiency.  Figure 1 shows the proposed 

flowchart of the predicted modeling/simulation approach. 

The three layers of cell behavior under sunlight are described 

in detail. Therefore, the ultraviolet and visible portions of the 

solar spectrum are absorbed by the GaInP top one-layer cell. 

Its response to wavelengths between 300 and 700 nm with an 

energy band gap Eg = 1.8 eV. The infrared spectrum portions 

are absorbed by the GaInAs middle layer cell. It responds to 

wavelengths between roughly 700 and 900 nm with an 

energy band gap Eg =1.4 eV. Finally, the bottom layer cell Ge 

responds to wavelengths between 900 and 1800 nm and 

absorbs lower energy photons in the infrared portion of the 

solar spectrum with an energy band gap Eg = 0.7 eV. 

 

 

Figure 1. Flowchart of predicted modeling/simulation 

approaches. 

It’s important to give some theoretical equations utilized 

in the model of triple-junction solar cells. The key to the solar 

cell electrical performance parameters can be quantified 

using the equations (1-5) respectively [15]. 

 𝐽𝑠𝑐,𝑖 = 𝐶𝑅. ∫ 𝑆𝑅𝑖(𝜆). 𝜂𝑜𝑝𝑡(𝜆).
𝜆2

𝜆1
𝐺(𝜆). 𝑑𝜆                                         (1) 

𝐽,𝑖 = 𝐽𝑜,𝑖 (𝑒𝑥𝑝
𝑞(𝑉+𝐽,𝑖.𝑅𝑠

𝑛.𝐾𝑏.𝑇𝑐
− 1) − 𝐽𝑠𝑐,𝑖                                                 (2) 

𝑉𝑜𝑐,𝑖 =
𝑛.𝐾𝑏 .𝑇𝑐

𝑞
𝑙𝑛 (

𝐽𝑠𝑐,𝑖

𝐽0,𝑖
+ 1)                                                                (3) 

𝐹𝐹 =
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥

𝑉𝑂𝐶.𝐽𝑆𝐶
=

𝐽𝑚𝑎𝑥.𝑉𝑚𝑎𝑥

𝑉𝑂𝐶.𝐽𝑆𝐶
                                                                    (4) 

      

𝜂𝑒𝑙 =
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥

𝑃𝑖𝑛
=

𝐽𝑠𝑐.𝑉𝑜𝑐.𝐹𝐹

𝑝𝑖𝑛
                                                                        (5) 

From the modeling/simulation results, the maximum 

module power was about 596 W, and the average conversion 

efficiency was approximately 30%. Table 1 lists the key 

specification details of the simulation parameters of 

concentrating photovoltaic module. 

Table 1. The characteristic of a high -concentring 

photovoltaic 

 

The concentration is used to evaluate an electrical 

performance perspective. Since the concentration ratio rises, 

it will lead to more energy of photons absorbed by the cell, for 

example, via 500 or 1000 times, i.e., equal to 500 X or 1000 X; 

it depends on how much light is available. Also, it is worth 

noting that the one sun or (X) is equal to 1000 W/m2. Thus, 

the short-circuit current intensity (Jsc) is increased 

proportionally to calculate the concentration ratio. So, the 

generated photo-current is directly proportional to the 

concentration rations due to the absorption of photon flux. 

Parameters  Values 
Number of cells 20 
Concentration ratio 1-1000 X 
Area of module   2 m2 
Optical efficiency  90 % 



A.Maka et al. /Future Energy                                                                                                      February 2024| Volume 03 | Issue 01| Pages 18-22 

20 

 

Consequently, the following is the concentration ratio 

described in terms of the electric perspective. 

 𝐶𝑅 =
𝐽𝑠𝑐,𝑋

𝐽𝑠𝑐
                                                                                               (6)                                                                       

In multi-junction solar cells, the p-n junctions also 

facilitate a PV conversion. Hence, these p-n junctions are 

electrically coupled in series in most devices. Therefore, a 

tunnel junction is needed between two p-n junctions to 

guarantee low resistance to electricity between the two 

junctions' various energy band gaps due to doping in every 

junction. In the application of triple-junction solar cell 

assembly, due to the series connection, the combined three 

layers’ overall current density is limited by a lower current 

density, as given by the relationship (7). 

Jtotal = min (J1,J2,J3 )                                                                              (7) 

3. Results and Discussions  

3.1 Triple-junction solar cell 

The amount of incident sunlight energy converted to 
electrical energy is known as conversion efficiency. From the 
modeling results of (10 mm x 10 mm) dimensions, one cell of 
triple-junction solar cell assembly under variation of 
concentration ratio from (1 to 1000 X). The efficiency was 
logarithmic increases as the results of light rose. In order to 
comprehend the performance behavior of solar cells, a 
characterization of the cell takes place by determining the 
efficiency. The expense of solar energy can be indirectly 
reduced by attaining high efficiency. Higher efficiency helps 
boost power production and lower the overall system cost, 
even though the cells are expensive; meanwhile, several cost 
elements of a power plant and photovoltaic system are 
associated. As shown in Figure 2, the concentration ratio 
versus cell efficiency simulation results; also show a typical 
solar receiver assembly, including a solar cell example. 

 
Figure 2. The efficiency of triple-junction solar cells versus 
various concentrating ratios 

It is important to be mentioned that in high efficiency, III-

V materials with certain band gap energies and 

approximately the same lattice constant must be taken into 

while developing the semiconductor materials of assembly. 

For the overall energy prediction of the solar HCPV systems 

or for enhancing module designs, the electrical 

characterization of solar HCPV modules is an important step. 

While the technology of multi-junction solar cells is used, and 

there are more components in the structure, the electrical 

characterization of ultra-high concentration photovoltaics 

(UHCPV) is different and more challenging than that of 

traditional solar PV in terms of heat removal devices and 

optical [16].  

3.2 Triple-junction solar module 

Many factors are to be considered to determine solar 

cell/module efficiency, e.g., the quantum efficiency, internal 

resistances, the maximum power point, the limitation of 

thermodynamic efficiency, the reflectance efficiency of the 

cell’s surface, and the type of solar cell [17]. The module 

assembly consists of several solar cells linked to gain a high 

energy yield. The annual module conversion efficiency was 

estimated from January- December. The average module 

efficiency is 30%, and the maximum module power is 596 W. 

The simulation results are based on the normal reference 

irradiance of 1000 W/m2; the environment temperature is 

25oC, the wind speed is about 4 m/s, and the air mass of 1.5. 

Figure 3 illustrates approximates of yearly module 

conversion efficiency during the daytime. 

 

Figure 3. Estimation of annual module conversion efficiency 

during daytime 

4. Prediction of annual energy yield  

Predicting energy yield is an important task involving the 

determined characteristics of PV devices under various 

conditions and weather information from the investigation 

region. To build up a solar CPV power plant, direct normal 

irradiance (DNI) is one important parameter to consider in 

designing. Therefore, the area of study is very rich in the high 

potential of DNI annually. The daily average of DNI is 

approximately 3.99 kWh/m2 daily, and the wind speed is 3.4 

m/s. Hence, the typical meteorological year (TMY) data which 

contains a weather file, is used for a selected area of study. 

The sum accumulation of monthly energy depends on the 

hours of operation, so during the summer season is more time 

for daylight in contrast to other seasons. Therefore, there are 

rarely scattering clouds reported in the region. Also, consider 

the dusty windstorms in such a harsh environment, which 

leads to dust accumulation on the top module surface; a 

clean/washing strategy can highly alleviate this. Figure 4 

presents the direct normal irradiance of the selected area. 



A.Maka et al. /Future Energy                                                                                                      February 2024| Volume 03 | Issue 01| Pages 18-22 

21 

 

Figure 4. The monthly sum of accumulation of the solar 

radiation DNI 

Although other design elements have an impact, the 

behavior of an HCPV module is significantly reliant on the 

solar cells’ behavior. In the solar HCPV modules, the most 

significant environmental parameter is DNI; also, the 

temperature of the solar cells and the spectrum of direct 

sunlight. The behavior of the multi-junction or triple-junction 

solar cells must be well designed, which is important to 

actually estimate how much energy high-concentrating 

photovoltaic HCPV modules will produce. The daily energy 

produced (Ep) for each day is calculated via the integration of 

the output power per hour, which is given in equation (8). 

 𝐸𝑝 = ∫ 𝑃(𝑡). 𝑑𝑡
𝑡2

𝑡1
                                                                              (8) 

where P(t) represents the mean power as a function of 

the time of the triple-junction module at every time step, and 

t1 and t2 are the times of sunrise and sunset, respectively. The 

energy production viewpoint showed that the typical solar 

modules produce more energy during the summer since there 

is a huge amount of DNI available. The seasons of Autumn, 

Winter, and Summer are different from one another because 

Summer has the most sunshine while Winter and Autumn 

have the least. Figure 5 represents the prediction of annual 

solar energy production. Energy yield estimates and models 

energy production in a certain location over time to provide 

the full view of the amount of energy by (kWh).  

 

Figure 5. Prediction of annual solar energy production. 

The expense can be significantly reduced by maximizing 

yearly energy yield during the stage of designing and 

implementing a photovoltaic system. Furthermore, since the 

modeling can predict how the solar modules and other 

assembly components of the system will perform in relation 

to energy production estimates, they also impact system cost 

by lowering overall expenses. 

5. Conclusion  

This work presented a simulation of a mini solar CPV 

application; this technology can benefit by generating 

electricity and heat. Hence the heat might be used for other 

purposes, e.g., water heating, desalination, or heating 

systems. Furthermore, the development of modeling 

techniques for the electrical characterization of these devices 

is improved through developments in our understanding of 

the behavior of high-concentrating photovoltaics HCPV 

modules. From simulation analysis, electrical 

characterization of CPV devices and module energy yield of 

the mini plant. Furthermore, the solar CPV technology needs 

attachment equipment on the rear side for either active or 

passive cooling technology to keep the cell temperature 

working at an acceptable degree. In Libya, the solar radiation 

intensity is almost similar across the country in terms of the 

DNI and other environmental parameters, which encourages 

implementing CPV technology anywhere. It is important to 

mention that no scattering clouds obstacle is available in the 

region. Further work we suggested includes a techno-

economics study and the prospect of implementing a large-

scale in form of a CPV power plant. 

Acknowledgment 

Many grateful thanks to the Libyan Authority for Research 

Science and Technology, and many thanks to the staff in the 

Libyan Centre for Research and Development of Sahrain 

Communities. Also, many thanks to the anonymous reviewers 

for their constructive comments in improving this paper. 

Ethical issue 

The authors are aware of and comply with best practices in 
publication ethics, specifically concerning authorship 
(avoidance of guest authorship), dual submission, 
manipulation of figures, competing interests, and compliance 
with policies on research ethics. The authors adhere to 
publication requirements that the submitted work is original 
and has not been published elsewhere in any language. 

Data availability statement 
Datasets analyzed during the current study are available and 

can be given following a reasonable request from the 

corresponding author. 

Conflict of interest 

The author declares no potential conflict of interest. 

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A.Maka et al. /Future Energy                                                                                                      February 2024| Volume 03 | Issue 01| Pages 18-22 

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