Integration of Photovoltaic Systems in Benghazi Buildings: Digital Analysis Using PVGIS to Support Design Decision-Making

Abstract

Energy generation using photovoltaic (PV) systems is one of the most important sustainable solutions in cities with high solar potential, such as Benghazi. However, challenges remain regarding the efficient use of this technology under local conditions, especially in the absence of clear design frameworks for integrating it into buildings. Based on this, the study assumes that determining the orientation and tilt angle of solar panels is an important design decision that directly affects system performance, as it depends on local climate conditions. The study aims to determine the optimal installation characteristics of solar panels in order to maximize annual energy production using digital analysis with the PVGIS tool. Two orientation scenarios (south and southwest) were tested, and several tilt angles were examined for each orientation. The results show that the south-facing orientation achieves the highest annual energy production at an optimal tilt angle of about 29°, while the southwest orientation provides satisfactory and acceptable performance levels. This result reflects a level of design flexibility that allows adaptation to architectural constraints without significantly affecting system efficiency. This study provides a digital reference that can support early design decisions for integrating photovoltaic systems into buildings at the study location. It also helps to improve the understanding of the relationship between installation parameters and energy production efficiency, supporting more sustainable architectural design that is compatible with the local context.