A SAM-Based Optimization of Solar Power Plant Design for the Southwestern United States: A Case Study of Arizona

The American Southwest possesses some of the strongest solar resources globally, driving rapid growth in utility-scale solar development. However, plant design choices including mounting configuration, module type and inverter selection can dramatically impact performance and costs. This paper leverages Solar Advisor Model simulations calibrated to Arizona conditions to quantify the energy yield and financial improvements possible from optimized system architectures tailored to the Southwest climate. Modeling found bifacial tracking systems can increase capacity factor by over 27% and reduce levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) nearly 11% compared to fixed-tilt mounting. The analysis provides a framework for plant designers and developers to maximize solar plant efficiency and value in the region through objective, data-driven optimization the net present value (NPV) for this study.