Novel and cost-efficient design of stand-alone PV system with simulation using PVsyst and experimental validation

Solar energy is gaining global prominence and is rapidly becoming a major energy source worldwide. According to reports, Egypt had made significant progress in solar energy installations by September 2022, reaching a total capacity of approximately 3.70 GW and setting renewable energy targets of 42% by 2035. Efficient and accurate PV system design is essential to meet future energy demands. This study presents a novel, cost-effective methodology for designing and validating a stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) system using PVsyst software, with a specific focus on evaluating the load requirements of the Solar Energy Lab at Mansoura University, located in the center of the Nile Delta, Egypt. A 2.64 kWp stand-alone system, integrated with a battery storage unit, is designed using PVsyst. The Lab's annual energy demand is estimated at approximately 4279.78 kWh, while the system's simulated generation reaches 4418.01 kWh, achieving a performance ratio (PR) of 0.81. PR analysis reveals seasonal variation, with January recording the highest value of 80% due to lower module temperatures, while June records the lowest at 76% as a result of higher temperatures. The annual average PR stands at 81%, with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.082/kWh, indicating an optimized system design. The system's performance is influenced by losses due to environmental factors such as dust, humidity, and temperature. A solar fraction of 87% reflects high reliability in meeting energy demand. To further enhance system efficiency, this study introduces a dynamic algorithm for system design, validated through simulations and a three-month experimental campaign using Watchpower software. The validated approach offers a scalable framework for academic institutions and facilities seeking to implement reliable, low-cost, off-grid PV systems in data-constrained environments.