Sizing procedure for photovoltaic systems

The purpose of this study is to establish a comprehensive sizing procedure for photovoltaic (PV) systems. To establish it, the knowledge about PV system design is acquired by analyzing existing PV systems which have been designed optimally and interviewing with expert PV engineers. The acquired knowledge has been systematized as a sizing procedure for PV systems. It has the following features. It covers wide varieties of PV system configurations including stand-alone systems, hybrid systems and utility-connected systems. It is based on an analytical method and could size not only PV arrays but also batteries, inverters and diesel generators. It makes PV system design optimal at the practical level on the basis of experiential knowledge. The proposed sizing procedure has been confirmed that it enables appropriate design of PV systems. It should contribute to wide spread of PV systems in the future.