A systematic review of solar photovoltaic energy systems design modelling, algorithms, and software

Solar energy and photovoltaic (PV) systems became an essential part of the global energy profile. The PV systems are designed using different configurations such as standalone, grid-connected, and tracking. However, PV systems could be added to other renewable energy systems or nonrenewable energy systems such as wind turbines and diesel generators, respectively. In this context, designers, researchers, and engineers working to find the optimum design fitting the electrical load in terms of technical, economic, environmental, and social aspects. Many software, models, and algorithms were invented and proposed to help to find the optimum PV sizing and design. In this paper, a comprehensive review was conducted to describe, evaluate, and compare most of the software (36 software were considered), models, and algorithms used to design PV systems in the past eight decades. It is found that PV system design optimization tools developed with time and needs. Different classifications are used for design software, sometimes as classical and artificial or single and hybrid algorithms. However, hybrid algorithms became the most used algorithm due to their flexibility and ability to deal with complex problems. Also, comparison and critical review are presented, and a case study is given in this paper. It is found that REPS.OM software results are closer to the case study experimental results compared with HOMER software with less than 7% variation between the two software. The review presented in this paper provides useful information to identify PV system design software suitable for the user application.