Design, simulation, and multi scenario optimization of a grid connected photovoltaic system using PVsyst: A case study at UAEU

The increasing demand for clean energy has accelerated photovoltaic (PV) deployment to reduce fossil-fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. Grid-connected PV performance depends on climate, orientation, tracking, thermal effects, soiling, and electrical design. This study develops a multi-scenario optimization framework for a 131 kWp rooftop PV system using PVsyst. The analysis considers fixed-tilt optimization, seasonal and monthly tilt adjustment, unlimited sheds with Ground Coverage Ratio (GCR) optimization, one-axis tracking with backtracking, two-axis tracking, DC/AC ratio optimization, soiling losses, and thermal loss coefficients. An optimum fixed tilt of 22° produced 261.66 MWh annually. Seasonal adjustment increased generation to 271.65 MWh, a 3.8% improvement. Monthly optimization showed that the optimum tilt varies from 0° during May–July to 50° in December, increasing annual yield to 273.91 MWh and providing an upper-bound reference for manually adjustable systems. The optimized one-axis tracker, with a 6.0 m pitch and 50.3% GCR, offered the best balance between performance and practicality, delivering 305.51 MWh annually, a specific yield of 2341 kWh/kWp/year, and a performance ratio of 82.89%. Although two-axis tracking generated the highest annual energy, its structural complexity and space requirements limit rooftop suitability. The final configuration comprised a 131 kWp array, a 100 kW inverter, and a DC/AC ratio of 1.3. A 5% soiling loss and a thermal loss coefficient of 29 W/m 2 K were identified as suitable local design assumptions. Overall, combining tracking, electrical sizing, and environmental optimization improves rooftop PV energy yield and operational efficiency in desert climates and provides practical guidance for high-performance solar system design.