Abstract
The paper outlines the concepts and design of an upcoming stand-alone solar photovoltaic system to supply the energy needs of a new proposed business complex. The purpose of this study is to develop a prediction method for the use of solar energy for commercial purposes. Firstly, the annual energy demand for the illumination and utilities in a business complex is calculated. LED lights are considered in the complex for the illumination to minimize the cost of energy. Based on the load estimation, the number of solar panels are predicted as 6097, to generate the power for the proposed area. Secondly, the important part of the design in the estimation of solar radiation and optimal tilt angle of a photovoltaic panel has been calculated for the maximum energy harvest. In this case the optimal tilt angle is 49.34°. The installation of PV panels for optimal and feasible operation is also predicted. The calculated parameters are used in a simulation with a software to test their practicality in the business complex. The technique is used to determine the amount of energy produced and system's performance ratio. A cost estimate is also provided for the solar PV system. In the end, an analysis of these simulations and estimations is presented.