A comprehensive evaluation of photovoltaic simulation software: A decision-making approach using Analytic Hierarchy Process and performance analysis
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F61989100%3A27730%2F25%3A10257446" target="_blank" >RIV/61989100:27730/25:10257446 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211467X25000264" target="_blank" >https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211467X25000264</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2025.101663" target="_blank" >10.1016/j.esr.2025.101663</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
A comprehensive evaluation of photovoltaic simulation software: A decision-making approach using Analytic Hierarchy Process and performance analysis
Original language description
The growing adoption of renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, has led to the development of numerous simulation software tools to simplify system design, analysis, and optimization. This study evaluates five widely used PV simulation software packages-SAM, PVsyst, HOMER, PV*SOL, and RETScreen-by analyzing their features and performance across ten critical criteria, including cost, solar database accessibility, modeling capabilities, and ease of use. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the criteria are ranked by importance, with the working platform identified as the most influential factor in software selection, followed by economic modeling capabilities and software cost. Additionally, the flexibility of simulation data requirements, reporting and analysis options, and user friendliness and ease of use are identified as important criteria, albeit ranking lower in importance. Performance analysis using simulation and real data further validates the evaluation process, providing insights into the accuracy and reliability of the simulation results generated by each software. Our findings indicate that SAM delivers superior accuracy when compared to real-world data, making it the most reliable tool for PV system analysis. PV*SOL also ranks highly for its robust reporting and modeling capabilities. These results provide valuable insights for professionals and researchers in selecting the most suitable software for PV system design and optimization, emphasizing the balance between functionality, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
20200 - Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering
Result continuities
Project
<a href="/en/project/TN02000025" target="_blank" >TN02000025: National Centre for Energy II</a><br>
Continuities
P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Energy Strategy Reviews
ISSN
2211-467X
e-ISSN
2211-4688
Volume of the periodical
58
Issue of the periodical within the volume
Volume 58, March 2025, 101663
Country of publishing house
US - UNITED STATES
Number of pages
15
Pages from-to
nestránkováno
UT code for WoS article
001431957000001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
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