One of the main aims of this thesis is to design an optimized commercial Photovoltaic (PV) system for Gayaza, Uganda from several variables such as racking type, module type and inverter type based on practicality, technical performance as well as financial returns to the client. Detailed simulations are done in PVSYST and financial models are used to compare different systems and their viability. Once the pre-eminent system is determined from a financial and performance perspective a detailed design is done using PVSYST, Matlab, PSCAD andAutoCAD to design the most optimal PV system for the customer. In doing so, suitable engineering drawings are generated which are detailed enough for construction of the system. Detailed cost with quotes from relevant manufacturers, suppliers and estimators become instrumental in determining Balance of System Costs in addition to total project cost.
　　ThefinalsimulatedsystemissuggestedwithaPVcapacityof425kWandaninverteroutputof300kWresultinginanarrayoversizingof1.42.ThePVsystemhasaweightedPerformanceRatioof77%,aspecificyieldof1467kWh/kWpandaprojectedannualproductionof624MWh/yr.Thissystemisestimatedtooffsetapproximately28%ofGayaza’selectricalloadannually.Overthecourseof20yearsthePVsystemisprojectedtoproduceelectricityatacostof$0.201USD/kWhwhichissignificantlylowerthanthe$0.35USD/kWhpaidtotheutilityatthetimeofwritingthisthesis.DuetothehighcostofelectricityinUganda,anattractiveFeed-In-TariffisnotnecessarytowarranttheinstallationofacommercialSystemwhichoveralifetimeproduceselectricityatlessthan60%ofthecosttotheuserpurchasingelectricityfromtheutility.
　　Asimplepaybackperiodof5.4years,areturnoninvestmentof17%withoutincentives,inadditiontoanestimateddiversionof6840barrelsofoilor2168tonnesofCO2furtherprovidescompellingjustificationfortheinstallationofacommercialPhotovoltaicSystemsnotonlyforGayaza,butUgandaasanationaswell,wheremostelectricitysuppliesarefromimportedfossilfuels.