This paper describes the development of a simulation model for predicting the performance of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system under specified load requirements and prevailing meteorological conditions at the site location. This study is aimed at situations where the loads are provided by alternating current (AC) electrical devices. The model consists of several submodels for each of the main components of the PV system; namely, PV array, battery, controller, inverter and various loads. Mathematical equations developed for modeling the performance of each component are explained along with the methodology to determine the performance coefficients. In order to validate the developed simulation model, an experimental system has been set up and tested under a variety of climatic conditions. Simulated results from the model under the same operating and environmental conditions are compared with those observed from the experimental tests. Good agreement is found in the comparison. Slight discrepancies appearing in the results are described and recommendations are given for further improvement. The simulation model developed can be used not only for analyzing the PV system performance, but also for sizing the PV system which is most suitable to the load requirements at any specified location provided that the local meteorological data is available. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.