This research project developed a methodology for optimally sizing solar photovoltaic systems connected to the grid and isolated systems in tropical regions of America. The methodology determines the optimal panel angle, panel type and technology, feasibility of solar trackers, and importance of meteorological data to optimize system autonomy and battery requirements. A comparative analysis was performed using PVSYST and HOMER Pro simulations to validate sizing and optimization. An economic analysis of microgrids was also conducted. The methodology was applied to size isolated and grid-connected systems for cases in Bucaramanga, optimizing autonomy for an isolated home system and replacing consumed energy for a commercial user. Results showed a 17% reduction in initial costs for conventionally sized isolated

1. ABSTRACT
This research project shows the approach of a methodology for the optimal sizing of
solar photovoltaic systems connected to the grid (Grid-Tie) and isolated (Stand-
Alone) within the torrid zone of America because of the potential of solar radiation
that has this area .
During the investigation the optimal parameters were determined for sizing, as are
the angle of inclination of PV modules, the most appropriate type and panel
technology, the feasibility of implementing solar trackers and the importance of
meteorological information within the PV sizing to optimize the days of autonomy of
the system and the number of batteries required
A comparative analysis methodologies regarding conventional sizing specialized
tools as PVSYST simulation in order to validate the dimensioning and optimizing the
system parameters are performed. An economic analysis is also shown by HOMER
Pro tool that allows systems to work with micro grids.
Finally an isolated sizing (Stand-Alone) for the city of Bucaramanga for a stratum 4
user are raised, taking the annual weather information that was counted (2014) and
optimizing the system's autonomy in hours or fractions of a day. Subsequently, a
networked (Grid-Tie) for a commercial user in order to replace some of the energy
consumed by the user via a photovoltaic system sizing consumption was performed.
As a result, you can see the effect on system costs, which reach 17% of initial
investment for stand-alone systems conventionally sized. Moreover, the Grid-Tie
systems due to the type of demand curve presents the commercial sector, are limited
due to falling power having in the hour of greatest daily insolation