Techno-economic assessment of utility-scale solar PV systems in south-eastern Bangladesh: Insights from empirical data and simulation modeling

• Techno-economic analysis of six PV configurations using PVsyst and empirical data from four operational plants. • Monthly Tilt Adjustment system offers the best economic performance. • Floating PV offers high thermal efficiency but faces material degradation issues. • Rooftop PV outperforms utility-scale systems, ideal for industrial applications. • Site-specific design and tilt optimization enhance energy yield and economic returns. Rising energy demands and environmental challenges in Bangladesh highlight the potential of photovoltaic (PV) technologies as a viable solution for sustainable electricity generation. However, the economic feasibility and performance of different PV system configurations remain underexplored in the country’s diverse climatic and geographic contexts.This study conducts a comprehensive techno-economic assessment of six advanced PV system configurations (Fixed Tilt (monofacial and bifacial), Single-Axis Tracking, Monthly Tilt Adjustment, and Floating PV) using PVsyst 7.3.1 software. Empirical performance data from four operational PV systems, including one utility-scale ground-mounted plant, were analyzed alongside simulation-based models. Key financial indicators such as Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return on Investment (ROI), and Payback Period (PBP) were used for evaluation. Among all configurations, the Monthly Tilt Adjustment system demonstrated the most favorable economic performance, achieving an NPV of USD 17.69 million, ROI of 129.1 %, and a payback period of 9.1 years, with energy production of 10,921 MWh/year. Single-Axis Tracking yielded the highest annual generation (11,961 MWh/year), though high capital expenditure reduced its financial attractiveness. Floating PV showed superior thermal performance with the highest performance ratio (82.61 %) but exhibited notable material degradation (39.6 %). Rooftop PV systems outperformed utility-scale systems in terms of performance ratio (≥0.80), LCOE (USD 0.021/kWh), and payback period (∼2.9 years), making them ideal for industrial applications. The study underscores the importance of site-specific system design particularly tilt angle optimization for maximizing returns and minimizing performance losses. While utility-scale systems benefit from advanced configurations like monthly tilt and tracking, rooftop PV systems remain the most viable option for near-term deployment in Bangladesh’s urban and industrial zones. These findings inform policy recommendations to incentivize rooftop solar, promote floating PV pilot projects, and develop hybrid systems integrating energy storage and smart grid technologies.