This paper presents a MATLAB/SIMULINK-based modeling and simulation scheme suitable for studying the I–V and P–V characteristics of a PV array under constant and variable solar irradiations and ambient temperatures. The PV array is connected with fluctuated dc resistive load. This work focuses on addressing the effect of the dc link capacitance on stand-alone photovoltaic system operation with fluctuated dc resistive load. Different loads variations with ±10% and ±20% have been conducted under constant of solar irradiation and ambient temperature. Further, variable solar irradiations and ambient temperatures have been conducted. The selection of the dc link capacitance value for certain fluctuated dc resistive load is discussed. This work focuses also on addressing the effect of dc link capacitance on standalone PV system operation with a fixed dc resistive load subjected to variable solar radiations and ambient temperatures. The presented work is very useful for PV engineers and experts who require simple, fast and accurate PV calculations to design their systems.