Solar energy has strong potential to power cooling systems in cold-storage facilities; however, the impact of varying design parameters on system efficiency remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the effect of various design parameters on the performance of a solar-operated
air-cooling system for cold storage applications. A comprehensive approach was used to analyze the influence of solar panel orientation, cooling system configuration, thermal storage, and insulation characteristics. To develop a performance-optimization model considering solar collector
type, airflow rate, and cooling load requirements, real-time data were analyzed throughout the study. Experimental trials showed that through design optimization, the efficiency of the system could be considerably enhanced, and energy savings were increased. The solar absorption
cooling system provided airflow rates ranging from 400 m³/h in the morning to a maximum of 550 m³/h at noon, decreasing to 450 m³/h in the afternoon. The results indicate that a combined design optimization approach enables improvement in the performance of the solar cooling
system in cold-storage applications. This approach helps reduce energy dependence while maintaining consistent cooling performance.