The applications of photovoltaic power systems around the globe is ever increasing. Much data have been compiled with the various lessons have been learnt. Whilst a plethora of database is easily available for monocrystalline, as well as polycrystalline PV systems, it is relatively more lacking for the amorphous silicon (a-Si) based PV systems. Moreover, many of the performance data available referred to systems in temperate climate countries. It has been claimed that a-Si based systems work better in hotter climate. Thus a study has been made to compile data and perform technical performance evaluations on such a system, in an equatorial climate country, vis-à-vis Malaysia. This paper presents a summary of the analysis of the performance characteristics of a small scale stand-alone a-Si based solar photovoltaic system in outdoor operation in Malaysia. Three stand-alone PV systems, based on the a-Si technology have been installed, namely: 12 Wp, 24 Wp and 36 Wp. Details of each set-up are presented in the paper. A comparative study between the three systems designs in terms of performance indices and costs are presented and discussed.