The urgent need for sustainable and efficient energy solutions has driven the exploration of hybrid systems that combine multiple renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics, biomass, wind, etc. This paper explores the integration of PVCase and PVSyst in the smart design and performance evaluation of a 6 MW direct current (DC) hybrid photovoltaic power plant. Emphasizing a data-driven approach, the study presents how the two software tools are used for layout generation, energy yield simulation, and performance estimation during the pre-construction phase. The simulated outputs are compared to real operational data collected post-commissioning via SCADA systems. Analyzing various operating scenarios, key parameters are identified for optimizing system performance and improving responsiveness. There is a growing interest in determining the reasonable allocation capacity for PV and storage to ensure maximum user benefits. This comparative analysis highlights the accuracy, limitations, and advantages of simulation-based planning versus actual performance, with insights into optimization strategies and decision-making in future hybrid system designs.