Hi Ezra,
For the PVWatts model, you can specify the system's nameplate capacity in kWdc of PV array capacity.
For the Detailed PV model, you have to specify the number of modules per string and strings in parallel, but there is an option on the System Design page to have SAM attempt to calculate those for you based on a desired kWdc value that you enter.
SAM does not have an input to size the system given an available area value. SAM does display a land area estimate for the kWdc capacity you enter (both PVWatts and Detailed PV model).
The easiest approach might be to use an estimate of land area required per MW. I don't have a value to recommend, but there are online discussions and publications (
including this 2013 study from NREL
) that might help.
Best regards,
Paul.