Development of Hybrid Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System for Improved Photovoltaic Performance

Abstract

The Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System (DAST System), which this study has developed and evaluated, is designed to improve the photovoltaic (PV) power generation in tropical zones. The designed DAST system uses a hybrid control algorithm with a light dependent resistor (LDR) and other components to control the active tracking with time-dependent astronomical algorithms. An ESP32 microcontroller was deployed to enable the system to accurately measure electrical parameters such as PV voltage, current, and temperature, and also monitor the condition of the battery for remote checking. The DAST system incorporated a thermal management system to improve efficiency. The experimental performance assessment was held in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. The data capturing activities were performed for seven (7) days in July 2025 during the wet season when there was low sun intensity. The data collected from the PV panel at every 15 minute interval shows that the DAST system generated a voltage of 23.0 V, which was the maximum in comparison to the fixed PV voltage value of 18.9 V. The DAST system generated a higher electrical output voltage of 27.3% at 09:00 AM and 17.4% at 3:00 PM compared to the fixed PV panel. These improvements reflect sustained high-efficiency energy accumulation across the day. Temperature readings showed the DAST system always maintained a cooler operation with a reduced temperature of up to 3.9°C in midday, which translates to efficiency gains of 1.56 - 1.95%. These results showed the DAST system yielded a daily total efficiency of 32.5% and showed the cost-effectiveness as well as the scalability of the smart-tracking technology, which can easily be adapted by developing nations. The impact of this technology provides important insights in the pursuit to optimize the utilization of PV technology in tropical conditions. Performance analysis reveals that there has been a constant enhancement in the electrical energy gain offered by the dual-axis solar tracking system, as reflected in its enhanced daily energy production compared with that of a fixed-tilt panel. Analysis of temperature readings also suggests that for the dual-axis solar tracking system, there has been a 3.9°C reduction in module temperature compared with that of a fixed-tilt panel. This lowered module temperature value represents a 1.56% to 1.95% instantaneous enhancement in electrical efficiency due to improved performances of voltage and current, which are a consequence of being subjected to similar irradiance conditions. The dual-axis solar tracking system experienced a total daily efficiency of 32.5%, which represents a ratio of total electrical energy produced to total available daily solar energy.