Design and Implementation of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System

Abstract

A dual-axis solar tracking system with a novel and simple structure was designed and constructed, as documented in this paper. The photoelectric method was utilized to perform the tracking. The solar radiation values of the designed system and a fixed panel system were theoretically estimated and compared, showing that the proposed system is more efficient in collecting solar energy than a fixed solar panel with a 30° tilted fixed surface facing south. The experimental results verified the validity of the prediction as well as the efficiency of the proposed solar tracking system. In a comparison of the data obtained from the measurements, 24.6% more energy was seen to have been obtained in the dual-axis solar tracking system compared to the fixed system. This study possesses potential value in small- and medium-sized photovoltaic applications.