A Comparative Experimental Performance Analysis for Fixed Solar PV Systems and Solar Tracker PV Systems in a Tropical Region

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems promise a reliable future for renewable energy adoption, with the capability for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change while providing a sustainable energy solution to the planet. This study investigates the efficiency of solar tracking technology in tropical regions, focusing on Sri Lanka, which is an island located near the equator. In this study, a comparative performance analysis of a fixed-ground mounted solar PV system and a solar tracking PV system was conducted under identical system conditions and environmental conditions. The power output, operating temperature, short circuit current (Isc), open circuit voltage (Voc) data were collected continuously for 11 hours for both systems with 5-minute time intervals. The experimental results show a significant enhancement of the electrical power output of the solar tracking PV system compared to fixed-ground mounted solar PV systems. The average power output enhancement was 14.46% and the study also observed a 4.43% higher solar panel operating temperature in solar tracking PV systems. Results show that the single-axis solar tracking PV system consistently outperforms the fixed-ground mounted system, particularly in the morning and evening, due to its ability to maintain perpendicular sunlight incidence.