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An imperative role of sun trackers in photovoltaic technology: A review

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  • Singh, Rajesh
  • Kumar, Suresh
  • Gehlot, Anita
  • Pachauri, Rupendra

Abstract

The efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) system is directly proportional to the solar energy. The maximum efficiency from the PV systems can be achieved if the panel is kept perpendicular to the direction of the radiations of sun. Hence, in order to achieve maximum concentration, radiation and efficiency of the PV cell, tracking of the position of the sun with accuracy is extremely important. The various methods of sun tracking system have been discussed which includes two axes, one axis, polar axis, open loop, closed loop, hybrid model, azimuth and tilt roll mechanism. The comparison of existing solar tracking systems and methods has also been discussed. In this paper, various existing solar tracking systems in terms of the controller used like PLC, microcontroller, FPGA to design the system and their economic assessment have been studied. It is concluded that two axis solar tracking systems has more power gain with respect to fixed systems. The microcontroller based tracking system with same size, capacity and location as of PLC based systems are more economic.

Suggested Citation

  • Singh, Rajesh & Kumar, Suresh & Gehlot, Anita & Pachauri, Rupendra, 2018. "An imperative role of sun trackers in photovoltaic technology: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3263-3278.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:82:y:2018:i:p3:p:3263-3278
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.10.018
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    6. Rômulo de Oliveira Azevêdo & Paulo Rotela Junior & Luiz Célio Souza Rocha & Gianfranco Chicco & Giancarlo Aquila & Rogério Santana Peruchi, 2020. "Identification and Analysis of Impact Factors on the Economic Feasibility of Photovoltaic Energy Investments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-40, September.
    7. Talavera, D.L. & Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio & Ferrer-Rodríguez, J.P. & Pérez-Higueras, Pedro J., 2019. "Assessment of cost-competitiveness and profitability of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems: The case of five specific sites," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 902-913.
    8. Sebastijan Seme & Bojan Štumberger & Miralem Hadžiselimović & Klemen Sredenšek, 2020. "Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
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    11. Vaziri Rad, Mohammad Amin & Toopshekan, Ashkan & Rahdan, Parisa & Kasaeian, Alibakhsh & Mahian, Omid, 2020. "A comprehensive study of techno-economic and environmental features of different solar tracking systems for residential photovoltaic installations," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
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    13. Zhu, Yongqiang & Liu, Jiahao & Yang, Xiaohua, 2020. "Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    14. Shitao Wang & Yi Shen & Junbing Zhou & Caixia Li & Lijun Ma, 2022. "Efficiency Enhancement of Tilted Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules with Horizontal Single-Axis Tracker—The Bifacial Companion Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-22, February.
    15. Karen Barbosa de Melo & Hugo Soeiro Moreira & Marcelo Gradella Villalva, 2020. "Influence of Solar Position Calculation Methods Applied to Horizontal Single-Axis Solar Trackers on Energy Generation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-15, July.

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