Analysis of a Dual-Axis 20W-Rated Photovoltaic Solar Tracker

Abstract : Solar energy is one of the most abundant forms of renewable energies for countries located in the tropics like Mauritius. Further interests and initiatives have been observed in recent years to harness solar energy in Mauritius. One way to maximize the capture of solar energy is by considering solar trackers which can be a fundamental part in modern photovoltaic (PV) setups. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of a low-cost solar tracker fitted with an innovative tracking mechanism to harness solar energy in Mauritius. In this study, a low-cost system was designed to harness solar energy efficiently by virtue of a tracking mechanism based on a novel ball-joint system to provide charging power to portable devices even in remote places. An intelligent charging circuitry was incorporated not only to provide power for any connected devices but also to keep the system running in conditions of low sunlight. The efficiency assessment of the solar tracker was conducted on a real scale prototype, which was constructed by considering off-the-shelf materials to keep an overall low manufacturing cost. Test results showed that the innovative tracking mechanism could successfully track the sun path. This contributed to an overall increase in the nominal power generation of the solar tracker, which was found to be around 15 W in contrast to the static panel which was around 10 W. Moreover, the charging duration of the portable devices from the charging unit in the solar tracker was found to be similar when compared to the one corresponding to direct charge from the mains. The developed and tested prototype in this study has shown the benefits of using a solar tracking device to capture and generate solar energy and clean power respectively which could be further developed and refined on a larger scale for mass commercialization as portable power-generating devices. © Allerton Press, Inc. 2023. ISSN 0003-701X, Applied Solar Energy, 2023, Vol. 59, No. 6, pp. 865–877. Allerton Press, Inc., 2023.