Geodesy

Engineering

Orientation (vector space)

Tracking (education)

Pedagogy

Operating system

Economics

Solar tracker

Computer science

Tracking system

Filter (signal processing)

Latitude

Simulation

Psychology

Installation

Mathematics

Position (finance)

Geography

Environmental science

Geometry

Finance

Photovoltaic system

Computer vision

Electrical engineering

Applied Sciences

After installing a solar panel system, the orientation problem arises because of the sun’s position variation relative to a collection point throughout the day. It is, therefore, necessary to change the position of the photovoltaic panels to follow the sun and capture the maximum incident beam. This work describes our methodology for the simulation and the design of a solar tracker system using the advantages that the orientation and efficiency of the PV panel offer due to the latitude and the number of hours of sunshine in the testing area. This proposed methodology is experimentally validated through the implementation of a single-axis solar tracker at a specific location (36.261° latitude), which allowed the incorporation of a high-availability tracking mechanism, low precision, and low cost. Based on the results, the feasibility of this type of solar tracker for latitudes close to 36° was demonstrated, as this tracking system costs less than traditional commercial systems. Furthermore, this system increased the collection efficiency compared to a fixed device. Our results provide an excellent platform for engineering technology researchers and students to study the design theory of a sun-tracking solar system.

Design and Simulation of a Solar Tracking System for PV