Solar panels tracking systems consist of a mechanical tracking system that usually uses mechanical components (tracker mounting, motor and motor controller, sensors, drives and tracker solving algorithm) to capture the maximum amount of energy from the sun in a whole day.
The solar tracker drive systems are classified into five types based on their tracking technologies, namely, active tracking, passive tracking, semi-passive tracking, manual tracking, and chronological tracking [1–90,92–96,98–100,108–112].
Sensors detect the sun's angle, and feedback signals drive the tracker via a microprocessor. Open-loop solar trackers, on the other hand, rely entirely on current data inputs and the system's algorithm, making them easier and less expensive to construct. Fig. 2. Schematic representation of tilt moments in PV systems. Fig. 3. Solar tracker systems.
A single-axis solar tracking system uses a tilted PV panel mount and one electric motor to move the panel on an approximate trajectory relative to the Sun's position. The rotation axis can be horizontal, vertical, or oblique.
Recent developments in solar tracker systems include exploring different module geometries, materials, and tracking mechanisms to boost efficiency. Single-axis and dual-axis tracking systems are widely used, with dual-axis systems offering greater efficiency and accuracy.
These efforts emphasize the significance of enhancing solar panel efficiency and energy production with sophisticated tracking and control systems. Recent developments in solar tracker systems include exploring different module geometries, materials, and tracking mechanisms to boost efficiency.