"Dual-Axis Solar

Tracker for
Enhanced
Photovoltaic
Efficiency"

By “JOSIAH NII -OBLITEY OBLITEY AND ABEL OBENG”

THE CONSEPT OF THE UNIT.
Key Concepts and Features:

Dual-Axis Motion:

 Azimuth (Horizontal): The tracker rotates on a

horizontal axis to adjust the panel’s orientation east to
west, tracking the sun's movement throughout the day.
 Elevation (Vertical): The tracker adjusts the tilt of the
panel up and down to account for the seasonal changes
in the sun’s altitude.

By incorporating these two movements, the dual-axis tracker

maximizes solar panel exposure to sunlight throughout the
year, particularly during early morning, late afternoon, and
winter months, when the sun is lower in the sky.

Enhanced Photovoltaic Efficiency:

 The ability to track the sun across two axes

significantly reduces the angle of incidence (the angle at
which sunlight hits the panel), which leads to more
effective energy capture and improved solar efficiency.
 Increased Energy Output: The system can typically
increase energy output by 30%–40% compared to fixed
systems.
 Adaptability: The system adjusts to the sun's position
at different times of the year, ensuring the panels are
always optimized for maximum exposure.

Components of the Tracker System:

 Solar Panels: Typically high-efficiency photovoltaic

cells.
 Motors and Actuators: These control the movement of
the panels along both axes.
 Sensors (Sunlight or Light Sensors): These track the
sun’s position and feed data to the controller to adjust
the angle of the panels.
 Controller: A microcontroller or microprocessor that
uses sensor data to make real-time adjustments to the
 system.
 Power Supply: Batteries or a grid connection to power
the tracker’s movement (if autonomous) or for system
control.

Advantages of Dual-Axis Tracking Systems:

 Higher Efficiency: Maximizes sunlight exposure by

continuously aligning the panels toward the sun.
 Better Performance in Different Climates:
Particularly effective in areas with diverse weather
patterns or when the sun is at a low angle (early
mornings, evenings, winter).
 Improved ROI: Despite higher upfront costs, dual-axis
systems can provide better returns over the long term
due to increased energy production.

Challenges:

 Complexity and Cost: Dual-axis trackers are more

expensive to manufacture and install than single-axis or
fixed systems due to their complexity and the need for
more precise components (e.g., motors, sensors).
 Maintenance: The mechanical movement increases the
likelihood of wear and tear, requiring regular
maintenance.
 Energy Consumption for Operation: While the
tracker increases energy output, it also consumes
energy for movement (though typically minimal
compared to the gain in energy production).

In Conclusion:

The Dual-Axis Solar Tracker concept is grounded in the

principle of maximizing solar energy capture by ensuring solar
panels are constantly oriented toward the sun. The main
advantage is increased efficiency and energy output, making it
a viable solution for locations with significant seasonal
variations in sunlight. The concept relies heavily on precision
engineering, real-time data acquisition, and motorized
movement, making it one of the most advanced solar tracking
technologies.
MATIREALS
Summary of Key Materials:

Component Materials
Frame & Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Galvanized
Structure Steel, Polymer Coatings
Base/
Concrete, Reinforced Steel Bars
Foundation
Tracking DC/Stepper Motors, Linear Actuators,
Mechanism Bearings, Geared Motors
Sensor & Photodiodes, Microcontroller (Arduino),
Electronics Copper Wire, Teflon/PVC Insulated Wire
Panel Mounting Aluminium Rails, Stainless Steel Fasteners
Weatherproofin Waterproof Enclosures, Rubber Seals,
g Powder Coating

“”Frame and Support Structure:

 Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant,
and strong enough to support the tracker
mechanism and panels. Often used for the
frame and mounting arms.
 Stainless Steel: Used for more critical or high-
stress parts, such as pivot points and
mounting brackets, due to its strength and
resistance to rust and corrosion.
 Galvanized Steel: A less expensive option for
structural supports. It’s strong and resistant to
weathering, but heavier than aluminum.
 Polymer Coatings: These are used for
corrosion resistance and durability, especially
for metal parts exposed to weather.

Motors and Actuators:

 DC Motors: Often used for precise control of

movement, especially for small to medium-
sized solar trackers.
 Stepper Motors: Preferred for their precision
in moving the tracker to a set position,
commonly used for dual-axis trackers.
 Linear Actuators: These can adjust the tilt
(elevation) of the panels. They provide precise
linear motion needed for tracking the sun's
vertical angle.
  Geared Motors: To convert rotational motion
into the required angular movement with
torque, often used in larger tracking systems.

Bearings and Pivot Points:

 Ball Bearings: Provide smooth rotation of the

solar panels around the axes (azimuth and
elevation). These bearings are critical for
maintaining ease of movement and reducing
friction.
 Heavy-Duty Pivot Joints: These are used at
the points where the tracker pivots. Typically
made of stainless steel or bronze to ensure
durability.

Cables and Wires:

 Copper Wire: For efficient power

transmission from the solar panels and for
powering the motors. Copper is a highly
conductive material, essential for minimizing
power loss.
 Teflon or PVC Insulated Wire: For
protecting wires from external environmental
factors like sunlight and rain.

Solar Panel Mounting System:

This is the part that holds the solar panels in place and
allows for precise adjustment.

 Aluminum Rails: Lightweight, durable, and

easy to adjust for different panel sizes.
 Stainless Steel Fasteners (Bolts, Nuts,
Screws): These are used to secure the panels
to the tracker structure. Stainless steel is
highly resistant to rust, making it ideal for
outdoor use.

Sensor and Tracking Components:

These components enable the system to track the sun's

position.

Sun Position Sensors:

 Photodiodes or Light Sensors: These sensors

 detect the intensity of sunlight from different
angles and direct the motors to adjust the
panel’s position accordingly.
 Hemispherical Sensor Arrays: These can
detect sunlight coming from multiple
directions simultaneously, which is useful for
determining the sun's exact position in the sky.

Controller/Processor:

 Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry

Pi): Used to process input from the sensors
and send signals to the motors. It’s a crucial
part of the tracker system that automates the
positioning process.
 Real-Time Clock (RTC) Module: Helps in
adjusting the tracker according to the time of
day and seasonal changes in the sun’s path.

Power Supply and Electronics:

The electronics for controlling the tracker require a

consistent and reliable power supply.

Battery (Optional for Off-Grid Systems):

 Lithium-Ion or Lead-Acid Batteries: These

can store energy for the tracker’s motors and
sensors, especially if the system is off-grid.
 Battery Management System (BMS):
Ensures the batteries are used efficiently and
safely, preventing overcharging or deep
discharge.

Solar Panel (for Powering the Tracker):

 Small Photovoltaic Panel: Can be used to

power the tracker’s motors and sensors,
making the system more energy-efficient and
self-sustaining.

Power Supply:

 AC to DC Power Converter: If the tracker is

connected to the grid, this device converts AC
power from the grid to the DC power needed
 for the motors and sensors.

Weatherproofing and Durability Materials:

Since the system will be installed outdoors, it’s

important to use materials that can withstand various
environmental conditions.

Waterproof Enclosures:

 IP65 or IP67 Rated Enclosures: These

enclosures protect the electronic components
from dust, water, and other environmental
factors.
 Rubber Gaskets and Seals: Ensure that joints
and connections are sealed properly to prevent
moisture or dust from entering sensitive parts.

Corrosion-Resistant Coatings:

 Powder Coating: Applied to metal parts for

added protection against rust and wear.
 Anodized Aluminum: For aluminum parts,
anodization increases resistance to corrosion
and wear.
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pharetra. Nunc tempus, risus sodales hendrerit, arcu dolor commodo libero, a
sollicitudin quam nulla quis lectus. In at porta mauris.

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ligula scelerisque. Nunc pulvinar augue dapibus. Cras ac aliquam sapien. Fusce
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a. In mattis arcu dui, non pretium risus convallis quis. Morbi ornare condimentum
pharetra. Vestibulum vitae posuere risus, at viverra metus. Quisque congue, ligula at
vulputate blandit, urna ante cursus ligula, bibendum blandit velit nunc nec felis.

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lacinia. Ut fermentum a magna ut eleifend. Integer convallis suscipit ante eu varius.
Morbi a purus dolor. Suspendisse sit amet ipsum finibus justo viverra blandit. Ut
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Nulla a erat eget nunc hendrerit ultrices eu nec nulla. Donec viverra leo
aliquet, auctor quam id, convallis orci. Sed in molestie est.

Donec sed malesuada orci. Vestibulum faucibus nulla eu est venenatis

egestas. Mauris congue dolor et dolor commodo gravida.

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auctor quam id, convallis orci. Sed in molestie est.

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tempus, risus sodales sodales hendrerit, arcu dolor commodo libero, a sollicitudin quam
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ligula scelerisque. Nunc pulvinar pulvinar augue dapibus blandit. Cras ac aliquam sapien.
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