Empirical Investigation of Fixed and Dual Axis Sun Tracking Photovoltaic System Installations in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

This paper reviews the potentials of photovoltaic system technology as a viable alternative to the 100% use of imported fossil fuel for electricity generation in Northern Cyprus. It presents an experimental investigation of two installed 100Wp photovoltaic systems design in block A building of faculty of business in Cyprus International University. The fixed system was inclined at angle of 36˚ in the northern hemisphere while the dual axis sun tracking system uses a solar tracker with satellite control to follow the path of the sun. Both systems measure local energy generation, solar radiation and power output. The result generated from the systems shows that the fixed system produced 712.85Wh/day.m2 with average power output of 91.9W, while the tracking system produced 999.39Wh/day.m2 with power output of 124.5W, respectively. Comparison of the systems also shows that the tracking system produce nearly 40.2% more energy than the fixed system under Northern Cyprus climatic conditions, which is parallel with most of the literature, reviewed. Conclusively both systems performed optimally hence should be adopted as source of electricity generation mix in the residential sectors. However, the dual axis tracking system has the capability of enhancing productivity therefore its installation favor houses with limited area of installation, while the fixed system has the advantages of lower installation cost and requires little or no maintenance.