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Advances in solar photovoltaic tracking systems: A review

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  • AL-Rousan, Nadia
  • Isa, Nor Ashidi Mat
  • Desa, Mohd Khairunaz Mat

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic technology is one of the most important resources of renewable energy. However, the current solar photovoltaic systems have significant drawbacks, such as high costs compared to fossil fuel energy resources, low efficiency, and intermittency. Capturing maximum energy from the sun by using photovoltaic systems is challenging. Several factors that affect the energy output of such systems include the photovoltaic material, geographical location of solar irradiances, ambient temperature and weather, angle of sun incidence, and orientation of the panel. This study reviews the principles and mechanisms of photovoltaic tracking systems to determine the best panel orientation. The tracking techniques, efficiency, performance, advantages, and disadvantages of simple tracking systems are compared with those of state-of-the-art tracking systems. Diverse types of solar tracking systems based on their technologies and driving methods will be presented and categorized.The future trends of tracking systems are also highlighted.

Suggested Citation

  • AL-Rousan, Nadia & Isa, Nor Ashidi Mat & Desa, Mohd Khairunaz Mat, 2018. "Advances in solar photovoltaic tracking systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2548-2569.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:82:y:2018:i:p3:p:2548-2569
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.077
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    8. Teo, J.C. & Tan, Rodney H.G. & Mok, V.H. & Ramachandaramurthy, Vigna K. & Tan, ChiaKwang, 2020. "Impact of bypass diode forward voltage on maximum power of a photovoltaic system under partial shading conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
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    11. Talavera, D.L. & Muñoz-Cerón, Emilio & Ferrer-Rodríguez, J.P. & Pérez-Higueras, Pedro J., 2019. "Assessment of cost-competitiveness and profitability of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems: The case of five specific sites," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 902-913.
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