IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i10p2553-d1655910.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

A Review and Comparative Analysis of Solar Tracking Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Reza Sadeghi

    (Dime Department of Mechanical, Energy, Management and Transportation Engineering, University of Genova, Via Opera Pia 15a, 16145 Genova, Italy)

  • Mattia Parenti

    (Dime Department of Mechanical, Energy, Management and Transportation Engineering, University of Genova, Via Opera Pia 15a, 16145 Genova, Italy)

  • Samuele Memme

    (Dime Department of Mechanical, Energy, Management and Transportation Engineering, University of Genova, Via Opera Pia 15a, 16145 Genova, Italy)

  • Marco Fossa

    (Dime Department of Mechanical, Energy, Management and Transportation Engineering, University of Genova, Via Opera Pia 15a, 16145 Genova, Italy)

  • Stefano Morchio

    (Dime Department of Mechanical, Energy, Management and Transportation Engineering, University of Genova, Via Opera Pia 15a, 16145 Genova, Italy)

Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary overview of recent advancements in solar tracking systems (STSs) aimed at improving the efficiency and adaptability of photovoltaic (PV) technologies. The study systematically classifies solar trackers based on tracking axes (fixed, single-axis, and dual-axis), drive mechanisms (active, passive, semi-passive, manual, and chronological), and control strategies (open-loop, closed-loop, hybrid, and AI-based). Fixed-tilt PV systems serve as a baseline, with single-axis trackers achieving 20–35% higher energy yield, and dual-axis trackers offering energy gains ranging from 30% to 45% depending on geographic and climatic conditions. In particular, dual-axis systems outperform others in high-latitude and equatorial regions due to their ability to follow both azimuth and elevation angles throughout the year. Sensor technologies such as LDRs, UV sensors, and fiber-optic sensors are compared in terms of precision and environmental adaptability, while microcontroller platforms—including Arduino, ATmega, and PLC-based controllers—are evaluated for their scalability and application scope. Intelligent tracking systems, especially those leveraging machine learning and predictive analytics, demonstrate additional energy gains up to 7.83% under cloudy conditions compared to conventional algorithms. The review also emphasizes adaptive tracking strategies for backtracking, high-latitude conditions, and cloudy weather, alongside emerging applications in agrivoltaics, where solar tracking not only enhances energy capture but also improves shading control, crop productivity, and rainwater distribution. The findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate tracking strategies based on site-specific factors, economic constraints, and climatic conditions, while highlighting the central role of solar tracking technologies in achieving greater solar penetration and supporting global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Suggested Citation

  • Reza Sadeghi & Mattia Parenti & Samuele Memme & Marco Fossa & Stefano Morchio, 2025. "A Review and Comparative Analysis of Solar Tracking Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-48, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:10:p:2553-:d:1655910
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/10/2553/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/10/2553/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Valle, B. & Simonneau, T. & Sourd, F. & Pechier, P. & Hamard, P. & Frisson, T. & Ryckewaert, M. & Christophe, A., 2017. "Increasing the total productivity of a land by combining mobile photovoltaic panels and food crops," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 1495-1507.
    2. Sumathi, Vijayan & Jayapragash, R. & Bakshi, Abhinav & Kumar Akella, Praveen, 2017. "Solar tracking methods to maximize PV system output – A review of the methods adopted in recent decade," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 130-138.
    3. Fathabadi, Hassan, 2016. "Novel high accurate sensorless dual-axis solar tracking system controlled by maximum power point tracking unit of photovoltaic systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 448-459.
    4. Ma, Yi & Li, Guihua & Tang, Runsheng, 2011. "Optical performance of vertical axis three azimuth angles tracked solar panels," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(5), pages 1784-1791, May.
    5. Njoku, H.O., 2016. "Upper-limit solar photovoltaic power generation: Estimates for 2-axis tracking collectors in Nigeria," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 504-516.
    6. Nurzhigit Kuttybay & Ahmet Saymbetov & Saad Mekhilef & Madiyar Nurgaliyev & Didar Tukymbekov & Gulbakhar Dosymbetova & Aibolat Meiirkhanov & Yeldos Svanbayev, 2020. "Optimized Single-Axis Schedule Solar Tracker in Different Weather Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, October.
    7. Aljafari, Belqasem & Satpathy, Priya Ranjan & Thanikanti, Sudhakar Babu & Krishna Madeti, Siva Rama, 2024. "A reliable GTR-PLC approach for power enhancement and online monitoring of solar PV arrays during partial shading," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 303(C).
    8. Li, Zhimin & Liu, Xinyue & Tang, Runsheng, 2011. "Optical performance of vertical single-axis tracked solar panels," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 64-68.
    9. Abdulrhman Alshaabani, 2024. "Developing the Design of Single-Axis Sun Sensor Solar Tracking System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-14, July.
    10. Zhu, Yongqiang & Liu, Jiahao & Yang, Xiaohua, 2020. "Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    11. Khaled Obaideen & Abdul Ghani Olabi & Yaser Al Swailmeen & Nabila Shehata & Mohammad Ali Abdelkareem & Abdul Hai Alami & Cristina Rodriguez & Enas Taha Sayed, 2023. "Solar Energy: Applications, Trends Analysis, Bibliometric Analysis and Research Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-34, January.
    12. Chin, C.S. & Babu, A. & McBride, W., 2011. "Design, modeling and testing of a standalone single axis active solar tracker using MATLAB/Simulink," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(11), pages 3075-3090.
    13. Zhao, B.Y. & Zhao, Z.G. & Li, Y. & Wang, R.Z. & Taylor, R.A., 2019. "An adaptive PID control method to improve the power tracking performance of solar photovoltaic air-conditioning systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
    14. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Atikol, Ugur, 2016. "The effect of latitude on the performance of different solar trackers in Europe and Africa," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 896-906.
    15. Seme, Sebastijan & Srpčič, Gregor & Kavšek, Domen & Božičnik, Stane & Letnik, Tomislav & Praunseis, Zdravko & Štumberger, Bojan & Hadžiselimović, Miralem, 2017. "Dual-axis photovoltaic tracking system – Design and experimental investigation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 1267-1274.
    16. Yang Yang & Chong Lian & Chao Ma & Yusheng Zhang, 2019. "Research on Energy Storage Optimization for Large-Scale PV Power Stations under Given Long-Distance Delivery Mode," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-20, December.
    17. Jamroen, Chaowanan & Fongkerd, Chanon & Krongpha, Wipa & Komkum, Preecha & Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Chindakham, Nachaya, 2021. "A novel UV sensor-based dual-axis solar tracking system: Implementation and performance analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    18. Marcos A. Ponce-Jara & Ivan Pazmino & Ángelo Moreira-Espinoza & Alfonso Gunsha-Morales & Catalina Rus-Casas, 2024. "Assessment of Single-Axis Solar Tracking System Efficiency in Equatorial Regions: A Case Study of Manta, Ecuador," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-19, August.
    19. Zhou, Wenqian & Li, Xiangli & Duanmu, Lin & Yuan, Chao, 2024. "Investigation on rooftop PV performance and impact on microclimate in tropical cities ---- A WRF modelling study in Singapore," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 237(PB).
    20. Danijela Nikolić & Saša Jovanović & Nebojša Jurišević & Novak Nikolić & Jasna Radulović & Minja Velemir Radović & Isidora Grujić, 2025. "Sustainable Design in Agriculture—Energy Optimization of Solar Greenhouses with Renewable Energy Technologies," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-29, January.
    21. Casares de la Torre, F.J. & Varo, Marta & López-Luque, R. & Ramírez-Faz, J. & Fernández-Ahumada, L.M., 2022. "Design and analysis of a tracking / backtracking strategy for PV plants with horizontal trackers after their conversion to agrivoltaic plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 537-550.
    22. Mercier, Thomas M. & Sabet, Amin & Rahman, Tasmiat, 2024. "Vision transformer models to measure solar irradiance using sky images in temperate climates," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 362(C).
    23. Shitao Wang & Yi Shen & Junbing Zhou & Caixia Li & Lijun Ma, 2022. "Efficiency Enhancement of Tilted Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules with Horizontal Single-Axis Tracker—The Bifacial Companion Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-22, February.
    24. Barbón, A. & Carreira-Fontao, V. & Bayón, L. & Silva, C.A., 2023. "Optimal design and cost analysis of single-axis tracking photovoltaic power plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 626-646.
    25. Yao, Yingxue & Hu, Yeguang & Gao, Shengdong & Yang, Gang & Du, Jinguang, 2014. "A multipurpose dual-axis solar tracker with two tracking strategies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C), pages 88-98.
    26. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Atikol, Ugur, 2017. "Technical and economic assessment of fixed, single and dual-axis tracking PV panels in low latitude countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 563-579.
    27. Marcos A. Ponce-Jara & Carlos Velásquez-Figueroa & María Reyes-Mero & Catalina Rus-Casas, 2022. "Performance Comparison between Fixed and Dual-Axis Sun-Tracking Photovoltaic Panels with an IoT Monitoring System in the Coastal Region of Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-14, February.
    28. Yilmaz, Saban & Riza Ozcalik, Hasan & Dogmus, Osman & Dincer, Furkan & Akgol, Oguzhan & Karaaslan, Muharrem, 2015. "Design of two axes sun tracking controller with analytically solar radiation calculations," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 997-1005.
    29. Carballo, Jose A. & Bonilla, Javier & Berenguel, Manuel & Fernández-Reche, Jesús & García, Ginés, 2019. "New approach for solar tracking systems based on computer vision, low cost hardware and deep learning," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 133(C), pages 1158-1166.
    30. Jichun Liu & Jianhua Li & Yue Xiang & Shuai Hu, 2019. "Optimal Sizing of Hydro-PV-Pumped Storage Integrated Generation System Considering Uncertainty of PV, Load and Price," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-23, August.
    31. Peter A. Lang & Kenneth B. Gregory, 2019. "Economic Impact of Energy Consumption Change Caused by Global Warming," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-29, September.
    32. Zhong, Hao & Li, Guihua & Tang, Runsheng & Dong, Wenli, 2011. "Optical performance of inclined south–north axis three-positions tracked solar panels," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(2), pages 1171-1179.
    33. Zhang, Junbin & Yin, Zhuojun & Jin, Peng, 2019. "Error analysis and auto correction of hybrid solar tracking system using photo sensors and orientation algorithm," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 585-593.
    34. Manoel Henriques de Sá Campos & Chigueru Tiba, 2021. "npTrack: A n-Position Single Axis Solar Tracker Model for Optimized Energy Collection," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-13, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Sappaniran, Sahapol & Nooraksa, Sarawin & Prommai, Chanon & Chindakham, Nachaya & Jamroen, Chaowanan, 2023. "Innovative sensorless dual-axis solar tracking system using particle filter," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 338(C).
    2. Shabani, Masoume & Mahmoudimehr, Javad, 2018. "Techno-economic role of PV tracking technology in a hybrid PV-hydroelectric standalone power system," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 84-108.
    3. Nsengiyumva, Walter & Chen, Shi Guo & Hu, Lihua & Chen, Xueyong, 2018. "Recent advancements and challenges in Solar Tracking Systems (STS): A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 250-279.
    4. Hafez, A.Z. & Yousef, A.M. & Harag, N.M., 2018. "Solar tracking systems: Technologies and trackers drive types – A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 754-782.
    5. Manoel Henriques de Sá Campos & Chigueru Tiba, 2021. "npTrack: A n-Position Single Axis Solar Tracker Model for Optimized Energy Collection," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-13, February.
    6. Zhu, Yongqiang & Liu, Jiahao & Yang, Xiaohua, 2020. "Design and performance analysis of a solar tracking system with a novel single-axis tracking structure to maximize energy collection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 264(C).
    7. Cătălin Alexandru, 2021. "Optimization of the Bi-Axial Tracking System for a Photovoltaic Platform," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-30, January.
    8. Jamroen, Chaowanan & Fongkerd, Chanon & Krongpha, Wipa & Komkum, Preecha & Pirayawaraporn, Alongkorn & Chindakham, Nachaya, 2021. "A novel UV sensor-based dual-axis solar tracking system: Implementation and performance analysis," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    9. Sebastijan Seme & Bojan Štumberger & Miralem Hadžiselimović & Klemen Sredenšek, 2020. "Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-24, August.
    10. Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Bahrami, Arian & Atikol, Ugur, 2018. "Evaluating the solar resource potential on different tracking surfaces in Nigeria," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 81(P1), pages 1569-1581.
    11. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka, 2018. "The performance and ranking pattern of PV systems incorporated with solar trackers in the northern hemisphere," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 138-151.
    12. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Atikol, Ugur, 2017. "Technical and economic assessment of fixed, single and dual-axis tracking PV panels in low latitude countries," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 563-579.
    13. Hammad, Bashar & Al-Sardeah, Ali & Al-Abed, Mohammad & Nijmeh, Salem & Al-Ghandoor, Ahmed, 2017. "Performance and economic comparison of fixed and tracking photovoltaic systems in Jordan," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 827-839.
    14. Hua, Zhengcao & Ma, Chao & Lian, Jijian & Pang, Xiulan & Yang, Weichao, 2019. "Optimal capacity allocation of multiple solar trackers and storage capacity for utility-scale photovoltaic plants considering output characteristics and complementary demand," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C), pages 721-733.
    15. Barbón, A. & Aparicio-Bermejo, J. & Bayón, L. & Fortuny Ayuso, P., 2025. "The optimal design for photovoltaic power plants on sites with a general slope," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 387(C).
    16. Bahrami, Arian & Okoye, Chiemeka Onyeka & Atikol, Ugur, 2016. "The effect of latitude on the performance of different solar trackers in Europe and Africa," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 896-906.
    17. Nurzhigit Kuttybay & Ahmet Saymbetov & Saad Mekhilef & Madiyar Nurgaliyev & Didar Tukymbekov & Gulbakhar Dosymbetova & Aibolat Meiirkhanov & Yeldos Svanbayev, 2020. "Optimized Single-Axis Schedule Solar Tracker in Different Weather Conditions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-18, October.
    18. Yaichi, Mohammed & Tayebi, Azzedinne & Mammeri, Abdelkrim & Boutadara, Abdelkader, 2022. "Performance of a PV field's discontinuous two-position sun tracker systems supplying a water pumping system: Concept, theoretical and experimental studies – A case study of the Adrar area in Algeria's," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(P1), pages 548-562.
    19. Singh, Rajesh & Kumar, Suresh & Gehlot, Anita & Pachauri, Rupendra, 2018. "An imperative role of sun trackers in photovoltaic technology: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3263-3278.
    20. Gönül, Ömer & Yazar, Fatih & Duman, A. Can & Güler, Önder, 2022. "A comparative techno-economic assessment of manually adjustable tilt mechanisms and automatic solar trackers for behind-the-meter PV applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:10:p:2553-:d:1655910. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.