Design of a complex dual-axis solar tracker with an integrated solar PV monitoring system

The object of this study is two-axis tracker systems for tracking the position of the Sun and monitoring the parameters of photovoltaic panels. The task addressed is the optimization of photovoltaic panel positioning to improve their efficiency and maximize electricity generation, specifically selecting the optimal tracking algorithm while accounting for implementation cost and payback period under variable climatic conditions. The essence of the results is the design and deployment of a system that controls panel tilt and azimuth angles according to the chosen tracking algorithm, while performing online monitoring of key photovoltaic converter operating parameters and meteorological data. By accurately calculating the Sun’s trajectory and employing dual-axis tracking, the number of unnecessary movements is reduced, which lowers the tracker’s energy consumption and drive wear, thereby improving system reliability and reducing operational costs. These findings are associated with the use of dual-axis algorithms with precise solar-position calculations, as well as by the implementation of a web interface and an integrated database for collecting statistical data on tracking performance. The system provides real-time data collection and analysis, allowing the tracking algorithm to be changed and its effectiveness to be evaluated for a specific location or climatic zone. The user-friendly web interface enables users to access information in the form of plots and sensor readings. In practice, the designed system can be used for long-term monitoring of tracking efficiency, to analyze return on investment, as well as plan operational expenditures. Experimental studies showed that the dual-axis tracker with a precise solar-position calculation algorithm increases energy generation efficiency on a spring sunny day in the western region of Ukraine by more than 25%