Recent advancements and challenges in Solar Tracking Systems (STS): A review

The study reveals that double axis ST in form of polar-axis and azimuth/elevation featuring the solar movement models and the dynamic closed loop feedback control are the most effective and generally give more than a 40% improvement in energy return compared to fixed PV panels. Moreover, large systems significantly reduce the costs and save on materials. The energy consumed by the moving fixtures is mostly low (2-5% of the collected energy) but this could be higher if no optimization is performed. Lastly, all the hardware and software energy saving parameters must be optimized right from the early stages of the development of the system to prevent materials wastage and the energy over-consumption by the tracking units.