Voltage output comparison of self-sustaining and externally powered fixed angle, single axis and dual axis solar tracking systems

Abstract

Dual axis solar tracking system generates the highest power against single axis and fixed panel. For self-sustaining small scale solar tracking system however, power consumption from its system may be too high, causing disruption to power generation. Self-sustaining system is when the system's solar panel provides its own power to its battery without additional external power. This paper provides evidence by comparing voltage outputs from 3 solar tracking systems that self-sustaining, small solar panel is not efficient enough to use dual axis solar tracking system. Power consumption in small solar panel system was found to increase by 175% and 100% while voltage generation may drop by 6V and 3V for battery charging when the system utilized dual axis and single axis tracking capability respectively when under self-sustained powering. Externally powered system generate 13% more voltage compared to self-sustaining system and this depends on how many times the battery in self-sustaining system needs to be charged.