Maximizing energy-efficiency in single-axis solar trackers for photovoltaic panels

This paper presents an improved orientation strategy for energy-efficiency in PV panels: The PV panels are tilted with a monthly-based angle that achieves maximum incident radiation. Furthermore, the impact of using the proposed strategy and other three conventional strategies on the PV system features has been investigated. A Japanese city (Fukuoka) and an Egyptian city (Al-Kharijah) have been considered for this study. The results showed that the proposed strategy achieved an increase in the produced energy from the PV. Therefore, the cost of the PV power system components can be reduced including the solar cells area, and the land area.