AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY–BANGLADESH (AIUB)

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF

RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY

Section: B, Group: 6
Spring 2024-2025

Final-Term OEL Report On-

Name ID

AKIB AHAMED 22-46411-1

KAZI NABILA 22-46154-1

MD . ASIBUZZAMAN PRIO 22-46719-1

ABDUL AHAD CHOWDHURY 22-47273-1

This study explores how solar tracking influences the performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
It compares the output of a stationary solar panel with that of a manually adjusted tracking system.
Measurements of voltage, current, and power were taken for both setups under different sunlight
conditions. The analysis revealed that the tracking system produced notably more power,
demonstrating the advantages of adjusting panel orientation to follow the sun. These findings
underscore the value of tracking technologies in improving solar energy efficiency, especially in
areas with variable sunlight levels.

THEORY

Photovoltaic (PV) systems offer a clean and renewable method of generating electricity by
converting sunlight into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. These systems use PV
cells, typically made from semiconductor materials like silicon, which produce electric current
when exposed to sunlight. The performance of a PV system is affected by several variables,
including the angle at which sunlight strikes the panel, ambient temperature, shading, and the
intensity of solar radiation.

Solar panels achieve peak efficiency when sunlight hits them at a perpendicular angle. Fixed-
position PV systems have a set tilt angle that may not align optimally with the sun’s position
throughout the day, resulting in decreased energy output. On the other hand, solar tracking systems
can adjust the orientation of the panels in real time, keeping them aligned with the sun’s path to
maximize energy absorption.

Since the power output of a PV system is directly linked to the intensity of incoming solar
radiation, higher radiation levels typically yield more electricity assuming other conditions like
temperature remain favorable. In fixed systems, the varying angle of sunlight throughout the day
causes fluctuations in energy production. Tracking systems address this limitation by continuously
repositioning the panels to maintain optimal alignment with the sun, thereby boosting overall
efficiency.

Moreover, solar tracking systems can greatly enhance the efficiency of PV arrays, especially in
regions with frequently changing weather conditions. By constantly adjusting to the optimal angle,
these systems make better use of both direct and diffuse sunlight. Although they offer increased
energy output, tracking systems also involve additional complexity and expenses due to the
required mechanical components and control mechanisms. However, recent developments in
automation and control technology have reduced these challenges, making solar tracking a more
practical and economically viable option for large-scale installations and remote, off-grid energy
solutions.

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this experiment is to evaluate and compare the power output of a photovoltaic
(PV) system in two setups: a fixed-position configuration and a manually adjusted tracking
system. The goal is to assess the efficiency gains provided by solar tracking and examine its
potential advantages in enhancing the overall performance of PV systems.
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WORKING SETUP

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Figure 1 : Pictures of Working Setup
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METHODOLOGY

The experimental setup included a 100-watt solar panel, a charge controller, a 12V battery, and a
5-watt DC lightbulb serving as the load. All components were connected based on a specified
circuit diagram, and measurements were taken directly from the charge controller to ensure data
accuracy.

For both the fixed and manually tracked configurations, key parameters recorded were PV voltage
(VPV), PV current (IPV), battery voltage (VB), battery current (IB), load voltage (VL), and load
current (IL). Measurements were collected at one-minute intervals over a five-minute period for
each setup. Power output was determined by calculating the product of voltage and current values.
To support the comparison, a graph plotting solar radiation intensity against power output was also
created.

CALCULATION
Table-1 : Fixed position ( 25˚ South)
Radiation VPV IPV VB IB VL IL
(W/m2) (V) (A) (V) (A) (V) (A)

265 19.29 0.39 12.61 0.55 12.35 0.43

255 18.27 0.37 12.22 0.45 12.41 0.35

250 18.15 0.36 12.37 0.49 12.20 0.38

200 17.87 0.34 12.40 0.37 12.25 0.40

230 18.00 0.35 12.39 0.35 12.22 0.37

Table-2 : Tracking to the Sun

253 17.89 0.68 12.45 0.85 12.45 0.43

260 13.95 0.88 12.40 0.93 12.45 0.41

270 14.88 0.85 12.38 0.96 12.48 0.40

220 13,95 0.84 12.35 0.92 12.47 0.44

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 200 15.05 0.77 12.49 0.94 12.49 0.42

Calculation
Fixed Position Traking
Radiation Power Radiation Power
(W/m2) (watt) (W/m2) (watt)

265 7.5231 270 12.648

255 6.7599 260 12.276

250 6.534 253 12.1652

230 6.3 220 11.718

200 6.0758 200 11.5885

For fixed position ( 25˚ South) & Radiation = 265 W/m2

Power = V x I = 19.29 x 0.39 = 7.5231 watt

Figure 2: Power Vs Radiation for Fixed position ( 25˚ South)

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 Figure 3: Power Vs Radiation for Manual Tracking
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In the fixed-position setup, power output ranged from 6.07 W at a solar radiation level of 200
W/m² to a peak of 7.52 W at 265 W/m². The data showed a consistent decline in output as radiation
intensity decreased.

By comparison, the manually tracked system delivered significantly higher power. At 200 W/m²,
it produced 11.58 W, and at 270 W/m², the output reached 12.64 W. Across all radiation levels,
the tracked configuration consistently outperformed the fixed system.

A plot of radiation intensity versus power output revealed a near-linear relationship in both cases,
though the tracked system showed a steeper slope indicating greater responsiveness to increasing
sunlight and improved efficiency overall.

These results clearly demonstrate the performance advantages of solar tracking. The manually
adjusted system showed a 60–70% increase in power output compared to the fixed-position setup,
mainly due to better alignment with the sun and reduced losses from suboptimal angles.

While fixed panels are simpler and more cost-effective, they often miss out on potential energy
due to shifting solar angles throughout the day. Manual tracking proved effective in this
experiment, but the need for frequent adjustments may limit its practicality in larger installations.
Automating the tracking process would offer improved performance without requiring manual
input.

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Throughout the experiment, the charge controller maintained stable battery operation, though some
minor energy losses were observed likely due to inefficiencies within the controller and inverter.
Overall, the results emphasize the value of solar tracking in enhancing PV system efficiency,
especially in areas with variable solar irradiance.

CONCLUSION

The experiment confirmed that incorporating solar tracking significantly improves the power
output of a photovoltaic (PV) system compared to a fixed-position configuration. While fixed
systems are simpler and more economical, tracking systems provide notably higher efficiency,
especially under changing solar conditions. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of tracking
technology in maximizing energy capture, presenting it as a viable and practical option for off-
grid energy solutions.

REFERENCES
1. Experimental data from the PV system monitoring.
2. Prof. Nowshad Amin's lecture on PV system design and sizing.
3. Standard principles of photovoltaic system performance analysis.

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