Dr PB NUMBI-Model Development and Validation of a Dual-axis PV Tracking Systems-Case of South Africa.pdf (2.3 MB)
Model development and validation of a dual-axis PV tracking system: a case of South Africa
journal contribution
posted on 2022-01-21, 08:03 authored by Percy Andrew Hohne, Kanzumba Kusakana, Bubele Papy NumbiDual axis photovoltaic (PV) tracking system is
considered in general to be a poor investment. This is
mainly due to the substantial initial investment costs that
these systems carry. However, in recent years, solar panels
and accompanying component costs have decreased
significantly. Additionally, electricity price hikes in South
Africa have compelled most of the country’s citizens to
reconsider their sources of electrical energy. A popular
alternative to grid energy in South Africa is the use of
photovoltaic systems. Careful consideration is required
when choosing from the various systems available on the
market. The main method for maximizing the output power
of these systems is to introduce solar tracking systems.
Therefore, in this paper, a model of a dual axis tracking
system is developed and validated against a real-world plant
in the Bloemfontein region in South Africa. The presented
model was observed to be accurate to within an error rate of
6.39%. Additionally, the performance of the inverters of the
PV tracking systems were evaluated and discussed. The
validated model may prove to be an excellent tool for energy
managers to determine the feasibility of such systems,
compared to conventional photovoltaic setups.