ADVANCING SOLAR TECHNOLOGY: COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF FIXED AND DUAL-AXIS TRACKING SYSTEMS

Abstract

The increasing global demand for renewable energy has intensified interest in solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies. While fixed solar panels are widely used due to their simplicity and low cost, dual-axis solar tracking systems promise significantly improved energy capture by continuously aligning panels with the sun. This study presents an experimental comparison between a fixed PV system and a dual-axis solar tracking system under identical environmental conditions in Larkana, Pakistan. Data was collected hourly for voltage, current, power, temperature, and environmental effects. Results show that the dual-axis tracker produced between 25–40% more energy than the fixed system, with particularly large gains during morning and late-afternoon hours. The system also demonstrated improved adaptability under partially cloudy conditions. This research concludes that despite higher initial costs, dual-axis tracking offers superior performance and long-term energy benefits, making it a strong candidate for high-insolation regions.