Low-cost dual-axis solar tracker with photovoltaic energy processing for education

Converting the sunlight into electricity has gained the world’s agenda—institutions and individuals have been relying on solar technology more than ever. Still, few workers are qualified to face the increasing demand for solar technology—the high cost of photovoltaic solar technology impedes the creation of more educational programs to qualify more people. To help foster photovoltaic engineering education, we show how to construct a low-cost photovoltaic kit for education. This paper documents the steps necessary to build a low-cost solar tracker and how to process the energy it generates. The equipment has a total cost of about US$ 720. This paper emphasizes the necessary features a solar tracker must have, such as collecting and processing photovoltaic energy, in an optimal way. Using real-time data, we have identified a linear system to represent the dynamics of the sun-tracker equipment. This linear model feeds the algorithm that controls the sun-tracker. Experimental data confirm the effectiveness of the designed solar tracker equipment for extracting the maximum amount of photovoltaic energy—the data indicate an improved energy efficiency of about 32%. The proposed equipment requires only low-cost spare parts, a clear benefit for the education on photovoltaics.