Photovoltaic Angle Optimization Using Genetic Algorithm for a Dual-Axis Discrete-Position Solar Tracking System

A solar tracking system that maximizes the photovoltaic-irradiance exposure by adjusting the panel orientation to follow the solar trajectory. The irradiance received by the photovoltaic cells can be considered as a function of the solar position relative to the photovoltaic surface. This work optimize the altitude and azimuth angle of photovoltaic in a dual-axis solar tracking system by leveraging a genetic algorithm to yield maximum irradiation with minimum motions. The solar radiation was modeled using the Klein-Theilacker method. Three modes of discrete-position solar tracking system motions were simulated in this work, i.e., three, five, and seven discrete-positions. The simulation results demonstrate that the discrete-position solar tracking system in each mode yielded higher solar radiation than the conventional continuous solar tracking system.