Single-Axis Solar Tracker for Solar Panel with Power and Cost Analysis

Solar trackers are developed to yield more power from solar panels. However, it has production cost and power consumption. Horizontal single-axis solar tracker (HSAT) with solar position algorithm that is more stable against partial shading was implemented in this study. The HSAT was made of microcontroller, several modules, and linear actuator. For 200 W solar panel, the output power with HSAT is up to 24.37 percent higher than fixed installation. Power consumption of HSAT is small enough where it can operate independently using power from the solar panel. The production cost of HSAT will be paid off in 14 years at an electricity price of IDR 1,467 per kWh. Power and cost analysis between HSAT and dual-axis solar tracker was discussed in this paper. The results show that solar panel with HSAT maximizes the output power and can be used in areas that are isolated from electricity grid.