Sign in Subscribe
Green technology

Researchers Optimize Solar Tracking for Maximum Energy Generation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers from the Durban University of Technology in South Africa have been working on optimizing solar tracking systems for maximum energy generation, particularly in information and communication technology (ICT) facilities. According to the study, the main goal was to evaluate and compare seven different solar tracking configurations across technical, economic, and environmental dimensions. The study utilized the HOMER simulation program to evaluate the energy and hydrogen production, emissions, and cost-effectiveness performance of the systems. The key findings of the study indicate that solar tracking improves energy efficiency, with optimal capacity factors of 18.2% and 17.7% for Continuously Adjusted Horizontal Axis (CAHA) and Daily Adjusted Horizontal Axis (DAHA) configurations, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers evaluated seven different solar tracking configurations, including No Tracking (NT), Monthly Adjusted Horizontal Axis (MAHA), Weekly Adjusted Horizontal Axis (WAHA), Daily Adjusted Horizontal Axis (DAHA), Continuously Adjusted Horizontal Axis (CAHA), Continuously Adjusted Vertical Axis (CAVA), and Dual Axis with Continuous Adjustment (DACA).
  • The study found that solar tracking improves energy efficiency, with optimal capacity factors of 18.2% and 17.7% for CAHA and DAHA configurations, respectively.
  • The researchers used the HOMER simulation program to evaluate the energy and hydrogen production, emissions, and cost-effectiveness performance of the systems.
  • The study concluded that an MCDM approach helps to consolidate the evaluation, resulting in CAVA being ranked as the most preferable option.
  • The study contributes to informed decision-making for energy systems in ICT facilities by emphasizing the significance of considering a variety of criteria and evaluation techniques to address complex energy challenges.
  • The researchers highlighted the importance of considering a variety of criteria and evaluation techniques to address complex energy challenges in ICT facilities.
  • The study was financed by the university and supported by researchers from various backgrounds.

Statistics:

  • The optimal capacity factors for CAHA and DAHA configurations were 18.2% and 17.7%, respectively.
  • The study used the HOMER simulation program to evaluate the energy and hydrogen production, emissions, and cost-effectiveness performance of the systems.
  • The study found that load-following strategies increase reliability but also increase capital costs.
  • The study ranked CAVA as the most preferable option using an MCDM approach.

Sources:

  • (2025) Techno-Economic Optimization and Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic-Battery-Hydrogen Energy Systems with Solar Tracking for Powering ICT Facility. Resources, 14(5):74. (MDPI AG - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/resources)
  • (2025) Durban University of Technology Researchers Report Research in Resource Research (Techno-Economic Optimization and Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic-Battery-Hydrogen Energy Systems with Solar Tracking for Powering ICT Facility). Science Letter. June 13, 2025; p 182.

Read more