Sun Tracking as Most Efficient Collection of Solar Energy

The cost of mass production of solar panels is a significant factor limiting design of efficient solar cells and usage of new semiconductor materials. In current study, we discuss design factors which control production of electricity by solar panels. Recently we presented the 20.5% efficient heterostructure a-Si/poly-Si solar cells [1]. High efficiency of PV modules helps to increase the collection of solar energy. Sun tracking is known to be the directed way to increase collection of solar energy. It was shown in experimental studies that the solar day could become 30% longer, i.e., 30% more solar energy collected daily, if proper single angle (or double axis) tracking systems are installed [2]. The efficiency of solar energy collection depends on the type of sunny day being bright or cloudy, frequency of weather changes. For better control of tracking/anti-tracking equipment we designed electronic system [3], which provides information about localized weather conditions and instant change in ambient irradiance. The movement of solar panels from one position to another is only justified, if the collected solar energy would be bigger than energy consumed by the tracking system. For future development, we discuss tracking system with low energy consumption where low weight panels are magnetically levitated by the tracker. It can render the overall mechanism devoid of friction and windage losses.