Comparative Energy Yield Analysis of Dual-Axis, Single-Axis, and Fixed-Tilt PV Systems in Ifrane, Morocco
Azeddine MANSOUR
Abstract. Solar energy is an efficient source of energy; however, subsequent research on maximizing its use is limited by cost-ineffective and low-efficiency photovoltaics (PV) cells. The idea behind solar tracking systems is that they continuously position PV panels perpendicular to the ray of the sun, maximizing energy collection. This simulation study demonstrates the performance and energy gain of a simple, active dual-axis solar tracking system in comparison to fixed and single axis systems using an Arduino Uno microcontroller and Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs). The system consists of a microcontroller with an ATmega328P base Arduino Uno, two servo motors for dual-axis (tilt/elevation and pan/azimuth) movement, and four LDRs for light intensity recognition. Simulations conducted in Ifrane, Morocco, show that the dual-axis tracker (Net) provided a greater daily energy performance share of 35.7% compared to the single axis (34.0%), and fixed PV panel (30.4%). The Dual-Axis Performance Gain varied from approximately 15.2% to 17.8% over the operational hours of each system. Overall, the solar tracking system that has been implemented in this study provides a more efficient method of following solar insolation, achieved with greater operational energy performance, delivering superior energy yield and maximizing the economic consistency of electric power generation.
Keywords
Solar Tracker, Dual-axis, Photovoltaic, Energy Gain, Arduino, LDR, Simulation
Published online 4/25/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Azeddine MANSOUR, Comparative Energy Yield Analysis of Dual-Axis, Single-Axis, and Fixed-Tilt PV Systems in Ifrane, Morocco, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 64, pp 562-569, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904091-70
The article was published as article 70 of the book Energy Futures
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
References
[1] R. Banerjee, “Solar Tracking System,” International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 1-7, Mar. 2015.
[2] H. Mousazadeh, “A review of principle and sun‑tracking methods for maximizing solar energy harvesting,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 13, no. 8, pp. 1800-1818, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2009.01.022
[3] N. Bouhorma et al., “A comprehensive methodology for the statistical characterisation of solar irradiation data for Morocco,” Applied Sciences, vol. 13, no. 5, 3365, Mar. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053365
[4] M. A. Hafez, K. A. N. Ling, and S. Mekhilef, “Solar tracking systems: A review and classification,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 91, pp. 754-782, Aug. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.03.094
[5] IEA‑PVPS, “Photovoltaic Module Energy Yield Measurements – Existing Approaches and Best Practice,” Task 13 Report, 2018.
[6] M. Ferdaus, S. Mekhilef, and others, “Functionality Analysis of Electric Actuators in Renewable Energy Systems,” Sensors, vol. 22, no. 11, 4273, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22114273
[7] M. A. Green et al., “Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 64),” Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3831
[8] S. Swami, R. Kumar, and N. Kumar, “Dual Axis Solar Tracking System Using Arduino,” Int. J. Power Systems & Energy Engineering, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 29-34, 2020 https://doi.org/10.18280/psees.040105
[9] A. Skoplaki and J. A. Palyvos, “On the performance of solar trackers under different climatic conditions,” Applied Energy, vol. 96, pp. 1-12, 2012.
[10] H. Mousazadeh et al., “A review of principle and sun-tracking methods for maximizing solar systems output,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 13, pp. 1800-1818, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2009.01.022
