Evaluation of the Electrical Performance of a Photovoltaic Solar Tracking System Under the Climatic Conditions of a Sahelian Environment: The Case of Burkina Faso

Abstract

This article analyses the electrical performance of a photovoltaic (PV) system equipped with a single-axis solar tracker under the climatic conditions of Burkina Faso. The objective was to evaluate the electrical performance of a solar-tracking photovoltaic system to optimise the electrical efficiency of the modules in a Sahelian environment. The methodology adopted combines a literature review, modelling of the photovoltaic generator, the design of an experimental prototype, and the collection of data on solar irradiance, temperature, voltage, current, and power. The experimental results showed a clear advantage for the solar tracker. The maximum power recorded by the tracking system was approximately 6.7 W, compared to 6.1 W for the fixed system. Analysis of the curves also revealed that the average efficiency of the mobile system was 12.1%, whereas that of the fixed system was 11.1%. The mobile system therefore exhibited an absolute difference of approximately 1 percentage point, which corresponds to a relative increase of nearly 9.5%. The study also showed, however, that the module equipped with the solar tracker reached a maximum temperature of approximately 66 °C, compared to 51 °C for the fixed module. This increase in temperature may reduce the instantaneous efficiency of the cells. Nevertheless, despite this thermal effect, the solar tracking system retained a clear advantage because of its more favourable orientation towards the sun throughout the day.