Performance Comparison of Fixed-Tilt and Dual-Axis Solar Tracking Systems: A Case Study on Rural Electrification in Senegal

This study presents a theoretical comparative analysis of photovoltaic systems using Fixed-Tilt and dual-axis solar tracking structures, applied to rural electrification. The analysis focuses on the village of Kakouda, located in the Kaffrine region of Senegal, and is based on local meteorological data, particularly solar irradiation and ambient temperature, combined with mathematical models describing the apparent motion of the sun. Energy performance is evaluated using monthly energy production, solar irradiation, and Peak Sun Hours. The results show that, for the same installed capacity of 70 kWp, dual-axis solar tracking systems provide an average annual energy gain of 23.57 %. When systems are sized to meet a given energy demand of 230 kWh per day, solar tracking enables a reduction in installed capacity of approximately 23 %. These results confirm the technical advantages of solar trackers in terms of energy gain and land-use efficiency, resulting in a reduced number of photovoltaic modules. However, for small-scale community photovoltaic systems, the additional energy production corresponds to a relatively modest benefit compared to the higher investment and maintenance costs associated with tracking systems. This study highlights the need to identify an optimal compromise between energy performance and overall system cost, and emphasizes the importance of developing simplified, low-cost, and energy-efficient solar tracking solutions adapted to the specific technical, economic, and territorial conditions encountered in Senegal.