Abstract:
This research aims at determining the effectiveness of tracking system, which has two axes in
enhancing the solar energy collection in the southern part of Rwanda. As the world becomes
conscious of pollution and the usage of fossil fuels becomes deemed unsustainable, there is hope in
other forms of energy such as solar energy. However, the effectiveness of solar panel depends on the
fact of their capacity to follow the movement of the sun during the day. For the sake of improvement
of the orientation of the solar panels, this research links a dual axis tracking technique to it. In the
research, the orientation of solar geographical location of the southern part of RWANDA, the
coordinates of latitude and longitude and climate. A number of simulations and empirical data
collecting are provided to estimate the effectiveness of dual-axis tracking system in comparison with
the fixed-mount solar panels. This study shows that great advances were made in terms of energy
production and efficiency where the tracking system has been installed especially during the times of
low sun position and in the fluctuations of season. In addition, economic and environmental
consequences are analyzed and current economic opportunities and potential impacts of this
technology on energy security and carbon neutrality goals of Rwanda are also described. To
policymakers, energy planners as well as investors who intend to support renewable energy systems
in Rwanda and other regions with high solar irradiation, this study holds a lot of potentials.
