This study presents a numerical method for evaluating the maintainability of a dual-axis solar tracking system that can be deployed in residential areas for improved energy production. The purpose of this research manuscript is threefold. It targets the following objectives: (i) First, we present the construction of a self-sufficient dual-axis solar tracking system based on a low-power electronic schematic that requires only one motor driver to control the azimuth and elevation angles of the photovoltaic (PV) panel. The automated system’s main electronic equipment comprises 1 × Arduino Mega2560 microcontroller unit (MCU), 1 × TB6560 stepper driver module, 2 × stepper motors, 2 × relay modules, 1 × solar charge controller, 1 × accumulator, and 1 × voltage convertor. Additional hardware components such as photoresistors, mechanical limit switches, rotary encoders, voltage, and current sensors are also included to complete the automation cycle of the solar tracking system. (ii) Second, the Arduino Mega 2560 prototyping board is replaced by a custom-made and low-cost application-specific printed circuit board (ASPCB) based on the AVR controller. The MCU’s possible fault domain is then further defined by examining the risks of the poor manufacturing process, which can lead to stuck-at-0 (Sa0) and stuck-at-1 (Sa1) defects. Besides these issues, other challenges such as component modularity, installation accessibility, and hardware failures can affect the automated system’s serviceability. (iii) Third, we propose a novel set of maintenance-oriented metrics that combine the previously identified variables to provide a maintainability index (MI), which serves as a valuable tool for evaluating, optimizing, and maintaining complex systems such as solar tracking devices. The experimental data show that the computed MI improves the system’s maintainability and enhances repair operations, increasing uptime.

This paper presents a Simulink model of a single-phase, 240 Vrms, 3500 W transformerless grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system. The model integrates a Trina Solar TSM-250PA05.08 PV array, a DC link for stabilizing the output, and an H-Bridge inverter controlled by Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) to optimize power extraction. The inverter synchronizes the AC output with the grid while RL filters minimize harmonic distortion. A 75 kVA transformer steps up the voltage for grid compatibility, and local loads simulate power consumption. Leakage current monitoring ensures safety, a key requirement in transformerless systems. The model allows for real-time monitoring of system performance, providing insights into the dynamic interaction between PV generation and grid connection. This work demonstrates the system's efficiency and safety, offering a practical solution for small-scale solar energy integration.

Partial shading conditions (PSC) pose significant challenges to the efficient operation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, as they create multiple local maxima in the powervoltage (P-V) curve, often misleading conventional Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms. To address this, metaheuristic techniques have gained attention for their ability to identify the global maximum power point (GMPP) under such complex conditions. This paper provides a focused state-of-the-art review of MPPT methods, with particular emphasis on the Firefly Algorithm (FA) and its application in PV systems operating under PSC. The FA, inspired by the flashing behavior of fireflies, is examined in terms of its core mechanisms—light intensity, attractiveness, and randomness—and how these enable effective GMPP tracking. A critical review of recent studies is presented, analyzing FA-based MPPT approaches in terms of tracking accuracy, convergence speed, energy efficiency, and computational complexity. Hybrid techniques combining FA with other algorithms are also discussed, highlighting enhanced performance in dynamic shading scenarios. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer was conducted to visualize research trends, coauthorship networks, and thematic clusters within this field. The study concludes by identifying key research gaps and future directions for optimizing FA-based MPPT strategies in partially shaded PV systems.

This paper investigates the reliability of a dual-axis solar tracking system using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD). The system’s control and data transfer subsystems are evaluated under indoor and outdoor conditions using failure rate data. Key vulnerabilities—particularly sensor degradation—are modeled through probabilistic analysis. Results show a significant drop in reliability (to 15.02%) in harsh environments, primarily due to light sensor failures. However, mitigation strategies such as Built-In Self-Test (BIST) architectures improve test coverage, thereby increasing the chance of fault detection. The findings highlight the need for reliability-focused design in solar trackers to ensure long-term energy efficiency and fault resilience.

This paper presents an analysis of residential photovoltaic (PV) panel systems, focusing on their environmental, economic and technological impact for homeowners. The study evaluates the financial viability of solar installations by examining energy savings and net metering. In addition, the environmental benefits of installing a residential PV, such as reduced carbon emissions and decreased reliance on non-renewable energy sources, are explored. The paper also assesses the technological advancements in solar panel efficiency, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and emerging bifacial and PERC technologies, to provide a detailed comparison of their performance in residential settings. Further, the integration of energy storage solutions and their potential to enhance energy independence and grid stability is discussed. Through a combination of the studied PV system this analysis points out the long-term advantages of the residential PV systems.

Solar tracking systems (STSs) are widely adopted in photovoltaic (PV) installations to increase energy yield by maintaining favorable module orientation relative to the sun’s trajectory. This paper presents a systematic review of STSs from an electrical engineering perspective, focusing on electrical performance, control strategies, and system integration aspects relevant to grid-connected PV applications. Fixed-tilt, single-axis, and dual-axis configurations are comparatively assessed in terms of output power, annual energy yield, influence on I–V and P–V characteristics, and auxiliary power consumption. The analysis emphasizes net energy gain rather than gross energy improvement. Control strategies are classified as open-loop, closed-loop, hybrid, and intelligent approaches. Their impact on tracking accuracy, actuator duty cycles, electrical stability, and coordination with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms is critically examined. A bibliographic and scientometric analysis is conducted to identify research trends, dominant themes, and existing gaps. The results indicate that single-axis tracking often provides the most favorable balance between energy gain and auxiliary consumption in utility-scale systems, while dual-axis configurations achieve higher absolute yield at increased complexity. The review highlights the need for standardized net-energy evaluation and grid-aware tracking strategies.