Initial Testing of the HiTek Solar Tracking Monitor

HiTek Services, Inc. has designed, fabricated, and tested a solar monitoring system that can measure the sun’s position with high accuracy. Sun position data, measured by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Center for Energy Research, is presented showing that the instrument’s accuracy is better than 0.004 degrees (one σ). A histogram is presented showing that nearly 100 % of the time the measurement error is less than 0.008 degrees. The capability of using multiple sun monitors with synchronized data collection to measure the structural bending of one part of a tracking structure relative to another part of the structure is discussed and data are presented. Other operating features, such as being self-contained, no external cables required, and the ability to record data for a week without recharging the batteries, are discussed.