Innovative solar system: Students develop environmentally friendly electricity generator!

Innovative solar system: Students develop environmentally friendly electricity generator!

On October 10, 2025, students from the Ilmenau University of Technology presented their innovative projects in the field of renewable energies. Among the outstanding works, a solar tracking system called “Eye of the Sun” that was developed by Alexander, Heinrich and Leon stands out. This system has the potential to increase the yield of solar systems by up to 30 percent by automatically aligning itself with the position of the sun. Loud solar-experts.info Single-axis tracking systems can increase yield between 15 and 30 percent, while two-axis systems can even generate up to 50 percent more energy.

The presentation took place in the university's auditorium and included six different groups working on innovative engineering projects. Among other things, a group consisting of Mara, Vitus, Linus, Elisabeth and Shwe Yi showed their autonomous miniature transporter “Tipper Truck”. This van has a classic design with a control center at the front and a loading area at the rear that allows it to autonomously follow a predefined route.

Innovative approaches to engineering studies

Mara explained that her group emphasized an open model where assemblies are clearly visible and easily interchangeable. Vitus added that the main goal of their work was a technically convincing system that also serves as a learning and presentation model. These creative approaches illustrate the connection between engineering knowledge and practical work.

The students' developments are in the context of an increased need for well-trained engineers in the solar industry. Solar-specific modules are increasingly being integrated into traditional degree programs at universities. Nevertheless, the number of solar-specific courses has been declining since 2009. However, the Technical University of Freiberg continues to offer a specialized course of study in “Photovoltaics and Semiconductor Technology”, which underlines the importance of this area in training solarbranche.de reported.

Economic efficiency of tracking systems

Although the investment in tracking systems is high, it also offers significant advantages. For example, these systems can be particularly advantageous in sunny regions as they enable more efficient use of space and improve targeted feed into the grid. However, when deciding on a tracking system, various factors must be weighed up, such as higher investment costs and necessary maintenance.

The installation costs for single-axis systems are between 700 and 1,200 euros per kWp, while two-axis systems are more expensive. A 100 kWp free-space system with a tracking system could cost up to 30,000 euros more than a conventional static system. Under optimal conditions, the theoretical payback period is around 12.5 years, but with high internal consumption it can even drop to six to eight years. These factors are crucial to assess the profitability and efficiency of the investment.