Awet Welay Hadgu2025-06-172025-04-07https://repository.mu.edu.et/handle/123456789/52510.82589/muir-50010.82589/muir-500This research explores the design, simulation, and analysis of an active single-axis solar tracking system aimed at addressing the challenges associated with optimizing the performance of parabolic solar concentrators. Solar concentrators, particularly parabolic designs, offer significant advantages in harnessing solar energy for thermal applications, yet their efficiency is highly dependent on precise solar tracking. The current study develops a robust system designed to improve tracking accuracy, withstand challenging environmental conditions, and enhance overall system performance. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to validate the system’s structural reliability under extreme wind speeds of up to 55 m/s, a critical factor for ensuring operational stability in windy regions like Ethiopia. Additionally, dynamic modeling and control system design were carried out using MATLAB/Simulink, where a PID controller was tuned for optimal tracking performance. Results from simulations showed that the system achieved a tracking accuracy of over 96%, with minimal errors even under disturbances. These findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced tracking mechanisms in renewable energy systems to maximize energy capture and utilization. By addressing key challenges identified in existing parabolic concentrators, this study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge on solar energy systems and presents a practical solution for enhancing their efficiency, particularly in resource-constrained settings like EthiopiaenSolar trackingparabolic concentratorfinite element analysisPID controllerThesis