Abstract
This article presents a mathematical model for estimating the direction of the maximal global solar irradiance (MGSI) based on actual values of direct/beam and diffuse irradiance, model that can be used to determine a correct value of the global collecting efficiency of solar tracking systems. Using this model, the collecting efficiency can be improved by tracking the solar conversion surface to minimize its incidence angle with the maximal global irradiance instead of the beam irradiance. The analysis of the numerical results obtained using in-field data-based simulations showed a significant improvement of the real collecting efficiency, especially during cloudy days when the diffuse irradiance is preponderant.