The Solar Panel Tracking System project is designed to optimize the collection of solar energy by dynamically adjusting the orientation of a solar panel to follow the sun's movement throughout the day. This system employs a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor to detect variations in light intensity, ensuring that the solar panel consistently faces the direction of maximum sunlight. A servo motor is used to adjust the panel's angle based on the input from the LDR sensor, thereby maximizing the energy harnessed. 
 

Abstract

The Solar Panel Tracking System project is designed to optimize the collection of solar energy by dynamically adjusting the orientation of a solar panel to follow the sun's movement throughout the day. This system employs a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensor to detect variations in light intensity, ensuring that the solar panel consistently faces the direction of maximum sunlight. A servo motor is used to adjust the panel's angle based on the input from the LDR sensor, thereby maximizing the energy harnessed.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the project's design and implementation. It covers the selection and integration of key components, including the solar panel, LDR sensor, servo motor, and microcontroller (e.g., Arduino).

Introduction

Background: Although fossil fuels have a higher energy conversion efficiency, they are a major source of greenhouse gases and global warming. Therefore, finding alternative energy sources like solar power is essential not only for reducing carbon emissions but also for achieving sustainable growth.

Solar energy is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than fossil fuels. It harnesses the sun's energy, which is abundant and renewable, converting it into electrical energy without depleting future resources. Fixed solar panels, however, are often inefficient as they do not adjust to the changing position of the sun throughout the day.

Problem Statement: To address the inefficiency of fixed solar panels, a tracking system inspired by a sunflower that continuously aligns the panel with the sun can be implemented, thereby increasing energy capture.

Objectives:

• Design a solar panel tracking system using LDR sensors and a servo motor.
• Implement the system using an Arduino microcontroller.
• Evaluate the performance and efficiency improvements of the tracking system via a voltmeter attached to the solar panel.

Literature Review

"Solar Tracking System – A Review"

Authors: Suneetha Racharla & K. Rajan

Published in: International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 2017

The review underscores the importance of solar tracking systems in enhancing the efficiency of solar panels, which is crucial for making solar energy a more viable alternative to fossil fuels. The choice between single-axis and dual-axis systems depends on specific needs and resource availability, balancing cost and efficiency.

"Design and Implementation of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System"

Authors: Huilin Shang and Wei Shen

Published in: Energies, 2023

The dual-axis solar tracking system designed in this study demonstrates significant improvements in energy collection efficiency. This system is particularly valuable for small- and medium-sized photovoltaic applications, offering a practical solution to enhance solar energy utilization. The study highlights the potential of dual-axis solar tracking systems to significantly improve solar energy collection efficiency. By continuously adjusting the panel's orientation to follow the sun, these systems can maximize energy capture and offer a viable solution for enhancing the performance of solar power installations.

Methodology

Components Used:

• Solar Panel: A 6V 100mA solar panel converts sunlight into electrical energy.
• LDR: Measures light intensity. An LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) exhibits a change in electrical resistance when exposed to varying light intensities, decreasing resistance with increasing incident light intensity.
• Servo Motor: Rotates the solar panel. Servos allow precise control of physical movement, generally moving to a position rather than continuously rotating, and are controlled via pulse width modulation.
• Arduino Nano: A small, complete, and breadboard-friendly microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P or ATmega168, offering the same connectivity and functionality of the Arduino Uno but in a smaller form factor.
• L298N Motor Driver: A dual-channel H-Bridge motor driver capable of driving a pair of DC motors or a single stepper motor.
• SMPS: A 12V 1A Switched Mode Power Supply converts 230V AC into 12V DC to power the circuitry.
• Buck Converter: A LM2596 5V buck converter lowers the voltage from 12V to 5V.
• PLA Filament: Used for 3D printing the parts of the project.
• Digital Voltmeter Ammeter: Used to calculate the output from the solar panel.
• DC Motor: GA12-N20-12V 1000 RPM All Metal Gear Micro DC Motor.

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