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ABSTRACT
The increasing demand for renewable energy sources has driven the need for more efficient solar panel systems. Traditional fixed solar panels have limitations in capturing maximum solar energy due to their stationary position. This project addresses this challenge by designing, developing, and evaluating a solar tracking system to optimize the orientation of solar panels. The tracking system employs a Real-Time Clock (RTC) for precise sun tracking and data acquisition via ThinkSpeak, an IoT platform. This study focuses on a single-axis tracking system, which continuously adjusts the solar panel's position from east to west for improved energy capture. The solar tracking system is implemented using an ESP 22 microcontroller, which receives data from sensors and utilizes the RTC to orient the solar panel optimally. Commands from the microcontroller trigger a relay interfaced with a linear actuator, facilitating the panel's movement. To evaluate performance, the tracking system is compared with a fixed solar panel system installed in the same location, exposed to identical sunlight conditions. Data collected from both systems is meticulously analyzed. Graphical representations illustrate the increased in voltage, current and power levels attained by the single-axis tracking system compared to the fixed panel The findings from this project underscore the substantial benefits of employing solar tracking systems. The single-axis tracking system outperforms the fixed panel consistently, yielding significantly higher power outputs. This improvement in energy capture showcases the potential for solar tracking systems to enhance the efficiency of solar panel installations. The average power gains of approximately 38.92% and 40.28% on day one and day two, respectively, highlight the positive impact of sun-tracking technology on renewable energy generation. Overall, this project underscores the feasibility and efficacy of implementing solar tracking systems to maximize the power output of solar panels, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.
