• Igbinovia Anthony Ikponmwosa

Solar energy is the main energy source in the solar system, its potential as an energy source has not been fully realized because of low efficiency of solar Photovoltaic cells. The main objective of this project is to increase the efficiency of solar Panels by using a micro-controller based solar tracking mechanism. The project involved design and implementation of an automatic microcontroller based solar tracker system expected to be used with photovoltaic solar panels. The proposed single-axis solar tracker device functions to ensure the solar panel is optimally directed in accordance with the real position of the sun and therefore increasing the efficiency of solar panels. The operation of experimental model of the device was based on a servo motor which is intelligently controlled by the pulse width modulated signals received from a microcontroller unit (MCU). The microcontroller receives input from light sensors which measure the intensity of the sun, and enables the motor to move the panel to a position at which it receives optimal power. The performance and characteristics of the solar tracker device are experimentally analyzed in order to determine the efficiency of the fixed panel and the panel attached to the solar tracker, hence, enabling the determination of efficiency improvement when using the single- axis solar tracker.

Although Solar power is considered as a very viable potential renewable energy source because the largest energy source available is the sun, which supplies practically limitless energy. The energy available from the sun far exceeds any foreseeable future demand.

"Solar Tracker for Solar Panel", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.492-497, June-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907T41.pdf

"Solar Tracker for Solar Panel", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp492-497, June-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907T41.pdf