P.E.

S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,
MANDYA
(An Autonomous Institute under Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi)

PROJECT PHASE -I REPORT

“SOLAR TRACKING DEVICE”
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement
For the award of the
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING DEGREE
Submitted by

NISHA H M 4PS19EC096
PRADYUMNA BHARADWAJ P 4PS19EC100
PALLAVI H C 4PS19EC101
PRUTHVI GOWDA S S 4PS19EC107

Under the Guidance of

Mrs. SPOORTHY M R
(Assistant Professor)

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

P.E.S. College of Engineering,
Mandya, 2022-2023
 P.E.S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MANDYA-571401
(An Autonomous Institution Affiliated to VTU, Belgaum)

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION

ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that,

NISHA H M 4PS19EC096
PRADYUMNA BHARADWAJ P 4PS19EC100
PALLAVI H C 4PS19EC101
PRUTHVI GOWDA S S 4PS19EC107

have successfully completed the Project Phase-I(academic year 2022-23) entitled “SOLAR
TRACKING DEVICE” as part of the course P18EC78.
_________________________ _________________________

Signature of the guide Signature of the HOD

Mrs. SPOORTHY M R Dr. M.J Anand
Assistant professor Associate Professor & HOD

Sl. No Name of the Examiners Signature and date

1.

2.
Sl.no Contents Page.no
1 Abstract 4
2 Introduction 5
3 Literature Survey 6-7
4 Objective 8
5 Methodology Followed 9
6 Project Outcomes 10
7 Components Required 11
8 Conclusion 12
9 Reference 13
 ABSTRACT

Solar energy is rapidly advancing as an important means of renewable energy resource. It is

radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving
technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaic, solar thermal energy, solar architecture,
molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis. Trackers direct solar panels or modules
toward the sun. These devices change their orientation throughout the day to follow the sun’s
path to maximize energy capture. The use of solar trackers can increase electricity production
by around a third, and some claim by as much as 40% in some regions, compared with
modules at a fixed angle. In any solar application, the conversion efficiency is improved
when the modules are continually adjusted to the optimum angle as the sun traverses the sky.
This project presents the designing of a solar tracking device which is based on Arduino
UNO and which provides the orientation of solar panel in the direction of maximum
incidence of sunlight. As a result of which we get more efficient system which is compact,
low cost as well as easy to use.

Keywords: Arduino UNO, Solar Panel, Servo Motor

 INTRODUCTION
Sun is an abundant source of energy and this solar energy can be harnessed successfully using
solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and photovoltaic effect to convert energy into electrical energy.
But the conversion efficiency of a normal PV cell is low. One of the main reasons for this is
that the output of PV cell is dependent directly on the light intensity and with the position of
sun in the sky changing continuously from time to time, the absorption efficiency of an
immobile solar panel would be significantly less at certain time day and year, for the solar
photovoltaic cells are maximum productive when they are perpendicular to the sun and less
productive otherwise. So, to maximize the energy generation and improve the efficiency solar
trackers are required. The solar tracker also provided lucrative solution for third world
countries to integrate it into their solar system with a comparatively low cost through
software-based solution.

 The study revealed that use of stepper motor enables accurate tracking of sun and
LDR resistors are used to determine the solar light intensity.

 Researchers concluded that embedding the tracking system with panel can response
accurate and applicable to meet the power demands at different operational
conditions. A solar tracking system designed with microcontroller and LDR’s that
actively track the sun and change its position accordingly to maximize the energy
output. The LDR incorporated on solar panel helps to detect sunlight which in turn
moves the panel accordingly [2].

 The solar tracker described a more improved way to maximize the power
consumption by solar panel from sun by just rotating the solar panel according to
sun’s position. By comparing the results, it was discovered that direct beam of sun
helps in generating energy than it is produced when solar panel is kept fixed. The
studied have shown that efficiency of solar panels can be increased to a great extent if
the solar panels continuously rotate in the direction of sun. Microcontroller and an
arrangement of LDR sensors can be used for the purpose of tracking the sun [3].

 But the system was less efficient because of the low sensitivity and disturbance of
light dependent resistors. The mechanism of solar tracking was implemented by using
image processing software which combines the effect of sensors and processed image
of sun and controls the solar panel accordingly. A new mechanical structure for solar
trackers which implemented two stepper motors for free rotation on X and Y axis [4].

 The rotation was intelligently controlled by a pre-programmed 2K microcontroller

device PIC 18F4560 which provides simple programming strategy through C
language. The designed algorithm was based on the measurement of intensity of solar
radiation which was captured by an ultra violet sensitive device known as
Pyranometer. The system had been tested and the results show very significant impact
on the mechanical design, controlling algorithm and also the cost of the development.
 LITERATURE SURVEY
[1] Liang Zhong, Rui Guo, Zhiyong Cheng,Juan Jia- Nov 2016(IEEE)
“Automatic solar charging system for overhead transmission line robot”
The paper describes the development of an automatic solar charging system for use in
transmission line robots. The system includes a solar charging system, an automatic tracking
solar system, and a quick connect-separate mechanism. The solar charging system includes
components such as BOOST circuits and bidirectional BUCK-BOOST converter circuits,
with optimal parameters determined for inductance and capacitance, and the appropriate
diodes and MOSFETs selected. The automatic tracking solar system includes an algorithm
for tracking the sun and software flow charts for determining the required head angle for
active alignment with sunlight. The quick connect-separate mechanism allows for easy
connection and disconnection between the robot and the system. The goal of the system is to
improve the efficiency of battery replacement for the transmission line robot and reduce the
need for workers to climb the tower. It aims to improve the performance of the robot and
accumulate renewable energy charging technologies.

[2] Suneetha Racharla & K. Rajan-Jan 2017(IJSE)

“Solar Tracking system-a review”
This paper discusses the use of solar energy as an alternative energy source to complement
the conventional fossil fuel. The main problem with solar energy is its dilute nature, which
can be rectified by a device called a solar tracker, which ensures maximum intensity of sun
rays hitting the surface of the panel from sunrise to sunset. The paper also describes the solar
geometry and solar angles, specifically the declination angle (δ), the altitude angle or
elevation angle (α) and the solar azimuth angle (ϒs). It also explains the nomenclature used
in solar tracking and the importance of accurate solar tracking to improve the efficiency of
solar energy collection. The paper concludes that solar tracking is an important technology
for effective utilization of solar energy.

[3] M. Al-Enezi, E. Al-Qattan, S. E. Esmaeili-May 2017(IEEE)

“The design of a sun chaser robot prototype”
The paper discusses two similar projects to the proposed solar panel automatic tracking
system that aims to improve the use of solar energy. The first project, "Two-Axis Sun
Tracker," uses three algorithms for tracking the sun and stepper motors to rotate the solar
panel around two axes. The second project, "Sun Smart Tracker method based on image
processing," uses image processing technology and transform to rotate solar energy collecting
devices to improve efficiency. Both projects have important significance for environmental
protection and make use of solar energy in a more efficient way. The paper also mentions that
the angle between the panel and the solar angle of incidence plays a decisive role in
generating the efficiency of the solar panel, and a 90-degree angle can result in efficiency as
high as 90%.
[4] Abdelilah Said1 , Soukaina Medaghri Alaoui1 , Youssef Rouas1 ,
Gauthier Dambrine2 , Etienne Menard2 , Jay Boardman2 and Abdelfettah
Barhdadi1*-May 2019(IEEE)
“Innovative low cost cleaning technique for PV modules on solar trackers”
In conclusion, this paper presents an innovative and low-cost cleaning technique for
photovoltaic panels on a bi-axial solar tracking system. The technique utilizes the motion of
the tracker and the gravity effect to clean the panels. The cleaning tests were carried out and
validated using a prototype of the cleaning system. The study found that the proposed
cleaning technique is a combination of both preventive and corrective solution as it not only
removes the deposited dirt but also avoid the adhesion of particles to the surface of the PV
modules. The results of the tests were promising, but further testing is needed before the
technique can be implemented on a larger scale. This technique presents a cost-effective
solution to maintain the performance of PV installations, especially in desert areas where the
soiling phenomenon is more pronounced. The proposed cleaning system does not require any
control operator, water and conventional energy and thus it is a greener solution for
maintaining the PV panels

[5] Dong Yuwei, Ma Haitao, Hu Xinyu, Sun Yvqing, Zhu Yvfu-Jun

2019(IEEE)
“Design and production for automatic tracking system of portable solar
panel”
The paper discusses a problem of low efficiency in solar energy conversion due to the
changing position of the sun and proposes an automatic tracking system as a solution. The
system includes an aluminum profile, a 200 W single crystal solar panel, a large torque
stepping motor, and control software and is portable, easy to assemble, and suitable for
mobile operations. Testing results show that the system improves the output of the solar panel
compared to a fixed device. The paper also predicts that renewable energy will occupy more
than 30% of the total energy and solar photovoltaic power generation will occupy more than
10% of the total power before 2030. The paper also states that the use of crystalline silicon
cell has occupied the monopoly position of the practical solar cell market and will still
dominate the photovoltaic technology until 2020. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the
importance of solar energy in the future energy structure and the value of research in this
area.

[6] Hyacinthe Tchakounté1,4 , Claude Bertin Nzoundja Fapi1, 2, Martin

Kamta1 , Haman-Djalo3 , Paul Woafo4-Jun 2020(IEEE)
“Performance Comparison of an Automatic Smart Sun Tracking System
Versus a Manual Sun Tracking”
This paper presents a study that compares the performance of two different methods for
tracking the sun's position to optimize the energy output of photovoltaic modules. The first
method is an automatic 1-axis sun tracking prototype, and the second method is a manual
method that involves calculating the sun's position angle using astronomical formulas and
positioning the solar panel accordingly. The study was conducted in the University of
Ngaoundere and the data collected was used to compare the performance of the two methods.
The results showed that the automatic tracking method performed better overall, but the
manual tracking method performed well on sunny days compared to having the panel remain
fixed. The goal of the study is to optimize the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy
and minimize the energy consumption of the tracking mechanism. The paper also discussed
the different types of solar tracker systems and the importance of modeling and simulations in
the field of renewable energy.
 OBJECTIVES
 Design and implementation of “ Solar Tracking Device “ using Arduino UNO
Microcontroller.

 To develop an automatic solar tracking system which will keep the solar panel aligned
with sun in order to get maximum efficiency.

Solar Tracker is a Device which follows the movement of the sun as it rotates from the east to
the west every day. The main function of all tracking systems is to provide one or two
degrees of freedom in movement. Trackers are used to keep solar collectors/solar panels
oriented directly towards the sun as it moves through the sky every day. Using solar trackers
increases the amount of solar energy which is received by the solar energy collector and
improves the energy output of the heat/electricity which is generated. Solar trackers can
increase the output of solar panels by 20-30% which improves the economics of the solar
panel project.
 METHODOLOGY FOLLOWED
The solar tracking system comprises of a solar panel, Arduino microcontroller and sensors.
For this system to operate there must be emission of light through the sun. The LDRs serve as
the sensors to detect the intensity of light entering the solar panels. The LDR then sends
Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations
Management Washington DC, USA, September 27-29, 2018 © IEOM Society International
2470 information to the Arduino microcontroller. The servo motor circuit is then constructed.
The servo has 3 pins of which the positive side is connected to the +5v of the Arduino
microcontroller. The negative of the servo is connected to the ground. The data point on the
servo is connected to the analog point on the microcontroller. A potentiometer is connected to
regulate the speed of the servo motor.

This solar panel tracking system simulation was performed using a Proteus software. A
Simulation was carried out to know if the system designed and implemented will perform to
our expectation or not. Simulation process revels the exact circuit diagram and connection of
the system. The simulation carried out is shown in the figure which performed as desired. We
then carried out experimental observation between fixed solar panels and the implemented
tracking solar panel to compare the performance enhancement of the implemented tracking
solar panels and the fixed solar panels. We used 6W solar panel made of the same material
and manufacturer.
 PROJECT OUTCOME

The power readings of the fixed solar panel and the implemented tracking solar panel were
taken hourly for three days in the year 2017 and recorded as shown in tables 1, 2. Results
taken on different days show the difference in efficiency between the fixed solar panel and
the implemented solar tracker.

Table 1: Power readings for a cloudy morning and sunny afternoon, 11th of March 2017

Power reading of the solar Power reading of the

Time panel(6W) implemented tracking
solar panel system(6W)

7.00 0.176 1.487

8.00 0.210 1.839
9.00 0.196 2.933
10.00 0.567 3.783
11.00 0.816 3.798
12.00 2.297 3.969

Table 2: Power readings for a bright sunny day, 12th March 2017

Power reading of solar Power reading of the

Time panel(6W) implemented tracking solar
panel system(6W)

7.00 0.697 1.477

8.00 0.792 2.804
9.00 1.779 3.203
10.00 3.167 3.990
11.00 3.456 4.130
12.00 4.604 4.800
COMPONENTS REQUIRED

SOLAR PANEL

 It’s made up of a number

of solar cells connected in
series internally.
 Convert solar energy into
electricity.

LDR SENSORS

 A high resistance
semiconductor whose
resistance decreases
 with increasing incident
light intensity

SERVO MOTOR

 It’s an electromechanically
device which converts digital
pulse
 inputs to incremental shaft
rotation
 Used for precision positing
control applications.
 It’s controlled by a series of
electromagnetic coils.

ARDUINO UNO
 Arduino uno is a
microcontroller board
based on the Atmega.
 It has 14 input/output pins
6 analog inputs ,a USB
connection ,
 a power jacks.
 CONCLUSION

A solar panel tracking system was designed and implemented. The aim of the solar panel
tracking system is to track the position of the sun for better efficiency of the solar panel has
shown in the experimental results. This work can be executed on an industrial scale which be
beneficial to developing countries like Nigeria and Sub Sahara Africa countries. Our
recommendation for future works is to consider the use of more sensitive and efficient
sensors which consume less power and which are also cost effective. This would increase the
efficiency while reducing the cost.
 REFERENCE
[1] Design and Control of 6 DOF Robotic Manipulator May 2018 DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.28474.85440 Thesis for:
Bachelor of Mechatronics and Control Engineering. Advisor: Engr. Abdullah Tahir, Engr. DilrubaSiddiqui.

[2] F. Duˇsek, D. Honc, and K. R. Sharma, “Modelling of ball and plate system based on first principle model and
optimal control,” in Process Control (PC), 2017 21st International Conference on. IEEE, 2017, pp. 216–221

[3] Virgil Petrescu, R. V., Aversa, R., Apicella, A., Kozaitis, S., Abu-Lebdeh, T. & Petrescu, F. I. T. (2018). Inverse
Kinematics of a Stewart Platform. Journal of Mechatronics and Robotics, 2(1), 45-59.

[4] Implementation of a Ball and Plate Control System using Sliding Mode Control May 2018 IEEE Access
PP(99):1-1DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2018.2838544.

[5] ”Toward the realization of six degrees-of-freedom with compressed light fields” July 2017 DOI:
10.1109/ICME.2017.8019543 Published in: 2017 IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo(ICME).

[6] A. Ramırez Gomez, “Inertial stabilization system based on a gough-stewart parallel platform,” B.S. thesis,
Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, 2017. [7] Zafer Bingul and Oguzhan Karahan “Dynamic Modeling and
Simulation of Stewart Platform” Mechatronics Engineering, Kocaeli University Turkey.

[8] S.-H. Lee, J.-B. Song, W.-C. Choi, and D. Hong, “Position control of a Stewart platform using inverse
dynamics control approximate dynamics,” Mechatronics, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 605 – 619, 2003.

[9] Adam Kastner, Jairo Inga, Florian Koeph, Thomas Blauth” Model-Based Control of a Large-Scale Ball-on-
Plate System With Experimental Validation” March 2019 DOI: 10.1109/ICMECH.2019.8722850 IEEE
International Conference on Mechatronics at Ilmena.