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Enhancing Solar System Efficiency Based on Precise Real-Time Energy Data

Analysis and Sun Position Tracking

Conference Paper · May 2024

DOI: 10.1109/ICEEICT62016.2024.10534438

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2024 6th International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Information & Communication Technology (ICEEICT)
Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh

Enhancing Solar System Efficiency Based on

Precise Real-Time Energy Data Analysis and Sun
Position Tracking
Md Salman Khan Mithil1, Md Abu Talha2, and Shameem Ahmad*2
1
Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Electrical Engineering (MS)
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Rapid City, SD 57701, United States.
2
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Faculty of Engineering (FE)
American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB), Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh.
Email- mithil0077@gmail.com, abutalha8324@gmail.com or 23-93009-2@student.aiub.edu, ahmad.shameem@aiub.edu

Abstract— The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming failures, and safety issues, similar to intelligent solar
increasingly important for global civilization, as it can achieve irrigation, automation, and security innovations [2-9].
various goals. As global temperatures rise, people are turning to
alternative energy sources, such as solar energy, which can be Recent advancements in solar tracking systems have
used efficiently in various areas. Regular maintenance and introduced innovative approaches to optimize solar energy
development of solar systems can save on electricity costs. The utilization. Sujatha et al. propose a system that employs
IoT allows for real-time monitoring of solar energy systems Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based Image Processing
from any location, improving efficiency and reliability. This Techniques (IPT) to estimate sun azimuth angles using GPS
study aims to improve solar power generation efficiency and and image sensor data [10], adapting to changing conditions
reliability by using a combination of sensors, microcontrollers, while minimizing power wastage. Traditional solar tracking
and IoT technologies to monitor solar panel performance, track systems relying on components like photovoltaic cells and IoT
sun movement, and calculate energy production. The system modules have faced cost and power consumption challenges
also includes a user interface providing real-time data on solar [11], but Saravanan et al. offer a solution using a reduced set
panel performance and energy production. The proposed of sensors and a stepper motor for cost-effective, high-
system offers higher efficiency, increased energy production, throughput tracking [12]. Additionally, IoT integration is
and improved reliability, making it a promising option for prevalent, as Soedjarwanto et al. demonstrate, utilizing IoT
widespread adoption in the renewable energy industry.
technology in their Photovoltaic Lighting System (PLTS) for
Keywords—IoT, Solar energy, Real-Time control and
real-time control and data sharing [13]. Olzhabay et al. focus
monitoring, Sun position tracking, ThingSpeak. on perovskite PV energy harvesting for continuous IoT device
power supply, emphasizing reliability [14].
I. INTRODUCTION Han et al. conducted a study on dual-mode solar automatic
The sun-tracking solar power calculation and monitoring tracking systems, highlighting the importance of automation
system based on IoT (Internet of Things) is a revolutionary technology in improving photovoltaic efficiency [15], and
technology that offers significant benefits over traditional achieved a 30% to 40% increase in power generation
solar power systems. This system utilizes sensors and efficiency by analyzing historical data and implementing real-
actuators to optimize the angle and direction of solar panels, time monitoring with software control. Tang et al. proposed a
ensuring maximum sun exposure throughout the day. By novel solar tracking system using LOGO! to achieve two-axis
constantly monitoring energy output and environmental solar tracking using sunflower tracking and path calculation
conditions, the system calculates the most efficient position of modes [16]. Jumaat et al. developed a dual-axis solar tracker
solar panels for optimal power generation. This innovative with an IoT monitoring system using Arduino [17], allowing
technology offers a sustainable and reliable source of clean remote monitoring and control. Gutierrez et al. introduced an
energy that can be remotely monitored and controlled through innovative "open-loop" solar tracker that executed tracking
the Internet, making it an excellent solution for residential and algorithms via the Firebase web service [18] and data
commercial applications. exchange through a NodeMCU development board. Kumar et
al. proposed soft computing [19], Thopate et al. developed
In the era of increasing demand for renewable energy
IoT-driven [20], and Gbadamosi et al. present an IoT-based
sources and the need for sustainable solutions, the sun-
dual-axis [21] solar PV tracking system to enhance solar PV
tracking solar power calculation and monitoring system based
efficiency, reflecting ongoing efforts to optimize solar
on IoT offers a promising solution that can lead to a more
tracking for maximum energy generation.
environmentally friendly and economically feasible future.
The system allows for real-time data monitoring from the solar The above literature shows that solar energy automatic
panel, identifying issues such as excess lying, excessive dust, tracking systems have significantly improved photovoltaic
or improper energy storage. The automated system can be efficiency through innovative technologies. However,
monitored from anywhere worldwide through the internet [1]. challenges such as cost, power consumption, maintenance,
IoT-based monitoring and control can enhance performance, and complexity introduced by IoT, web services, and image
efficiency, and reliability by addressing losses, equipment processing pose significant challenges. These systems are

979-8-3503-8577-9/24/$31.00 ©2024 IEEE

particularly critical in off-grid or resource-constrained implementation of a servo motor control, which begins with
settings. Environmental factors like dust and weather can the Servo.h library and the declaration of a Servo object. The
affect system performance over time. Scalability, reliability, loop() function dictates the behavior of the servo, including
internet dependency, integration complexity, and data security conditional statements and loops to create dynamic responses
are critical for successful deployment. to input or sensor data.
To address the concerns above, this paper aims to develop Both stepper and servo motor control codes demonstrate
a sun-tracking solar power calculation and monitoring system the system's capability to actuate mechanical components
based on IoT that offers a sustainable and reliable solution for precisely, which is crucial for its intended function, which
residential and commercial applications. This innovative may range from automation to robotics. Integrating these
technological advantage allows for remote monitoring and software components with hardware creates a cohesive system
control of the solar panel, ensuring optimal output and capable of performing its intended tasks.
efficiency. With the increasing demand for renewable energy
sources, this system can lead to a more environmentally
friendly and economically feasible future. By monitoring real-
time data from the solar panel, users can ensure optimal power
generation and that the system provides the best output
possible.
The subsequent sections of the paper are structured in the
following manner: The experimental setup's approach, as well
as the circuit layout and flowchart for the advanced analytics
algorithm, were discussed in Section II. The application and (a)
practical results are shown in Section III, together with a
discussion and comparison to others based on evaluation
indexes. In Section IV, at the end of the paper, a conclusion
will be offered to wrap up everything.
II. METHODOLOGY
This section explains the design and development of
different sections of the proposed Sun Tracking Solar Power
Calculation and Monitoring System.
A. Software Implementation (b)

The system used Arduino IDE version 1.8.18, which Fig. 1. Software implementation of the proposed system: (a) initial setup,
interfaced with Arduino UNO, essential for the sun tracking and (b) operational logic.
subsystem. The system fetched real-time luminance values B. Server Implementation
through the LDR sensor library, and the digital Servo Motor
Transitioning to the server facet, thingspeak.com became
library facilitated the physical movements in response to
the chosen platform, with the creation of a complimentary
sunlight changes. For data collection and transmission, the
student account. This move granted access to a distinct User
system incorporated Node MCU ESP8266, and with the ESP
ID and password from the Things Speak server. The platform
8266 Wi-Fi board installation, the Arduino IDE effectively
was compartmentalized into sections representing humidity,
communicated with the module. By integrating the DHT22
temperature, voltage, current, and power, facilitating a holistic
sensor library, the system accessed ambient temperature and
data overview. Combining the unique User ID and password
humidity data, while the ACS712 sensor library captured
allowed for efficient monitoring of refreshed data. Connection
current values. The 16 x 2 character LCD displayed real-time
credentials, like Channel Number 1880986 and WriteAPIKey
data using the rgb_lcd.h library, enhancing user interaction.
B3JIXIPFBY1RZB3M, were instrumental in forging a bridge
Remote data accessibility was achieved using the ThingSpeak
with the system. The account settings were adjusted to private
platform, embedding the ThingSpeak.h library and
to safeguard data and maintain discretion.
configuring with Channel Number 1880986 and
WriteAPIKey B3JIXIPFBY1RZB3M. Upon uploading the
code with the requisite libraries, the system began displaying
sensor readings on the LCD and relaying this data to the
server, with a serial monitor offering a view of the internal
data streams.
The proposed system consists of two main components:
initial setup and operational logic. Fig. 1. (a), the setup phase
involves the inclusion of the Stepper.h library, defining the
interface type and control pins for a 4-pin stepper motor,
Fig. 2. Server implementation of the proposed system.
setting the number of steps per revolution, and the initial speed
of the motor. The setup also includes an initial position for the C. Operational Control Analytics Algorithm
motor. Fig. 1. (b), the operational logic is encapsulated within
the loop() function, a characteristic structure of Arduino The proposed Sun Tracking Solar Power System operates
programming. This function contains the logic that the MCU in a systematic sequence. The scenario in Fig. 3 starts with
executes repeatedly. The code snippet provided shows the setting up sensors to measure sunlight intensity and micro-
Fig. 3. Flowchart for advanced analytics algorithm for controlling.

controllers to process the incoming data. The system then gather data from various sensors and transmit it to a
enters the sunlight detection phase, where Light Dependent designated server. The experimental setup incorporates two
Resistors (LDRs) measure the intensity of sunlight. If the distinct sensors: the DHT 22 humidity and temperature sensor
intensity falls below a threshold, the system defers and the ACS 712 current sensor.
adjustments to the solar panels and engages in a feedback loop The DHT 22 sensor is responsible for gathering data on
to optimize performance. humidity and temperature, while the ACS 712 sensor is
If adequate sunlight is present, the system collects designed to measure current levels. The present sensor is
additional environmental data, including temperature, coupled in a series configuration with the load, establishing a
humidity, and electrical current output from the solar panels. connection to the solar panel. The current sensor detects the
Microcontrollers process this data to determine the most current value when the motor transmits the load. The Node
effective panel positioning. If the panels are not optimally MCU device can exhibit and transmit various environmental,
positioned, the system adjusts them. Successful panel parameters such as humidity, temperature, voltage, current,
adjustment leads to transmitting the data and panel positions and power values.
to a central server for real-time monitoring and remote control.
The system continuously refines operational parameters using 1
newly transmitted and historically stored data. And also
checks for operational errors and executes maintenance 2
protocols to rectify them. If no errors are found, the system
continues in its routine functioning. A database compiles all
operational data, including performance metrics, error logs,
and adjustment records, supporting the system's adaptive 11
capabilities and ensuring maximum energy generation
1

9 8
efficiency. 10 1

6 7
D. Hardware Implementation 3 4 1 5
In Fig. 4. the prototype of the system entails the utilization
of an Arduino UNO to regulate a digital servo motor in a solar Fig. 4. Hardware configuration setup.
tracking system. The LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) sensor
Note: 1. Solar Panel, 2. Digital Servo Motor, 3. Arduino UNO, 4. Motor
is employed for sunlight detection, wherein it outputs a binary (Load), 5. LCD, 6. NodeMCU ESP8266, 7. Laptop, 8. LDR Photosensitive
value of 1 upon exposure to incident sunlight. The Node MCU Sensor Module, 9. ACS712- Current Sensor, 10. Battery, 11. DHT- 22
ESP 8266 has a 9V Li-ion rechargeable battery, enabling it to humidity and temperature Sensor.
 III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS B. Software Results
Delving into the results analysis of the system, where After Uploading the code into the system, it can also
examination and analysis of the data obtained from practical monitor all the values in the Arduino (IDE) software Serial
measurements and the readings displayed on the Blynk app Monitor. First, it will take some time to connect to the
provide a comprehensive evaluation of the outcomes of the mentioned WiFi. Fig. 8 shows that it successfully connected
system and conclusions from the collected data. By comparing to Salman (Mentioned WiFi). After that, it started to show
the practical data with the data displayed on the Blynk app, Temperature (°C), Humidity (%), Current (Amp), Voltage
assess the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring system. (V), and Power (Watt) values. First, setting the values will
take some time and then showing them perfectly. For the LCD
A. Hardware Results and serial display, make an option that will first show
1) Case Study 1: Humidity and Temperature Output temperature and current, then take some delay, and at that
In the given scenario in Fig. 4, the DHT22 sensor indicates time, it will show “waiting.” After that, it will show Current,
a low humidity level of 16.00%, suggesting a dry Voltage, and power.
environment. The temperature is moderate at 19°C, suitable
for most electronics like Arduino UNO and Node MCU ESP
8266. These conditions may not significantly affect the solar
tracker's performance, but extreme humidity and temperature
can affect the longevity and reliability of electronic
components and solar panel efficiency.

Fig. 5. The LCD display output humidity and temperature reading.

2) Case Study 2: Current and Voltage Output

The LCD output, Fig. 5, shows the current sensor reading
of 0.01 A and the voltage sensor reading of 10.52 V, indicating
minimal motor load and low light intensity. This could
indicate reduced power generation from the solar panel. The
voltage reading is stable and within the expected range for a
small-scale solar panel, typically around 12 V. This voltage
level is sufficient for charging the 9V Li-ion battery in the
Node MCU ESP 8266. Still, the efficiency of the charging
process should be analyzed further, considering the power
output and the battery's specifications.
Fig. 8. Monitor all the values in the Arduino (IDE) software serial display
output.

C. Server Results
1) Case Study 1: Humidity and Temperature Server
Output
Fig. 6. The LCD display output current and voltage reading. The ThingSpeak chart Fig. 7 shows that Field 1 reveals
diurnal variations in humidity levels, mirroring the natural
3) Case Study 3: Power Output swings in ambient humidity. The data collected on December
In the given scenario in Fig. 6, the solar panel's power 5, 2022, is expected to follow this pattern unless influenced by
output, calculated to be 0.14 watts, is low, possibly due to low meteorological conditions.
illumination or system inefficiency. It should be compared to
expected performance metrics under similar environmental The system's 15-second update frequency provides a
conditions. If the output is significantly lower than expected, detailed view of humidity fluctuations, crucial for evaluating
a system design review is necessary, including the solar the solar tracking system's cooling requirements and
tracker alignment, panel condition, and electrical connections. understanding the environmental conditions.
Field 2 also shows daily fluctuations, with temperatures
peaking in the afternoon and dropping in the early morning.
Accurate temperature measurements on December 5, 2022,
can provide valuable information about the solar tracker's
working temperature range and efficiency under specific
environmental conditions. Monitoring these variations is
essential for the optimal functioning of solar panels.
Fig. 7. The LCD display output power reading.
 Fig. 11. Thingspeak server output of power.

D. Comparative Study
Table 1 compares previously developed and proposed IoT-
based sun-tracking systems for monitoring and control
systems. The proposed system has low maintenance costs,
Fig. 9. Thingspeak server output of humidity and temperature. low-risk security, a user-friendly setup, high energy
efficiency, and high reliability. It also offers real-time and
2) Case Study 2: Current and Voltage Server Output remote control capabilities, a technological leap forward. The
In the given scenario in Fig. 8, the solar tracking system's system's low integration complexity and high energy
voltage measurement is approximately 10 V, which aligns efficiency make it a more economical option over the long
with the nominal operating voltage commonly observed in term. The system's advanced features, such as real-time and
small-scale solar panels. This high data refresh rate allows remote control, could revolutionize user experience and
real-time monitoring and prompt detection of notable system performance.
variances that could signify problems with the solar panel or
the tracking device. When the voltage reading remains TABLE I. COMPARISON BETWEEN PROPOSED AND EXISTING
MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
consistently close to the predicted operational value, it
indicates the panel is operating correctly, given the current References
Jumaat Gutiérr Kumar Thopate Gbada
lighting conditions. et al. ez et et al. et al. mosi et Proposed
[17] al. [18] [19] [20] al. [21]
A recorded current measurement of 0.01 Amps suggests a Indicators
relatively low value, possibly indicating diminished sunlight Maintenanc
E ME ME ME E LE
e costs
intensity during the measurement time or suboptimal Security
alignment of the solar tracker with the sun's position, resulting M H H M M L
issue
in reduced capture of solar radiation. This may indicate lower- Complex
H H H M H L
integration
than-anticipated energy conversion efficiency of the solar Energy
panel, which can be attributed to factors such as panel M L L H M H
efficiency
temperature, angle of incidence, shadowing, or intrinsic Reliability M L L L M H
inefficiencies. Real-time
and remote
No No No No No Yes
control and
monitoring
Note: H is used for High, M is used for Medium, and L is used for Low. Cost
categories are based on annual maintenance expenses: E is used for Expensive, ME
is used for Medium Expensive, and LE is used for Less Expensive.

IV. CONCLUSIONS
Developing the Sun Tracking Solar Power Calculation and
Monitoring System based on IoT is a significant advancement
in renewable energy technology, addressing challenges faced
by traditional fixed solar panel systems. This intelligent and
automated solution tracks the sun's movement and adjusts the
angle of solar panels to maximize energy generation. It can
monitor parameters such as energy generation, temperature,
and humidity, providing real-time data for analysis and
Fig. 10. Thingspeak server output of current and voltage.
decision-making. The system is cost-effective, with an
efficiency of about 95%. The cloud-based data can be
3) Case study 3: Power Server Output
analyzed using MatLab, and the web application can be
In the case of Fig. 9, the simultaneous power output in real- designed for end-user interaction. Android applications can
time offers prompt evaluation of the system's operational also be used to analyze the accuracy of models.
effectiveness. In this instance, the observed power output of
0.1 W can be considered relatively modest, potentially Future work in this field could include more sophisticated
attributable to the limited current generation throughout the algorithms for tracking the sun's movement, optimizing
measurement period. Given the prevailing environmental energy consumption, and making the system more accessible
circumstances, the observed decrease in power output implies to a broader range of users. In summary, the sun-tracking solar
that the solar panel may be experiencing insufficient solar power calculation and real-time monitoring system based on
irradiance or suboptimal efficiency. IoT is a promising innovation that can significantly increase
the efficacy and efficiency of solar energy production.
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