INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

As we know, sun is a one of the most important component in this world. Without

sun, it is impossible for a human or living creature to live in this world. Humans nowadays

feel uncomforted about the global warming situation. Even this kind of situation brings a

lot of negative perception, they should have to think it through the positive way. One of

the way to reduce the global warming is to reduce the utilizing of electrical voltage and

change to a natural voltage source like wind, rain, tides, sunlight and geothermal heats.

So, the engineers try to create a new device that can convert the natural energy to an

electrical energy like solar panel for sunlight energy, wind turbines for wind energy, water

turbines. The problem that still exists now is the device that invests by an engineer. For

example, the solar panel that many of the users use is only in a one way direction. If the

sun located at the direction that is not perpendicular to the solar panel, the power that can

be generate is low compare to the when the sun located exactly perpendicular to the solar

panel. The sun is rotate from east to west but the highest power that can be generate by

the solar panel is when location of sun is perpendicular to the solar panel. So the power

that can be use in the night day is quite short.

So, the project that the researches will do is called Horizontal Single Axis Solar

Tracker. This is because the sunlight can generate a clean and free power. This project
helps for power generation by setting the equipment to get maximum sunlight

automatically.

This system is suitable to be used in home or small factories that want to save their

budget for a long term.

Objective of the Project

This study on the Horizontal Single Axis Solar Tracker was guided by the following

specific objective:

1. To design and fabricate a Horizontal Single Axis Solar Tracker.

2. To test and evaluate the Horizontal Single Axis Solar Tracker.

3. To determine the cost of fabrication.

Significance of the Study

In remote areas the sun is a cheap source of electricity because instead of

hydraulic generators it uses solar cells to produce electricity. While the output of solar

cells depends on the intensity of sunlight and the angle of incidence. It means to get

maximum efficiency; the solar panels must remain in front of sun during the whole day.

But due to rotation of earth, those panels cant maintain their position always in front of

sun. This problem results in decrease of their efficiency. Thus, to get a constant output,

a solar tracker is required which should be capable to constantly rotate the solar panel.

The solar panel that can be generating here is very high compare to when the solar panel
can only stay in one direction. So, the areas dont have to install more than one solar

panel to generate enough power. One solar panel is enough to produce a lot of power.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study only focuses on the design, fabrication and testing of the Horizontal

Single Axis Solar Tracker and to evaluate the systems performance and efficiency. Also,

to measure the voltage, current and power at different position and time on a particular

day.

Definition of Terms

Horizontal Single Axis Solar Tracker. Rows of modules that are usually orientated in a

North-South line rotating from East-West.

Light Sensor. Use to detect the current ambient light level, how bright or dark it is.

Linear Motor. An electric induction motor that produces motion in a straight line rather

than rotational motion.

Microcontroller PIC16F84A. An 8-bit microcontroller which means that it is capable of

processing only 8-bits at a time.

Photovoltaic. A term which covers the conversion of light into electricity using

semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.

Solar Panel. A group of several modules electrically connected in series-parallel

combinations to generate the required current and voltage.

Solar Tracker. A system that positions an object at an angle relative to the Sun.