BY- PROJECT GUIDE-

HIMANSHU SAXENA Ms. RUCHITA GAUTAM

MANU KAUSHIK
NIKITA SRIVASTAVA
NEETU
CONTENTS
Introduction
What is a Solar Tracker ?
Need for a Sun Tracking System
Condition for Maximum Output
Basic Components
The Working
Applications
Advantages & Disadvantages
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
EXTRACTING usable electricity from the sun was
made possible by the discovery of the
photoelectric effect.

Subsequent development of the solar cell, which

is a semi-conductive material that converts visible
light into a direct current.

Solar arrays, a series of solar cells electrically

connected, generates a DC voltage which can be
used on a load.
Contd
Solar arrays are being used increasingly as
efficiencies reach higher levels, and are
especially popular in remote areas where
placement of electricity lines are not
economically viable.

For further optimization of these panels solar

trackers are being implemented, which enhances
the efficiency of panels by 30-35 %.
What is a solar Tracker ?
A solar tracker is a generic term used to describe
devices that orient or align various payloads toward
the sun.

Example for payloads are photovoltaic panels,

reflectors, Collectors, lenses or other optical devices.

The system focuses on the optimization of the electric

energy produced by photovoltaic
cells through the development of a
sun-tracking system.
Need For A Sun Tracking System
From dawn to dusk the sun keeps changing the
angle from 0-90 rising and 90-180 declining.
In a year of 365 days the sun moves
approximately 22.5 degrees north to 22.5
degrees south of the equator.
We get maximum energy from the sun when
- The angle of the sun is degrees
- The suns position is 0 +/- 5 degrees of the
equator
Contd.
For the fluctuation factors mentioned
previously, fixed solar panels does not give
higher efficiencies.
A tracking system helps the solar panels keep
oriented to the sun at the optimum possible
angle.
The tracking system improves the efficiency of
solar panels by 30% for single axis and an
additional 6% for dual axis.
Conditions For Maximum Output
The difference between the incident ray and
the reflected ray should be equal to zero, i.e.
the rays should be perpendicular to the panel.
The altitude is directly proportional to the
efficiency of the system up to a certain limit.
Very clear sky and clean atmosphere
contributes a bit more to the efficiency of the
system.
Basic Components
The Solar Panel
Stepper Motor
Actuator
Microcontroller
A Display Unit (Optional)
Interfacing Cables
Circuit Diagram
Applications
Can be used for small & medium scale power
generations.
For power generation at remote places where
power lines are not accessible.
For domestic backup power systems.
Advantages
Solar tracking systems continually orient photovoltaic
panels towards the sun and can help maximize your
investment in your PV system.
One time investment, which provides higher efficiency &
flexibility on dependency over other sources.
Tracking systems can help reducing emissions and can
contribute against global warming.
Bulk implementations of tracking systems help reduced
consumption of power by other sources.
It enhances the clean and emission free power
production.
Disadvantages
Initial investment is high on solar panels.
Its a bit of difficult for servicing, as the tracking
systems are not quite popular regionally.
Moving parts and gears which will require
regular maintenance.
May require repair or replacement of broken
parts over a long run.
 Conclusion
On one hand we can see the worlds energy
resources depletion to be a major problem.
On the other hand global warming, which is a
major concern.
Switching to solar power, which is clean and
green and enhancing its efficiency by using sun
trackers is a great option in the near future .
References

http://www.scientificamerican.com
http://www.linak.com/products
http://www.thesolarguide.com
http://www.patentstorm.us
http://www.free-power.org
http://en.wikipedia.org
Solar Energy Principles of thermal
collection & storage
By S P Sukhatme