Optimization of PV Power Output Using Single-Axis Sun Light Tracker and MPPT Algorithm

Abstract

The growth of global energy consumption and the depletion of the non-renewable recourses had caused many environment issues. These environmental issues and the demand of global energy had driven up the implementation of solar energy. The optimization of PV power output can be achieved using solar tracking and MPPT algorithm. Comparison of power output had been made with a system that does not have solar tracking to show the improvements made using a single axis solar tracking system. Power of 100 W solar tracker and two 50 W stationary panels connected in parallel. The values of the resistors of 4 and 8 Ω have been chosen based on the solar panels R characteristics. The system consists of three (3) important parts, software hardware, and electronic circuits. DC motor is used to rotate the solar PV panel (100 W) and Two (2) light dependent resistors (LDR) were used as light detectors. Solar tracker and stationary panels facing the East-West direction at University of Wollongon Malaysia KDU, Glenmarie Campus at the coordinates (3.092008, 101.559373). Two prototypes are built for data collection based on Arduino Mega 2560. An increase of 35–40% in power output compared to fixed rooftop installation.