Solar tracking: The best alternative to obtain more solar power output

Abstract

By conventional solar panels, only 15–22 % of incoming solar energy is converted to electric energy. Therefore, to achieve a stable output, a programmed system is required that can constantly gyrate the solar panel. The Solar Ray Tracking Device was created to address the issue stated above. This system is entirely automated, as it gyrates the panel to face the sun till it’s visible and takes Sun as a reference source rather than the earth, with its sensing elements continually following the solar rays and rotating the panel to achieve the maximum outcome. Photovoltaic panels are a packed, interconnected arrangement of PV cells that have been kept in an optimum position at 90°with respect to the incoming solar rays to optimize the power outcome. The dual-axis mechanism is an effective technique to enhance the efficiency of solar cells which was developed to track the Sun’s movement. Solar radiation and PV parameters were studied using characterization techniques such as spectral analysis, PV panel analysis, and LDR sensors. Spectral analysis reveals a good amount of current and solar output power at 435 nm wavelength, which helps in the material selection for PV panels. PV parameter was observed and checked, which shows the maximum solar energy that can be received by a given panel. Solar tracking at a small scale is tested, but in reality, large-scale testing can still be done in the future.