CREATING AN OPTIMIZED SOLAR TRACKER USING AN ARDUINO MICROCONTROLLER

Abstract

Solar energy has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional energy sources due to its renewable and environmentally friendly nature. Maximizing the efficiency of solar panels is essential for harnessing solar energy effectively. One method to enhance solar panel efficiency is by employing solar trackers, which adjust the orientation of solar panels to optimize sunlight exposure throughout the day. In this study, we focus on the development of an optimized solar tracker using an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller provides a versatile and cost-effective platform for controlling the movement of solar panels based on real-time data from light sensors. The tracker system consists of light sensors, motors, and an Arduino board programmed to detect the position of the sun and adjust the tilt angle of the solar panel accordingly. By continuously tracking the sun's position, the solar tracker ensures that the solar panel maintains an optimal orientation relative to the sun, thereby maximizing energy generation.Key components of the solar tracker include the light sensors, which detect changes in light intensity corresponding to the sun's position, and the motors, which drive the movement of the solar panel based on input from the Arduino microcontroller. Additionally, the Arduino microcontroller is programmed with algorithms to calculate the optimal tilt angle for the solar panel based on the sun's position throughout the day.