Using Solar Tracking Technologies to Enhance the Efficiency of Solar Panels
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Abstract
This paper analyzes energy yield increases from prototype solar tracking roof-mounted panels. A measuring stand tracked solar radiation and directed the panel using a microprocessor-controlled energy monitoring device for automatic operation. Sensors detected the sun's position, with adjustments by electric servo motors. Results showed solar tracking can enhance energy yield by about 35.6% over fixed panels on sloped roofs, offering quick returns on investment. Solar technologies are categorized into solar thermal, capturing heat, and solar photovoltaic, generating electricity, further divided by collector surface area: concentrated systems with fewer, larger surfaces focus sunlight, while non-concentrated systems feature larger areas with integrated conversion devices. This research emphasizes enhancing flat plate solar photovoltaic efficiency through two-axis solar tracking for better sunlight capture. Many systems face issues since optimal exposure occurs only at solar noon, as around 80% of solar energy is reflected outside this time. Therefore, panel orientation must adjust throughout the day. Proposed two-axis trackers use servo motors to change the panel's inclination on both azimuthal and elevation axes, suggesting diverse designs for solar trackers, including mechanical and microcontroller-based systems.