AUTOMATIC SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM

A PROJECT REPORT
Submitted in partial fulfilment
for the award of the degree

Bachelor of Technology
IN
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

BATCH 2017-2021

Submitted by

TENZIN URGYAL (170490108003)

SHAHID AFRIDI (170490108002)
UJJWAL GODIYAL (680490108011)
RAHUL UNIYAL (680490108007)

Under the Supervision of

MR. SUNIL TIWARI
Assistant Professor
EEE

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Guru Ram Das Institute of Management & Technology
DEHRADUN(UTTARAKHAND)-248001
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are highly grateful to Mr. Pankaj Aswal (HOD), Electrical And Electronics Engineering,
GRD-IMT DEHRADUN ,for providing us the opportunity to work on the project .We are deeply
indebted to MR. Sunil Tiwari , our guide and mentor , for his valuable guidance , help and
coordination.
We would also likely to extend our sincere gratitude to the laboratory technician in our department
laboratories whose knowledge in the field of electronics proved to be highly important for our
project . Finally , we would like to thank the Electrical and Electronics Department for giving us
this opportunity to work on this project and extending lab facilities as when required by us.

Tenzin Urgyal (170490108003)

Shahid Afridi (170490108002)

Rahul Uniyal (680490108007)

Ujjwal Godiyal (680490108011)

ii
 GRD Institute of Management and Technology

(Approved by AICTE, Affiliated to Uttarakhand Technology University)

DEHRADUN- 248001, Uttarakhand

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering

CERTIFICATE
The project report titled “Automatic Solar Tracker System” prepared by

1.Tenzin Urgyal (170490108003)

2.Shahid Afridi (170490108002)
3. Rahul Uniyal (680490108007)
4. Ujjwal Godiyal (680490108011)

Is the record of the work done by them in the requirement for the degree of bachelor of
technology in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, college of technology, GURU RAM DAS
INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY.

----------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Mr. Sunil Tiwari Mr Pankaj Aswal

Assistant Professor, EEE Head of department, EEE

(Project guide)
DATE-:
External Examiner
 Guru Ram Das Institute of Management & Technology
DEHRADUN(UTTARAKHAND)-248001

STUDENT DECLARATION
I hereby recommend that the project report titled “Automatic Solar Tracker System” in partial
fulfilment of the requirement of the award of the degree of bachelor of technology by the
department of electrical and electronics engineering, GRD institute of management and
technology , Dehradun, Uttarakhand Technical University ,is an authentic evidence of my work
under the supervision of Ms. Sunil Tiwari , Assistant professor of EEE, GRD IMT Dehradun.

Tenzin Urgyal (170490108003)

Shahid Afridi (170490108002)

Rahul Uniyal (680490108007)

Ujjwal Godiyal (680490108011)

iv
 INTRODUCTION

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Figure Name Page No.

Figure 2.1 Pin Diagram of NodeMcu 8

Figure 2.2 Block Diagram of Automatic Solar Tracking System 10

Figure 2.3 Concept of Using Two LDR 11

Figure 3.1 Earth Rotation 14

Figure 3.2 Earth Rotation and Revolution 15

Figure 3.3 Angle of elevation and zenith angle 16

Figure 3.4 Single Axis Tracker 18

Figure 3.5 Dual Axis Tracker 19

Figure 3.6 Fixed collector 19

Figure 3.7 Sun path diagram for Calcutta 20

Figure 3.8 Conversions taking place inside the Solar charge controller 23

Figure 4.1 Solar Cell 27

Figure 4.2 Symbol of LDR 28

Figure 4.3 Pin diagram of NodeMcu 29

Figure 4.4 DC Motor 30

Figure 4.5 31
Mechanical structure of Single axis Automatic Solar Tracking
System

Figure 4.6(a) Setting up NodeMcu- Port Connection 32

Figure 4.6(b) Setting up NodeMcu- Upload speed 33

1
 INTRODUCTION

Figure 4.6(c) Setting up NodeMcu- Installing Library 3

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Table Name Page No.

Table 1.1 Types of Solar cell based on the material 4

Table 2.1 GPIO pin mapping table of NodeMcu 8

Table 3.1 Types of Solar Tracker 16

Table 5.1 PV array outputs for bright sunny day on 4th April 2019 36

Table 5.2 LDR output for cloudy day on 7th April 2019 37
LDR output for bright sunny day on 2nd April 2019 37
Table 5.3

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 INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content Page No.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii
CERTIFICATE iii
STUDENT DECLARATION
iv
LIST OF FIGURES v
LIST OF TABLES vi
ABSTRACT ix
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 1
2.2 Literature Review 3
CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
2.1 Implementation 8
2.2 Theory of using Two LDR 11
2.3 Research Design 12
CHAPTER 3: THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
3.1 The Earth: Rotation and Revolution 14
3.2 Types of Tracker 17
3.3 Fixed Collector 20
3.4 Maximum Power Point Tracking 22
3.5 Advantages & Pitfalls of Solar Energy 26
3.5.1 Advantages 26
3.5.2 Pitfalls 26
CHAPTER 4: HARDWARE PROTOTYPE
4.1 Hardware Prototype 27
4.1.1 The Solar Input 27
4.1.2 The Controlling Circuit 28
4.1.3 The Driving Motors 29

3
 INTRODUCTION

4.1.4 Mechanical Structure 31

4.2 Software Design 32
CHAPTER 5: EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS & ANALYSIS
5.1 Experimental Result 36
5.2 Analysis 38
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION, FUTURE SCOPE
6.1 Conclusion 39
6.2 Future Scope 40
REFERENCES 41

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 INTRODUCTION

Abstract

Of all the renewable energies, solar energy is the only energy gained its popularity
and importance quickly. Through the solar tracking system, we can produce an
abundant amount of energy which makes the solar panel’s workability much more
efficient. Perpendicular proportionality of the solar panel with the sun rays is the
reason lying behind its efficiency. Pecuniary, its installation charge is high provided
cheaper options are also available. This project is discussed all about the design and
construction mechanism of the prototype for the solar tracking system having a single
axis of freedom.
The main control circuit is based upon NodeMcu microcontroller. Programming of
this device is done in the manner that the LDR sensor, in accordance with the
detection of the sun rays, will provide direction to the DC Motor that in which way
the solar panel is going to revolve. Through this, the solar panel is positioned in such
a manner that the maximum amount of sun rays could be received. In comparison
with the other motors, DC motor is the simplest and the suave one, the torque of which
is high and speed of which is slow enough. We can program it for changing the
direction notwithstanding the fact that it rotates only in one direction subject to
exception as far as programming is concerned. 1985, first time ever it was witnessed
for production of the silicon solar cells with an efficiency of 20%. Though a hike in
the efficiency of the solar panel had a handsome increase still perfection was a far-
fetched goal for it. Below 40%, most of the panels still hover to operate.
Consequently, peoples are compelled to purchase a number of panels in order to meet
their energy demands or purchase single systems with large outputs. Availability of
the solar cells types with higher efficiencies is on provided they are too costly to
purchase. Ways to be accessed for increasing solar panel efficiencies are a plethora
in number still one of the ways to be availed for accomplishing the said purpose while
reducing costs, is tracking.

5
 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

GENERAL BACKGROUND
Bustling civilization is the vein through which modern civilization is operated. Energy day by day
is put to use at its best to fulfil the desires and ambition of the peoples at large. Each and every
corner of our life is caged with various layers of impediment and in this response, energy is
becoming an indispensable factor. Therefore, the source of energy needs to be endless/ perpetual
in order to carry this colossal population ahead. Human beings being evolutionary in nature are
perhaps the best ever creation of nature is always in the race of envisaging the probable and
available comforts and benefits in every possible angle in this perilous world. The evidential matrix
manifests that in a dichotomy of various opinions what options best expedite the scarcity of energy
in an immensely heterogeneous society like ours. Our motto is to endeavour in forwarding such
noble goal of energy conservation.

Taking a look at the present scenario it is evident that conventional sources of energy such as coal,
natural gas, oil, etc. are at the edge of extinction. Being in mortal combat with time itself to fulfil
every demand for energy the demand for these resources for energy has escalated to its zenith. The
conventional use of energies due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, the
whole environment is getting polluted. The present project, therefore, is orchestrated with
components like LDR module, DC Motor, Photovoltaic array etc. according to which while the
functioning of, unlike other use of the conventional energies, would not emit any pollution and in
turn act as a reservoir of energy taken from the Sun itself. As adumbrated no other energy is more
abundant than solar energy as per as its availability and freeness are concerned, utilization of
which, compounded with rest of the fact of its conversion into electrical energy. Historically if
counted, in the year 1881 for the first time ever solar panel was invented. Later on, all through the
hands of Russell Ohl in the year, 1941 concept of the solar cell was conceived and subsequently
workability of a solar panel has also advanced in comparison with the earlier span. Though it is
improbable still it is not impossible as per as tracking of the mother energy is concerned in
furtherance to which attempt has been taken through this project to confine every drop of energy
from being left out. The DC Motor adjacent with the system with the help of LDR module by

6
 INTRODUCTION

measuring the intensity of the sun rays fixed on the upper edge of the solar panel will help the solar
panel to revolve around proportionately with the movement of the Sun itself in order to grab and
store the maximum amount of energy as it can. In pursuance of such objectivity, this project comes
forth into existence.

When heat is the source of every creation, Sun produces the biggest ever energy in this solar system
to produce and transcend life from one organism to the other. In this response, the project called
"Automatic Solar Tracking System" serves the purpose of utilizing the maximum amount of energy
taken from the Sun and to convert such energy into some other production. The basic endeavour
is crooned to scoop out from this project in making this system an economically convenient
subject, accessibility of which is easy and functioning of which is optimum in the end. In the wake
of technological advancement when the pace of time is at its best to pass by, this system is a time
worthy production, produced to create the best of its kind. In a stretch, it could be signified that
this project which is an extension of solar energy, is a renewable source of energy, never-ending
phenomena. It's only 10 to 20 per cent of the solar cells that are being used commercially out of
which the best potential of the cells gets reflected and therefore scope for better use of the solar
cells exist.

In the world of pollution, this system is an eco-friendly alternative, hence a valuable asset. When
the ocean of pollution is encumbering every corner of life, this system would be able to create
ripples of hope in the midst of this bustling civilization. The survivability of this system lies upon
its workability. In the trend of comparison with other mind-boggling systems, it could be a
trailblazer.

LITERATURE REVIEW

The paucity of available resources has forced contemporary society to look for measures to
consummate the demands of the latter. With the nurturing civilization, the depletion of

7
 INTRODUCTION

conventional fuels, due to human practices has been an alarm to sustainable development issues.
The scarcity of energy and its source guided us towards the optimistic approach of using the
alternative resources bestowed to humankind–Solar, tidal etc.

The Sun has been looked upon as an imperative source of energy. Solar energy is an eco-friendly
resource as compared to its counterparts. The advancement of technology has out-turn foster
techniques to utilize this energy into its own good use. Be it as thermal energy, electricity, fuel
production and many more. Photovoltaic or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems are operated
to transfigure the solar power expropriated by the earth into electricity. Solar tracking device
utilizes this expropriated solar power through the channel of photovoltaic arrays, an oriented
scaffolding of photovoltaic/solar cells.[1]

Solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells are used to convert light energy into electricity.
Photovoltaic cells work on the principle of the photovoltaic effect, which is similar to the
photoelectric effect. Differences being that the electrons in photovoltaic are not emitted instead
contained in the material around the surface, creating a voltage difference. Solar cells are forged
with crystalline silicon. It is the most commonly used material in a solar cell. The use of silicon in
the solar cell has been very efficient and low cost. Two forms of crystalline silicon can be used to
make solar cells. Other than silicon, solar cells can be fabricated with cadmium telluride (CdTe),
Copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) etc. the fabrication of solar cells with materials other
silicon is slightly expensive, thus making silicon the best material to be used in solar tracking
systems.[2]

One of the finest and extensively used material, monocrystalline silicon has an efficiency of about
15-20%. While under high temperature the performance of the cell material drops by 10-15% of
the initial.
Polycrystalline silicon is another form, cheaper than the latter but has the same band gap as that of
monocrystalline silicon. Though it has the same band gap energy, it lags in efficiency, hence this
material is used in low-cost products.

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 INTRODUCTION

Amorphous silicon cells can work under extremely high temperatures, but the efficiency of these
cells is comparatively lower than the other silicon forms. [3]
The technologies which use CdTe, CIGS, Amorphous Thin-Film Silicon (a-Si, TF-Si) in the
fabrication of solar cells are known as thin film photovoltaic modules. These thin-film solar cells
are relatively cost-effective than the solar cells of crystalline silicon. [4]

Cell Technology Crystalline Silicon Thin Film Silicon

• Mono-crystalline • Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)

Types silicon (c-Si) • Cadmium telluride (CdTe)
• Poly-crystalline silicon • Copper indium gallium
(pc-Si/ mc-Si) (di)selenide (CIG/CIGS)

Temperature
resistivity Lower Higher

Module Efficiency 13-19% 4-12%

Table 1.1: Types of Solar cell based upon the material

There are several other factors on which the efficiency of a solar cell depends.
• Cell temperature
• Energy Conversion Efficiency
• Maximum power point tracking [5]

Solar panels are a cumulative orientation of photovoltaic cells. The PV cells are arranged in a
solar panel or a PV array such that is serves the purpose of exciting the electron of the material
consisting inside the solar cells using photons. The average amount of sunlight received by solar
panels particular depends on the position of the sun. [6]
Being a repository of energies, Sun witnessed to be the eminent and ever continuing source of
emitting radiation from it. A part of this source of natural energy is received by the solar panel.
Certain ways have been developed to utilize this energy source as an alternative to other

9
 INTRODUCTION

nonrenewable sources. Considering its multitudinous flourishing ways in which it can be applied
to bring about the change in conserving other resources, the manipulation of the energy source is
encouraged. [7]
Solar panels are hence used to utilize solar power in electrical means. They are aligned different
arenas to collect maximum solar power. Though, solar panels can be used to absorb or collect solar
power, there work is bounded to certain hours of the day and the sunlight pouring directly on them,
i.e. the angle between the sunrays and the panel is orthogonal. While at other hours of the day, the
angle of the sunrays is different, hence the amount of the solar power captured is very less. To
overcome such pitfalls, and encapsulate the maximum available of solar energy the solar tracking
systems were introduced. A solar tracking system is designed with the intention of keeping the
angle between the sunrays and the solar array 90°. The solar tracking system have three different
modules-
• The mechanism
• Driving motors
• The tracking controller.

The mechanism is accountable to furnish with accurate movements, in the sake of following the
footsteps of the sun throughout the day. The prototype of the device is made durable enough to
withstand unfavorable weather condition. This mechanism of the solar tracking systems classifies
themselves into two segments single axis tracker, dual axis tracker.[8]
Single axis tracking can be considered as one of the handy systems or prime solution in terms of
small-scale photovoltaic power plants. Single axis tracking can be done using three different
arrangements, which are based on the different axes of tracking-
• Inclined shaft installation
• South-North axis horizontal installation
• East-West axis horizontal installation.

Single axis tracker tracks in a single cardinal direction. The tracker has a single row tracking
configuration. The above maintained methods are the different arrangements in which single axis
tracker can be implemented. The working mechanism of all the maintained methods is at par with
each other. The angle of the sun with the surface of the collector is computed and examined, the

10
 INTRODUCTION

collectors are thus charged to track down the movement of the sun to meet the expectations of
captivating a greater percentage of solar radiance.[9]
There are numerable other imposition of single axis tracking tracker, including-
• Horizontal Single Axis Tracker (HSAT)
• Horizontal Single Axis Tracker with Tilted Module (HTSAT)
• Vertical Single Axis Tracker (VSAT)
• Tilted Single Axis Tracker (TSAT)
• Polar Aligned Single Axis Tracker (PSAT)

The rotational axis in the dual axis tracker are orthogonal to each other. One of the axes is fixed in
accordance with the ground level. This axis is known as the primary axis and the other axis is
hence called the secondary axis. Dual axis trackers moved along two cardinal directions, horizontal
and vertical. There are many applications of the dual axis tracker, the two most common being-
• Tip-Tilt Dual Axis Tracker
• Azimuthal Altitude Dual Axis Tracker. [10]

The efficiency of these tracker is much more than any single axis tracker. It conventionally follows
the movement of the un and hence captivates maximum solar energy.

On the basis of the driving mechanism solar trackers can again be of two kinds active solar
trackers and passive solar trackers. The mechanism which makes use of electric motors such as
DC motor, can be termed as active driving mechanism. The passive ones are simply controlled by
the movement of the earth that is the gravitational forces.

Solar tracking controller can also categories solar trackers into two different module-
1. Open loop control- The approach followed requires microprocessor. This method has a
inbuild prototype which is based upon the records of the movement of sun throughout the
day. Hence, the microcontroller computes the time and determines the position of the sun
at that particular hour. The control system is not affected by any geographical conditions.
2. Closed loop control/Feedback controllers- This control system utilizes photosensor to
compare the light intensity. These sensors are fixtures at the side of panel and helps in
detection of the position of the sun.

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 INTRODUCTION

The prototype used in this research, is that of a horizontal single axis tracker. The tracking system
utilizes photosensitive sensors to track down the movement or the path of the sun. This type of
tracking technique is classified as active solar tracking. It is based on feedback control system or
closed loop controlling. The intensities of light in our system are compared and the solar panel is
charged to move in the direction of maximum available intensity. Thus, the system works on the
feedback of the weather condition.

Effect of light intensity

Variation in the intensities of light plays a significant role in depicting the amount of power output.
This change in intensities monitors all the technical criterions such as voltage, circuit current,
efficiency, shunt resistance etc. As a result, higher the intensities of light, greater is the power
output.

The efficiency of solar panel

The efficiency is one of the most significant criteria which defines the quality of the output of a
certain device. There are many factors which alter the efficiency of a solar panel. Efficiency can
be described as the ration of the input energy through the solar cell to the energy of the sun. The
efficiency of the solar panel is monitored by the light intensity, material of the solar cell,
temperature etc.
For the calculation of the energy, we calculate the maximum power, which is defined as the product
of open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current (ISC) and fill factor (FF).[11]

𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑉𝑂𝐶𝐼𝑆𝐶𝐹𝐹

The efficiency (𝜂) is then calculated as: -

𝑉𝑂𝐶𝐼𝑆𝐶𝐹𝐹
𝜂=
𝑃𝑖𝑛
Where, 𝑃𝑖𝑛 is the total input power.

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 METHODOLOGY

CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY

2.1 IMPLEMENTATION
The project called “Automatic Solar Tracking System” is produced through installation of the
various nitty-gritty such as solar panel which provides 12 volts as output, an NodeMcu as MCU, a
motor driver – with IC L293D, two LDR sensor module, a 10 r.p.m. simple DC motor, a current
sensor and a 9 V battery.
Construction of the said project is being built out of the wooden base installed at the ground of it,
affixed with the iron rods on both the sides in a cross-shaped manner connected with a hollow
cylindrical rod from both the sides and the DC motor is clinging at one edge of the hollow rod.
Three-fold sections into which the circuit of the solar tracking system is divided. The input stage
has two LDR module that is so arranged to form a voltage divider circuit, the microcontroller is
programmed through the software named Arduino ide being decked up in the system and lastly the
driving circuit that has the DC motor helps in rotating the solar panel. The motor driver is embraced
with three terminals- two for motor input/ output respectively and the third one for power input.
The terminal for motor input is connected to 2 of the 14digital input/output pins of Arduino UNO
and subsequently, the motor output terminal is connected to the DC motor. The two LDR sensor
modules are annexed to the scaffolding with NodeMcu analogue inputs. The light dependent
resistors are then affixed along the length, on either side of the solar panel.

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 METHODOLOGY

Figure 2.1 Pin Diagram of NodeMcu

NodeMcu provides access to the GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) and a pin mapping table is
part of the API documentation.
I/O Index ESP8266 pin

0[*] GPIO16

1 GPIO5

2 GPIO4

3 GPIO3

4 GPIO2

5 GPIO14

6 GPIO12

7 GPIO13

8 GPIO15

9 GPIO3

10 GPIO1

11 GPIO9

12 GPIO10

Table 2.1: GPIO pin mapping table of NodeMcu

A simple hardware programming language called processing, which is similar to the C language
loaded into the Arduino UNO forms the embedded software.

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 METHODOLOGY

Figure 2.2: Block Diagram of Automatic Solar Tracking System

Before being consolidated into one system, three independent stages are engineered independently.
This approach, similar to stepwise refinement in modular programming, has been employed as it
ensures an accurate and logical approach which is straight forward and easy to understand. This
also ensures that if there are any errors, they are independently considered and corrected.

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 METHODOLOGY

2.2 THEORY OF USING TWO LDR

Figure 2.3: Concept of using Two LDR

The figure depicts the notion for the instalment of the light dependent resistors (LDR). A secure
state is attained when the light intensities of the two LDR become the same. The principal source
of light energy, the Sun, moves from east to west. This movement of the Sun causes the variation
in the level of light intensities falling on the two LDRs. The designed algorithm compares the
variation in the light intensities inside the microcontroller and the motor then is operated to rotate
the solar panel, so it moves aligned with the trail of the light source.

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 METHODOLOGY

2.3 RESEARCH DESIGN

Contemplating the idea of building the said project, the idea that has been conceived primarily is
to make the best use of solar energy. The next path that unravels is firstly the method to be adopted
in storing the solar energy at its maximum level which further ends up with hatching of the project
called “AUTOMATIC SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM’’. Culminating towards making the said
project caviar in its utilization several components have been unleashed, some of which are
mentioned so- 1. Solar Panel,
2. DC Motor,
3. L293D Motor driver module,
4. Microcontroller NodeMcu,
5. LDR sensor module,
6. Current sensor,

All in consolidation of the said components the concerned project is orchestrated, ought to seek
for imbibing the sun rays at its maximum level through the LDR sensor module etched on the
edges of the solar panel in accordance with the length of it, revolves in aid with the DC motor by
maintaining the proportionality of the Sun’s movement. Therefore, the genesis lies upon the fact
of making solar energy a profitable source in the production of various other aspects which are in
rest with the acute need of the society. In addition to which it would be further worthier to state
that when the world is being maligned and sick through the pollution ruckus this project could
unveil to be a robust endeavour.

CHAPTER 3: THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR

TRACKER

3.1 The Earth: Rotation and Revolution

The position of the sun changes continuously throughout the day. It is due to the motion of earth
that we experience sun at different angles in the sky. Earth exhibit two types of motion. One is
the motion of earth along its own axis, and the other is the earth revolving around the sun. the
motion of the earth along its own axis, known as rotation, results in the phenomenon of days and

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 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
nights. One rotation of the earth takes 23 hours and 56 minutes. On its own axis, the motion of
the earth is west to east.

Figure 3.1: Earth Rotation

Revolution, that is the motion of the earth around the sun is responsible for the different seasons
in the year. The earth takes 365 days to revolve around the sun. Earth revolves around the sun in
an elliptical orbit and the plane covered by the earth during the revolution is known as an ellipsis.
The axis of rotation and ellipsis makes an angle of 66.5 degrees between themselves. This is the
explanation behind the summer/winter solaces and spring autumn equinoxes. Due to these motions
of the earth, the amount of sunlight received throughout the year varies.
Sunlight is the electromagnetic radiation from the sun expropriated by the earth. The total power
given off by the sun into space is much more than that intercepted by the earth.

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 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
Figure 3.2: Earth Rotation and Revolution

Within a given period of time, the emission of solar radiation is somewhat constant and the
intensity this radiation hitting a unit area of the earth’s crust is also constant, known as solar
constant. The value of this solar constant can be expressed as: -
4πR 2
GSC = σ. T4. ( ) = 1367 W⁄m2
4πD
In the above expression, σ is termed as Stefan Boltzmann Constant with a value of 5.67×10-8
W⁄m2. K4, R is known as the radius of the Sun, 696·106 m and D is 150 ·109 m, the average
distance between the Sun and the earth.
The absorption of solar radiation on the surface of the earth also varies with different parameters.
Latitude and longitude are one of the prescribed parameters. Latitude the horizontal imaginary line,
parallel to the equator, is the angle suspended by the arc linearly join a person’s position and the
equator, at the center of the earth. On the contrary longitudes are the vertical imaginary lines, where
longitude is the angle suspended by the arc joining the north-pole and south-pole as well as passing
through the given location, linearly with the Greenwich meridian, at the center of the earth.
The latitude and longitude express north-south and east-west directions respectively on the earth.

The sunlight is observed at different angles depending on the place on the earth and the angles of
the sun. The sun’s angle can be classified into the following: -
• Elevation Angle
• Zenith Angle
• Azimuth Angle

The elevation angle is the angle made by the sun with the horizon. The elevation angle is 0 degree
at sunrise and 90 degrees around noontime, at the equator. The elevation angle is different at a
different time of the day and different for different latitudes. The depicted formula can be used to
determine the elevation angle.
𝛼 = 90 + 𝜑 − 𝛿
When the equation above gives a number greater than 90° then subtract the result from 180°. It
means the sun at solar noon is coming from the south as is typical the northern hemisphere.

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 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
φ is the latitude of the location of interest (+ve for the northern hemisphere and −ve for the
southern hemisphere). δ is the declination angle, which depends on the day of the year.

Figure 3.3: Angle of elevation and zenith angle

Zenith angle is akin with elevation angle. The only difference being it is measured along the
vertical. Therefore, it’s the angle between the sun and the vertical i.e. Zenith Angle = 90° –
elevation angle.
𝜁 = 90° − 𝛼

Azimuthal Angle, this is the compass direction from which the sunlight is coming. At solar noon,
the sun is directly south in the northern hemisphere and directly north in the southern hemisphere.
The azimuth angle varies throughout the day. At the equinoxes, the sun rises directly east and sets
directly west regardless of the latitude. Therefore, the azimuth angles are 90 degrees at sunrise and
270 degrees at sunset.

Sunrise and Sunset time can be formulated by the following formulas-

Sunrise= 12 − 1 cos−1(−tan 𝜑 tan 𝛿) − 𝑇𝐶

15° 60

Sunset= 12 + 1 cos−1(− tan 𝜑 tan 𝛿) − 𝑇𝐶

15° 60

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 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
Where φ being the latitude of the place, δ being the declination angle and TC is the Time
Correction.[8]

3.2 Types of Solar Tracker

Types Specification

Active Solar • It uses motors and gear trains or direct drive actuators, to follow the
Tracker movement of the sun.
• Directed by a controller.

• Deactivates during darkness based on the design of the system.

• It uses a light sensor to locate the angle at which maximum sunlight

can be absorbed.

• The MCU directs the solar panel to change the angle.

• It uses a liquid, easily compressible and boiled.

Passive Solar • It is driven by the solar heat.
Tracker The fluid moves when heated, like a teeter-totter and hence the solar
•
panel moves.

• Works with the rotation of the earth.

Chronological Solar • Have no sensors.
Tracker • Depends on the geographical location.
• Uses a controller to calculate the moment and position of the earth
with respect to the sun at a given time and location.

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 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
• Tracks in a single cardinal direction.
Single Axis Tracker • It has a single row tracking configuration.
• More reliable.
• It has a longer lifespan.

The common categories in which single axis trackers can be classified holds:
• Horizontal single axis trackers (HSAT).
• Horizontal single axis tracker with tilted modules (HTSAT).
• Vertical single axis tracker (VSAT).
• Tilted single axis tracker (TSAT).
• Polar aligned single axis tracker (PSAT).

Figure 3.4: Single Axis Tracker

• It moves along two cardinal directions (Horizontal & Vertical).

Dual Axis Tracker • The axes are traditionally orthogonal.
• Its efficiency is much more than any single Axis Tracker.
• It conventionally follows the movement of the sun and hence
captivates maximum solar radiations.

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 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
Table 3.1: Types of Solar Tracker

Figure 3.5: Dual Axis Tracker

3.3 Fixed Collectors

Figure 3.6: Fixed Collectors

The fixed collectors are secured at a place where the gross solar energy obtained is comparatively
higher than most of the predefined places and is the inclination is kept in accordance with the
defined context. The motive is to install collected places which are subjected to receive the
maximum amount of sunlight and collect solar energy over a long period of time hence the demand
for tracking devices can be overcome. This creates a substantial diminution in the expenses and
the preservation of the collectors. The knowledge of the movement of the sun throughout a season
and different hours of the year is essential to enable maximum captivation of solar energy. The
Sun chart for Calcutta is shown below

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 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER

Figure 3.7: Sun path diagram for Calcutta

Legends

Through the use of the chart, it is possible to ascertain the position of the sun at different times and
seasons so that the panel can be fixed for maximum output. Fixed trackers are cheaper in tropical
countries like Kenya. For countries beyond +10 degrees North and -10 degrees South of the
equator, there is need for serious tracking. This is because the position of the midday sun varies
significantly.

20
 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
The chart shows that the position of the sun is highest between 1200h and 1400h. For the periods
outside this range, the collectors are obliquely oriented to the sun and therefore only a fraction
reaches the surface of absorption.

3.4 Maximum power point tracking

Photovoltaic cell shares a composite bond with the surroundings they work and the maximal power
generated. The non-linear electrical tendencies of a solar cell is indicated by a ratio of solar cell’s
maximum power to the product of open-circuit voltage and short circuit current, also known as fill
factor. Based on the three parameters, which are the fill factor (FF), open-circuit voltage (VOC) and
short-circuit Current (ISC) the electrical tendencies of a photovoltaic cell can be determined under
situational environments.
Under working environment, as derived by Ohm’s Law, a certain voltage (V) and current (I) values
which correlated to that single point at which the power obtained is maximum, corresponds to a
certain load, resistance. The I-V curve of photovoltaic cells behaves as a current constant source
for most of the region. Once the maximum power point region is reached, there are changes in the
curve as the curve now describes a relationship of current and voltage as inversely exponential. So
the elementary circuit theory describes that the power obtained from the device where the
magnitude of the gradient of the curve is at par and opposite to the current voltage ratio, can be
termed as maximum power point.
Therefore, in the exposition of photovoltaic modules, among the given space and time, there lies a
point from which the power dragged is maximum. This point in the PV module is known as
maximum power point and the methodology of tracking down this point to ensure that our
controlling point always stays around this maximum power point tracking.
The proposition of maximum power point tracking is to collect the maximum power, by setting
the most effective voltage in PV module. The juxtaposition is done between the output voltages
with the battery voltage. They extract the high voltage power from the PV modules and modify
them to fulfill the requirement of charging lower voltage batteries. The power is henceforth
converted to the best voltage to obtain maximum current in the battery.

Favorable conditions for maximum power point tracking

MPPT works under conditions where extra power is required and this

21
 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
• For maximum power extraction from MPPT, cold and cloudy weather is most preferable.
PV module have a higher efficiency during these climate conditions
• When the charge in the battery is at its minimum, the MPPT is at its excellence. Maximum
amount of current is obtained by the MPPT in such lower battery conditions.
MPPT solar charge controller
There have been such charge controllers created and inscribed with maximum power point tracking
algorithm to considerably increase the quantity of current supplied to the batteries from the
photovoltaic modules.
The alteration done in the process or the conversions taking place are shown in the figure below:

Figure 3.8: Conversions taking place inside the Solar charge controller

The work is to optimize the photovoltaic modules with the batteries.

Some more examples of DC-DC converters:
• Boost controllers
• Buck converters

The implementation of the MPPT solar charge controller can be done in off-grid solar power
system like
1. Stand-alone solar power system, 2. Solar home system,
3. Solar water pump system, etc.

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 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER

Features of MPPT solar charge controllers

• MPPT solar charge controllers are used to sense the alterations in the characteristics of a
solar cell depicted by I-V curve for any applications which has PV module as energy
source.
• MPPT solar charge controllers are devised to withdraw maximum power from photovoltaic
modules, they push the photovoltaic modules to work on voltage surrounding maximum
power point to enable the extraction of maximum power.
• MPPT solar charge controllers provides access to the user to operate PV module of voltage
output greater than the driving voltage of battery system.

• The complications of a highly efficient system’s output is negotiated by MPPT solar charge
controller. Moreover, since the output of photovoltaic power is utilized to charge DC-DC
converter, the MPPT solar charge controller can be made to operate with more energy
sources.
• MPPT solar charge controller can not only be utilize with PV modules but can also be
subjected to the other various renewable energy sources. For example, smaller water
turbines, wind turbines etc.

Classification of power controllers on their different kinds of approach towards the

optimization of power output of the photovoltaic cells.
There are certain kinds of algorithms which are utilized from time to time based on several
conditions. The classification is done on the basis of above criterions: -
Perturb and observe – One of the most popular maximum power point tracking method among the
others, also known as hill climbing method, is one of the most often utilized method as the
execution of this algorithm is quite elementary. In this method the voltage source is monitored by
the controller and the magnitude is increased slowly and the power is observed for every small
change of voltage. With the increase in voltage, there is an increase in the power as well and this
change is voltage is brought till there is no alteration in the magnitude of power. This method can
be a very fruitful method provided other parameters and techniques are taken care of.
Incremental Conductance - Unlike, perturb and observe method, this method senses the alteration
in the situations more abruptly. The consequent output voltage is calculated by observing the
increasing voltage and current of the photovoltaic array. This method involves a little more
calculative algorithm.

23
 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
The algorithm of this method is designed to compare the changing conductance (I/V) with the
conductance of the photo voltaic array. When there two parameters are at par with each other the
output voltage becomes responsible for maximum power generation.
Current Sweep- in this method, an upgradation of an I-V characteristic of photovoltaic module at
certain time intervals i.e. a sweep waveform, is done and ten the maximum power is calculated
from this curve.
Temperature Method – The algorithm for this method works of the equation: -

𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝(𝑇) = 𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝(𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑓) + 𝑢𝑣𝑚𝑝𝑝(𝑇 − 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑓)

In the above equation, 𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝 stands for the maximum power point voltage and 𝑢𝑣𝑚𝑝𝑝 is the
temperature coefficient of 𝑉𝑚𝑝𝑝. 𝑇 and 𝑇𝑟𝑒𝑓 are temperatures, calculated and taken from references
respectively. So, in this method the maximum power point is calculated or assumed by observing
the temperature of the solar panels. The voltage is expected to alter on the basis of temperature
linearly. The temperature observed is referred to reference and hence the output voltage is
computed from the above equation. The algorithm used in this method is comparatively simpler
and hence power utilization is less. Moreover, the method is flexible enough to be implemented
on both analog and digital circuit. What makes it out stand is, since the variation of temperature
with respect to time is lethargic, the oscillation in power output is omitted.

Where the MPP trackers should be placed?

Initially, there were solar inverters used to perform maximum power point tracking for all the PV
modules installed. The system was such that there was a single current supply for all the modules
present. The modules were arranged in series with each other. But as the parameters of different
modules, differs with each other due to manufacturing forbearance, partial shading, etc., the I-V
characteristic and output of each module differs as well. Since, our supply is same throughout the
arena, some module gets restrained from generating maximum power. As a result, the efficiency
of the system is considerably decreased.
Now a days, companies have started to install maximum power point trackers inside each module
to increase the maximum power generation and hence, allow to work on its maximum efficiency.

3.5 Advantages and Pitfalls of Solar Energy:

24
 THEORITICAL BACKGROUND OF SOLAR TRACKER
3.5.1 Advantages: -
• The process of attaining solar energy is unsoiled.
• It is a renewable source of energy.
• The investment is done only during the installation of solar panels, the expenses of acquired
solar energy after installation is little.
• Solar energy is a perennial source of energy.
• There is no adulteration is the process of acquiring solar energy.
• The yield rate is very high, using solar panels.
• It requires the least maintenance, once the setup is installed.
• Solar energy is very useful and can be easily drawn into applications in rural areas where
the extraction of electricity is difficult.
• Solar energy does not create noises compared to the noises created by the machinery in the
extraction of other natural resources.

3.5.2 Pitfalls: -
• The installations of the solar panel could be pretty expensive, which would require huge
investments and years of saving.
• Production of electricity is directly dependent on the energy captivated which is interlinked
with the path sun covers. This factor could bring many countries to disadvantage.
• The power station of solar energy lags in the production of the latter as compared to the
traditional power stations. Moreover, the costs of building such solar power stations could
be exorbitant.
• The consumption of solar energy during the night requires the energy to be stored in large
batteries, which would hence occupy a huge section.

The utilization of solar energy is encouraged as the number of merits exceeds the number of
demerits.

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 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

CHAPTER 4: HARDWAR PROTOTYPE

The framework of this project can be classified in to two main modules:

• The hardware prototypes

• The software designs

4.1 The Hardware Prototype

The hardware prototype is assembled of different electronic devices, and elementary materials used
for the mechanical support. The electronic devices/circuit that are utilized in the prototype are
again subdued under three basic titles.

• The Solar input

• The controlling circuit
• The driving motors

For the mechanical structure, uses steel rods to create two pillars of support for the solar panel as
well another rod used for the axis of rotation attached to the driving motors.

4.1.1 The Solar Input

The solar input comprises of the solar panel and two modules of photo sensors, each of which is
joined to the solar panel along its length on either side of the panel. The solar panel is supported
to the wooden base by the mechanical structure. The photo sensors are hence, connected to the
controlling circuit.

Figure 4.1: Solar Cell

The photo sensors used in the prototype are Light Dependent Resistors.

26
 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

Light Dependent Resistor

The conundrum of light dependent resistor and photoresistor is used in a supplementary and in a
complementary manner inter alia in a synonymous form. By being the light-sensitive devices, it’s
an embodiment of resistivity which is the function of incident electromagnetic radiation.
Photoconductors and photoconductive cells or simple photocells are some of the names by which
such devices are also designated. Constituted out of semiconductor materials, these devices are
substantiated with high resistance. Symbolic balkanization is the means to indicate the LDR, one
of the most commonly used symbol is shown in the figure below. The arrow indicates light falling
on it.

Figure 4.2: Symbol of LDR

4.1.2 The Controlling Circuit

The controlling circuit is designed with a microcontroller. The microcontroller is inscribed with
some algorithm to compare and detect the direction of light intensities being maximum. The
microcontroller uses the inputs from the photo sensors and then forwards the results after
computation to the driving module. The microcontroller we use in our design is NodeMcu, which
is an IoT based platform.

27
 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

Figure 4.3: Circuit Diagram

Current Sensor

A proportional signal is produced, when the current sensor sense electricity flowing through the
wire. The proportional signal that is being produced can be either of the three types, i.e. analog
voltage, current or digital output. The initiator signal can be further utilized for the measurement
of current, by an ammeter. It can also be stored for future assessments in the field of data
acquisition or can be implemented for controlling purposes.

4.1.3 The Driving Motors

This segment of the prototype is responsible for the rotation of the solar panel, hence tracking the
direction of the sun. The segment comprises of a driving module (L293D) and a DC motor. The
driving module is our system is implemented for the bi-directional movement of our rotational
axis, which is attached to the solar panel. The driving module forces the DC motor to cause
rotation. The driving module is also connected to the DC power supply of 9 volts.

DC Motor
Donning with the instruments like an axle, rotor (a.k.a., armature), stator, commutator, field
magnet(s), brushes, DC motor could be found to have many applications. This chapter unfolds the
logical understanding of the operation and construction of the DC motors.

28
 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

DC motor has the characteristics of low power consumption, large torque, low noise, small size,
light weight, and easy to use. The DC motor used as actuator in the system has maximum angular
speed of 10 rpm and 12 V of voltage supply. It is can move or rotate smoothly, as shown in Figure
4.2. Direction and speed of the DC motor represent plant outputs. In this case, the direction of DC
motor can be set using the motor driver module, namely L293D. As stated previously that the DC
motor will be in off -mode when the difference in the intensity of both two LDRs received are
small (< 0.1 volt). This value is based on the experiment results and is intended to avoid oscillation.

Figure 4.4: DC Motor

29
 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

4.1.4 Mechanical Structure

The mechanical structure, uses steel rods to create two pillars of support for the solar panel. One
of the pillars supports uses two rods of length 30 cm, while the other one is supported by two rods
of 46cm each. The structure utilizes a rod of length 40cm as the rotational axis. The floor of the
structure is made of a rectangular wooden base of cross-section 39.5cm x 21.8cm. The solar panel
used is the project is 18.4 wide and has a length of 29.1cm.

Figure 4.5: Mechanical structure of Single axis Automatic Solar Tracker System

4.2 Software Design

The microcontroller used in our system, is code uses an IoT base platform. The algorithm is
designed in a Arduino Integrate Development Environment (IDE). The upload speed of the setup
is set to 9600 and the setup id connected to COM5, ESP8266 board.

30
 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

Figure 4.6(a): Setting up NodeMcu- Port connection

Figure 4.6(b): Setting up NodeMcu- Upload speed

31
 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

Figure 4.6(c): Setting up NodeMcu- Installing Library

32
 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

Flow Chart

Star
t

LDR
SENSOR

Node
MC
U

L293
drive
D
r

Moto
r

Rotation
photovolt
of
a ic
ell
Figure 4.7: Flow chart of Automatic Solar Tracking System

33
 HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

Figure 4.8: Complete setup of Automatic Solar Tracker System

34
 EXPERIMENT RESULT, ANALYSIS

CHAPTER 5: EXPERIMENT RESULTS, ANALYSIS

5.1 Experiment Results

The results for the project were gotten from LDRs for the solar tracking system and the panel that
has a fixed position. The results were recorded for four days, recorded and tabulated. The outputs
of the LDRs were dependent on the light intensity falling on their surfaces. Arduino has a serial
that communicates on digital pins 0 and 1 as well as with the computer through a USB. If these
functions are thus used, pins 0 and 1 can be used for digital input or output.
Arduino environment’s built in serial monitor can be used to communicate with the NodeMcu
board. To collect the results, a code was written that made it possible to collect data from the LDRs
after every one hour.

Time (Hrs) PV Array Output (V)

0600 08.25
0700 08.95
0800 09.52
0900 09.89
1000 10.33
1100 10.76
1200 11.00
1300 10.82
1400 10.56
1500 10.32
1600 10.08
1700 09.26
1800 08.34
Table 5.1: Photovoltaic array outputs for bright sunny day on 4th April 2019
The values from the two LDRs are to be read and recorded at the given intervals. The LDRs
measure the intensity of light and therefore they are a valid indication of the power that gets to the

35
 EXPERIMENT RESULT, ANALYSIS

surface of the solar panel. The light intensity is directly proportional to the power output of the
solar panel.

Time (Hrs) LDR1(V) LDR2 (V)

0630 0.277 0.276
0730 0.504 0.509
0830 1.757 1.933
0930 1.631 1.783
1030 1.900 1.798
1130 2.910 2.969
1230 1.990 1.990
1330 1.985 1.990
1430 0.976 0.985
1530 0.941 0.892
1630 0.824 0.594
1730 0.128 0.981
1830 0.982 0.968
Table 5.2: LDR Outputs for cloudy day on 7th April 2019

Time (Hrs) LDR1 (V) LDR2 (V)

0630 1.477 1.487

0730 2.804 2.839

0830 3.203 3.990

0930 3.990 3.990

1030 4.130 4.149

1130 4.500 4.590

1230 4.990 4.990

1330 4.888 4.990

36
 EXPERIMENT RESULT, ANALYSIS

1430 4.976 4.985

1530 4.941 4.892

1630 4.873 4.790

1730 3.964 3.940

1830 2.708 2.815

Table 5.3: LDR outputs for bright sunny day on 2nd April 2019

5.2 Analysis
From the tables, it can be seen that the maximum sunlight occurs at around midday, with maximum
values obtained between 1200 hours and 1400 hours. In the morning and late evening, intensity of
sunlight diminishes and the values obtained are less that those obtained during the day. After
sunset, the tracking system is switched off to save energy. It is switched back on in the morning.

For the panel fitted with the tracking system, the values of the LDRs are expected to be close. This
is because whenever they are in different positions there is an error generated that enables its
movement. The motion of the panel is stopped when the values are the same, meaning the LDRs
receive the same intensity of sunlight. For the fixed panel, the values vary because the panel is at
a fixed position. Therefore, at most times the LDRs are not facing the sun at the same inclination.
This is apart from midday when they are both almost perpendicular to the sun.
Days with the least cloud cover are the ones that have the most light intensity and therefore the
outputs of the LDRs will be highest. For cloudy days, the values obtained for the tracking system
and the fixed system do not differ too much because the intensity of light is more or less constant.
Any differences are minimal. The tracking system is most efficient when it is sunny. It will be able
to harness most of the solar power which will be converted into energy. In terms of the power
output of the solar panels for tracking and fixed systems, it is evident that the tracking system will
have increased power output. This is because the power generated by solar panels is dependent on
the intensity of light. The more the light intensity the more the power that will be generated by the
solar panel.

37
 CONCLUSION, FUTURE WORK

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION, FUTURE SCOPE

6.1 CONCLUSION
Today in the world of rampant productivity, energy is the fundamental source upon which the
whole civilization is based upon. As it is said that energy can neither be created nor be destroyed
and, in that response, it can be signified that it can somehow be stored. The attempt towards making
such goal substantiated, this project has been endeavoured towards unravelling the path of such
objectivity. It is quite natural that constant utilisation of energies somehow opens the door of
scarcity as per as earthly sources are concerned. Sun, in the stand of which, the tallest source,
spiked over for age’s right from the origin of the whole universe, through which life has been
conceived, is the basic and the mother source of all the energies. Considering the very fundamental
from the viewpoint of storing such energy, the project has been unravelled. Energies other than
from the Sun, are the process from which such are been produced through the burning of various
materials, involving emission of a large amount of pollution, causing the environment and the
atmosphere sick day by day. Fastness and smartness of the world’s current behavioural visibility,
where easy access of every sphere of life is in need of the acute comfortability, every day is a new
challenge of hatching something new and unique which makes an energy to be the ultimatum
source behind all the hard work exists. In that regards it would be worthier to reveal that
commercialisation has boomed its wings to such an extent in the need of money and power that
we are somehow present in the pool of acute ignorance of the world’s resources scarcity, in
consequence of which the whole world is wounded. Healing the world is the basis cultivation with
which the hour clock is calling and this project presents the eye, therefore, to open the corridors of
reducing the amount of pollution in storing of energy culled out from the Sun and also to make the
pace of advancement revved around.

CONCLUSION, FUTURE WORK

38
6.2 FUTURE SCOPE
The very embodiment through which the futuristic conundrum be set aside, is the project called
“Automatic Solar Tracking System”. A trailblazer by its spirit, this system works in its utmost
efficiency, whether that be in terms of its pecuniary ability or in terms of its accessibility. In the
smoke of the darkness where pollution engulfing every spheres of advancement as an outcome of
producibility, this device in its very efficiency work towards only advancement and development
by flushing out the pollution at large.

39
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11. Oloka Reagan Otieno, “SOLAR TRACKER FOR SOLAR PANEL”, University of
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