Hobbyists and electronic enthusiasts looking for a way to track the sun may be interested in a new DIY sun tracking solar panel project created by YouTuber “GreatScott”. This innovative project leverages the power of Arduino programming and some basic hardware to create a system that ensures your solar panel is always positioned to receive the maximum amount of sunlight. This can significantly enhance the efficiency of solar energy collection.
Understanding the Solar Tracker
“In this project I will show you how to create a solar tracker which like the name implies can follow the movement of the sun throughout the day. And at the end I will show you the energy harvest difference between a solar tracker mounted solar panel and a flat mounted solar panel.”
The concept behind a solar tracker is relatively simple but highly effective. By using sensors and motors, the solar panel can adjust its position throughout the day to follow the sun’s path. This ensures that the panel is always at the optimal angle to capture the most sunlight. The tracker uses an Arduino microcontroller to process data from light sensors and control the motors that adjust the panel’s position.
Building the Solar Tracker
The tracker/panel was placed next to a stationary panel lying flat on his roof, and after a 2 ½-hour test, he found that the moving configuration generated 15% more energy. This is a significant increase, especially when considering the relatively low cost and simplicity of the setup. The project involves using a few key components:
1. Arduino Microcontroller: This is the brain of the operation, processing data from the sensors and controlling the motors.
2. Light Sensors: These sensors detect the intensity of sunlight and help determine the optimal angle for the solar panel.
3. Servo Motors: These motors adjust the position of the solar panel based on the data from the light sensors.
4. Solar Panel: The panel itself, which collects solar energy.
Of course, there are other factors to consider, including time of day and how much power the tracker itself consumes. The energy consumed by the tracker is minimal compared to the additional energy generated by the optimized positioning of the solar panel.
Practical Applications and Benefits
The practical applications of this project are vast. For instance, in remote areas where electricity is scarce, a solar tracker can significantly improve the efficiency of solar panels, providing more reliable power. Additionally, for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, this project offers a hands-on way to learn about renewable energy, electronics, and programming.
Moreover, the benefits of using a solar tracker extend beyond just increased energy production. By ensuring that the solar panel is always at the optimal angle, the lifespan of the panel can be extended. This is because the panel is less likely to overheat and degrade when it is efficiently converting sunlight into energy.
The experimental project and his thoughts on the results below provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of solar trackers. The video tutorial is comprehensive and easy to follow, making it accessible even for those who are new to Arduino programming or solar energy projects.
Source: Instructables : AB : YouTube
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