Optimal Utilization of Solar Arrays: Design and Implimentation of a Motorised Solar Energy Photovoltaic Array System

Abstract

In this paper a motorized solar energy collector system-a driver system that positioned the solar cell panel differently during day-time was design and implemented. The aim is to optimize the amount of solar energy that can be trapped from the sun using a solar cell panel. This is achieved by using a stepper motor, controlled by Atmel AT89C52 microcontroller, to align the panel such that all incident rays strike normal to the panel’s surface thereby maximizing the amount of solar energy that can be trapped from the sun. The alignment is time dependant. This model was implemented and tested and the results proved to be successful in maximizing the energy received from the sun than if the solar panel was fixed at a particular position.