Projects / Electrical / Electrical project 55

Dual-Axis Solar Tracker: Energy Gain vs Fixed Panel

Approx. component budget: Rs. 6,000 - 10,000

Objective

Measure how much extra energy tracking gives, and whether it is worth the motor energy and cost.

What you will build

A two-axis tracker with light sensors or an astronomical algorithm moving a solar panel, with a second fixed panel and data logging of energy from both.

Results you can expect

• Energy per day of tracker vs fixed panel over 7 days
• Percentage gain
• Motor energy used
• Net gain
• And tracking error in degrees

What you will learn

Solar geometry, closed-loop positioning, net-energy thinking and field data logging.

Tools and notes

Two 20 W panels, servo or linear actuators, LDRs or RTC with sun-position code, INA219, Arduino/ESP32, SD card. Secure the structure against wind.

Resume points from this project

• Built and tested Dual-Axis Solar Tracker: Energy Gain vs Fixed Panel; objective: measure how much extra energy tracking gives, and whether it is worth the motor energy and cost.
• Measured and analysed energy per day of tracker vs fixed panel over 7 days and percentage gain; wrote the report and presented the results in a viva. Add your own numbers: [x].

Replace [x] with your own measured results. Write only what you really did.

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