PIC Based Automatic Solar Radiation Tracker

Abstract

This document details the development of an Automatic Solar Radiation Tracker. Fossil fuels are a relatively short-term energy source; consequently, the uses of alternative sources such as solar energy are becoming more wide spread. To make solar energy more viable, efficiency of solar array systems must be maximized. A feasible approach to maximizing the efficiency of solar array systems is sun tracking. Proposed in this report is a system that controls the movement of a solar array so that it is constantly aligned towards the direction of the sun. The solar tracker designed and constructed in this project offers a reliable and affordable method of aligning a solar module with the sun in order to maximize its energy output. Automatic Sun Tracking System is a hybrid hardware/software prototype designed around Programmable Intelligent Computer (PIC), which automatically provides best alignment of solar panel with the sun, to get maximum output electricity.