Solar tracker inverter

Abstract

Solar panel has been used increasingly in recent years to convert solar energy to electrical energy. The solar panel can be used either as a stand-alone system or as a large solar system that is connected to the electricity grids. In order to maximize the conversion from solar to electrical energy, the solar panels have to be positioned perpendicular to the sun. Thus the tracking of the sun’s location and positioning of the solar panel are important. The goal of this project is to design an automatic tracking system, which can locate position of the sun. The tracking system will move the solar panel so that it is positioned perpendicular to the sun for maximum energy conversion at all time. Photoresistors will be used as sensors in this system. The system will consist of light sensing system, microcontroller, gear motor system, and a solar panel. Our system will output up to 40% more energy than solar panels without tracking systems. This project collects, stores, and converts solar energy into 120V ac electrical power to drive a small appliance. The design consists of a solar panel, step-down DC converter, battery, solar source tracker, and DC/AC inverter. The efficiency goal is 66%.