Microcontroller ATmega8535 Based Solar Tracker Design for PV System Applications in Equator Region

Abstract

In order to be effectively utilizing the sunlight energy into electricity, the photovoltaic modules should be perpendicularly to the sunlight direction. However, the orientation of sunlight on Earth's surface is varied that makes it difficult to find the optimal direction. For this reason, the solar tracker should be available to drive modules in the expected direction. In this study, the solar tracker is designed based on microcontroller ATMega8535 and the position is adjusted based on the IC RTC timer response. The IC RTC is able to regulate the movement of photovoltaic modules about 15 degree per hour. The updating position of PV module is constantly changed, but the approach is enough for capturing sunlight energy for PV applications in equator region. The testing results show that the accumulative energy capturing annually from a 2250 Wp of PV system is about 500 kWh higher than that of without solar tracker. © 2014 SERSC.