IoT Based Single Axis Solar Tracker
Rishitha Dandu, Thangam S
Abstract
This paper presents a solar photovoltaic (PV) array positioning and tracking system that integrates with the Internet of Things (IoT). The proposed system is designed to optimize the energy output of a solar PV system by adjusting the position and orientation of the PV array in real-time based on weather and solar irradiance data. The system consists of a microcontroller-based control unit, sensors to measure weather and solar irradiance, and a stepper motor to adjust the position of the PV array. The control unit uses the data from the sensors to determine the optimal position of the PV array and sends commands to the stepper motor to adjust its position accordingly. The IoT integration allows the system to communicate with other devices and services, enabling remote monitoring and control of the PV array. The system's performance was evaluated through simulations and experiments, demonstrating significant improvements in energy output compared to a fixed-position PV array. The proposed system has potential applications in both residential and commercial solar PV systems, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for maximizing energy generation