Position Control of Stepper Motors in Solar Tracker System

Abstract

In present time, the need of energy increases each and every day. Anew way to cover this increasing by using solar energy. The solar energy convert solar irradiation to power that can be used in common electric appliances. However, the angle of the sun is proportional to the energy converted. If the sun is 90° vertical to the solar panel, the energy received is maximum compare to other angles. In this case, stepper motors used to track the solar during the movement of the sun from morning till night. The ASTS (Automated Solar Tracking System) is developed by moving the solar panel during anytime of the day that the sun is available and the motor will move the panel to a 90° vertical angle directly to the sun. The system is controlled by Arduino Uno controller which will process data from the sensor and convert it to output for the motor movement. As the result, a prototype of Automated Solar Tracking System is operated and able to achieve the objective of this project.