This document describes a student project to design and develop a solar tracker system based on GPS technology. The solar tracker will use GPS to maximize solar energy generation from photovoltaic installations. It will include solar panels, DC motors controlled by a microcontroller to rotate the panels, motor drivers, sensors, and mounting hardware. The project aims to automatically adjust the position of the solar panels throughout the day based on GPS data to optimize energy collection from the sun. Potential applications of GPS-based solar trackers include large solar plants, off-grid systems, and residential/commercial installations.

2. SEM 2
A.Y. 2022-23
ENGINEERING DESIGN &
DEVELOPEMENT

3. *PROJECT*
Solar Tracker

4. Group
Prajakta Chavan
Mihir datir
Shweta Patil
Gauri Potdar
Prithviraj Sarowar
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Electronics and Telecommunication
 MENTOR
 PROF. ONKAR KULKARNI SIR
 PROF.

5. Sr No. CONTENT
1 PROBLEM STATEMENT
2 INTRODUCTION
3 COMPONENTS
4 BLOCK DIAGRAM
5 PROJECT IMAGE
6 APPLICATION

6. Problem statement
Design and develop a solar tracker system based on
GPS Technology
to maximize solar energy generation in
photovoltaic(PV) Installation.

7. Introduction
The demand for renewable energy sources, such as solar
power, has been on the rise due to the increasing concerns
over environmental sustainability and the need to reduce
dependence on fossil fuels.
Solar trackers play a crucial role in maximizing the
efficiency of solar panels by orienting them towards the sun
throughout the day.
Traditional solar trackers often rely on light sensors or
predetermined algorithms to track the sun's movement.
However, advancements in technology have led to the
development of solar trackers based on GPS (Global
Positioning System).

8. i. Solar Panels: These are the primary energy-generating components
that convert sunlight into electricity..
ii. DC Motors: two DC motors to control the movement of the solar
panels. These motors should be capable of rotating the panels
horizontally and vertically.
iii. Microcontroller: A microcontroller, such as an Arduino will serve as the
brain of solar tracker project. It will receive input from the GPS module
and control the movement of the DC motors accordingly.
iv. Motor Drivers: Motor drivers act as intermediaries between the
microcontroller and the DC motors. They provide the necessary
current and voltage levels to operate the motors.
Components

9. v. Sensors : you may consider adding additional sensors, such as light sensors or
temperature sensors, to optimize the solar tracking system's efficiency. These
sensors can provide data to adjust the panel angles based on external factors.
vi. Enclosure: Depending on the Project Design, needed an enclosure to protect
the electronic from environmental conditions.
vii. Programming and Development tools: need a computer for programming the
microcontroller and debugging the system. Require programming software,
such as arduino IDE and the necessary cables for uploading code to the
microcontroller.
vii. Wiring and connection: To connect the components together and ensure
proper electrical connections.
xi. Mounting hardware: to assemble the solar tracker, need
mechanical components for attaching the solar panels to the dc
motors and allowing their movement.

10. 2.DC Motors: two DC motors to control the
movement of the solar panels. These
motors should be capable of rotating the
panels horizontally and vertically
1. Solar Panels: These are the primary
energy-generating components that
convert sunlight into electricity..

11. 3. Microcontroller: A microcontroller, such
as an Arduino will serve as the brain of
solar tracker project. It will receive
input from the GPS module and control
the movement of the DC motors
accordingly.
4. Motor Drivers: Motor drivers act as
intermediaries between the
microcontroller and the DC motors.
They provide the necessary current and
voltage levels to operate the motors.

12. 5.Sensors : you may consider adding additional
sensors, such as light sensors or temperature
sensors, to optimize the solar tracking system's
efficiency. These sensors can provide data to
adjust the panel angles based on external
factors
6.Wiring and connection: To connect the components
together and ensure proper electrical connections.

13. BLOCK DIAGRAM

14. i. Solar Power Plants: Large-scale solar power plants can benefit from solar
trackers based on GPS. By continuously tracking the sun's position using GPS
coordinates, the solar panels can be oriented optimally to maximize the
amount of sunlight they receive throughout the day. This helps increase the
overall energy output of the solar power plant.
ii. Off-Grid Systems: Solar trackers with GPS can be used in off-grid systems
where maintaining an optimal alignment with the sun is crucial. These
systems can include standalone solar installations for remote locations, such
as weather stations, telecommunications towers, or remote research
facilities. By dynamically adjusting the position of the solar panels based on
GPS data, these systems can optimize their energy generation.
iii. Residential and Commercial Solar Installations: GPS-based
solar trackers can also be employed in residential and commercial solar
installations. By automatically adjusting the panel orientation throughout
the day, these trackers ensure that the solar panels are always positioned to
capture the maximum amount of sunlight, thereby improving the energy
production efficiency.
APPLICATIONS

15. iv. Tracking Systems for Portable Solar Chargers: Portable solar chargers
are popular for outdoor activities, camping, and emergency situations. Solar
trackers based on GPS can be integrated into these chargers, allowing them
to align with the sun's position automatically. This feature ensures that the
portable charger captures the maximum solar energy, even when users are
on the move or in variable lighting conditions.