around the earth shows that there are many countries that are suitable to choose solar energy as the source of electricity.
Figure 1.1: The World Solar Energy Map, shows solar distribution throughout a year [1]. The reason solar energy is preferred because it does not pollute the air when being
converted into electricity. Solar energy systems would significantly contribute to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and therefore reduce the impact of global warming and
provide a better environment for future generations.
1.3 Problem Statement
One of the biggest issues with traditional fixed static solar panels is reflection. Traditional static solar panel is unable to harvest the maximum solar energy of the sun
because of different position in azimuth and elevation of the sun. Referring to Figure 1.2, a lot of sunlight is either reflected or diffused away when the panel is in shallow angle. The
problem worsens when there are clouds or hazes that reduce the intensity of light. This cause fixed solar panel to only harvest the maximum energy at a specific time of a day or a
year, as the position of the sun in the sky moves during the day and during the year, there are often lengthy periods when static panels cannot optimally collect sunlight especially at
non-tropical countries. Efficiency of the solar panel would be optimal when the light hits the panel at a steep 90 degree. Solar tracking is one of the most straightforward methods to
improve the performance and economics of a solar installation. An active 2-axis solar tracking panel holder and a sensor for tracking the sun position has to be designed to
effectively increase the efficiency of harvesting the solar energy. The solar panel holders should operate with the goal of minimizing the angle of incidence between the ray of
incoming sunlight and the solar panel.
Figure 1.2: a The sunlight is diffused away from the panel because of the angle between the panel and direction of lights. b The sun light stays more focus to the solar panel as
there is no angle difference.
1.4 Objective
The objectives of this project are: 1. To study the azimuth, elevation and altitude of the sun.
2. To develop a prototype tracking sensor, sending signal to the solar panel holder 3. To develop a mechanism for the actuator of the panel with 2 degree of freedom.
4. To compare the efficiency of the solar tracking panel to the static fixed panel.
1.5 Scope
The scope of this project is: 1. Development of a new type of sensory system that is able to track the sun correctly.
2. Development of a prototype solar panel holder with two-axis actuator mechanism
at elevation and azimuth. 3. The solar tracker should enable the solar panel to improve harvest yield of solar
energy. 4. The system should be self-sufficient by charging a battery and supply to load at the
same time.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW AND PROJECT BACKGROUND
To complete this project, many sources have been reviewed, which include journals, articles, books and internet. These sources served as the ideas and thoughts that lead to the
success of this project.
2.1 Solar Panel Basics
