What is a Solar Tracker?

A solar tracker is a device that is designed to orient a solar panel or an array of solar panels towards the sun. The tracker automatically adjusts the position of the panels throughout the day to ensure that they are always facing the sun at the optimal angle. This helps to maximize the amount of sunlight that the panels receive, which in turn increases their efficiency and power output.

There are two main types of solar trackers:

1. Single-axis trackers: These trackers rotate on one axis, usually from east to west, to follow the sun’s movement across the sky.

2. Dual-axis trackers: These trackers rotate on two axes, allowing them to follow the sun’s movement both horizontally and vertically. This makes them more efficient than single-axis trackers, but also more complex and expensive.

Benefits of Using a Solar Tracker

Using a solar tracker can provide several benefits for your solar panel system, including:

1. Increased efficiency: By keeping your solar panels oriented towards the sun throughout the day, a solar tracker can increase their efficiency by up to 30-40% compared to fixed panels.

2. Higher power output: With increased efficiency comes higher power output, which means that you can generate more electricity from the same number of panels.

3. Reduced payback period: The increased power output from a solar tracker can help to reduce the payback period for your solar panel system, meaning that you can recoup your investment faster.

4. Space-saving: Because solar trackers allow you to generate more electricity from fewer panels, they can help to save space on your roof or property.

DIY Solar Tracker: How to Build Your Own

Building your own solar tracker can be a fun and rewarding project that can help to increase the efficiency of your solar panels. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a simple single-axis solar tracker:

Materials Needed

• Arduino board
• 2 x servomotors
• 2 x photoresistors
• Breadboard
• Jumper wires
• Solar panel
• Mounting bracket
• Resistors
• Battery or power source

Step 1: Set Up the Arduino Board

1. Connect the Arduino board to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open the Arduino IDE software on your computer.
3. Select the appropriate board and port from the Tools menu.

Step 2: Connect the Components

1. Connect the photoresistors to the breadboard and the Arduino board using jumper wires. One photoresistor should be connected to analog pin A0, and the other to analog pin A1.
2. Connect a resistor in series with each photoresistor to limit the current flow.
3. Connect the servomotors to the Arduino board using jumper wires. One servomotor should be connected to digital pin 9, and the other to digital pin 10.
4. Connect the power source (battery or power adapter) to the breadboard and the Arduino board.

Step 3: Write the Code

1. Open a new sketch in the Arduino IDE.
2. Copy and paste the following code into the sketch:

#include <Servo.h>

Servo horizontal;
Servo vertical;

int servoh = 90;
int servov = 90;

int photoresistor1 = A0;
int photoresistor2 = A1;

void setup() {
  horizontal.attach(9);
  vertical.attach(10);
  horizontal.write(servoh);
  vertical.write(servov);
  delay(3000);
}

void loop() {
  int val1 = analogRead(photoresistor1);
  int val2 = analogRead(photoresistor2);

  if (val1 > val2) {
    servoh += 1;
    if (servoh > 180) {
      servoh = 180;
    }
  }
  else if (val2 > val1) {
    servoh -= 1;
    if (servoh < 0) {
      servoh = 0;
    }
  }
  else {
    servoh = servoh;
  }

  horizontal.write(servoh);

  if (val1 > 600 && val2 > 600) {
    servov -= 1;
    if (servov < 0) {
      servov = 0;
    }
  }
  else if (val1 < 500 && val2 < 500) {
    servov += 1;
    if (servov > 180) {
      servov = 180;
    }
  }
  else {
    servov = servov;
  }

  vertical.write(servov);

  delay(50);
}

1. Save the sketch and upload it to the Arduino board.

Step 4: Assemble the Tracker

1. Attach the solar panel to the mounting bracket.
2. Attach the servomotors to the mounting bracket, one for horizontal movement and one for vertical movement.
3. Attach the photoresistors to the mounting bracket, one on each side of the solar panel.
4. Connect the servomotors and photoresistors to the Arduino board and breadboard using jumper wires.

Step 5: Test and Calibrate

1. Place the solar tracker outside in direct sunlight.
2. Observe the movement of the servomotors and adjust the code as needed to ensure that the solar panel is tracking the sun accurately.
3. Calibrate the tracker by adjusting the position of the photoresistors and the sensitivity of the code to ensure optimal performance.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to build a DIY solar tracker?

The cost of building a DIY solar tracker can vary depending on the materials and components used, but it can typically be done for under $100. This is significantly cheaper than purchasing a commercial solar tracker, which can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars.

2. How much can a solar tracker increase the efficiency of my solar panels?

A solar tracker can increase the efficiency of your solar panels by up to 30-40% compared to fixed panels. This can result in a significant increase in power output and a reduced payback period for your solar panel system.

3. Can I use a solar tracker with any type of solar panel?

Yes, a solar tracker can be used with any type of solar panel, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. However, the size and weight of the panel may affect the design and construction of the tracker.

4. Do I need to adjust the tracker throughout the day?

No, the whole point of a solar tracker is that it automatically adjusts the position of the solar panel throughout the day to follow the sun’s movement. Once you have set up and calibrated the tracker, it should operate autonomously without any manual intervention.

5. Can I use a solar tracker in any location?

Solar trackers can be used in most locations that receive sufficient sunlight, but they may not be suitable for all environments. For example, in areas with frequent high winds or heavy snow, a fixed solar panel may be more appropriate. It’s important to consider your local climate and weather patterns when deciding whether to use a solar tracker.

Conclusion

Building a DIY solar tracker is a cost-effective way to increase the efficiency and power output of your solar panel system. By keeping your panels oriented towards the sun throughout the day, a solar tracker can help to maximize the amount of sunlight that they receive, resulting in a higher yield of electricity. While building a solar tracker requires some technical skills and knowledge, it is a relatively simple project that can be completed with readily available materials and components. With a little time and effort, you can build your own solar tracker and start enjoying the benefits of increased solar panel efficiency.

Component	Cost
Arduino board	$20
Servomotors (2)	$20
Photoresistors (2)	$2
Breadboard	$5
Jumper wires	$5
Mounting bracket	$10
Resistors	$1
Battery/power	$15
Total Cost	$78

As you can see from the table above, the total cost of building a DIY solar tracker is around $78, which is significantly cheaper than purchasing a commercial solar tracker. Of course, this cost can vary depending on the specific components and materials used, but it gives you a general idea of the cost-effectiveness of building your own solar tracker.

In conclusion, a DIY solar tracker is a great way to boost the efficiency of your solar panels without breaking the bank. By following the steps outlined in this article and using readily available materials and components, you can build your own solar tracker and start enjoying the benefits of increased solar panel efficiency. Not only will you save money on your energy bills, but you’ll also be doing your part to promote the use of renewable energy and reduce your carbon footprint. So why not give it a try and see the difference a DIY solar tracker can make for your solar panel system?