Multi-directional solar tracker using low cost photo sensor matrix

A solar tracking system is designed for the orientation of different solar energy receivers, photovoltaic arrays or thermal receivers to maximize the operation of solar energy conversion. This paper deals with the design and implementation of a multi-directional solar tracking system dedicated to use with PV panels. The proposed solar tracking device ensures the maximization of the conversion of solar energy into electricity by properly orienting the PV panel in accordance with the real position of the sun. The dual axis solar tracker moves only in vertical direction with Y and Z-axis movement. It cannot move in horizontal direction with X-axis movement. Our proposed model can move in vertical position with Y-axis movement and in horizontal position with X-axis movement and also move at a point in Z-axis making combination of X and Y-axis movement. The gain of output power with the Multi-directional tracking system is higher when compared with a dual axis tracker. The performance of the proposed solar tracker was experimentally analyzed.