Dual axis sun tracking system with PV cell as the sensor, utilizing hybrid electrical characteristics of the cell to determine insolation

This paper describes the design and implementation of a novel two axis sun tracking system which utilizes no external light sensors to make PV cell facing in the direction of maximum irradiation to promote system efficiency. The novelty lies in the practical utilization of solar panels as the sensors. The hybrid of the solar cell´s electrical attributes is used to determine insolation parameter. The positioning of the PV cell in the tracking system is driven by two stepper motors which could position the PV cell almost perpendicular to the sun during the day time. Meanwhile, the search algorithm is implemented using step perturbation method. The paper will first highlight and elaborate the concept. Then experimental results will be included to prove the effectiveness of the system.