Automatic Solar Tracking and Cleaning System of PV Panel

Solar energy is a modern source of energy that requires a low cost of production and storage. Solar PV panels can convert energy from sunlight into electricity directly. A solar panel with a standard design and set adjusted at a certain angle limits the area exposed to sunlight due to the earth's rotation. To get more energy from sunlight, there is a need for an automated system with its function to constantly synchronize the solar panel following the direction of sunlight. The automated solar tracking system solves this problem. The system consists of computer hardware components such as microcontroller based I/O configuration, an LDR as a comparative unit for detecting solar energy and rotating the panel for alignment to obtain maximum output from sunlight. The system is connected to a cleaner/wiper, which cleans the panel periodically with proper rotation with the help of a DC motor. The cleaning system is automatically controlled by a microcontroller. This feature helps to maximize the efficiency of the solar PV panel thus calculating less expensive energy production. This is an eco-friendly model for power generation, as there are no extracts from fossil fuels and residual products.