Solar tracking system design and prototype manufacturing for fixed solar panels

The solar tracking system uses a mechanism that moves the solar panels based on the movement of the sun.These systems ensure that the panels maintain the optimum angle according to the position of the sun. Therefore, they ensure that more solar energy is captured by following the sun's rays throughout the day. The solar tracking system can keep the solar panel working at maximum efficiency because it can capture more sunlight as the panel is always aligned towards the sun.Fixed solar systems, on the other hand, keep the solar panels in a fixed position. These panels are usually placed horizontally or at an angle and are not adjusted to provide the best angle to the sun.Fixed systems are less sensitive to sunlight and provide a stable energy production as they are not compatible with the movement of the sun. In this study, the panel angles adjusted manually at the same location and time and the data obtained with the sun tracking system active were compared.First of all, the solar panels on the prototype were adjusted in the south direction, horizontally 60°, and the electrical energy produced in every 15 minutes was recorded. As a second step, the solar panels were adjusted to 30° from the horizontal and the data were recorded. Finally, the energy values produced actively by the solar tracking system were recorded. As a result of the comparison of the data obtained, it has been observed that the sun produces maximum energy between 12.30 p.m and 2 p.m. when the sun hits the solar panels at an angle of approximately 90° at the manually adjusted 60° and 30° panel angles. It has been concluded that when the solar tracking system is activated, it starts to produce energy at the maximum level from 10 a.m and produces maximum energy until 4.30 p.m. The advantages and disadvantages of fixed solar panel systems and solar tracking system costs were determined.