Track: Energy

Abstract

The research study investigated the prospect of coming up a design of a mechanical solar tracker, which would minimize human effort during operation. The affordable design would be compatible with different solar panel configurations for both domestic and industrial purposes. The mechanism would enable the panel to be placed at the best angle of exposure to sunlight for collection of energy as the sun moves across the sky throughout the day, as it incorporates the solar arrays to keep the array pointed towards the sun. It would have a provision for fitting solar panels to ensuring that the maximum amount of sunlight strikes the panels throughout the day. The system would be  mounted on a pole 2.5 metres high, with a 2m by 1.5m  panel  to increase surface area for absorption of radiation. The set up is expected to generate about 20 - 25% more power when compared to a static solar model that are commercially available. It was established that installing the solar panels on a tracking base increases efficiency of the solar panels to 80%.