Two axis solar tracker based on solar maps, controlled by a low-power microcontroller

Abstract

There are actually several solutions for two axis

solar tracking systems using electromechanical devices, in

which a controller detects the Sun apparent position, and

controls the position of the structure supporting the panels

toward the sun by enabling the engines movement. This work

studies the solution of two axis solar tracking system based on

solar maps, which can predict the exact apparent position of the

Sun, by the latitude's location, thereby avoiding the need to use

sensors or guidance systems. To accomplish this, it is used a

low-power microcontroller, suitably programmed, to control

two electric motors to ensure that the panels supporting

structure is always oriented towards the sun.