Efficiency improvement of photovoltaic panel by tracking method

Tracking of maximum point (MPP) of a solar photovoltaic array is essential part of PV systems. The efficiency of solar photovoltaic system varies and low, under the low irradiation and weather conditions. To improve efficiency many MPP tracking (MPPT) methods have been developed and implemented. This paper represents the performance analysis of dual axis mechanical tracking system along with electrical tracking. The ultimate objective of this project is to investigate the static panel is more efficient than electrical tracking with dual axis tracking or opposite. This project is divided into two parts dual axis mechanical tracking and electrical tracking. Four LDR are used to capture the maximum light from sun. Two stepper motors are used to orient the solar PV panel to direction of sun. Second part, in electrical tracking incremental conductance method controls the duty cycle of DC to DC buck boost converter to enable the solar PV array operate at maximum operating point at all conditions. The performance of static PV system is compared with the implemented dual axis mechanical and electrical tracking and results showed that, implemented tracking methods is proven more effective for capturing the maximum sunlight source.