Solar Tracking System for a Floating Solar Panel System (FPSP)

Photovoltaic (PV) technology is a key renewable energy source worldwide and improving its efficiency is essential. Solar trackers are effective in enhancing this efficiency. This paper discusses the design and prototyping of a solar tracking system for floating solar panel installations, aimed at increasing power output. The system employs an Arduino Uno microcontroller for control, two light-dependent resistors (LDRs) for sunlight detection, a real-time clock (RTC) for day-night detection, an L298n motor driver for motor control, and a linear actuator to adjust panel orientation. Experimental results show that the tracked floating solar panel system boosts power output by up to 28.25% compared to stationary systems. The study highlights the importance of solar tracking in optimizing PV system efficiency and overcoming the limitations of fixed installations. Statistical analysis, with a t-test P-value of 0.03, confirms the significant improvement in power harvest with the tracked system.