Performance Evaluation of an IoT Based Dual Axis Prototype Solar Tracker Over Fixed PV Installations

A clean, quiet, reliable process with minimal environmental impact is the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. A dual axis solar tracker prototype model is designed to track sun's rotational positions increasing total energy optimization and average output. A dual axis tracker provides more than 30.79% production than a fixed PV system. The annual and monthly energy generation is previously estimated in dual axis tracker that is 20% more than a fixed 1-axis tracker. In proposed prototype, Arduino Uno as central processing unit that controls mechanism in response to inputs from multiple sensors linked with Blynk interface. The interface allows android users to view real-time statistics including electrical parameters from solar PV. Collected data wirelessly sent to the Blynk interface and spreadsheet through an ESP 8266 module which assist to monitor the parameters having several security levels to ensure IoT safety protocol. Average power output of the prescribed model tested 18% better than a static solar PV. Database readings for the prototype were recorded throughout a certain time-period of 9:00 am to 9:45 am. To validate the project model, several tests were performed such as paired t-tests, correlation and normality tests, q-q plots of different electrical parameters.