Real-Time Clock Based Solar Tracker

Indonesia is a country located across the equator, which means that Indonesia is always on the sun's path. This causes Indonesia to always get a supply of sunlight evenly throughout the year. This shows that Indonesia has great solar energy potential. One of the challenges in solar energy conversion technology into electricity is how to get the most energy possible. One method that can be used is a solar tracking system. A solar tracker is a device that is used to direct the solar energy collector towards the sun. The use of a real-time clock to determine the sun's position is the algorithm used in this solar tracker system. Calculation of the sun's position is carried out by the controller based on input from the real-time clock module and the longitude and latitude positions of the solar panels. The results of these calculations are used to determine the movement of the motor drive system. The output value produced by the solar panel is measured along with the angle value formed by the system drive. Validation of theoretical equations is carried out to validate whether the solar tracker is able to direct the solar panels towards the sun. The increase in the average output of solar panels was obtained by increasing the VOC of 5.53; ISC 19.48; and power 18.93. The average error value generated by the system drive on the azimuth axis is 1.73 and the elevation axis is 1.42. The validation results show that the system is able to move the solar panels facing the sun with the results of successful validation 21 out of 23 data collection times. © 2024 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.