Solar tracking methods to maximize PV system output - A review of the methods adopted in recent decade

This paper reports a review of various methods of solar tracking with gains in energy due to tracking and different MPPT algorithms. The fossil fuels are non-renewable, limited and deplete. Therefore, it is imperative to find alternative sources of energy. As solar energy is available abundantly in nature, it can be considered as a best alternative to meet the energy demand. It is sustainable, renewable and scalable. Increasing the efficiency of harnessing solar energy should be one of our foremost concerns as it is a renewable source. The challenge in tapping this energy is to increase the efficiency as well as to reduce the cost of production. Therefore an attempt is made to review the various Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms, different solar tracking methods and the energy gained by using these methods. Further, a single axis microcontroller based automatic tracker is implemented and tested for its performance in real time. The work focusses on the orientation of solar panel towards the direction of maximum radiation by using a stepper motor interfaced with ARM processor.