Embedded Lab

The use of solar tracking systems allows the solar panels to track the course of Sun during the day time and ensures that the panels are receiving maximum solar input. A photovoltaic system with a solar tracker can boost the output power by 20-40%, compared to a fixed installation. While there are lots of resources available on internet on solar trackers, this particular solar tracking system is unique in the sense that it offers lot more connectivity and other fancy features than just tracking the Sun. It is built to drive a 90 Watts solar panel with azimuth and elevation control using two step motors. The project is controlled with Electric Imp, which derives the inclination and azimuth angle of the solar panel using a 6-axis accelerometer/magnetometer. The use of Electric Imp also allows internet cloud connectivity to the  project.