My goal was to design, develop, and implement a solar panel system that could dynamically track the sun's movement across the sky. The specific deliverables included:

Step 1: Define Problem

The purpose of my project was to enhance the efficiency of solar panels. Traditional static solar panels are not optimized for energy capture as they cannot adjust to the sun's position throughout the day. This limitation results in significant energy potential loss, especially in early morning and late afternoon when the sun is at an angle.

Step 2: Research

Initially, I conducted research on solar energy capture and the mechanics of sun-tracking systems to gather foundational knowledge and best practices. I looked up different mechanical systems for panel movement including hydraulics and electric motors. The simplest solution with the supplies available was to use a stepper motor and shaft attached to the solar panel. Further research indicated that a one-axis solar tracking would provide a 20-25% boost in efficiency while a two-axis system would only add about a 10% boost in efficiency. This minor boost in efficiency did not justify the significant increase in complexity that a two-axis system would require.

Step 3: Design and Modeling

Subsequently, I designed the mechanical system that would allow the solar panel to pivot, selecting a stepper motor for its precision and control capabilities. Then I utilized ChatGPT to assist in writing the code for the Arduino, leveraging its ability to generate reliable and efficient programming solutions. This software was necessary for the Arduino to calculate the sun's position based on GPS data and subsequently control the stepper motor to adjust the panel's orientation. I created a detailed 3D model of the entire system in SolidWorks. This model was essential for visualizing the design, facilitating adjustments, and verifying mechanical components' integration. Following the construction of the SolidWorks assembly, I focused on software verification, using the Arduino's serial monitor to test and refine the code, ensuring accurate sun tracking and panel positioning.