ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF A SMALL-SCALE SOLAR POWER PLANT THROUGH AN AUTOMATED CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

This article investigates the efficiency of solar energy utilization depending on the installation angle of photovoltaic panels and proposes an advanced method for improving their performance through automated solar tracking. The study analyzes the influence of solar elevation and azimuth angles on relative illumination for vertical and inclined (45° and latitude-based) panel configurations, using astronomical simulation data obtained from Stellarium. The results demonstrate that fixed-position solar panels do not fully utilize available solar radiation, particularly during seasonal variations of the Sun’s trajectory.

To address this limitation, solar tracking systems are considered, including commercially available dual-axis trackers and their inherent disadvantages such as high cost, sensitivity to cloud conditions, and delayed response during sunrise and sunset transitions. As an alternative, an automated solar power plant based on a Raspberry Pi microcontroller is proposed. The system uses a programmatic approach combined with optional GPS-based positioning to calculate the Sun’s coordinates in real time and control panel orientation via an electric drive.

The proposed solution ensures continuous alignment of solar panels with the Sun from sunrise to sunset, independent of weather conditions, thereby maximizing energy capture efficiency. The study concludes that software-controlled solar tracking provides a more reliable and efficient alternative to sensor-based systems for small-scale photovoltaic installations.