Solar Tracker for Solar Water Heater Abstract The Solar Tracker team was formed in the fall of 2005 from five students in an ME design team, and a Smart House liaison
We continued the work of a previous solar tracker group
The task was to design a prototype tracking device to align solar panels optimally to the sun as it moves over the course of the day
The implementation of such a system dramatically increases the efficiency of solar panels used to power the Smart House
This report examines the process of designing and constructing the prototype, the experiences and problems encountered, and suggestions for continuing the project
Introdu ction Solar tracking is the process of varying the angle of solar panels and collectors to take advantage of the full amount of the sun’ s energy