Solar panels have become a mainstream source of energy, especially in large campuses with sufficient exposure to the sun. Indian homes and commercial spaces are rapidly identifying the benefits of solar panels and using them to meet energy requirements.
“There are rural areas in India even now where residents do not have proper electricity supply because it is not economical for the government to supply electricity in certain areas because of their geological location or some other reason,” says assistant professor at Shoolini University School of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Sorabh Aggarwal. He says that a small rooftop solar system is a good option to solve this problem. However, the problem with using solar panels is that they are stationary, whereas sun is always changing its direction. Hence, solar radiations do not directly reflect on the panel. This reduces its efficiency.
Sun tracking systems are available in the market currently but they are expensive. Hence, scientists at Shoolini University are working on a cost-effective sun tracking system for individuals or small users, which will be able to keep the panel in the direction of sun, thus maximizing the utility of solar panels.
Shoolini’s professors Sorabh Aggarwal, Dr Neeraj Gandotra, and Prof. Bhaskar Goel have filed a design patent on the proposed solar tracking system.
Aggarwal said that the team is still working on the various other aspects of the project.
Located in the lower Himalayas, Shoolini University has the benefit of high exposure to the sun. This has resulted in the university being 200% reliant on solar energy for use across the campus.
Shoolini University promoter Vishal Anand says, “We produce double the solar energy we consume. Such patents around optimum use of solar energy will help us to improve our efficiency and support the ecosystem around us.”
