Solar panels should normally be aligned with the sun in order to maximize the reception of useful solar rays. Static systems are typically not turnable. The minor difference in the sun angle during the day and the year is disregarded. There already exist some systems which can follow the sun?s orbit. But the amount of energy generated in addition is very little and cannot cover the supplementary costs for the mechanic.

For mobile systems, as they could be used on a caravan, the position of the sun is variable. Therefore an alignment of the cell is indispensable. The ?Tracker? developed in this diploma thesis can be used for such applications, but also to align a thermal system or a solar cooker. As a difference to conventional systems there is also a sensor, which is able to measure the position of the sun. The so called ?Solartower? was developed in this project, too. It is a cube, with a small solar cell on each side. The measurement results achieved with this sensor are surprisingly accurate. Furthermore it is a cheap way of detecting the suns position. Additionally, the ?Tracker? is connected to a GPS module and a digital compass, whereby a position and direction sensing is possible. In some cases these components could be omitted. This would reduce the costs for the system to a minimum. The ?Tracker? can selectively be used with the sensor, geographical data, a fixed position or a combination of those. It is also equipped with a serial port, which makes it possible to control it by a personal computer. Additional sensors as two temperature probes and a light sensor allow the alignment of a thermal system.