To develop a smart solar panel that will be able to maximize absorbed light by rotating to face the sun throughout the day. Stationary solar panels are not maximumly efficient as the sun moves in an arc through the sky. By adjusting the angle and direction of the solar panel, the effectiveness of the solar panel can be increased.
Would be targeted toward power companies in both urban and non-urban areas. Potentially targeted towards residential instillation in suburban and rural areas. If successful, an array of these panel can be synchronized to make more efficient solar farms.
Using light sensing technology, use the Raspberry Pi to determine the sun's path across the sky and control an actuator to point the solar panel at the determined path. Enter sleep mode when sun is not shining to reduce power consumption. Future iterations may utilize local weather forecasts to determine sunrise/sunset times to better determine when the circuit should be powered on.
A more intelligent solar panel that better at collecting power and is more energy efficient when not in use.
On the small scale, inexpensive (just a Raspberry Pi and a solar cell). On a more commercial scale, the price of the unit would have to be competitive with current solar panels (approx. $400-$500 for a 265 watt panel).