IL205620A - Solar tracking system driven by photo-voltaic cells - Google Patents

Description

IL205620/2 □"NU^IHOID D'^n ' *?υ ny:imn ynwn ΊΠΝ mrpy1? rmim SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM DRIVEN BY PHOTO-VOLTAIC CELLS IL205620/2 SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM DRIVEN BY PHOTO-VOLTAIC CELLS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The embodiments disclosed herein relate to self-powered alignment systems. In particular, the embodiments relate to apparatus for maintaining alignment of a mounted body to a moving light source.

BACKGROUND In certain situations, such as the use of a solar panel, for example, it is desirable to maintain equipment at a particular angle relative to a light source, such as the sun. In the specific case of a solar panel, such apparatus may be used to increase the solar energy received by the panel for the length of the day, from when the sun rises in the east until it sets in the west. The prior art has addressed this issue, including solutions making use of actuators following either a specific algorithm from a data processing unit, or acting upon information from light sensors processed by a data processing unit. These actuators require an external power source to supply the motive force for the actuators. Using known solutions, the essentially mechanical operation is controlled by complicated and possibly fragile and expensive computing units. Moreover, the prior art systems require possibly vulnerable connections to external power sources.

For example, United States Patent Number 5,317,145 to Corio, titled, "Radiation Source Detector And Tracker Control having a Shade Pole and Radiation Responsive Surface in the Shape of Narrow Bands" describes a tracker controller system in which a pair of photo-resistive cadmium sulfide sensors mounted in the shadow of a shade pole generate a voltage signal proportional to their resistive values which signal is delivered to a comparator circuit that causes a tracker driver to operate when the voltage signal falls outside of a voltage window established by the comparator circuit.

It will be noted that Corio's system uses resistive cadmium sulfide sensors to detect light. These sensors are resistive elements which do not produce any power. Indeed Corio's system requires an external power supply to power its drivers. 1L205620/2 United States Patent Number 4,225,781 to Hammons, titled, "Solar Tracking Apparatus" describes an invention that relates to a solar tracking device which tracks the position of the sun using paired, partially-shaded photocells. Auxiliary photocells are used for initial acquisition of the sun and for the suppression of false tracking when the sun is obscured by the clouds.

It will be noted that although Hammons's system uses photocells, these are used as light sensors to detect the direction of the light source and are not of a size suitable to power the electric motors used for alignment. Again, an external power supply is required for Mammon's system to operate.

It will be appreciated that solar energy is often harvested particularly in environments where external energy sources are unavailable. There is therefore a need for a system which accurately can move an apparatus to maintain a specific optimum angle relative to the sun without the use of microprocessors or external power sources. The embodiments disclosed herein address this need.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS It is one aspect of the current disclosure to present a self-powered light seeking apparatus comprising at least one actuator configured to direct a target-plane towards a light source; and at least one photovoltaic powering arrangement configured to convert light energy into a driving current to power the at least one actuator; wherein the driving current has a polarity such that the actuator drives the target-plane towards alignment with the light source.

Optionally, the at least one actuator is configured to drive the target-plane in a first direction when a positive potential difference is applied between its anode and its cathode and to drive the target-plane in a second direction when a negative potential difference is applied between its anode and its cathode.

Variously, the at least one actuator may comprise a piston. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one actuator may comprise an electric motor.

Optionally, the photovoltaic powering arrangement comprises: a first photovoltaic panel configured at a first angle to the target-plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the IL205620/2 magnitude of potential difference between its anode and its cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon the photovoltaic panel; and a second photovoltaic panel configured at a second angle to the target-plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between its anode and its cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon the photovoltaic panel.

According to some embodiments, the anode of the first photovoltaic panel and the cathode of the second photovoltaic panel may be connected to an anode of the actuator, and the cathode of the first photovoltaic panel and the anode of the second photovoltaic panel may be connected to the cathode of the actuator.

Optionally, the first angle is equal and opposite to the second angle. For example, the first angle may be approximately equal to forty-five degrees to the target-plane and the first angle may be approximately equal to minus forty-five degrees to the target-plane.

In selected embodiments, the first photovoltaic panel and the second photovoltaic panel may be configured such that they do not shade one another.

Where appropriate, the photovoltaic powering arrangement may further comprise: a third photovoltaic panel configured at a third angle to the target-plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between its anode and its cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon the photovoltaic panel; and a fourth photovoltaic panel configured at a fourth angle to the target-plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between its anode and its cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon the photovoltaic panel. Optionally, the anode of the third photovoltaic panel and the cathode of the fourth photovoltaic panel are connected to an anode of at least a second actuator, and the cathode of the third photovoltaic panel and the anode of the fourth photovoltaic panel are connected to the cathode of the second actuator.

According to further embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a first actuator configured to rotate the target plane about a first axis and connected to a first photovoltaic power arrangement. Additionally, the apparatus may further comprise a IL205620/2 second actuator configured to rotate the target plane about a second axis and connected to a second photovoltaic power arrangement. Optionally, the first actuator comprises an azimuth actuator configured to drive the target-plane about a polar axis. Optionally, the second actuator comprises an elevation actuator configured to drive the target-plane about a declination axis.

According to various embodiments, the apparatus comprise a solar panel mounted to a framework and configured to track the daily and seasonal movement of the sun across the sky. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may comprise a altazimuth support platform. Accordingly the apparatus may comprise a telescope.

It is a further aspect of the disclosure to teach a method for aligning a target-plane towards a light source comprising: • providing at least one actuator; • mounting a first photovoltaic panel to a support platform such that it is orientated at a first angle to the target-plane; • mounting a second photovoltaic panel to the support platform that it is orientated at a second angle to the target-plane; • connecting the photovoltaic panels to at least one actuator; • the photovoltaic panels powering at least one actuator to drive the support platform such that light intensity upon the first photovoltaic panel equals light intensity upon the second photovoltaic panel.

According to another aspect, the disclosure presents a device for aligning towards a bright light source comprising: a support platform rotatable about at least one axis; an actuator operable to rotate the support platform about the axis, the actuator having an anode and a cathode; and an independent power supply for powering the actuator. The power supply may comprise a first solar panel comprising at least one solar cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between the anode and the cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon the solar panel; a second solar panel comprising at least one solar cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between the anode and the cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon the solar panel. Accordingly, the anode of the first solar panel and the IL205620/2 cathode of the second solar panel are connected to the anode of the actuator, and the cathode of the first solar panel and the anode of the second solar panel may be connected to the cathode of the actuator such that the actuator is powered directly by the solar panels with a polarity dependent upon angle of light incident upon each solar panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES For a better understanding of the embodiments and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of selected embodiments only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding; the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several selected embodiments may be put into practice. In the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a self-powered light seeking apparatus with a support platform on a single axis able to rotate east-west, side photovoltaic panels are shown as is the actuator and its connection to the support platform; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a self-powered light seeking apparatus which also has a second axis for rotating north south, additional photovoltaic panels on the north and south sides and a second actuator; Fig. 3 schematically represents how side photovoltaic panels can be arranged facing outwards so that they do not shadow each other; Fig. 4 schematically represents how side photovoltaic panels can be arranged facing inwards in a staggered fashion so that they do not shadow each other; TL205620/2 Figs. 5A-C show schematic cross-sectional representations of a fifth embodiment of a self-powered light seeking apparatus in various orientation towards the light source; Fig. 6 is an illustration of the electrical connections from one set of opposing side photovoltaic panels to their associated electrical actuator, and Fig. 7 is a flowchart representing a method for aligning a target-plane towards a light source.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS Reference is now made to Fig. 1 illustrating a first embodiment of a self-powered light seeking apparatus 100 configured and operable to track a light source such as the sun. The self-powered light seeking apparatus 100 includes a support platform 110, an axis 120, two photovoltaic panels 130A, 130B and an actuator 140.

The support platform 1 10 may be used for supporting equipment such that its position relative to a target plane is maintained. For example, the support platform 1 10 may be an altazimuth mount or other platform used to support a solar panel, telescope, other sun-monitoring equipment or the like. It is noted that the self-powered light seeking apparatus 100 may be configured to adjust the position of the support platform 1 10 such that the target plane is aligned towards a light source.

In a particular embodiment wherein the support platform is used to support a solar panel, it will be appreciated that the greatest intensity of solar energy can be collected by a collector aligned orthogonally to the direction of the incident sunlight. Accordingly, a solar panel, photovoltaic cells, solar heat exchanger, solar concentrator, a focusing system or the like may be mounted to the support platform 1 10 such that it remains parallel to the target plane. Consequently, as the support platform 1 10 tracks the apparent solar movement across the sky during the course of a day, the panel may be able to collect more of the available solar energy and with greater efficiency.

The support platform 1 10 may be configured to rotate about at least one axis 120. For example, where a polar axis 120 is provided parallel to a North-South IL205620/2 meridian D, the support platform 1 10 may be rotatable in an East- West direction throughout the day.

As the sun appears to move across the sky during the day, the incident solar rays originate from different parts of the sky. In the morning solar rays arrive from the eastern sky moving steadily westward throughout the day. As outlined hereinbelow, although this is not the only component of apparent solar movement, it is by far the largest component of the sun's diurnal movement.

The actuator 140 may be coupled to the support platform 1 10 and operable to generate torque, thereby rotating the support platform 110 about the axis 120 such that equipment mounted thereupon may be directed towards the light source. Variously, an azimuth actuator 140 may be provided to rotate the support platform 1 10 about a polar axis 120. Alternatively or additionally, an elevation actuator may be provided to rotate the support platform about a declination axis.

Some possible actuators which may be powered by electrical power include rotary electrical motors, solenoids, pistons, DC actuators and the like. In some cases the mechanical force produced by the actuator is rotary in nature and in some cases it is linear, but there are numerous known methods for converting the force into the necessary torque for moving the support platform 110 about the axis 120.

In contradistinction to prior art tracking systems which draw power from external power supplies such as generators, power cells or mains lines, it is a particular feature of the self-powered light seeking apparatus 100 that the actuator 140 receives motive power from the two photovoltaic panels 130A, 130B The two photovoltaic panels 130A, 130B are arranged to either side of the axis 120, for example to the east and the west of the axis 120. Each photovoltaic panels 130A, 130B is operable to generate a potential difference when light is incident upon its active area 132. The magnitude of the potential difference generated may depend upon the intensity of the light incident upon the active area 132.

The photovoltaic panels 130A, 130B are provided to supply power to the actuator 140. Accordingly the panels 130A, 130B may be conductively connected to an anode and a cathode associated with the actuator 140, such that mechanical force is produced on the application of potential difference across the anode and the cathode.

IL205620/2 It will be appreciated that an actuator 140, which may be configured to operate with direct-current (DC), may produce mechanical force in opposing directions depending on the electrical polarity of the potential difference across the anode and cathode. Consequently, when the polarity of the potential difference changes, the direction of torque applied to the support platform 110 will also change. Optionally, the system is configured such that as the light source is out of the alignment with the support platform 1 10, the torque produced by the actuator 140 may tend to move the support platform 1 10 closer to optimal alignment to the light source. In this way the system may provide negative feedback to track the sun through the day.

Referring now to Fig. 2 a second embodiment of a self-powered light seeking apparatus 200 is represented. The self-powered light seeking apparatus 200 of the second embodiment may include a support platform 210, a first axis 220, a first pair of two photovoltaic panels 230A, 230B and a first actuator 240. It will be noted that the second embodiment of the self-powered light seeking apparatus 200 further includes a second axis 250, a second pair of two photovoltaic panels 260A, 260B and a second actuator 270.

The second axis 250, which may be at right angles to the first axis 220. For example a first axis 220 may be a polar axis parallel to the North-South meridian D and the second a is 250 may be a declination axis S aligned approximately East- West, thereby enabling the support platform to pivot in a north-south fashion.

The second actuator 270, for example an elevation actuator, may be mechanically connected to the support platform or axis 250 enabling it to rotate the support platform 210 about the second axis 250.

The second pair of two photovoltaic panels 260A, 260B may be provided upon opposing sides of the second axis 250, for example to the north and south of the support platform 210. The second pair of panels 260A, 260B are electrically connected to the second electrical actuator 270.

It will be appreciated that due to the earth's axial tilt, seasonal changes can be observed in the apparent position of the sun in the sky. The elevation of the sun depends on both the latitude of the location and the specific date in the year. Using a biaxial system such as that described herein in relation to the second embodiment of IL205620/2 the self-powered light seeking apparatus 200, the sun may be tracked not only in its diurnal east-west path, but also through its seasonal north-south variations.

It is particularly noted that unlike tracking systems of the prior art, systems described herein do not require computational elements to perform complicated calculations involving times and latitudinal data.

According to some embodiments, the side-mounted photovoltaic panels are configured to reduce shadowing of one over the other. This may be arranged in a variety of ways. Referring now to Fig 3, a third embodiment of a self-powered light seeking apparatus 300 is shown. The third embodiment of a self-powered light seeking apparatus 300 includes a support platform 310, an axis 320, two photovoltaic panels 330A, 330B and an actuator 340.

It is noted that in the third embodiment of the self-powered light seeking apparatus 300 the photovoltaic panels 330A, 330B are arranged facing outwards from the support platform 310 such that they might not shadow each other.

In this embodiment of the apparatus 300 we can therefore see a way that the system can be used throughout the daytime period without significant deterioration of its negative feedback due to mutual shadowing by the side photovoltaic panels.

Referring now to Fig 4 showing a fourth embodiment and axis 400 holds a support platform 410 and also two photovoltaic panels 420A, 420B.

It is noted that in the fourth embodiment, the photovoltaic panels 420A, 420B are arranged inwardly facing they can be set up in a staggered fashion, possibly attached to the axis 400 after it extends beyond the support platform 410. In such an embodiment the photovoltaic panels 420A, 420B will not shadow each other.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a self-powered solar tracking system may track the sun throughout the day until it is aligned to the west in the evening remaining thus throughout the night. The configuration of the third or fourth embodiments may allow the morning rays arriving from the East to be unobstructed such that they are incident upon the East facing solar panel 330B, 430B allowing the actuator to realign the support platform 310, 410 towards the morning sun as required.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5A-C showing schematic cross-sectional representations of a fifth embodiment of a self-powered light seeking apparatus 500 in IL205620/2 various orientation towards the light source (not shown). The cross section of the apparatus 500 represents the support platform 510 and side photovoltaic panels 520A, 520B. Also shown in the schematic is a depiction of incident light 530.

With particular reference to Fig. 5 A. It will be appreciated that when the support platform 510 is aligned to the light source, the light 530 impacting the first photovoltaic panel 520A and the second photovoltaic panel 520B will be of approximately the same intensity. This may be achieved, for example, by attaching the photovoltaic panels at opposing angles to the target plane. A starting value for calibration of such a system could be a forty- five degree angle to the target plane as shown in Figure 5, although other angles may be used as suit requirements. The support platform 510 is parallel to the target plane such that when the support platform 510 is orthogonal to the incident light 530 from the light source (such as the Sun's rays for example), both photovoltaic panels 520A, 520B will be at forty-five degree angles to the light arriving from the light source. Where the panels 520A, 520B are arranged at similar opposing angles to the Sun, they receive similar intensity of sunlight. Accordingly both photovoltaic panels 520A, 520B will produce the same potential difference.

Referring now to Fig. 5B, the apparatus of Fig. 5A is shown tilted with respect to the incoming light 530 such that the second photovoltaic panel 520B receives a greater intensity of light that the first photovoltatic panel 520A. It will be appreciated that in such an orientation, the potential difference produced by the first photovoltaic panel 520A will be smaller than that produced by the second photovoltaic panel 520B. Similarly, referring now to Fig. 5C, the apparatus of Fig. 5A is shown tilted with respect to the incoming light 530 such that the first photovoltaic panel 520A receives a greater intensity of light that the second photovoltatic panel 520B. It will be appreciated that in such an orientation, the potential difference produced by the second photovoltatic panel 520B the first photovoltaic panel 520A will be smaller than that produced by the first photovoltaic panel 520A.

The size and polarity of the discrepancy of potential differences generated by each photovoltaic panel may be used to drive an actuator to realign the apparatus 500 as shown in Fig. 5A. Thus the orientation of the support platform may be maintained with respect to the incoming light.

IL205620/2 Referring now to Fig 6 showing a simple circuit diagram 600 of the conductive connections between an actuator 610 and two side photovoltaic panels 620A, 620B. Each of the panels 620A, 620B has an anode 621 A, 62 I B and a cathode 622A, 622B. The actuator 610 also has an anode 61 1 and a cathode 612.

The electrical connections from the side photovoltaic panels 620A, 620B would be connected in the fashion shown in Figure 6. An electrical connection is made from the anode 621 A of the first panel 620A and the cathode 622B of the opposing panel 620B to the anode 61 1 of the actuator 610. Similarly an electrical connection is made from the cathode 622 A of the first panel 620A and the anode 621 B of the opposing panel 620B to the cathode 612 of the actuator 610. When both photovoltaic panels 620A, 620B are receiving equal amounts of light energy, the potential difference produce by both will be the same, so the potential difference across the anode 611 and cathode 612 of the actuator 610 will be zero and the actuator 610 will not move. As the sun moves across the sky and the light energy incident on the opposing photovoltaic panels 620A, 620B changes, a potential difference will be produced across the terminals 611 , 612 of the actuator 610, causing the actuator 610 to operate, turning the target plane (and the attached photovoltaic panels 620A, 620B) more directly at the Sun. Once the optimum angle is attained, the potential difference across the terminals 61 1 , 612 of the actuator 610 will once again be zero and the system will stop at equilibrium until a further detectable shift occurs in the sun's position.

Referring now to the flowchart of Fig. 7, a method 700 for aligning a target-plane towards a light source is presented. The method involves: providing at least one actuator 710, mounting a first photovoltaic panel to a support platform such that it is orientated at a first angle to the target-plane 720, mounting a second photovoltaic panel to the support platform that it is orientated at a second angle to the target-plane 730, connecting the photovoltaic panels to at least one actuator 740, and the photovoltaic panels powering at least one actuator to drive the support platform such that light intensity upon the first photovoltaic panel equals light intensity upon the second photovoltaic panel 750.

The scope of the disclosed subject matter is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features IL205620/2 described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

In the claims, the word "comprise", and variations thereof such as "comprises", "comprising" and the like indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components.

Yair Matalon IL205620/1 V

Claims (20)

1. A self-powered light seeking apparatus comprising: at least one actuator configured to direct a target-plane towards a light source; and at least one photovoltaic powering arrangement configured to convert light energy into a driving current to power said at least one actuator; wherein said driving current has a polarity such that said actuator drives the target- plane towards alignment with the light source.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one actuator is configured to drive said target-plane in a first direction when a positive potential difference is applied between its anode and its cathode and to drive said target-plane in a second direction when a negative potential difference is applied between its anode and its cathode.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one actuator comprises a piston.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one actuator comprises an electric motor.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said photovoltaic powering arrangement comprises: a first photovoltaic panel configured at a first angle to the target-plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between its anode and its cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon said photovoltaic panel; and a second photovoltaic panel configured at a second angle to the target- plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between its anode and its cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon said photovoltaic panel. Yair Matalon IL205620/1

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the anode of said first photovoltaic panel and the cathode of said second photovoltaic panel are connected to an anode of said actuator, and the cathode of said first photovoltaic panel and the anode of said second photovoltaic panel are connected to the cathode of said actuator.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first angle is equal and opposite to the second angle.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first angle is approximately equal to forty-five degrees to the target-plane and the first angle is approximately equal to minus forty-five degrees to the target-piane.

9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first photovoltaic panel and said second photovoltaic panel are configured such that they do not shade one another.

10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said photovoltaic powering arrangement further comprises: a third photovoltaic panel configured at a third angle to the target-plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between its anode and its cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon said photovoltaic panel; and a fourth photovoltaic panel configured at a fourth angle to the target- plane and comprising at least one photovoltaic cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between its anode and its cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon said photovoltaic panel.

11. 1 1. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the anode of said third photovoltaic panel and the cathode of said fourth photovoltaic panel are connected to an anode of at least a second actuator, and the cathode of said third photovoltaic panel and the anode of said fourth photovoltaic panel are connected to the cathode of said second actuator.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a first actuator configured to rotate said target plane about a first axis and connected to a first photovoltaic power arrangement. Yair Matalon 1L205620/1

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a second actuator configured to rotate said target plane about a second axis and connected to a second photovoltaic power arrangement.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first actuator comprises an azimuth actuator configured to drive said target-plane about a polar axis.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said second actuator comprises an elevation actuator configured to drive said target-plane about a declination axis.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus comprises a solar panel mounted to a framework and configured to track the daily and seasonal movement of the sun across the sky.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus comprises an altazimuth support platform.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus comprises a telescope.

19. A method for aligning a target-plane towards a light source comprising providing at least one actuator; mounting a first photovoltaic panel to a support platform such that it is orientated at a first angle to the target-plane; mounting a second photovoltaic panel to said support platform such that it is orientated at a second angle to the target-plane; connecting said photovoltaic panels to said at least one actuator; said photovoltaic panels powering said at least one actuator to drive said support platform such that light intensity upon the first photovoltaic panel equals light intensity upon the second photovoltaic panel.

20. A device for aligning towards a bright light source comprising: a support platform rotatable about at least one axis; an actuator operable to rotate said support platform about said axis, said actuator having an anode and a cathode; and an independent power supply for powering said actuator, said power supply comprising: Yair Matalon IL205620/1 a first solar panel comprising at least one solar cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between said anode and said cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon said solar panel; a second solar panel comprising at least one solar cell connected to an anode and a cathode such that the magnitude of potential difference between said anode and said cathode is dependent upon angle of light incident upon said solar panel; wherein: the anode of said first solar panel and the cathode of said second solar panel are connected to the anode of said actuator, and the cathode of said first solar panel and the anode of said second solar panel are connected to the cathode of said actuator; such that said actuator is powered directly by said solar panels with a polarity dependent upon angle of light incident upon each solar panel. For the applicant Michael Morris Yair Matalon IL205620/1 ABSTRACT A self-powered light seeking apparatus and method for directing a target-plane towards a light source. The apparatus includes a photovoltaic powering arrangement configured to convert light energy into a driving current to power an actuator. The actuator is coupled to a support platform and is wired to the photovoltaic powering arrangement such that the polarity of the driving current causes the actuator to drive the target-plane towards alignment with the light source.