MULTI AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM

Author

MS M. D. Karalkar, Arpita Dighade , Krishna Behere , Tanishq Raulkar , Nayan Bhilkar , Khushi Chawke

Abstract

 Solar photovoltaic output depends on the angle at which solar radiation strikes the panel surface. A fixed solar panel cannot continuously maintain an optimum orientation throughout the day, which can reduce the available energy conversion under changing solar positions. This paper presents an Arduino UNO-based dual-axis solar tracking system designed to automatically adjust the orientation of a photovoltaic panel in both horizontal and vertical directions. Four light-dependent resistors (LDRs) are used to detect the relative intensity of incident sunlight, and the Arduino UNO processes the sensor values to control geared motors through an L298N motor driver. The system incorporates a 12 V solar panel, charge controller, 12 V 7 Ah battery, 12 V-to-5 V buck converter, voltage and current sensing, and a 16×2 I²C LCD for local monitoring of electrical parameters. A PCA9685 PWM servo driver with a servo motor is additionally considered for an optional automated panel-cover mechanism. The proposed system integrates solar tracking, energy storage, electrical parameter monitoring, and actuator control into a single embedded platform. The developed prototype can be evaluated using panel voltage, current, output power, and tracking response under different solar conditions.

Keywords

Arduino UNO, dual-axis solar tracking, LDR, photovoltaic system, solar energy, L298N, PCA9685, solar panel monitoring.

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References

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