International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 04 | Apr 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Solar Tracker System Using Arduino Palak Chouhan1, Sahil Soni2, Varun Pal3, Umang Malviya4 1,2,3,4 4th Year, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Laksmi Narain College of Technology,
Bhopal -------------------------------------------------------------------------***-----------------------------------------------------------------------This project proposes a dual-axis solar Abstract -Solar energy harvesting efficiency remains constrained by the static orientation of conventional photovoltaic panels, leading to significant energy losses due to suboptimal sun alignment. To address this limitation, this paper presents a low-cost, dual-axis solar tracker system utilizing an Arduino microcontroller, Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), and servo motors to dynamically align solar panels with the sun’s position. The system employs four LDR sensors to detect real-time sunlight intensity gradients, while an Arduino Uno processes this data to calculate optimal tilt and azimuth angles. Servo motors then adjust the panel’s position accordingly, maximizing energy capture. Experimental results demonstrate a 25–30% increase in power output compared to fixed-panel systems under varying daylight conditions. The system’s modular design, open-source architecture, and component cost (under $50) make it viable for educational, residential, and small-scale industrial applications. Future enhancements may integrate IoT-enabled cloud logging (via ESP8266) for remote performance monitoring, machine learning algorithms for predictive tracking, and hybrid power management to optimize energy storage. This project highlights the potential of microcontrollerbased automation to enhance renewable energy systems, offering a scalable, energy-efficient, and costeffective alternative to static solar installations. By bridging the gap between theoretical efficiency and practical implementation, the system provides a foundation for next-generation smart solar solutions. Keywords: Arduino Uno, LDR sensors, Servo motors, Renewable energy, Dual-axis tracking, IoT integration
tracker leveraging an Arduino microcontroller, Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), and servo motors to autonomously align solar panels with the sun’s trajectory. The system employs four LDR sensors arranged in a cross pattern to detect real-time light intensity gradients. The Arduino processes these inputs to calculate optimal tilt and azimuth angles, while servo motors adjust the panel’s position dynamically. By maintaining near-perpendicular alignment with sunlight throughout the day, the tracker significantly enhances energy capture efficiency. the tracker significantly enhances energy capture efficiency.
2. Literature review The optimization of solar energy systems has emerged as a critical research domain, driven by global demands for sustainable and efficient power generation. Conventional fixed photovoltaic installations face inherent limitations, with studies by NREL (2022) indicating 18-35% energy losses due to static panel orientation. These inefficiencies have spurred innovation in solar tracking technologies, ranging from mechanical systems to advanced AI-driven solutions. Photovoltaic tracking mechanisms have evolved through three generations of development: 1.
Passive Trackers (1980s): Utilizing thermal expansion fluids or shape-memory alloys, these systems offered low-cost automation but suffered from slow response times (Kalogirou, 2009).
2.
Active Electro-Mechanical Trackers (2000s): Incorporated light sensors and DC motors, achieving 22-28% efficiency gains (Roth et al., 2014).
3.
Smart Hybrid Trackers (Present): Integrate IoT connectivity and predictive algorithms for dual-axis precision (IEEE-PES, 2021).
1. Introduction The The transition toward sustainable energy solutions has made solar power a cornerstone of global renewable energy strategies. However, the efficiency of photovoltaic systems remains limited by their static orientation, which fails to adapt to the sun’s dynamic position, resulting in significant energy losses. Traditional fixed panels lose 15–30% of potential output due to misalignment, underscoring the need for intelligent tracking systems to maximize energy harvest.
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Light-dependent resistor (LDR) based systems have gained prominence for their optimal balance of cost and accuracy. Research by Gupta & Sharma (2020) demonstrated that properly calibrated LDR arrays can achieve ±1.5° tracking precision - comparable to photodiode systems at 10% of
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