AUTOMATIC SOLAR
TRACKER
~TEAM 15
211EEE1301
TEAM DETAILS :-
S.NO REGISTER NUMBER NAMES
1. 99240040405 ISHANTH SRI B
2. 99240040412 KUSHAL KUMAR B
3. 9924005388 BALA VIGNESH B
4. 9924030002 CH ROHITH
INTRODUCTION:-
• An automatic solar tracker is an intelligent device designed to optimize the
efficiency of solar energy systems by continuously aligning solar panels with
the sun’s position in the sky. Unlike fixed solar panels, which remain stationary
and only capture optimal sunlight during specific hours, a solar tracker
dynamically adjusts the angle of the panels throughout the day to follow the
sun’s movement from east to west. This results in significantly increased
energy absorption and overall system performance. Automatic solar trackers
typically use light sensors, motors, and a microcontroller to detect the sun’s
position and adjust the panel orientation accordingly. These systems are
particularly beneficial in maximizing the output of solar installations in both
residential and industrial applications, making them a key innovation in
renewable energy technology.
OBJECTIVE:-
• The objective of an automatic solar tracker is to enhance the
efficiency and performance of solar energy systems by ensuring
that solar panels are constantly aligned with the direction of
maximum sunlight throughout the day. By automatically adjusting
the angle of the panels in response to the sun’s movement, the
system aims to capture the highest possible amount of solar
radiation, thereby increasing power output and making better use
of available sunlight. This not only improves the effectiveness of
solar energy generation but also contributes to the overall
sustainability and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy
solutions.
Components:-
• Solar panel (typically LDRs - Light Dependent
Resistors)
• Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino, PIC)
• Motor(s) (servo, stepper, or DC motors)
• Power supply or battery
• Connecting wires
Working principle:-
• Working Principle of an Automatic Solar Tracker
The working principle of an automatic solar tracker is based on detecting the position of the sun and adjusting the
orientation of the solar panel to face it directly, thereby maximizing sunlight absorption and energy output. The
system primarily uses Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) as sensors to sense sunlight intensity. Typically, two or
four LDRs are placed on either side of the panel. When the sunlight falls unevenly on these sensors, it creates a
difference in resistance, which is detected by a microcontroller (such as Arduino).
• The microcontroller compares the light intensity values from the LDRs. If it finds that one side is receiving more
light, it sends a signal to a motor (servo, DC, or stepper) to rotate the solar panel toward the brighter side. This
process continues throughout the day, ensuring that the solar panel always faces the sun. At night or during low
light, the system becomes idle, and in some designs, the panel resets to the east in preparation for sunrise.This
feedback loop of sensing and adjusting ensures that the panel is optimally aligned with the sun, increasing
energy efficiency by up to 30–40% compared to a fixed solar panel.
Circuits:-
UNIQUENESS OF AUTOMATIC SOLAR
TRACKER:-
• The uniqueness of an automatic solar tracker lies in its ability to intelligently and
autonomously adjust the position of solar panels to follow the sun’s path,
maximizing energy capture without manual intervention. Unlike traditional fixed
systems, it uses sensors and control systems to respond dynamically to changing
sunlight conditions in real time. This adaptive capability makes it highly efficient,
especially in regions with varying sun angles throughout the year. Additionally,
the integration of microcontrollers and smart components allows for precise
tracking, energy optimization, and potential integration with IoT or smart grid
systems, setting it apart from conventional solar setups.
PURPOSE:-
• The purpose of an automatic solar tracker is to increase
the efficiency and effectiveness of solar energy systems by
ensuring that solar panels are always oriented toward the
sun for maximum sunlight exposure. By continuously
adjusting the position of the panels throughout the day,
the tracker helps to generate more electricity compared to
fixed panels, making solar power systems more productive
and cost-efficient. This leads to better utilization of
renewable energy resources and supports efforts toward
sustainable and eco-friendly power generation.
TRADITIONAL ASPECTS:-
• Traditional aspects of solar panel systems refer to the fixed and
manual methods used before the adoption of automated tracking
technology. In conventional systems, solar panels are typically
mounted at a fixed tilt and orientation, based on the average
position of the sun for a specific location. These systems rely on
manual adjustments, if any, to optimize their angle seasonally, but
they do not move throughout the day to follow the sun. As a
result, energy production is highest only during peak sunlight
hours, leading to lower overall efficiency. Despite this limitation,
traditional systems are still widely used due to their simplicity,
lower cost, and ease of installation and maintenance.
Block diagram
Proposed method:-
• The proposed method involves designing a dual-axis automatic solar tracking
system that uses light sensors and a microcontroller to continuously adjust the
orientation of a solar panel toward the sun throughout the day. The system
utilizes four Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) placed in a cross pattern around
a central divider to detect the intensity of sunlight from different directions.
• These LDRs provide analog signals to an Arduino Uno microcontroller, which
processes the inputs and determines the direction in which the panel needs to
move.Two servo motors are used—one for horizontal (azimuth) movement and
another for vertical (elevation) movement. Based on the LDR readings, the
Arduino sends PWM signals to the respective motors to rotate the panel so
that it faces the direction with the highest light intensity. The system repeats
this process at regular intervals to ensure continuous alignment with the sun.
Uniqueness of the proposed method:-
• The uniqueness of the proposed automatic solar tracker lies in its dual-axis control using
simple, cost-effective components, combined with real-time light sensing for precise
sun tracking. Unlike many traditional systems that rely on fixed angles or time-based
sun position algorithms, this method uses four strategically placed LDR sensors to
directly measure sunlight intensity and guide movement, ensuring accurate and
responsive tracking throughout the day.Moreover, the integration of an Arduino-based
control system enhances flexibility, ease of programming, and expandability—allowing
additional features like data logging, weather-based adjustments, or IoT integration
without significantly increasing complexity or cost. The dual-axis mechanism enables
the panel to follow both horizontal and vertical solar movement, maximizing efficiency
regardless of seasonal sun path variations. This approach offers a balance of precision,
low power consumption, affordability, and adaptability, setting it apart from
conventional and purely mechanical tracking methods.
LITERATURE SURVEY:-
S.NO YEAR AUTHER Control Technique Drawbacks
1. 2011 Patel and Microcontroller Affected by weather conditions
Agarwal
2. 2013 Salas et al. Fuzzy logic controller Complexity in control design
3. 2017 Kumar et al. PID Controller Higher system cost
4. 2015 Lee and Kim Neural Network Requires powerful processing
5. 2018 Hernandez et al. Arduino-based control Sensor calibration needed
6. 2019 Zhang et al. Adaptive control Algorithm complexity
algorithm
7. 2020 Singh and Fuzzy-PID hybrid Increased design complexity
Sharma controller
Drawbacks:-
1. Higher Initial Cost:-The inclusion of sensors, motors, and a control system increases the upfront
cost compared to fixed solar panels.
2. Complex Design and Maintenance:-Moving parts and electronic components require regular
maintenance and are more prone to wear and failure.
3. Power Consumption:-Motors and control circuits consume energy, slightly reducing the net
power output from the solar panel.
4. Weather Dependency:- Performance may be less effective during cloudy or rainy days, as the
system relies on sunlight detection.
5. Structural Stability:-The tracking mechanism may require a more robust structure to withstand
wind loads and environmental stress.
Conclusion:-
The implementation of an automatic solar tracker significantly enhances the
efficiency and performance of solar energy systems by ensuring that solar panels
are continuously aligned with the sun’s position throughout the day. Unlike fixed
systems, this intelligent tracking mechanism increases the amount of sunlight
captured, thereby maximizing power output and improving overall energy
utilization. The proposed dual-axis design, using cost-effective components such
as LDR sensors and an Arduino microcontroller, offers a practical and affordable
solution for both small-scale and large-scale solar installations. This system not
only supports the advancement of renewable energy technologies but also
contributes to sustainable and eco-friendly power generation.
Reference:-
1. S. N. Singh and B. Singh, "Automatic solar tracker system using Arduino," International Journal of Scientific
& Engineering Research, vol. 8, no. 6, pp. 202–206, Jun. 2017.
2. P. Rani, M. Sharma, and K. Gupta, "Dual Axis Solar Tracker Using Arduino," International Research Journal
of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 2012–2016, Apr. 2018.
3. M. A. Hannan, M. S. Hossain Lipu, A. Hussain, and A. Mohamed, "A review of solar energy tracking
systems: Technologies and challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 90, pp. 306–329,
Jul. 2018.
4. N. Patel and D. Shah, "IoT based solar tracking system using GPS and real-time data monitoring,"
International Journal of Computer Applications, vol. 182, no. 35, pp. 10–14, Oct. 2020.
5. A. Kumar and R. Singh, "Design and Implementation of a Smart Solar Tracker Using LDR Sensors," Journal
of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 789–794, Mar. 2019.
