Dual Axis Solar Tracking System Using Arduino

Abstract

The growing demand for clean and renewable energy has increased the need to improve the efficiency of solar power systems. Conventional solar panels are usually installed in a fixed position, which prevents them from continuously facing the sun as it moves across the sky during the day. As a result, a significant portion of available sunlight is not effectively utilized, leading to reduced power generation.To address this limitation, this project presents the design and development of a dual-axis solar tracking system that automatically follows the movement of the sun to maximize energy output. The system is controlled by an Arduino Uno, which acts as the central processing unit. Four BPW34 silicon photodiodes are used as light sensors to detect sunlight intensity from different directions. The Arduino continuously compares the sensor readings and determines the direction in which the solar panel should move.Two servo motors are used to achieve movement in both axes: the MG996R servo motor controls horizontal rotation, while the SG90 servo motor controls vertical movement. A tolerance-based control algorithm is implemented to ensure smooth operation and to prevent unnecessary motor movement. By continuously aligning the panel with the sun, the proposed system improves energy capture compared to fixed solar panels. The developed model offers a practical, low-cost solution suitable for small-scale solar applications and educational purposes.

Introduction

The text discusses the development of a dual-axis solar tracking system to improve the efficiency of solar panels. Rising energy demand and environmental concerns have increased interest in renewable energy, with solar power being a key option due to its abundance and cleanliness. Fixed solar panels have limited efficiency because they cannot always face the sun directly. To overcome this, solar tracking systems adjust panel positions to follow the sun, with dual-axis trackers being the most effective by allowing movement in both horizontal and vertical directions.

The proposed system uses an Arduino Uno microcontroller to control servo motors based on input from silicon photodiode sensors. The sensors detect sunlight intensity and direction, sending signals to the Arduino, which processes the data and commands the motors to adjust the panel’s orientation. Two types of servo motors, MG996R and SG90, handle the movements for horizontal and vertical axes, enabling continuous alignment with the sun.

The hardware components include the solar panel, photodiodes, servo motors, Arduino, and a mechanical support structure. The system was tested successfully, demonstrating that the solar panel can automatically follow the sun, capturing more sunlight and increasing overall energy output compared to fixed-panel setups.

In short, the project illustrates an Arduino-based automated dual-axis solar tracking system that enhances solar energy generation efficiency using sensor-guided motor control.

Conclusion

The Arduino Uno (ATmega328P) is a very popular microcontroller board that is widely used by students and beginners to learn electronics and develop simple projects. It is based on the ATmega328P microcontroller, which runs at a speed of 16 MHz and works with a 5 V power supply. The board provides 14 digital input/output pins for controlling electronic devices and 6 analog input pins for reading signals from sensors such as light or temperature sensors. It also includes 6 PWM pins, which help in smoothly controlling devices like motors and LEDs. The Arduino Uno has 32 KB of flash memory for storing programs, along with 2 KB of SRAM and 1 KB of EEPROM for handling data. It can be easily connected to a computer using a USB cable and programmed through the Arduino IDE, which makes it very convenient for beginners. In addition, it supports communication methods like Serial, SPI, and I2C, allowing it to connect with modules such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and display devices. Due to its simplicity, low cost, and strong community support, the Arduino Uno is commonly used in student projects such as solar tracking systems, small robots, and home automation applications.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Dr. Febina Beevi P., Salmanul Faris K. K., Mohammed Rabeeh K., Mohammed Shafeequ, Mohammed Shamil T.. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.