Single Axis Solar Tracking System

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of single-axis solar tracking systems, analyzing their impact on photovoltaic efficiency. By examining various tracking mechanisms, including sensor-based and preprogrammed control strategies, the study highlights advancements in tracking accuracy, energy optimization, and system reliability. A comparative analysis with fixed-panel systems underscores the efficiency gains and practical challenges associated with single-axis tracking. The review further explores improvementsinmotor control, sensor integration, andpower management, providing insightsforfuture advancements in solar energy harvesting

Introduction

Introduction:
Solar energy is a promising renewable alternative to fossil fuels. However, fixed solar panels have limited efficiency due to their static position. Single-axis solar tracking systems address this by adjusting the panel’s tilt based on sunlight direction, improving energy yield by 20–30%.

System Overview:

Components:

• LDR Sensors: Detect sunlight intensity from different directions.

• Arduino UNO: The system’s brain; processes LDR input and controls panel movement.

• Motor Driver (L298N): Acts on Arduino signals to rotate the motor.

• Geared Motor: Adjusts panel orientation with torque-efficient rotation.

• Solar Panel (30W Polycrystalline): Converts sunlight into electricity.

• Charge Controller: Regulates battery charging and protects from power fluctuations.

• PWM Controller: Modulates motor speed based on signal duty cycle.

• Power Supply & Protection: Includes fuses, diodes, grounding, and optional relays for safety.

Working Principle:

• LDRs are placed on either side of a barrier. If one receives more light, it causes a voltage imbalance.

• The Arduino processes this difference and sends a signal to the motor driver, which rotates the geared motor.

• The motor adjusts the panel toward the brighter side until both LDRs detect equal light—ensuring optimal sun alignment.

• This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous real-time tracking from dawn to dusk.

Advantages:

• Increased solar energy capture.

• Automated and cost-effective.

• Real-time adjustment using simple components.

• Suitable for residential and commercial use.

Software Implementation:

A simple flowchart logic is used:

1. Read light levels from LDRs.

2. Compare values.

3. Rotate panel toward the sensor with more light.

4. Stop movement when light levels are balanced.

Conclusion

The developed single-axis solar tracking system successfully enhances the efficiency of solar energy capture by dynamically adjustingthepanel\'sorientationbasedonsunlightintensity.The integration ofLDRsensors,Arduino UNO, and ageared motor enables precise tracking, ensuring maximum power generation compared to a fixed solar panel. The system operates in two modes—fixed incremental rotation and real-time LDR-based tracking—offering flexibility in implementation. The experimental results demonstrate that the tracking mechanism significantlyimprovesenergyoutput,makingitacost-effective and practical solution for renewable energy applications. Futurescopeofthisprojectincludes: • Upgradeto dual-axistrackingforhigher efficiency. • IntegrateIoTforremotemonitoringandcontrol. • UseAIforreal-timeoptimizationoftrackingangles Implement.

References

[1] J. Smith, R. Kumar, A. Patel \"Designand Implementation of a Low-Cost Single-Axis Solar Tracking System\" IEEE Transactions on Renewable Energy, 2023. [2] M.Johnson,K.Lee\"PerformanceAnalysisofSingle-Axis SolarTrackersunderDifferentWeatherConditions\"ScienceDirect-RenewableEnergy Journal,2022 [3] L. Fernandez, T. Singh \"Microcontroller-Based Single- Axis Solar Tracking System for Enhanced Energy Efficiency\" International Journal of Smart Grid, 2023 [4] R. Gupta, P. Verma \"Artificial Intelligence-Based OptimizationofSingle-AxisSolarTrackingSystems\"Elsevier-EnergyReports,2023 [5] S.Brown,A.Das\"ComparativeStudyofFixedvs.Single- AxisSolarTrackersinDifferentGeographicLocations\"IEEEAccess, 2022 [6] H. Mehta, C. Yadav \"Arduino-Based Solar Tracking System with IoT Monitoring\" ResearchGate - Smart Energy Systems, 2023 [7] B. Wilson, N. Kumar \"Optimization of Single-Axis Solar Tracking Using PID Control Algorithm\" Springer - Energy Efficiency Journal, 2023 [8] T. Chen, D. Roy \"Development of a Solar Tracking System Using Fuzzy Logic Control\" IEEE Transactions on Control Systems, 2022 [9] M. Thomas, G. Nair \"Solar Tracker with MPPT AlgorithmforImprovedEnergyHarvesting\"Elsevier-Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 2023. [10] K. Sharma, V. Banerjee \"A Study on Dual vs. Single- AxisSolarTrackingSystemsforGrid Integration\" IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 2023 [11] Md.TaslimMahmud Bhuyain \"DesignandDevelopment of a Single-Axis Solar Tracking System,\" InternationalMultidisciplinaryResearch,ResearchGate,2021.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Er. Nishant Agrawal, Er. Praveen Agrawal, Ujjwal Agrawal, Vishnu Meena, Vijendra Saini, Tanish Sharma. 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.