Introduction

A Solar Tracking System is a device that automatically adjusts the position of a solar panel to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. By maximizing the panel’s exposure to sunlight, this system increases energy efficiency and power output.

Solar tracking systems are widely used in solar farms, smart homes, and renewable energy projects.

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Objective of the Project

• To increase solar panel efficiency by following the sun
• To implement automatic sun tracking using sensors
• To reduce energy wastage and optimize renewable energy output
• To demonstrate practical renewable energy technology

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Working Principle

1. Two Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) are placed on opposite sides of the solar panel
2. LDRs detect the sunlight intensity difference
3. Microcontroller calculates which direction the panel should move
4. Servo motors or DC motors adjust the panel to face maximum sunlight
5. The system continuously tracks the sun throughout the day

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Components Required

• Arduino Uno / ESP32
• 2 x LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)
• 10kΩ Resistors (for voltage divider with LDRs)
• Servo Motor / DC Motor with motor driver
• Solar Panel (small demo panel for project)
• Jumper wires
• Power Supply

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Block Diagram

LDR Sensors
   ↓
 Arduino / Microcontroller
   ↓
 Servo Motor / DC Motor
   ↓
 Solar Panel (adjusts position)
   ↓
 Maximized Sunlight Exposure

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Circuit Connections (Arduino + Servo Motor)

LDRs

LDR1 → A0 (Left)
LDR2 → A1 (Right)
Each LDR connected in series with 10kΩ resistor
VCC → 5V
GND → GND

Servo Motor

Signal → D9 (Arduino PWM)
VCC → 5V
GND → GND

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Arduino Code (Solar Tracking System)

#include <Servo.h>

Servo myServo;
int LDR_Left = A0;
int LDR_Right = A1;
int servoPin = 9;
int pos = 90; // Start at center
int threshold = 50; // Sensitivity threshold

void setup() {
  myServo.attach(servoPin);
  myServo.write(pos);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  int leftValue = analogRead(LDR_Left);
  int rightValue = analogRead(LDR_Right);
  
  Serial.print("Left LDR: ");
  Serial.print(leftValue);
  Serial.print(" | Right LDR: ");
  Serial.println(rightValue);
  
  int diff = leftValue - rightValue;
  
  if (diff > threshold) { // Sun is more on left
    pos += 1;
    if(pos > 180) pos = 180;
    myServo.write(pos);
  }
  else if(diff < -threshold) { // Sun is more on right
    pos -= 1;
    if(pos < 0) pos = 0;
    myServo.write(pos);
  }
  
  delay(200); // Small delay for smooth movement
}

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Code Explanation

• Two LDRs measure sunlight intensity on left and right
• Arduino calculates the difference to determine sun direction
• Servo motor rotates the solar panel toward maximum sunlight
• Threshold ensures small fluctuations don’t move the panel unnecessarily

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Advantages

• Increases solar panel efficiency by up to 30%
• Reduces manual adjustment of solar panels
• Energy-efficient and sustainable
• Suitable for both small-scale and large-scale solar applications

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Applications

• Residential solar systems
• Solar farms and renewable energy projects
• Smart agriculture (solar-powered irrigation)
• Educational demonstrations of solar energy optimization

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Future Enhancements

• Dual-axis tracking for more accuracy
• IoT integration to monitor panel performance remotely
• AI-based prediction of sun movement for energy optimization
• Integration with battery storage for off-grid solar systems

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Conclusion

The Solar Tracking System is a practical mini + innovation project that demonstrates how automation and renewable energy can work together. By ensuring that solar panels always face the sun, it maximizes energy output and contributes to sustainable energy solutions.