Dual_Axis_Solar_Tracking_System
Dual_Axis_Solar_Tracking_System
1051/e3sconf/202561902008
ICSGET 2025
Hyderabad, India
6UG scholar, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Vignana Bharathi Institute of
Abstract. The phrase "the sun is the source of all energy" highlights the
vital role of solar energy in sustaining life and powering our planet.. Solar
power is rapidly emerging as a option for renewable energy resources. As
an abundant energy source, sunlight can be effectively harnessed using solar
photovoltaic cells and the photovoltaic effect to transform solar energy into
electricity. A solar tracking system enhances the energy output of solar
setups by following the sun's movement with panels throughout the day, thus
optimizing the angle at which they receive sunlight. In comparison to fixed
solar panels, a solar tracking system utilizing linear actuators or gear motors
can boost the efficiency of solar panels by 25% to 40%. The efficiency of
any solar-based application improves when the panels are consistently
adjusted to the best angle as the sun moves across the sky. A dual-axis
tracker enables solar panels to rotate along both the north-south and east-
west axes. The following material describes the layout and implementation
of a dual-axis” solar panel powered by the Arduino microcontroller.
1 Introduction
The aim of the project is to develop a solar tracking system that adjusts its position to face
the sun, maximizing energy output for solar-powered systems. To capture maximum sunlight
over a limited area, two solar panels are arranged in a bi-facial layout along with reflectors.
Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) are employed to determine the sun's position. A battery
stores the energy collected from the solar panels, which powers automated street lights. The
operation of these lights is managed by a microcontroller in conjunction with the LDRs,
allowing the lights to turn on at night and off during the day [1]. A solar panel is a large, flat
rectangle that typically measures between the size of a radiator and that of a door. It is
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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composed solar cells, which are "many individual solar energy collectors, all protected by a
sheet of glass”. Each cell, roughly the size of an adult's hand, usually has an octagonal shape
and a bluish-black hue. Similar to how battery cells work, the cells in a solar panel are
designed to produce electricity [2]; however, while batteries generate power through
chemical reactions, solar panels create energy by absorbing sunlight. These cells are often
referred to as photovoltaic cells, deriving their name from the Greek word for light, "photo,"
and the term "voltaic," which honours electricity pioneer Alessandro Volta. The project
includes several LDR sensors along with a motorized system that rotates the solar panel
toward the sun. Aligning the solar panel in the direction of sunlight can significantly enhance
the energy output from the solar cells. A microcontroller-based control system continuously
monitors sunlight and regulates the motorized mechanism, ensuring uninterrupted operation
[9].
Incorporating a “dual-axis solar tracking system” further enhances this project’s
efficiency. Unlike single-axis trackers that only rotate along one axis (east to west), dual-axis
trackers can pivot both horizontally and vertically. This capability allows them to adjust to
the sun's position throughout the day and across different seasons, ensuring that solar panels
maintain optimal alignment with sunlight at all times [3]”“Dual-axis trackers utilize sensors
to detect incoming sunlight based on light intensity and shadows”. This information is
processed by a small computer that calculates the ideal angle for the solar panels to face
directly towards the sun. Electric motors or hydraulic systems then adjust the panel's position
accordingly. This automated adjustment occurs smoothly throughout the day, optimizing
energy capture as the sun moves from east to west. By integrating this advanced tracking
technology into our project, we aim to significantly enhance energy efficiency and ensure
reliable power generation for automated street lighting systems throughout the day and night
[10-12].
Fig.1.Schematic representation of a solar cell, showing the n-type and p-type layers, with a close-up
view of the depletion zone around the junction between the n-type and p-type layers
A solar panel is a device designed to convert sunlight into electrical energy using photovoltaic
(PV) cells. These cells are composed of materials that release electrons when exposed to
light. As the electrons flow through a circuit, they generate direct current (DC) electricity,
which can power devices or be stored in batteries. Solar panels are also referred to as PV
modules, solar electric panels, or solar cell panels. Solar panels are typically arranged in
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arrays or systems. A photovoltaic system includes one or more panels, an inverter to convert
DC electricity to alternating current (AC), and may also include components like controllers,
trackers, and meters. These systems are commonly installed on rooftops or in solar farms,
where they contribute electricity to the grid. The angle at which solar panels are installed
varies based on location and season, as they perform best when directly facing the sun. Since
the sun's position shifts throughout the day and year, the ideal tilt angle changes accordingly.
To maximize energy production, you need to determine the panel's orientation and optimal
tilt based on your latitude and the time of year when solar energy is most needed.
The solar zenith angle is the angle between the sun's rays and a line perpendicular to the
Earth's surface
cos( )z = sin ( ∅) × cos( ) + cos(∅) × cos( ) × cos(ℎ) (1)
Where:
The solar declination angle represents the tilt of the Earth's axis relative to the sun and
changes throughout the year.
=23. 45° ∙ sin ∙ (N+284) (2)
Where:
N: Day of the year (e.g., 1 for January 1, 365 for December 31)
The azimuth angle measures the sun's position in the horizontal plane, usually relative to true
north.
( ) (∅)∙ ( )
= arccos (3)
(∅)∙ ( )
The tilt angle of a solar panel is often adjusted based on latitude (ϕ\phiϕ) and season:
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The hour angle represents the sun's position relative to solar noon.
Where:
Local Solar Time is based on the sun's movement, not clock time.
Solar panels offer several benefits, such as utilizing a renewable, clean energy source,
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and potentially lowering electricity costs. However, they
rely on sunlight availability, require periodic maintenance like cleaning, and involve
significant upfront expenses. Widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial
applications, solar panels are also essential in space missions, often paired with batteries for
energy storage.
LDRs, also known as photo conductors or photo resistors, operate based on the principle of
photoconductivity. The resistance of a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) rises when light
intensity diminishes and decreases as light intensity increases. LDRs are utilized to detect
solar energy before transmitting the analog input to an Arduino
3.2 Arduino
The Arduino Uno R3 is the microcontroller used in this project for controlling motor
positions. This Arduino board features 14 digital input/output ports, six of which can send
PWM signals to a servo motor, along with six analog input ports. It also includes a 16 MHz
oscillator crystal and a USB cable for programming. The advantages of using Arduino
include its independence as a platform, robust construction, and affordability
3.5 Resistor
An electrical component that blocks the flow of electricity in a circuit is called a resistor. In
order to understand resistors,it's important to understand resistance, a characteristic of
conductors. The main function of a resistor is to restrict current flow and lower voltage in
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circuits. This component plays a crucial role in controlling current and voltage across all
electronic circuits.
3.8 DC Motor
A DC motor transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy by using the between
magnetic fields and wires that carry current. In contrast, electrical energy can be generated
from mechanical energy through devices like alternators and generators. Some types of
electric motors can also operate as generators, and vice versa. In a DC motor, the components
provided are current and voltage as input, while the output consists of torque, which is linked
to speed.The DC motor consists of two primary elements: the armature, which rotates, and
the stator, which remains stationary and contains wire coils known as field coils. Diagrams
depict a conventional DC motor, the armature, and a typical stator. These illustrations show
that the armature features wire coils wound around a core, with a shaft that rotates on
bearings. It’s also crucial to understand that the ends of each wire coil meet at one end of the
armature, creating termination points referred to as the commutator. This part is where
brushes make electrical contact to transfer current from the stationary section to the rotating
section of the motor[4].
3.9 Battery
In a dual-axis solar tracking system, the battery plays a vital role in ensuring continuous
operation by storing energy to power components like sensors, microcontrollers, and motors,
even during periods of low sunlight. It provides a reliable energy source, enabling the system
to adjust the solar panels for optimal sunlight capture throughout the day. Batteries store
surplus solar energy generated during peak hours for use in cloudy conditions or at night,
acting as a backup power source for uninterrupted operation. Commonly used batteries
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include lead-acid, lithium-ion, and gel or AGM batteries, each with unique benefits such as
affordability, high energy density, and minimal maintenance. Block diagram
3.10 Working
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compares the signals within each pair to identify any disparities in sunlight intensity. If a
difference is detected between Sensor1 and Sensor2, it activates **Stepper Motor1** to
adjust the panel's orientation along the first axis. Similarly, if Sensor3 and Sensor4 show
differing intensities, **Stepper Motor2** is activated for adjustments along the second
axis[6]. This setup allows precise tracking of sunlight by correcting the panel's orientation
based on detected angles.
4 Calculations
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= × × (6)
Where
A is the surface area of the solar panel in square meters (m2).
G is the solar irradiance on the panel surface in watts per square meter (W/m2)For
a “dual-axis tracker”, this should be close to the maximum irradiance.
η is the efficiency of the solar panel (as a decimal).
Where
VOUT is the output voltage of the panel.
For a photovoltaic panel, Vout is typically determined by the panel’s rated voltage
under standard test conditions.
= − × (8)
where:
VOC is the open-circuit voltage,
IOUT is the output current,
Rs is the series resistance of the solar panel[7].
5 Results
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The Fig.4.Illustrates the hardware layout and interconnections of a “Dual Axis Solar
Trackig System”
Table 1.Power obtained from single and “Dual axis tracker”s on cloudy day
Time Single-Axis Dual-Axis
Output (W) Output (W)
6 AM 0 00.1
7 AM 00.2 00.4
8 AM 00.5 00.9
9 AM 00.8 1.4
10 AM 1.2 1.8
11AM 1.5 2.0
12 PM 1.8 2.0
1 PM 2.0 2.0
2 PM 2.0 2.0
3 PM 1.8 2.0
4 PM 1.4 1.7
5 PM 1 1.3
6 PM 00.5 00.7
The Table.1 illustrates the estimated solar radiation output captured by Systems for tracking
sun radiation with one or two axes throughout a cloudy day, measured at hourly intervals.
The dual-axis system consistently records higher power output in contrast to the one-axis
scheme, highlighting its efficiency in capturing solar radiation even under less ideal weather
conditions. Starting from minimal values in the early morning, both systems show a steady
increase in output as daylight intensifies, reaching their peak around midday. The “dual-axis
system” achieves a maximum output of approximately 2.5 W between 12:00 PM and 2:00
PM, while the single-axis system reaches around 2.0 W. Following this peak period, both
systems experience a gradual decline in output as daylight decreases, ultimately reaching
near-zero levels by evening. This data emphasizes the advantage of “dual-axis tracking” in
optimizing solar energy capture, even on days with cloud cover.
The graph Fig.5. illustrates the “Average solar radiation recorded by single-axis and
dual-axis solar tracking systems during a cloudy day, measured in watts (W). The x-axis
represents time intervals from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM”, covering the typical daylight period,
while the y-axis indicates the power output in watts. Throughout the day, the “dual-axis
tracking system”, shown by the orange line, consistently captures more solar radiation
compared to the single-axis system, represented by the blue line. Both systems demonstrate
a gradual increase in power output starting from early morning, peaking around midday
when solar radiation is strongest, and then decreasing toward the evening. However, the
“dual-axis system” reaches higher power outputs and maintains this peak for a longer period
compared to the single-axis system. This extended performance highlights the “dual-axis
system’s” superior capability to adjust both horizontally and vertically, allowing it to better
align with “the location of the sun, even on overcast days. The data suggests that “dual-axis
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tracking systems” are more” effective in maximizing solar energy capture, particularly in
suboptimal weather conditions, as they can better adapt to variations in sunlight.
2.5
1.5
0.5
Table 2.Power obtained from single and “Dual axis tracker”s on clear day
The Table 2. provides a detailed comparison of solar radiation output for single-axis and
“dual-axis tracking systems” across various times of the day, between the hours of 6:00 AM
and 7:00 PM. Each column displays the average power output in watts (W) captured by both
systems under clear sky conditions. Both tracking systems start capturing measurable
radiation at around 7:00 AM, with the values gradually increasing as sunlight intensifies,
reaching their respective peaks around midday. The “dual-axis system” consistently produces
higher output than the “single-axis system”, demonstrating superior efficiency in capturing
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sunlight due to its ability to track the sun more precisely. At noon, when solar radiation is at
its peak, the dual-axis system achieves a maximum output of 1.2 W, while the single-axis
system reaches 0.6 W. After midday, as sunlight decreases, both outputs symmetrically
decline, ultimately reaching zero at 7:00 PM. This data illustrates the dual-axis system's
advantage in harnessing solar energy more effectively over a full day.
1.4
1.2
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
The graph Fig:6 illustrates the comparison between the solar radiation output captured by
"dual-axis and single-axis tracking systems during a clear day." The y-axis shows the average
output in watts (W), while the x-axis shows the time of day, which runs from 6:00 AM to
7:00 PM.
In this chart, the “dual-axis tracking system” shows a noticeably higher performance
than the single-axis system throughout the day. From early morning (6:00 AM) until late at
night (7:00 PM), the “dual-axis system” captures more solar radiation, peaking at around 1.2
W at noon, which is the highest value recorded in the graph. In comparison, the single-axis
system peaks at approximately 0.6 W at noon, demonstrating half the output of the “dual-
axis system” at that time.
Both systems start capturing radiation around 7:00 AM, gradually increasing as the
sun's height in the sky increases.
The “dual-axis system’s” output increases at a stepper rate compared to the single-axis,
reaching its maximum at noon. After midday, both systems show a symmetrical decline as
solar radiation decreases toward the evening. The higher efficiency of the “dual-axis tracker”
highlights its advantage in optimizing energy capture across varying angles of sunlight
throughout the day [8].
6 Conclusion
The dual-axis solar tracking system optimizes solar energy collection by adjusting the panels
to the sun's ideal angle, utilizing LDRs and a microprocessor to operate servo motors. This
system adjusts panels horizontally and vertically for continuous sun tracking, increasing
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efficiency compared to fixed systems. It incorporates Arduino technology for flexibility and
scalability, suitable for residential to industrial use. The design addresses challenges like
shading and conserves energy by halting during non-sunny periods. Future improvements
include advanced sensors, wireless monitoring, and cost-effective materials. This system
enhances solar energy efficiency, reduces reliance on non-renewable sources, and supports
sustainable energy practices, contributing to climate change mitigation and the global
transition to renewable energy.
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