Report On

“ Arduino Based Solar Tracking System ”

“A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of
Technology in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
University of Technology”

Submitted by
Ayan Sarkar. 26300321065
Saswata Halder. 26300321039
Santu Nayek. 26300321038

Under the guidance of

Mr. Sukdeb Saha
Assistant Professor

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

Regent Education and Research Foundation
(Affiliated to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology formerly known as WBUT, West Bengal)
BARRACKPORE, KOLKATA – 700121

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 Certificate of Approval

This is to certify that this report of B. Tech final year project, entitled “Arduino Based Solar
Tracking System” is a record of bona-fide work, carried out by Ayan Sarkar, Saswata Halder
and Santu Nayek under my supervision and guidance.

In my opinion, the report in its present form is in partial fulfillment of all the requirements, as
specified by the Regent Education and Research Foundation and as per regulations of the
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology . In fact, it has attained the standard, necessary
for submission. To the best of my knowledge, the results embodied in this report, are original in
nature and worthy of incorporation in the present version of the report for B. Tech in Electronics
and Communication Engineering.

Guide / Supervisor

Mr. Sukdeb Saha , Assistant Professor

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2.
____________________ ____________________________
Examiner(s) Head of the Department

Electronics and Communication Engineering

Regent Education and Research Foundation

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to thank our Principal and Dean for their enthusiasm and helpful nature for
making our/my education in REGENT EDUCATION & RESEARCH FOUNDATION a
memorable one.

We are also highly grateful and would like to express our deep sense of gratitude to
MR. SUKDEB SAHA For his/her immense contribution , valuable guidance, suggestions, advice
and continuous encouragement are helped us in successful completion of the project on
“ARDUINO BASED SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM”.

We/I also have great pleasure in expressing our/my gratitude to all faculty members of
Electronics & Communication Engineering department as well as Library.

(Ayan Sarkar , Roll No: 26300321065)

(Saswata Halder , Roll No: 26300321039)

(Santu Nayek , Roll No: 26300321038)

Date:

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 ABSTRACT

The Arduino-based solar tracking system presented in this project aims to optimize the efficiency
of solar panels by dynamically adjusting their orientation throughout the day to maximize
exposure to sunlight. Traditional fixed solar panels have limitations in capturing the full potential
of solar energy due to the Earth's rotation and varying angles of sunlight. To address this
challenge, the proposed system utilizes an Arduino microcontroller to control the movement of
the solar panels based on real-time input from light sensors. The system employs two servo
motors to adjust the tilt and azimuth angles of the solar panels, ensuring they are aligned with the
position of the sun. By continuously tracking the sun's position, the system improves energy
harvesting efficiency, leading to increased power generation and overall effectiveness of solar
energy systems. This project contributes to the advancement of renewable energy technologies
by providing an affordable and accessible solution for optimizing solar panel performance in
various environmental conditions.

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 CONTENTS
Chapter Page No
Chapter 1. Introduction 6

Chapter 2. Deployment Model 7

Chapter 3. Block Diagram 8

3.1 Hardware used

Chapter 4. Component used 9-12

4.1 Arduino uno

4.2 LDR

4.3 Solar Panel

4.4 Servo Motor

Chapter 5.The working principle 13

Chapter 6. The Arduino uno code 14-15

Chapter 7. Flow chart 16-18

Chapter 8. Advantage and Disadvantage 19-20

Chapter 9. Application 21-22

Conclusion 23

Reference 24

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 Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION

The global demand for renewable energy sources has spurred innovation in the field of solar
energy harvesting. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are widely used to convert sunlight into
electrical energy; however, their efficiency is heavily dependent on their orientation relative to
the sun. Traditional fixed solar panels are limited in their ability to capture the full potential of
solar energy due to the Earth's rotation and changing angles of sunlight. To address this
limitation, solar tracking systems have been developed to dynamically adjust the orientation of
solar panels, ensuring optimal alignment with the sun throughout the day.

In this project, we propose an Arduino-based solar tracking system designed to enhance the
efficiency of solar energy systems. The system employs light sensors to detect the position of the
sun and Arduino microcontrollers to control the movement of solar panels. By continuously
tracking the sun's position, the system dynamically adjusts the tilt and azimuth angles of the solar
panels, maximizing exposure to sunlight and improving energy harvesting efficiency.

The motivation behind this project lies in the need to optimize the performance of solar energy
systems, particularly in regions with variable weather conditions and limited sunlight. By
implementing a cost-effective and reliable solar tracking solution using Arduino
microcontrollers, this project aims to contribute to the advancement of renewable energy
technologies and promote sustainable energy practices.

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Chapter 2.Deployment Models :

In this research, a microcontroller based simple and easily programmed automatic solar tracker is
presented. Design and construction of a prototype for solar tracking system detected the sunlight
using Light dependent Resistors (LDR), is discussed in this work. The control circuit for the
solar tracking system is based on Arduino Uno. This is programmed to detect the sunlight
through the LDRs and then actuate the stepper motor to position the solar panel where it receives
maximum sunlight. Compared with any other type of motor, the stepper motor is more
controllable, more energy efficient, steadier and having high tracking accuracy and suffering
little environmental effect. In this paper, there are mainly five sections to implement this

control system. The purposes of this research are to develop a tracking system that control and
monitor the movement of solar panel based on the intensity of the light, to measure output
voltage, current and power, P=IV and to compare the efficiency increase of a solar system
between fixed solar system and solar tracking system.

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Chapter3.BLOCK DIAGRAM :

Chapter 3.1 HARDWARE USED :

 Arduino UNO
 LDR
 Solar Panel
 Servo Motor

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  Battery

Chapter 4. About Component

4.1 Arduino Uno

Arduino UNO is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P. It has 14 digital

input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz
ceramic resonator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header and a reset button. It
contains everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer
with a USB cable or power it with a AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started. You can tinker
with your UNO without worrying too much about doing something wrong, worst case scenario
you can replace the chip for a few dollars and start over again.

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4.2 LDR

LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) as the name states is a special type of resistor that works on the
photoconductivity principle means that resistance changes according to the intensity of light. Its
resistance decreases with an increase in the intensity of light.

It is often used as a light sensor, light meter, Automatic street light, and in areas where we need
to have light sensitivity. LDR is also known as a Light Sensor. LDR are usually available in
5mm, 8mm, 12mm, and 25mm dimensions.

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4.3 Solar Panel

A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity by using photovoltaic (PV) cells.
PV cells are made of materials that produce excited electrons when exposed to light. The
electrons flow through a circuit and produce direct current (DC) electricity, which can be used to
power various devices or be stored in batteries. Solar panels are also known as solar cell
panels, solar electric panels, or PV modules.

Solar panels are usually arranged in groups called arrays or systems. A photovoltaic
system consists of one or more solar panels, an inverter that converts DC electricity to alternating
current (AC) electricity, and sometimes other components such as controllers, meters,
and trackers. A photovoltaic system can be used to provide electricity for off-grid applications,
such as remote homes or cabins, or to feed electricity into the grid and earn credits or payments
from the utility company. This is called a grid-connected photovoltaic system.

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4.4 SERVO MOTOR

A servo motor is a type of electric motor that can rotate or move to a specific position, speed, or
torque based on an input signal from a controller.

The term servo comes from the Latin word servus, meaning servant or slave. This reflects the
historical use of servo motors as auxiliary drives that assist the main drive system.

A servo motor consists of three main components:

 A motor: This can be either a DC motor or an AC motor depending on the power

source and the application requirements. The motor provides the mechanical
power to rotate or move the output shaft.
 A sensor: This can be either a potentiometer, an encoder, a resolver, or another
device that measures the position, speed, or torque of the output shaft and sends
feedback signals to the controller.
 A controller: This can be either an analog or a digital circuit that compares the
feedback signals from the sensor with the desired setpoint signals from an
external source (such as a computer or a joystick) and generates control signals to
adjust the motor’s voltage or current accordingly

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Chapter 5. The Working principle

Arduino Based solar tracking system typically involves using an Arduino, LDR (Light
Dependent Resistor), solar panel, servo motor, and a battery. Here's a simplified overview of
how it works:

1. Light Detection (LDR): The LDR senses the intensity of light. Connect the LDR to the
Arduino, and by measuring the LDR's resistance, the Arduino can determine the amount of light
falling on it.

2. Arduino Control: The Arduino processes the LDR data and decides the position of the sun
based on the light intensity. It then sends control signals to the servo motor.

3. Servo Motor Movement: The servo motor adjusts the position of the solar panel according to
the Arduino's instructions. This movement helps the solar panel continuously face the sun.

4. Solar Panel Adjustment: The solar panel is mounted on the servo motor. As the servo motor
moves, it changes the orientation of the solar panel to maximize the incident sunlight.

5. Power Source (Battery): To ensure continuous operation, especially during periods of low
sunlight or at night, a battery is usually incorporated to power the system.

The system continuously monitors light levels and adjusts the solar panel's position to optimize
sunlight exposure throughout the day. This increases the efficiency of energy capture by the solar
panel, enhancing the overall performance of the solar power system.

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Chapter 6. The Arduino Code

Creating a complete Arduino Uno code for Arduino based solar tracking system involves
multiple steps and considerations. Below is a simplified example to get you started. This assumes
that you have calibrated your LDR and servo motor, and connected everything correctly.

cpp

#include <Servo.h>

// Pin configurations

const int ldrPin = A0; // LDR connected to analog pin A0

const int servoPin = 9; // Servo motor connected to digital pin 9

Servo solarServo; // Servo motor object

void setup() {

pinMode(ldrPin, INPUT);

solarServo.attach(servoPin);

void loop() {

int lightValue = analogRead(ldrPin);

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 // Adjust the following thresholds based on your LDR calibration

if (lightValue < 300) {

// Sun is to the left, adjust the servo to the left

solarServo.write(0);

} else if (lightValue > 700) { / Sun is to the right, adjust the servo to the right

solarServo.write(180);

} else {

// Sun is around the center, keep the servo in a neutral position

solarServo.write(90);

delay(1000); // Adjust delay based on your system's response time

Remember to adapt this code to your specific setup and requirements. Calibrate the LDR
thresholds and servo angles based on your hardware and environmental conditions. Also, ensure
that your servo motor is capable of rotating the solar panel effectively.

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Chapter 7. Flow chart

Creating a detailed flow chart for Arduino based solar tracking system using Arduino Uno, LDR,
servo motor, and a battery involves multiple steps. Here's a simplified representation:

plaintext

Start

Initialize Arduino, LDR, Servo, and Battery

Loop:

Read LDR Value

Is LDR Value < Threshold1?

Yes: Move Servo Left

No:

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 Is LDR Value > Threshold2?

Yes: Move Servo Right

No:

Move Servo to Neutral Position

Delay for a Short Interval

Repeat Loop

End

In this flow chart:

- Initialize Arduino, LDR, Servo, and Battery: Represents the setup phase where you configure
your Arduino pins and initialize your components.

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- Loop: The main loop where the system continuously operates.

- Read LDR Value: Reads the analog value from the LDR to determine the light intensity.

- Is LDR Value < Threshold1? If the light intensity is below a certain threshold, the system
moves the servo to the left to track the sun.

- Is LDR Value > Threshold2? If the light intensity is above another threshold, the system moves
the servo to the right to track the sun.

- Move Servo to Neutral Position: If the light intensity is within a specified range, the servo is set
to a neutral position.

- Delay for a Short Interval: Adds a delay to control the system's response time.

- Repeat Loop: The system continues to loop through these steps.

This is a basic representation, and the actual thresholds and delays would need to be adjusted
based on your specific hardware and environmental conditions. The flow chart provides a visual
overview of the decision-making process in the solar tracking system.

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Chapter 8. Advantage And Disadvantage Of this project

Advantages of Arduino Based Solar Tracking System:

1. Increased Energy Efficiency: By dynamically adjusting the solar panel's orientation, the
system maximizes sunlight exposure throughout the day, leading to higher energy yields.

2. Improved Performance: Solar tracking enhances the overall performance of a solar

power system by optimizing the incident angle of sunlight on the panels, which is critical
for efficient energy conversion.

3. Cost Savings: Although initial setup costs may be higher, the increased energy
production over time can lead to long-term cost savings by maximizing the return on
investment.

4. Adaptability to Changing Conditions: The system can adapt to changing sunlight

conditions, such as cloud cover or variations in the sun's position throughout the year,
ensuring a more stable energy output.

5. Remote Monitoring and Control: With the integration of Arduino and a battery system,
it becomes easier to monitor and control the solar tracking system remotely, providing
flexibility and convenience.

Disadvantages of Arduino Based Solar Tracking System:

1. Complexity and Cost: Implementing a solar tracking system involves additional

components like sensors, motors, and control systems, which can increase the complexity
and cost of the overall solar power setup.

2. Maintenance Requirements: The moving parts, especially the servo motor, may require
regular maintenance. Dust, debris, or mechanical issues could affect the system's
performance over time.

3. Energy Consumption: The tracking system itself consumes some energy for operation,
and this energy consumption should be considered when assessing the overall efficiency
of the system.

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 4. Reliability Concerns: Mechanical components, such as the servo motor, can introduce
points of failure. If not properly maintained or if components fail, it may lead to a
decrease in system reliability.

5. Space Requirements: The movement of the solar panel may require additional space,
especially in crowded environments. This could limit the applicability of solar tracking in
constrained areas.

In summary, while a Arduino Based solar tracking system offers advantages in terms of
increased energy production, it comes with additional complexities, costs, and maintenance
considerations that need to be carefully weighed against the potential benefits.

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Chapter 9. Application

Arduino based solar tracking system finds applications in various scenarios where optimizing the
orientation of solar panels can enhance energy harvesting efficiency. Some common applications
include:

1. Solar Power Plants: Large-scale solar power plants often employ single-axis solar tracking
systems to maximize electricity production. By tracking the sun's movement, these systems
increase the exposure of solar panels to sunlight, improving overall energy output.

2. Residential Solar Installations: Homeowners with solar panels on their rooftops can benefit
from single-axis tracking systems. These systems ensure that solar panels follow the sun's path,
capturing more sunlight and improving the efficiency of residential solar energy systems.

3. Agricultural Operations: In precision agriculture, where technology is used to optimize

farming practices, single-axis solar trackers can be used to power irrigation systems, sensors, and
other equipment, providing a sustainable energy source for agricultural operations.

4. Remote Power Systems: In off-grid or remote locations, single-axis solar trackers paired with
battery systems can provide a reliable source of power. This is useful for applications such as
weather stations, communication towers, or remote monitoring systems.

5. Solar-Powered Water Pumping Agricultural or community water pumping systems can

benefit from solar tracking. By adjusting the solar panel's angle to the sun, the efficiency of
solar-powered water pumps can be increased, ensuring a more consistent and reliable water
supply.

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6. Educational Projects: Single-axis solar tracking systems are often used in educational
settings to teach students about renewable energy, electronics, and programming. Building and
experimenting with these systems can provide hands-on learning experiences.

In essence, the application of single-axis solar tracking systems extends to any situation where
optimizing solar panel orientation can significantly improve energy capture and utilization.

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 Conclusion

In conclusion, the Arduino-based solar tracking system presented in this project offers a cost-
effective and efficient solution to enhance the performance of solar energy systems. By
dynamically adjusting the orientation of solar panels to align with the position of the sun, the
system maximizes energy capture and improves overall efficiency. This innovation is
particularly valuable in regions with variable weather conditions, where optimizing solar panel
performance is crucial for sustainable energy generation. The simplicity and reliability of the
Arduino platform make this tracking system accessible to a wide range of users, contributing to
the widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies. Moving forward, continued research
and development in solar tracking systems will further advance the field of renewable energy and
help address the global energy challenges we face today.

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Reference

[1] Anne Rosenblatt, Nicole Aaron. 2014. "SOLAR

TRACKING SYSTEM’, Project Report for

Swarthmore College Engineering Department.

[2] Oloka Reagan Otieno, 2009. "SOLAR TRACKER

FOR SOLAR PANEL", University Of Nairobi.

[3] Thomas L. Floyd.2007. "Electronic Fundamentals:

Circuit, Devices and Application".

[4] S. Armstrong, W.G Hurley. 2009. “Investigating the

Effectiveness of Maximum Power Point Tracking

for a Solar System”, The IEEE Conference on

Power Electronics Specialists.

[5] Damm,J. 1990. “An active solar tracking system",

Home Brew Magazine, Issue # 17.

[6] Simon Monk. 2011. " Programming Arduino:

Getting Started with Sketches".

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