Development of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracker with Performance Comparison to Fixed Systems
Keywords:
Arduino Uno, Dual-Axis solar tracker, Lambert's cosine law, Light Dependent Resistor (LDR), Photovoltaic efficiency, Renewable energyAbstract
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can significantly improve energy generation efficiency when compared to conventional fixed installations by dynamically adjusting panel orientation to follow the sun's trajectory. This study presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a dual-axis solar tracking system capable of tracking solar movement along both azimuth (east–west) and elevation (up–down) axes. The proposed system employs a closed-loop control mechanism using a 4×4 array of light-dependent resistors (LDRs) arranged in a cross configuration to detect variations in solar irradiance. An Arduino-based controller processes sensor inputs and continuously actuates two servo motors to align the PV panel for optimal sunlight exposure. The system was experimentally tested under real-time environmental conditions and compared with a conventional fixed-panel setup to evaluate performance improvements. Results indicate that the dual-axis tracking system enhances the average power output by approximately 30–40%, with peak improvements exceeding 70% during periods of low solar elevation, such as early morning and late afternoon. The proposed design offers a cost-effective, efficient solution to maximize solar energy harvesting while improving system reliability. These findings highlight the potential of intelligent tracking mechanisms in advancing the performance of modern solar PV systems.
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