SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
Bustling civilization is the vein through which modern civilization is operated. Energy day by day
is put to use at its best to fulfil the desires and ambition of the peoples at large. Each and every
corner of our life is caged with various layers of impediment and in this response, energy is
becoming an indispensable factor. Therefore, the source of energy needs to be endless/ perpetual
in order to carry this colossal population ahead. Human beings being evolutionary in nature are
perhaps the best ever creation of nature is always in the race of envisaging the probable and
available comforts and benefits in every possible angle in this perilous world. The evidential matrix
manifests that in a dichotomy of various opinions what options best expedite the scarcity of energy
in an immensely heterogeneous society like ours. Our motto is to endeavor in forwarding such
noble goal of energy conservation.

Solar energy is an unlimited source of energy which if harnessed properly will get the mankind
devoid of using the conventional sources of energy he has been long using. This project has been
designed keeping this in view to make the harnessing of solar energy more efficient.

• Solar Tracker: Solar trackers are devices used to orient photovoltaic panels, reflectors, lenses
or other optical devices toward the sun. Since the sun’s position in the sky changes with the
seasons and the time of day, trackers are used to align the collection system to maximize energy
production.

• Dual-axis trackers: Dual-axis trackers have two degrees of freedom that act as axes of rotation.
These axes are typically normal to one another. Dual axis trackers allow for optimum solar
energy levels due to their ability to follow the sun vertically and horizontally. Here we have
divided sun position into five areas and those are EAST, WEST, NORTH, SOUTH, CENTER.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 1

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

Figure 1: Dual axis tracker

Taking a look at the present scenario it is evident that conventional sources of energy such as coal,
natural gas, oil, etc. are at the edge of extinction. Being in mortal combat with time itself to fulfil
every demand for energy the demand for these resources for energy has escalated to its zenith. The
conventional use of energies due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, the
whole environment is getting polluted. The present project, therefore, is orchestrated with
components like LDR module, DC Motor, Photovoltaic array etc. according to which while the
functioning of, unlike other use of the conventional energies, would not emit any pollution and in

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 2

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

turn act as a reservoir of energy taken from the Sun itself. As adumbrated no other energy is more
abundant than solar energy as per as its availability and freeness are concerned, utilization of
which, compounded with rest of the fact of its conversion into electrical energy. Historically if
counted, in the year 1881 for the first time ever solar panel was invented. Later on, all through the
hands of Russell Ohl in the year, 1941 concept of the solar cell was conceived and subsequently
workability of a solar panel has also advanced in comparison with the earlier span. Though it is
improbable still it is not impossible as per as tracking of the mother energy is concerned in
furtherance to which attempt has been taken through this project to confine every drop of energy
from being left out. The Stepper Motor adjacent with the system with the help of LDR module by
measuring the intensity of the sun rays fixed on the upper edge of the solar panel will help the solar
panel to revolve around proportionately with the movement of the Sun itself in order to grab and
store the maximum amount of energy as it can. In pursuance of such objectivity, this project comes
forth into existence.
1.1 Problem Definition
A solar tracker device has a wide range of applications to improve harnessing of solar isolation.
The problem posed thus is to implement a system that is capable of improving solar power
production by 30-40%. A microcontroller is used to implement the control circuit which in turn
positions a motor used to orient the solar panel optimally.

1.2 Literature Survey

Introduction Among the renewable energy sources is electrical solar energy from the Sun can be
harnessed using solar panels or solar cells to convert solar irradiation into electrical current. Most
photovoltaic cells employ photoelectric effect. This is a process by which electrons are emitted
from some materials, such as a metal, as a result of being struck by photons. Some substances,
such as selenium, are particularly susceptible to this effect and if used in solar cells, they can
generate some electric potential through photoemission. Sun rays come in form of UV-light, a
form of electromagnetic radiation and once they fall of solar panel surface made of materials
such as silicon, the irradiation is absorbed and converted into electrical energy through photo
emission. Maximum absorption occurs when the solar panels and solar cells directly face the
Sun, so that the sun’s rays fall perpendicularly on the absorption surface. This absorption and
conversion may not be optimal given that the solar panels and solar cells are mounted in fixed
positions usually on rooftops with slants. For viable solar energy generation using single
installation, its efficiency has to be improved and therefore various solar tracking methods are
devised to closely track sun movement during the day.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 3

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

1.3 Objectives
Solar Trackers are used to keep solar collectors/solar panels oriented directly towards the sun as it
moves through the sky every day. Using Solar Trackers increases the amount of solar energy which
is received by the solar energy collector and improves the energy output of the heat/electricity
which is generated.
The solar panel gives the best output when the solar plate is perpendicular to incident rays
(Sun rays). So, the system which will be having continuously 90 degree with sun will be more
efficient than the conventional fixed solar panel system. Objective of our project is to design and
construct a system that continuously track Sun and align the Solar panel perpendicular to sun rays.
1.4 Motivation
The motivation from the project came from the social relevance of solar energy. Amid a global
energy crisis, instruments such as solar panels need to be used to their highest potential. Therefore,
there is a substantial need for methods that can optimize their energy collection. One of these
methods is the use of solar tracking systems. These devices have become more utilized in the past
decade, leading to several types of tracking systems. In fact, a previous student at CWU, completed
a solar tracker in the past.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 4

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

1.5 Organization of the report

The project report is organized as mentioned below:

Chapter 1: This chapter gives a brief introduction to Sun tracking solar panel and solar trackers.
The objectives and scope for the project work are defined along withthe various papers referred.

Chapter 2: The chapter discusses about the different hardware and software components used in
this project.

Chapter 3: The chapter presents methodology for Plastic waste segregating and rewarding trashbin
for public utility. which includes classification of trash using tensor flow models along with the
hardware setup.
Chapter 4: This chapter is based on results of the methodologies carried out.
Chapter 5: The Conclusion and future scope have been mentioned. Also, advantages,
disadvantages and applications are mentioned.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 5

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

CHAPTER 2

HARDWARE PROTOTYPE

The framework of this project can be classified in to two main modules:

• The hardware prototypes

• The software designs

2.1 Hardware Prototypes

Different hardware components used in this work are listed as-
• Arduino UNO R3
• LDR [light Dependent Resistor]
• Servo 9G motor
• Solar panel
• Power supply
• Servo motor pan-tilt

2.1.1: Arduino UNO R3

The Arduino UNO is an open-source single-board microcontroller that is based on the
ATMega328. It can be powered by a 5V Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, or alternatively
with an external power supply. The board has 14 digital input/output pins, among which 6 can be
used as pulse-width modulation (PWM) outputs. There are also 6 analog input pins on the board,
along with a reset button [12]. The programming of the board is done with the Arduino software,
and the programming language is C with the Arduino library included. The capabilities of the
Arduino Uno were deemed to be sucient to control the solar panel mechanism.

Arduino UNO R3 Specifications:

The Arduino UNO R3 board includes the following specifications.

• It is an ATmega328P based Microcontroller
• The Operating Voltage of the Arduino is 5V
• The recommended input voltage ranges from 7V to 12V
• The input voltage (limit) is 6V to 20V
• Digital input and output pins-14

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 6

SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

• Digital input & output pins (PWM)-6

• Analog input pins are 6
• DC Current for each I/O Pin is 20 mA
• DC Current used for 3.3V Pin is 50 mA
• Flash Memory -32 KB, and 0.5 KB memory is used by the boot loader
• SRAM is 2 KB
• EEPROM is 1 KB
• The speed of the CLK is 16 MHz
• In Built LED
• Length and width of the Arduino are 68.6 mm X 53.4 mm
• The weight of the Arduino board is 25 g

Figure 2.1: Arduino UNO R3

Figure 2.2: Pin configuration of Arduino UNO R3

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 7

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

The Arduino Uno R3 pin diagram is shown above. It comprises 14-digit I/O pins. From these pins,
6-pins can be utilized like PWM outputs. This board includes 14 digital input/output pins, Analog
inputs-6, a USB connection, quartz crystal-16 MHz, a power jack, a USB connection, resonator-
16Mhz, a power jack, an ICSP header an RST button.
Power Supply Pins:
The power supply of the Arduino can be done with the help of an exterior power supply otherwise
USB connection. The exterior power supply (6 to 20 volts) mainly includes a battery or an AC to
DC adapter. The connection of an adapter can be done by plugging a centre-positive plug (2.1mm).

2.1.2: LDR [Light Dependent Resistor]

An LDR or light dependent resistor is also known as photo resistor, photocell, photoconductor. It
is a one type of resistor whose resistance varies depending on the amount of light falling on its
surface. When the light falls on the resistor, then the resistance changes. These resistors are often
used in many circuits where it is required to sense the presence of light. These resistors have a
variety of functions and resistance. For instance, when the LDR is in darkness, then it can be used
to turn ON a light or to turn OFF a light when it is in the light. A typical light dependent resistor
has a resistance in the darkness of 1MOhm, and in the

Figure 2.3: Light Dependent Resistor

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 8

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

2.1.3: Servo 9G motor

The TowerPro SG90 9g Mini Servo is a 180° rotation servo. It is a Digital Servo Motor that
receives and processes PWM signal faster and better. It equips sophisticated internal circuitry that
provides good torque, holding power, and faster updates in response to external forces.

• Micro Size Servo

• Speed (sec/60deg): 0.10/4.8V
• Torque (Kg-cm): 1.80/4.8V
• Size (mm): 23.1mm x 12.2mm x 29mm
• C/W plastic horn and accessories
• Pulse Width: 500-2400 µs
• Rotation Angle: 180 degrees

Figure 2.4: Servo 90G motor

Tiny and lightweight with high output power. Servo can rotate approximately 180 degrees (90 in
each direction), and works just like the standard kinds but smaller. You can use any servo code,
hardware or library to control these servos. Good for beginners who want to make stuff move
without building a motor controller with feedback & gear box, especially since it will fit in small
places. It comes with 3 horns (arms) and hardware.
A servomotor (or servo motor) is a simple electric motor, controlled with the help of
servomechanism. If the motor as a controlled device, associated with servomechanism is DC
motor, then it is commonly known as a DC Servo Motor.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 9

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

Most hobby servos use a standard type of 3-pin plug, with the same control signaling, which makes
RC servos reasonably interchangeable. The connector is a female, 3-pin, 0.1" pitch header.

Figure 2.5: Servo 90G pin configuration

2.1.4: Solar panel

A solar cell panel, solar electric panel, photo-voltaic (PV) module or solar panel is an assembly of
photo-voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. Solar panels use sunlight as a source
of energy to generate direct current electricity. A collection of PV modules is called a PV panel,
and a system of PV panels is called an array. Arrays of a photovoltaic system supply solar
electricity to electrical equipment.
A solar cell panel, solar electric panel, photo-voltaic (PV) module or solar panel is an
assembly of photo-voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation. Solar panels use sunlight
as a source of energy to generate direct current electricity. A collection of PV modules is called a
PV panel, and a system of PV panels is called an array. Arrays of a photovoltaic system supply
solar electricity to electrical equipment.
The materials which are used for this purpose must have band gap close to 1.5ev. Commonly
used materials are-
• Silicon
• GaAs
• CdTe
• CuInSe2

Criteria for Materials to be Used in Solar Cell

• It must have band gap from 1ev to 1.8ev.
• It must have high optical absorption.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 10

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

• It must have high electrical conductivity.

• The raw material must be available in abundance and the cost of the material must be
low.

Figure 2.6: Solar panel 6V

2.1.5: LED [Light Emitting Diode]

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current
flows through it. When current passes through an LED, the electrons recombine with holes
emitting light in the process. LEDs allow the current to flow in the forward direction and blocks
the current in the reverse direction.

Figure 2.7: LED [Light Emitting Diode]

When the diode is forward biased, the minority electrons are sent from p → n while the minority
holes are sent from n → p. At the junction boundary, the concentration of minority carriers

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 11

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

increases. The excess minority carriers at the junction recombine with the majority charges
carriers.

2.2 The software designs

The software components used are:

• C Programming

• Arduino IDE

2.2.1: C programming

The C programming language began its march to become formally defined by the American
National Standard Institute (ANSI) with the formation of the X3J11 committee in 1983. The
committee’s work was completed and the standard passed in 1989. Since then, the language is
often referred to an “ANSI C”. The standard is also recognized by the International Organization
for Standardization (ISO), too, so sometimes you will hear it referred to as “ISO C”. For all
practical purposes, ANSI C and ISO C are the same. In a world that is overly hung up on political
correctness, you will also hear both versions called “standard C.” The C you are about to learn is
not standard C. Rather, you will be learning a robust subset of standard C. A few standard C
features are missing. But the absence of those features is not a crippling blow by any means. You
will soon discover that the subset version of standard C, which we will call Arduino C, is more
than able to perform just about any task you can throw at it. The missing features can easily be
worked around, albeit sometimes in a less elegant manner. So, with that caveat in mind, let’s start
learning Arduino C.
The Building Blocks of all programming languages from Ada to ZPL, are built from four basic
elements:
1. Expressions
2. Statements
3. Statement blocks
4. Function blocks
The last element, function blocks, may be called different names in different languages, such as
“methods” in C++, C#, and Java; “procedures” in Pascal; “subroutines” in Basic or Fortran; or
perhaps some more exotic name in lesser-known languages. Regardless of their name, function
blocks tend to be blocks of code designed to address some narrowly-defined tasks. Programs are
little more than arrangements of these elements in a way that solves a problem.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 12

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

2.2.2: Arduino IDE

The Arduino Integrated Development Environment - or Arduino Software (IDE) - contains a text
editor for writing code, a message area, a text console, a toolbar with buttons for common functions
and a series of menus. It connects to the Arduino hardware to upload programs and communicate
with them.

Programs written using Arduino Software (IDE) are called sketches. These sketches
are written in the text editor and are saved with the file extension. The editor has features for
cutting/pasting and for searching/replacing text. The message area gives feedback while saving
and exporting and also displays errors. The console displays text output by the Arduino Software
(IDE), including complete error messages and other information. The bottom righthand corner of
the window displays the configured board and serial port. The toolbar buttons allow you to verify
and upload programs, create, open, and save sketches, and open the serial monitor.

Fig 2.8: Home page of Arduino Software

When the download finishes, proceed with the installation and please allow the driver installation
process when you get a warning from the operating system.

Step1: Choose the components to install

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 13

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

Step 2: Choose the installation directory

Step3: Installation in progress

2.2.3: Arduino IDE Setup
Open your first sketch
Open the LED blink example sketch: File > Examples >01.Basics > Blink.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 14

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

Select your board type and port.

You'll need to select the entry in the Tools > Board menu that corresponds to your Arduino board.

Select the serial device of the board from the Tools or Serial Port menu. This is likely to
be COM3 or higher (COM1 and COM2 are usually reserved for hardware serial ports). To find
out, you can disconnect your board and re-open the menu; the entry that disappears should be
the Arduino board. Reconnect the board and select that serial port.

Summary

In this Chapter, the different hardware and software components used in this project are
explained. Software Installation and Setup have been explained thoroughly step by step.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 15

SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

CHAPTER 3

DESIGN AND IMPLIMENTATION

Arduino
Servo1: Panel
UNO R3
rotating

four LDR Servo2: Panel

Figure 3.1: Block diagram of Sun tracking solar panel

The block diagram of the system is shown in Fig 3.1, The Arduino UNO r3 is used to control
the rotation of servo motor in the system, The Arduino uno is pre-programmed in such a way
that it will catch the sun light at the LDR sensor.
These LDR’s are connected to the analog pin of the Arduino UNO R3, it will read t5he analog
input from the LDR according to that servo motor will rotate.
Here, there are two servo motors are used in which one is for solar panel rotation, another one
is for axis rotation.
Note that There are four LDR is used for this project.in which two are for axis rotation and
another two for panel rotation are arranged in special pattern.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 16

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

3.1 Flow Chart

Start your code

LDR sensor start detecting light

LDR1,LDR2
Panel
rotating

LDR1>LDR2(Rotate right) LDR1<LDR2(Rotate left)

LDR3,
LDR4
Axis rotation

LDR3>LDR4(Rotate right) LDR3<LDR4(Rotate left)

Servo motor 1 and servo motor 2

According to LDR1, LDR2, LDR3
and LDR4 respectively

End

A sun-tracking solar panel system using an Arduino begins by initializing all its components, such
as the Arduino microcontroller, light-dependent resistors (LDRs), and servo motors. The system
continuously reads the analog values from multiple LDRs placed strategically around the solar
panel to detect the intensity of sunlight in different directions. By comparing these readings, the

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 17

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

system determines the direction where the sunlight is most intense. If the sunlight is not aligned
with the panel, the Arduino calculates the necessary movement and activates the servo motors to
adjust the panel’s position either horizontally or vertically. After each adjustment, the system
introduces a short delay to stabilize the panel and then checks if further movement is needed by
comparing the LDR readings again. This process repeats continuously throughout the day,
allowing the solar panel to remain optimally aligned with the sun. The system typically loops this
process indefinitely as long as it remains powered.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 18

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

CHAPTER 4
TESTING AND RESULT

4.1: TESTING
In order to measure how much energy was generated by the solar panels, the panels were connected
to a resistor with a known resistance and the voltage was measured over this resistor with one
second’s intervals. Since both the voltage and resistance were known, the power over the resistor
could be calculated and graphed as a function of time. The generated energy, E, could be calculated
with

E = ʃ P(t) dt

where P is the power and T is 30 seconds. This is equivalent to the area under the power curve.

4.2: RESULTS
The solar panel mechanism managed to follow light sources ranging from flash lights to the sun
with good precision. It worked during lightly cloudy days, but had a bit of trouble finding the sun’s
position when it was very cloudy.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 19

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION
The implementation of a sun-tracking solar panel using Arduino has demonstrated significant
improvements in energy efficiency compared to fixed solar panels. By continuously adjusting the
solar panel's orientation to face the sun, the system maximizes solar energy absorption throughout
the day. The project successfully utilized Arduino for real-time control, sensor data processing,
and actuator management, ensuring precise and responsive movement of the solar panel. The
results highlight the potential of sun-tracking systems in enhancing solar power generation,
especially in regions with high solar insolation. Although the system adds complexity and cost
compared to stationary panels, the increased energy output can offset these drawbacks over time.
Future enhancements could include optimizing the tracking algorithm, integrating weather sensors,
and scaling up the system for larger installations.

Overall, the project illustrates the feasibility and benefits of incorporating sun-tracking
mechanisms into solar energy systems, providing a foundation for further exploration and
development in renewable energy technologies.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 20

 SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

FUTURE SCOPE

The very embodiment through which the futuristic conundrum be set aside, is the project called
“Automatic Solar Tracking System”. A trailblazer by its spirit, this system works in its utmost
efficiency, whether that be in terms of its pecuniary ability or in terms of its accessibility. In the
smoke of the darkness where pollution engulfing every sphere of advancement as an outcome of
producibility, this device in its very efficiency work towards only advancement and development
by flushing out the pollution at large.
As the proposed prototype is a miniature of main system, it has some limitations which
can be mitigated through future developments. A small cardboard is rotated in the system and 12v
solar panel is used for analysis. As a miniature system, it works out well. Larger Solar panel must
be integrated with the system to prepare better result and cost analysis. It has been proven through
our research and statistical analysis that solar tracking system with single-axis freedom can
increase energy output by approximately 20%. Further mechanical enhancement can be done to
the prototype, to implement dual-axis tracking.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 21

SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

REFERENCE

[1] Pratik Pawar, Ashish Yadav, Pritam Makwana, Shubham Patil. 2018. “Solar Tracking
System Using Arduino.” International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research Volume 9,
Issue 2, February-2018 ISSN 2229-5518

[2] Alazone Smith “Dual Axis Solar T Dual Axis Solar Tracker: Trends, Influence & Impact”.

Central Washington University.

[3] Pritam Pokhra, Rajeshwari, Raj Kumar Yadav 2020.” A Project Report on Automatic Sun
Tracking Solar Panel Based on Open Loop Concept”. International Journal of Engineering and
Applied Sciences (IJEAS) ISSN: 2394-3661, Volume-7, Issue-5, May 2020 DOI:
10.31873/IJEAS.7.

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 22

SUN TRACKING SOLAR PANEL USING AN ARDUINO

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, BGMIT, Mudhol 23