Automatic Solar Tracking System with Real-Time Energy Monitoring and Control

Abstract

The demand for renewable energy is increasing rapidly due to the rising global need for clean and sustainable power sources. Solar energy is one of the most widely accessible renewable resources; however, the efficiency of conventional fixed solar panels is limited because they receive maximum sunlight only for a short period each day. To overcome this limitation, an automatic solar tracking system is designed to continuously adjust the orientation of a panel so that it remains perpendicular to the sun’s rays throughout the day. The aim of this project is to enhance the power output of solar panels by implementing an intelligent tracking mechanism using a(LDR) light-dependent resistor based a microcontroller to drive the tracking motors. The system compares light intensity values from multiple sensors and positions the panel using a dual-axis rotation mechanism that follows the sun’s movement from sunrise to sunset. Performance evaluation was carried out by comparing the energy produced by the tracking system with a fixed solar panel under the same environmental conditions.