Design and Implementation of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracking System with IoT-Enhanced Monitoring Using Arduino

Abstract

The position of the sun varies over the day and with the seasons, making it difficult for conventional fixed solar panel systems to achieve optimum energy production. By reorienting the panels to face the sun, solar tracking systems solve this problem. This study suggests a dual-axis solar tracker system that continuously adjusts the panels to stay perpendicular to sunlight in order to maximize energy capture. The system uses sensors to monitor the sun's elevation and azimuth angles. Light sensors, motor controllers, microcontrollers, control algorithms, and an Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring system are some of the system's essential parts. The microprocessor determines the ideal angles for panel alignment based on the location of the sun as detected by the light sensors. The motor driver then adjusts the panels appropriately. The sun's position is accurately and smoothly tracked using dual-axis tracking systems, which employ sensors to detect solar position and actuators controlled by sophisticated algorithms to adjust the panels accordingly. Real-time parameter monitoring of the solar panel is done using an IoT-enabled webpage. The study's findings show that the dual-axis solar tracker system performs noticeably better in terms of energy capture efficiency than fixed installations, especially in areas with high solar incidence angles and fluctuating sunshine.