Solar Tracking System
Ahmad Mujtaba Khawaja (2025074) , Fahad Ahmad Ansari (2025203), Hasham Shahid (2025277), Khawaja Frasat Ahmad(2025345)
[Link] / Problem Statement: [Link] Mechanism:
The Solar Tracking System is an embedded, sensor-driven solution designed to Four LDRs are mounted at the corners
maximize the energy yield of a photovoltaic panel by continuously orienting it of the solar panel in opposing pairs
toward the strongest available light source. Unlike fixed solar installations — which along two axes. The Arduino Uno
lose a significant fraction of potential energy as the sun shifts across the sky — a continuously samples all four sensors
dual-axis tracking system can increase power generation efficiency by 30–40% over a and computes differential error signals
stationary panel. The system integrates real-time light sensing via LDRs, adaptive — top vs. bottom for elevation, left vs.
servo motor control, solar power management through the TP4056 and MT3608, and right for azimuth. When an imbalance is
live electrical monitoring via INA219. Harvested solar energy charges a lithium detected, the corresponding servo
battery, which is stepped up to power all onboard loads. An HC-05 Bluetooth module motor rotates the panel toward the
streams live data to a laptop dashboard for detailed performance monitoring without brighter side. This loop repeats until all
any physical connection. four LDR readings converge within a
defined dead-band, at which point the
panel is optimally aligned.
2. Prototype View
The 6V solar panel output feeds into the
INA219 current/voltage sensor, which
delivers real-time power measurements
to the Arduino. Based on these
readings, a load-management routine
controls six LEDs — if output falls below
a set threshold, three LEDs dim while
three remain at full brightness; above
the threshold, all six operate at full
intensity.
On the power side, the panel charges a
lithium cell via the TP4056 module. The
MT3608 boost converter then steps the
battery voltage up to a stable regulated
level, powering the Arduino Uno, both
servo motors, LEDs, and all supporting
circuitry. Live INA219 readings are
packaged and transmitted via the HC-
05 Bluetooth module to a laptop
dashboard at regular intervals.
[Link] Components and Tools Used: [Link] and Key [Link]
Features: The project team sincerely acknowledges the
❖MT3608 Dual-axis tracking increases energy yield by 30– guidance and support of their project mentor
❖INA219 40% over fixed panel installations and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at
❖HC05 Battery storage with TP4056 protection ensures Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering
❖Arino UNO continuous power availability beyond daylight Sciences and Technology (GIKI). The team also
❖6V Solar Panel hours extends gratitude to the Innovation and Makers
❖TP4056 Real-time voltage, current, and power Lab (IF-102) for providing the tools,
❖Cervo motors monitoring via INA219 with wireless Bluetooth components, and workspace essential to the
❖LDR dashboard on laptop successful development of this project.
[Link] and Components Used:
The system is built around an Arduino Uno, which serves as the central controller for sensing, actuation, power logic, and communication.
Four LDR sensors mounted at the panel corners provide differential light readings that drive the dual-axis tracking algorithm. Two servo
motors execute X and Y axis panel rotation based on computed error signals from opposing LDR pairs.
A 6V solar panel serves as the primary energy source. Its output is monitored in real time by an INA219 I²C current/voltage sensor, reporting
voltage, current, and power to the Arduino. The panel charges a lithium battery via a TP4056 module, which provides overcharge and
overdischarge protection. An MT3608 boost converter then steps the battery voltage up to the regulated level required to power all system
components. Six 5V LEDs act as load indicators, responding to the solar output threshold logic described above. An HC-05 Bluetooth module
transmits live sensor data