P.E.
S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,
(An Autonomous Institute Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi)
MANDYA -571401
Mini project Presentation
on
“SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC POSITION ADJUSTMENT”
Presented by
Pratham H A 4PS22EC119
Sandesh G A 4PS23EC414
Vishwas Nayaka S 4PS23EC419
Thippeswamy N 4PS23EC416
Under the Guidance of
Dr. R MANJUNATHA
Associate Professor
CONTENTS
• ABSRACT
• INTRODUCTION
• PROBLEM STATEMENT
• OBJECTIVES
• PROPOSED METHODOLOGY
• DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
• COMPONENTS REQUIREMENTS
• RESULT
• REFERENCES
ABSTRACT
The mini project is designed for solar energy collection by continuously
aligning solar panels with the direction of the sun. Unlike fixed solar panels,
which lose efficiency due to the sun's movement across the sky, this system
dynamically adjusts the panel's orientation to maximize sunlight exposure
throughout the day.
INTRODUCTION
• As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to
grow, solar power has emerged as one of the most
sustainable and widely adopted solutions.
• To maximize the efficiency of solar panels and other solar
energy devices, solar tracking systems play a crucial
role. These systems are designed to follow the sun's
movement across the sky.
• Solar tracking systems are commonly used in large-scale
solar power plants.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
• In conventional solar power systems, solar panels are typically fixed in one
position. This static positioning causes significant energy losses because the angle
of sunlight changes in continuously throughout the day due to the Earth's rotation.
• As a result, solar panels do not always receive direct sunlight, leading to reduced
power generation and inefficient use of solar resources.
• To address this issue, there is a need for a system that can automatically adjust the
position of the solar panel to track the sun’s movement across the sky.
OBJECTIVES
• To implement light sensing technology – use LDR sensors (light dependent
resistor) sensor to detect sunlight intensity and direction for accurate panel
alignment.
• To develop an Automated control system – Utilize a microcontroller like
Arduino to process sensor data and control servo motor movements for panel
adjustment.
• To improve the efficiency of solar energy collection compared to fixed
position solar panels.
PROPOSED METHODOLOGY
Component Selection:
• Choose LDRs, Arduino, motor, solar panel,
and power supply.
Sensor Setup:
• Arrange 4 LDRs in a cross pattern to detect
sunlight direction.
Arduino Programming:
• Read LDR values and rotate motor toward
maximum light.
System Integration:
• Mount solar panel on motorized frame and
connect all parts.
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
PIN CONFIGURATION
COMPONENTS REQUIREMENTS
Arduino Uno: The Arduino Uno Is An Open-source Microcontroller
Board Based On The Atmega328p, Operating At 5V With 14 Digital
I/O Pins (6 PWM) And 6 Analog Inputs. It Features 32 KB Flash
Memory, 2 KB SRAM, 1 KB EEPROM, And A 16 Mhz Clock
Speed, Programmable Via The Arduino IDE.
LDR sensor : LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) as the name states is
a special type of resistor that works on the photoconductivity
principle means that resistance changes according to the intensity of
light. It operates at 3-12V DC, with a power rating of 50-500 MW.
Solar panels: convert sunlight into electricity to power
homes, devices, or appliances, saving energy costs and
reducing environmental impact. They often use LDR
sensors to detect light levels, helping panels track sunlight
for better efficiency
Servo motor: A servo motor operates at 4.8-6V [Link]
adjust panel angles for optimal sunlight exposure. Servo
motors are reliable, affordable, and easy to control with
microcontrollers like Arduino for automated tasks
Arduino IDE.
• Used to write, compile, and upload code to Arduino
boards.
• Programming is done using a simplified version of
C/C++. Support for different Arduino boards.
• Debug and communicate with the Arduino in real-time.
RESULT
The solar tracking system is expected to
collect more solar energy than fixed panels by
always facing the sun. Using LDR sensors and
an Arduino, it can automatically follow the sun
throughout the day without needing manual
changes. This project shows how solar energy
and technology can work together to make
smart and useful solutions.
REFERENCES
1. Hafez, A.Z., Yousef, A.M. and Harag, N.M., 2018. Solar tracking systems:
Technologies and trackers drive types– A review. Renewable and Sustainable
Energy Reviews, 91, pp.754-782.
2. Soulayman, S., Hamoud, M., Hababa, M. A., W. (2021). Feasibility of Solar
Tracking System for PV Panel in Sunbelt Region. Journal of Modern Systems and
Clean Energy
3. Fathabadi, H., 2016. Novel highly efficient offline sensor less dual-axis solar
tracker for using in photovoltaic systems and solar concentrate. Renewable
Energy, 95, pp.485-494
THANK YOU