Dual Axis Solar Tracking System

A dual axis solar tracking system is a mechanism that follows the sun’s movement in both the horizontal and vertical planes, continually adjusting the angle of photovoltaic panels to maximize energy production. By doing so, it can increase the energy efficiency of solar panels by up to 40% using control algorithm of a dual axis solar tracking system. The system features a simple and efficient design that uses a microcontroller to control the movements of the panel. The microcontroller receives input from four sensors that detect the position of the sun, allowing the system to track it throughout the day. The system consists of two axes, namely the azimuth and elevation axis, which allow the solar panel to rotate on a horizontal and vertical plane respectively. The electronics of the system include two microcontrollers, the first one is responsible for controlling the azimuth rotation, while the second one is responsible for the elevation rotation. These microcontrollers are programmed using the Arduino IDE and interfaced with a set of stepper motors that provide the motion for the panel. A comparison of Power Produced with static system V/s the Dual Axis system was conducted. The Average power attained from the solar panel was 0.886437 W for stationary solar and 1.136140 W for Dual Axis Solar Tracker. Thus, there is an increase in effectiveness up to 28 %. Also, it is cost- effective and environmentally friendly as it helps to produce more electricity with less use of solar panels. The system has broad applications in various fields, including renewable energy production, agriculture, and remote sensing.