Design and Implementation of a Solar Tracking Robot for Renewable Energy Enhancement in Electric Vehicle Charging

This paper presents the design and implementation of a single-axis solar tracking robot (STR) aimed at maximizing solar energy harvesting efficiency and exploring its use in off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging systems. Unlike fixed solar panels that suffer performance losses due to the sun’s movement, the STR autonomously aligns a photovoltaic panel using light-dependent resistors (LDRs) and a servo motor, while its mobility system repositions the entire unit in search of optimal sunlight. The robot was built using cost-effective components such as Arduino Uno, L298N motor driver, and DC motors, and simulated in Proteus before hardware implementation. Field testing demonstrated an efficiency gain of up to 26% compared to static panels. The results suggest that the STR provides a viable, scalable solution for renewable-powered EV charging in remote or underdeveloped areas.