Solar energy is one of the most reliable renewable energy sources, but fixed solar panels cannot make full use of sunlight throughout the day. The angle and direction of sunlight keep changing, and static panels miss out on valuable energy.
This is where a Dual Axis Solar Tracker using Arduino comes in. By automatically adjusting the panel in both horizontal and vertical directions, the system keeps it aligned with the sun from morning to evening—boosting efficiency by up to 30–40% compared to fixed installations.
What is a Dual Axis Solar Tracker?
A dual axis solar tracker is an automated system that rotates a solar panel along:
- Azimuth (left–right)
- Elevation (up–down)
In this project, an Arduino UNO reads light intensity from four LDR sensors and controls two servo motors to orient the panel toward the brightest light source in real time.
Components Required
Hardware
- Arduino UNO
- 4 × LDR sensors
- 2 × Micro servo motors
- Solar panel
- 4 × 10kΩ resistors
- Breadboard & jumper wires
Software
- Arduino IDE
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Circuit Overview
The four LDRs are arranged in a cross configuration to detect light from all directions. Each LDR forms a voltage divider with a 10kΩ resistor and connects to Arduino analog pins.
Two servo motors are used:
- One for horizontal movement
- One for vertical tilt
Based on LDR readings, the Arduino adjusts the servo angles to keep the panel facing maximum sunlight.
How the System Works
- Arduino reads light values from all LDRs
- Sensor readings are averaged to reduce noise
- Light differences are calculated (left–right, top–bottom)
- Servo motors rotate toward higher light intensity
- At night or low light, the system enters standby mode
This continuous feedback loop allows the panel to follow the sun automatically throughout the day.
Why Use a Dual Axis Solar Tracker?
- Higher energy output than fixed or single-axis systems
- Fully automatic sun tracking
- Low-cost components and simple logic
- Ideal for Arduino learning, renewable energy projects, and automation demos
Performance Comparison
| System Type | Energy Gain |
|---|---|
| Fixed Panel | 0% |
| Single Axis Tracker | 20–25% |
| Dual Axis Tracker | 30–40% |
The Arduino-based Dual Axis Solar Tracker is a practical and efficient way to maximize solar energy harvesting. With simple components like LDRs and servo motors, you can build a smart tracking system that significantly improves panel efficiency while learning core concepts of electronics and sustainability.
If you’re exploring solar projects or Arduino automation, this is a great place to start.
FAQs
Q: Is a dual axis tracker better than a single axis tracker?
Yes. It tracks the sun in both directions, capturing more energy.
Q: Can the servos be powered from Arduino?
No. Use a separate 5V supply to avoid instability.
Q: Does it work on cloudy days?
Yes, as long as there’s a detectable light difference. In very low light, it pauses automatically.
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