Dual Axis Solar Tracking System with Weather Sensing

This paper presents a two-axis sun tracking mechanism that harnesses solar energy to provide renewable and environmentally friendly energy. A dual-axis solar tracker produces power efficiently by following the sun and takes in as much radiation as possible occupying the same space as a single-axis solar tracker does, thus effectively utilizing the land. A simple two-axis sun monitoring mechanism is employed within the proposed project's design and implementation to follow the sun's rays as they approach the solar panel from various angles and increase solar energy output. The prototype’s central processing unit, the Arduino UNO controller integrates a solar panel, servo motors, LDR’s, Temperature sensors and an LCD to carry out all tasks. The primary objective of this venture is to improve performance by positioning the photovoltaic panels to face the sun continually in all four directions to achieve optimal radiation intensity and yield a maximum energy conversion. The microcontroller uses the voltage from the panel, which is calculated once per hour, to sense the ambient weather and climatic conditions. The LDR sensor measures how much sunlight is striking the photovoltaic panel. The panel is moved by servo motors so that it is nearly perpendicular to the solar irradiance. The buck converter serves to maintain a steady power flow across the circuit, increase the battery life, lessen heat, and safeguard against high voltage. The system's prototype was constructed affordably and tested in real-world situations.