Arduino-based Dual Axis Solar Tracking System Prototype

Abstract

Since solar energy is an infinite source of energy, it can be used as a suitable alternative energy source. One of the technological attempts to utilize solar energy is the use of solar panels. A solar panel is a device consisting of a series of solar cells that can convert sunlight energy into electrical energy. The generated electrical energy adjusts the intensity of the received sunlight. However, in its application, most solar cells are statically placed (not following the movement of the sun), where the position of the solar panels only leads to one specific preventing optimal absorption of the intensity of sunlight and resulting electrical energy generation. Therefore, we need a solar tracking system that can automatically control the solar panels to track the movement of the sunlight so that they can absorb the sunlight optimally. The solar tracker created in this research consists of monocrystalline solar panels, LDRs, INA219 sensor, Arduino board, and servo motors. Data collection was carried out for six hours on three consecutive days. According to this study, the greatest difference in power generated by solar panels occurs between 12:00 and 13:00 WIB, with an average value of active solar tracker power of 0.5 W and static solar tracker value of 0.34 W.