Dual Axis Solar Tracking System

The rapid increase in global energy demand and environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels have accelerated the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar power. However, conventional solar panels are installed in fixed orientations, which limits their efficiency because they cannot continuously face the sun as its position changes throughout the day. To overcome this limitation, this research presents the design and implementation of an IoT-based dual axis solar tracking system capable of automatically aligning a solar panel with the sun’s position. The proposed system utilizes LDR sensors, an ESP32 microcontroller, a stepper motor, and a servo motor to control the solar panel orientation along both azimuth and elevation axes. The system continuously monitors sunlight intensity using sensors and adjusts the panel direction accordingly to maximize solar energy capture. Additionally, IoT connectivity enables real-time monitoring and remote control through a mobile application. Experimental results demonstrate that the dual-axis solar tracking system significantly improves energy generation compared to conventional fixed solar panels, achieving an efficiency improvement of approximately 30–45%. The proposed design provides an intelligent, cost-effective, and reliable solution for maximizing solar energy utilization in renewable energy systems.