Technical Report: Dual-Axis Solar Tracker System

1. Introduction

This report details the design and functionality of a Dual-Axis Solar Tracker system, engineered to significantly enhance the energy harvesting efficiency of solar panels. Unlike static installations, this system dynamically adjusts the panel's orientation to maintain optimal alignment with the sun throughout the day, ensuring maximum power generation.

2. System Components

The system utilizes a precise combination of readily available hardware:

ESP32 Microcontroller: Serves as the central processing unit, managing sensor data and motor control.

4x LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) Sensors: Positioned in a cross-divider configuration to detect light intensity from cardinal directions (Top, Bottom, Left, Right).

2x MG996R Servo Motors: One for horizontal (Azimuth) rotation and another for vertical (Altitude) tilt, providing comprehensive movement.

Solar Panel: The primary energy collection unit.

Power Supply: (e.g., 5V DC) for the electronics and servos.

3. Operational Logic

The core principle is differential light sensing. The ESP32 continuously reads analog values from the LDRs:

Sensing: The LDRs provide voltage readings proportional to the incident light. The cross-divider ensures that if the sun is off-center, one or more LDRs receive less light (due to shadow).

Processing: The ESP32 compares these readings (e.g., Top vs. Bottom, Left vs. Right). Based on the light difference, it calculates the required movement direction.

Output: The servo motors are then activated to incrementally adjust the solar panel's angle until the light intensity across the opposing LDRs is balanced, indicating a direct alignment with the sun. This process is continuous, ensuring dynamic tracking from sunrise to sunset.

4. Key Benefits

Enhanced Efficiency: Achieves up to a 40% increase in power generation compared to fixed solar panels.

Optimized Performance: Ensures consistent energy capture by maintaining optimal sun alignment throughout the day, across seasonal changes.

IoT Ready: The ESP32's integrated Wi-Fi capabilities allow for future expansion, enabling remote monitoring and control.

Cost-Effective: Utilizes affordable and reliable components, offering a high return on investment.