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Solar Tracking System

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Mina Waghrees

- Current

OVERVIEW

This project began with a simple idea: could a small solar panel follow the sun on its own and capture more energy throughout the day? I started by experimenting with LDR sensors and quickly built a prototype using Arduino to read light intensity from different directions. As the concept grew, I designed a stable mechanical frame in SolidWorks and 3D-printed custom parts to bring the system to life. After several iterations of tuning the tracking logic and testing outdoors, the final system was able to rotate smoothly toward the strongest light source, demonstrating a clear improvement over a fixed-position panel.

HighlightS

  • Built a working single-axis solar tracking prototype using LDR sensors, Arduino, and servo motors
  • Designed the full mechanical structure in SolidWorks and produced custom parts using 3D printing
  • Implemented a tracking algorithm that enables the panel to rotate automatically toward the stronger light source
  • Integrated and tested the complete system, achieving smooth and stable panel movement under varying light conditions
  • Verified the system’s performance through practical experiments comparing fixed vs. tracking positions

SKILLS

SolidWorksArduinoMATLAB3D PrintingSensors (LDR)Servo Motor ControlC/C++ Programming (Arduino IDE)Circuit DesignEmbedded SystemsMechatronicsPrototyping

Additional Details

Bill of Materials (BOM)

The following table lists the components used in the prototype, including part numbers, quantities, materials, estimated costs, and potential suppliers.

Item

Component

Part Number

Qty

Material

Cost ($)

Supplier

Notes

1

Arduino Uno

A000066

1

PCB/Electronics

20.00

Amazon

Main microcontroller used for sensor reading & servo control

2

LDR Light Sensors

GL5528

1

Light-dependent resistor

2.00

Amazon

Used to detect intensity difference to track the sun

3

Servo Motor (Standard)

SG90 / MG996R

1

Plastic/Metal

8.00

Amazon

Rotates the solar panel (single-axis tracking)

4

Solar Panel (Mini)

6V / 2.5W

1

Silicon/Aluminum

8.00

Amazon

Small panel used for prototype testing

5

Resistors (10kΩ)

CF-1/4W-10K

2

Carbon Film

1.00

Amazon

Forms the voltage divider for LDRs

6

Prototyping Wires

-

1

PVC/Copper

3.00

Amazon

Used for sensor and servo connections

7

Breadboard

SYB-170

1

Plastic

4.00

Amazon

For wiring the circuit without soldering

8

3D-Printed Mount & Base

Custom

1

PLA

3.00

University 3D Print Lab

Holds the solar panel + servo assembly









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