Development of a Dual Axis Solar Tracking System for Optimizing Sunlight Absorption by Solar Panels Based on IoT

Abstract

Solar energy is a promising renewable source with significant potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. However, most existing solar tracking systems rely on single-axis tracking, which limits their ability to accurately follow the sun's movement. This research designs a dual-axis solar tracking system that optimizes sunlight absorption by moving the solar panel along horizontal and vertical axes to precisely track the sun's position. The system uses Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) sensors to detect sunlight intensity, DC motors to drive panel movement, and an ESP32 microcontroller as the main control unit, integrated with Wi-Fi for real-time monitoring and control via the Blynk IoT platform. Testing over a full day shows that the dual-axis tracker increased daily energy accumulation efficiency by 38.8% compared to a static panel and by 12.0% compared to a single-axis system. The IoT integration also enables convenient remote monitoring and maintenance, supporting more efficient and sustainable utilization.