Work

Design and Implementation of a Low-Cost Dual-Axis Solar Tracker Using an Arduino Uno, Quadrant LDR Sensing and a 3D-Printed Pan-Tilt Mechanism

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: This paper presents the design and construction of a low-cost dual-axis solar tracker. Four GL5528 light-dependent resistors in voltage dividers form a quadrant sun sensor read by an Arduino Uno (ATmega328P), which drives two SG90 servos to orient a small photovoltaic panel in azimuth and elevation using a tolerance-band closed-loop algorithm. The control electronics are soldered on a general-purpose perfboard and the pan-tilt frame is 3D printed. The paper gives the architecture, pin assignment, control algorithm, bill of materials and a protocol for comparing the tracker with a fixed panel.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.24017191

Authors: Sinha, Anishka, Shirbhate, Siddhant, Shetty, Aditi, Nair, Vipin

Institution: Somaiya Vidyavihar University

Language: English

Topic: Photovoltaic System Optimization Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7225429806

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