Robust Solar Energy Tracking System Using Data Logger

Abstract

Recent advancements in solar energy technology have gained mo-mentum globally, with commercial solar power platforms becom-ing increasingly accessible in various regions. Over the past few decades, renewable energy sources have garnered significant inter-est, with solar energy standing out as one of the most vital. This energy source is environmentally friendly, producing no pollution, and remains naturally abundant without human control, making solar systems indispensable in modern power generation. Solar tracking technologies are designed to ensure that the solar panel surface aligns perpendicularly with incoming sunlight to optimize solar energy harnessing. This alignment maximizes light absorp-tion, enabling the highest electrical energy output. Specifically, when sunlight strikes the panel at a perpendicular angle, it gener-ates peak efficiency in energy conversion. This work focuses on developing a two-axis solar tracking system equipped with a data logger to record voltage and current readings from the solar panel. Sensors connected to an Arduino board are the system's primary controller, sending signals to motors that adjust the panel's position based on input from light-dependent resistors (LDRs). A Pyra-nometer, aligned with the solar panel, was used to provide accurate solar radiation and weather data. The system was validated to en-sure reliable performance, with collected data aiding in power anal-ysis and statistics.