Abstract: Solar energy is a promising renewable resource with vast potential for sustainable power generation. To harness this energy efficiently, solar tracking systems play a pivotal role in optimizing the alignment of solar panels with the sun's position. In this study, we propose an automatic solar tracking system based on light sensing using Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) and control logic implemented through comparators and motor drivers. The system employs a reference voltage generated by a voltage divider circuit comprising a potentiometer and resistor combination to set thresholds for sunlight intensity. When the voltage from the LDRs exceeds the reference voltage, indicating sufficient sunlight, the system initiates actions such as adjusting the position of a solar panel to maximize energy capture. The project's hardware components, including LDRs, comparators (LM358), motor drivers (L293D), and voltage regulators, are integrated to create a robust and efficient solar tracking solution. Through experimental validation and performance analysis, our system demonstrates enhanced energy harvesting capabilities compared to static solar panel installations. The proposed automatic solar tracking system offers a cost-effective and sustainable approach to optimizing solar energy utilization, with potential applications in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Keywords: Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs), Comparators (LM358), Motor drivers (L293D), Renewable energy, Energy harvesting, Voltage divider circuit, Sunlight intensity.

| DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2024.11668