MuTech RoboticsLearning Hub
Kids OK with adultArduino NanoLevel 2/3

2-Axis Solar Sun Tracker

Four light sensors and two servos keep the panel facing the sun all day, for about 35% more energy in our simulation.

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2-Axis Solar Sun Tracker
Kids OK, with an adult

DIY project. Children must build this only with an adult (16+ years) beside them at all times. Not suitable for children under 8 years.

Use PETG or ASA if the tracker will stay outdoors.

Strictly follow the description given with this video.

Video

The video link will be added here soon.

How it works

  1. Four LDRs sit in the corners of a 3D-printed "+" shadow wall.
  2. If the sun moves, the wall shades some LDRs more than others.
  3. The Nano compares left vs right and top vs bottom.
  4. The pan and tilt servos turn the panel until all four LDRs see the same light.

Parts you need

  • Arduino Nano₹345× 1Buy
  • 4× LDR modules (use the AO pin)₹52× 4Buy
  • 2× MG90S servos (pan + tilt)₹218× 2Buy
  • 5V 3A supply₹253× 1Buy
  • 6V 2W mini solar panel× 1Buy
Kit for this projectPrice on request
Get the kit

Wiring

LDR top-leftAONanoA0A1A2A35VGNDD9D10LDR top-rightAOLDR bottom-leftAOLDR bottom-rightAOAll LDR VCCAll LDR GNDPan servosignalTilt servosignal5V 3A supply+−Servo5VGNDSupply−
PowerGroundSignal
#FromConnect to
1 SignalLDR top-left AONano A0
2 SignalLDR top-right AONano A1
3 SignalLDR bottom-left AONano A2
4 SignalLDR bottom-right AONano A3
5 PowerAll LDR VCCNano 5V
6 GroundAll LDR GNDNano GND
7 SignalPan servo signalNano D9
8 SignalTilt servo signalNano D10
9 PowerServo 5V5V 3A supply +
10 GroundServo GND5V 3A supply −
11 GroundNano GNDSupply − (common ground)
A wiring step from the video
A wiring step from the video

3D print files

  • pan_tilt_base.stlPETG / ASA for outdoors · 0.2 mmDownload
  • ldr_cross_shield.stlBlack PETG works bestDownload

Code

The tested Arduino / ESP32 code for this project will be posted here, ready to copy.