Authors : O. B. Goodtalk; N. B. Nebo; I. Mafiana; O. E. Haruna; D. Z. Zakut

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mstafva2

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2s4dce2t

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul053

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Conventional fixed photovoltaic (PV) panels experience reduced energy harvesting efficiency because they cannot continuously align with the sun, while many portable solar systems require manual deployment. This paper presents the design and development of a compact active deployable solar panel system for enhanced energy harvesting. The proposed system employs an Arduino Nano-based embedded controller to automate panel deployment, solar tracking, and real-time system monitoring. A servo motor is used for deployment, while LDR sensors and a motor driver enable automatic sun tracking. Additional sensors monitor panel temperature, output current, orientation, and deployment status to ensure reliable and safe operation. A prototype incorporating a 3.84 W photovoltaic panel was developed and experimentally evaluated under varying solar conditions. The results demonstrate reliable deployment, accurate solar tracking, and improved energy harvesting compared with a conventional fixed-panel system. The proposed design provides a compact, low-cost, and intelligent solution suitable for portable photovoltaic applications and off-grid renewable energy systems.

Keywords : Photovoltaic System, Active Deployment, Solar Tracking, Arduino Nano, Energy Harvesting, Embedded Control.

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