Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2026

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Pete Woytowitz

Abstract

The growing need for efficient and reliable renewable energy sources has been increasing in the 21st century. All residential solar panel systems suffer from efficiency losses due to their inability to adjust their angle and a lack of a proper cleaning system. Automated Tracking Light Acquisition System (ATLAS) aims to solve this problem. Fixed solar panels without self cleaning harvest 30% less energy than adjustable counterparts. With an Arduino Nano ESP32 and Raspberry Pi 3B+ controlling ATLAS, it is designed to autonomously log data, have a night mode, have battery safety features and automatically adjust to the trajectory of the sun. Passing over 50 waterproofing spray cycle tests, the light sensor module works as expected, controlling the actuators. An idle power consumption of2.484 Watts signifies its energy efficiency. The 3.5 GPM pump cleans debris of the panel effectively. FEA testing shows the system can hold its own under typical wind loads and weather conditions. Each system costs approximately $594 per unit, with it being more cost effective as it is scaled up. The projected return on investment (ROI) is 26. 7 years. Outdoor reliability testing remains as future work to fully ensure its energy output and cleaning targets.

Download

Share

COinS