There are a number of alternatives here but the simplest is an ldr light dependant resistor.
How solar panels track the sun.
Since we want to be able to track the sun we need some form of light detector.
Sunspot number over the past five solar cycles.
Scientists use sunspots to track solar cycle progress.
Diy solar panels that track the sun.
Check out this video of a system designed by arizona man mike davis to have solar panels follow the sun across the sky.
The principle on which these work is that their resistance decreases as the light intensity increases.
The dark spots are associated with solar activity often as the origins for giant explosions such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections which can spew light energy and solar material out into space.
Solar cycle 25 is underway and scientists are eager for another chance to put their understanding of solar cycle signs to the test.