Disclosed herein includes a solar panel angle adjustment system for actuation with a single hand. The solar panel adjustment system includes a tensioned variable ribbon configured to adjust the angular position of the mounting panel. The system includes a gear adapted to adjust the tensioned variable ribbon and configured to translate between a first position and a second position. Additionally, in some examples, the system includes a gear shaft mechanically coupled with the gear and configured to translate between the first and second position and actuate the gear, but the gear shaft is locked when disposed in the first position. The system may also include a spring adapted to bias the gear from the second position to the first position. Furthermore, the tensioned variable ribbon can adjust the angle of the mounting panel in response to the gear shaft actuating the gear in the second position.