How to make a solar tracking system using Arduino step by step

! Circuit diagram

code

/*Solar tracking system Home Page

#include <Servo.h>

Servo servoX; // Horizontal movement

Servo servoY; // Vertical movement

int photoResistor1 = A0; // Light sensor 1

int photoResistor2 = A1; // Light sensor 2

void setup() {

servoX.attach(9); // Attach first servo to pin 9

servoY.attach(10); // Attach second servo to pin 10

Serial.begin(9600);

}

void loop() {

int lightLevel1 = analogRead(photoResistor1); // Read light level from sensor 1

int lightLevel2 = analogRead(photoResistor2); // Read light level from sensor 2

// Move the first servo based on light levels

if (lightLevel1 < lightLevel2) {

servoX.write(servoX.read() + 1); // Turn towards the brighter sensor

} else {

servoX.write(servoX.read() - 1);

}

// Move the second servo based on light levels (optional)

// Use additional logic to control vertical movement if desired

Serial.print("Sensor 1: "); Serial.print(lightLevel1);

Serial.print(" | Sensor 2: "); Serial.println(lightLevel2);

delay(100); // Small delay for responsiveness

}

Components Needed

• Arduino Board: Arduino Uno or Nano

• Servo Motors (2): For adjusting the solar panel's angle (adjustable brackets recommended)

• Photoresistors (2): Light sensors to detect sunlight

• Resistors (2): 10k ohm resistors for the photoresistor circuit

• Breadboard: For prototyping the circuit

• Jumper Wires: For connections

• Solar Panel: To be used with the tracking system

• Battery or Power Supply: To power the Arduino and servo motors

• Support Structure: To mount everything (you can use wood, plastic, etc.)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Design the System

1. Understand the Mechanism:

   • The system will consist of two axes of movement (vertical and horizontal) to allow the solar panel to track the sun throughout the day.

   • Use two servo motors to control these movements.

2. Choose the Placement:

   • Decide where you will set up the solar panel and tracker, ensuring it has unobstructed sunlight.

Step 2: Gather and Connect the Components

1. Photovoltaic Sensors Setup:

   • Connect the two photoresistors to the Arduino with the following configuration:

     • One leg of each photoresistor goes to the 5V pin on the Arduino.

     • The other leg connects to an analog pin (e.g., A0 for the first sensor and A1 for the second) and also connects to a resistor that goes to the ground. This creates a voltage divider circuit.

2. Servo Motors Connections:

   • Connect the servo motors:

     • The control wire of the first servo connects to a digital pin (e.g., pin 9).

     • The control wire of the second servo connects to another digital pin (e.g., pin 10).

     • Connect the servo motor power leads to the 5V and GND pins on the Arduino.

3. Breadboard Setup:

   • Organize all connections on a breadboard for a clean and manageable setup. Use jumper wires to connect all components accordingly.

Step 3: Write the Arduino Code

1. Install the Arduino IDE:

   • If you haven’t already, download and install the Arduino IDE on your computer.

2. Program the Code:

   • Write a program that reads the values from the photoresistors and adjusts the servo motors to track the sun. Here is a simplified version of the code:

1. Upload the Code:

   • Connect your Arduino to your computer using a USB cable and upload the code.

Step 4: Assemble the Solar Tracker

1. Mount the Solar Panel:

   • Securely attach your solar panel to the system structure with the servo motors ensuring it can rotate freely.

2. Test the Movement:

   • Power up the Arduino and observe the movements of the solar panel as it follows the light. Adjust the code and hardware as needed to improve tracking accuracy.

Step 5: Final Testing and Calibration

1. Monitor Performance:

   • Test the system throughout the day to see how well it tracks the sun.

   • Make adjustments to the code and angles of the servos if necessary.

2. Improve and Optimize:

   • If you want, add more features like an LCD display to show real-time data or incorporate a more complex algorithm for better tracking.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you've built a basic solar tracking system using Arduino that adjusts the position of a solar panel to maximize sunlight exposure. This project not only provides practical benefits but also enhances your understanding of solar energy concepts and Arduino programming. Feel free to iterate on the design and explore additional functionalities!