DIY Miniature Solar Tracker

In this project I will show you how to create a solar tracker which like the name implies can follow the movement of the sun throughout the day. And at the end I will show you the energy harvest difference between a solar tracker mounted solar panel and a flat mounted solar panel. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you all mandatory information about the solar tracker. During the next steps though I will give you some additional information.

Step 2: Order Your Components!

Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:

1x Arduino Nano: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dUVUQIV

2x SG90 Servo: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dVGfXVr

4x Photoresistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d6Sv4PX

4x 1kohm Resistor: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZa9b9X

Ebay:

1x Arduino Nano: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

2x SG90 Servo: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

4x Photoresistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

4x 1kohm Resistor: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Amazon.de:

1x Arduino Nano: https://amzn.to/2KDRt5r

2x SG90 Servo: https://amzn.to/2lHKJoG

4x Photoresistor: https://amzn.to/2Kz7Gpb

4x 1kohm Resistor: https://amzn.to/2lIp1kD

Step 3: 3D Print the Solar Tracker Parts!

Here you can find the utilized model on thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:708819

And here you can also download the remaining part that I created by myself.

Step 4: Create the Circuit and Upload the Code!

Here you can find the schematic and code for the project. Feel free to use it to create your own solar tracker.

Step 5: Success!

You did it! You just created your own Solar Tracker!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab

Comments

[andrej.penic14]

How to make servos rotate more than 90 degrees in this project?

[AdrianFSX]

Im having the same problem, have you been able to fix it?

[andrej.penic14]

I built my project and it rotates almost 180 degrees which was enought for me, i dont remember what i did but leave me your email and i can send you all my codes for this project

[prit4ms]

Hey, can you send me your code as well. Mine is not working

[AdrianFSX]

Hey, thanks for the reply.
My email is:
[e-mail]

[AdrianFSX]

Hey, im messaging to remind you i sent my email address and am waiting for your mail with the code you used. My email address is [e-mail]

[DG_tao]

I made it but my servo for left and right is on the platform facing up and not like yours facing down so how to i change the code to work with my servo

[AdrianFSX]

I built this project using Arduino UNO and it only moves about 45 degrees.
Does anyone have code for Arduino UNO instead of NANO?

[laurent.chastain1]

Hi ! Great project ! I am interested of make it. I see a circuit with ina219 sensor on a photo. Can you share his schematice and code . I want to read and save the data on sd card.

thanks a lot

[DeepSub]

Please provide details on the solar panel and where to find it.
Thanks

[SimonH184]

My servos try to rotate in one directoin constantly, as some reported. What can be the problem? They also does not react to light.

[Marius.folkenborg]

You cant use a servo cabele of spinning 360 degree

[yusufnadir_yilmaz17]

I make that but solar tracker does not act logically. Someone please can help me?

[bliang1397]

Hi. How do I change the code so that it can be used for a single axis solar tracker?

[Seacully]

Will you please post the schematic file as well? I want to create a circuit board in Eagle. Thanks!

[Yasser1998]

Same thing ...

[tusharkantibhuinya]

Please ,can you provide the schematic with arduino uno ?

[Yasser1998]

I m trying to find simulation for this project cn u help me ??

[ImperialR]

same thing

[Yasser1998]

Hi i need help on simulation can you help me please