Light Detector Solar Panel With Arduino

This is a project for those who use solar panels and want to increase the efficiency of them.

This project is a scaled down version of what can be achieved with bigger solar panels.

Step 1: Items You Will Need

Step 2: Attach the Motor to the Stand

Step 3: Place the Sensors on the Corners of the Stand

Step 4: Wiring Up the Arduino

I used 10k ohm resistors.

Arduino code for this project :

https://pastebin.com/QjKL2rfy

Bellow you can find a tutorial on how to control a stepper motor with an Arduino :

Step 5: Starting It Up

When you start it up the arduino will think that it is on the position 0, for this reason always position the solar panel accordingly.

Step 6: Final Thoughts

This idea can increase the efficiency of a solar panel so it is a good idea for those who live in a house

Comments

[rajakadharmakeerthi5]

Can you send me the arduino code and the circuit diagram which we need to make this solar pannel and ligh-up a 1W bulb? Could you please help me?

[AlbertoE16]

Hello! Where did you buy each element to make the project? Thanks

[HowtoX]

Hi! The aluminium sheet and the plastic piece are from a hardware store. The solar panel and the Arduino with the light sensors are from aliexpress.com

[KOTSOS5]

Great project my friend and first time I see a light detector using a servo motor, an upgrade would be for the panel not just to turn to the four corners but in the midpoints also or where is the most light falling.

[BrownDogGadgets]

Why a stepper motor over a standard servo motor? What is the advantage? (Just curious to hear why you choose one part over another.)

[HowtoX]

I used a stepper motor because i wanted it to be able to turn 360° and the only servo i had home could only achieve 180°. Other than that i don't prefer steppers over servos especially because the servos are easier to use. For the stepper I had to calculate how many impulses are needed for a full turn.

[tytower]

Its usual to put up the "ino" file here so it stays together . Here it is . It compiles OK

[tytower]

Nah the powers don't let me put it up -how silly

[AlbertoE16]

Hello, where can I buy a small panel similar to that? Thanks.

[HowtoX]

Hi.

https://www.banggood.com/12V-100mA-1_5W-Mini-Epoxy-Solar-Panel-Photovoltaic-Panel-p-987793.html?rmmds=myorder&cur_warehouse=CN

[HowtoX]

I think you can find them on Ebay, Aliexpress and I am prietty shure in many more places, they are quite cheap

E.g.

https://m.aliexpress.com/s/item/32840132710.html?spm=a2g0n.search-cache.0.0.3b776830VrHLjq#autostay

[tytower]

Its better if you add it on here though

[HowtoX]

Okey, I will keep in mind that

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

Cool solar project. You should enter this into the Arduino contest that is currently running.

[HowtoX]

I would like to participate but residents of my country are banned from entering (for some unknown reason)