Sunflower - Arduino Solar Tracker

'The Sunflower' is an Arduino based solar tracker which will increase the efficiency of the solar panel while charging.

In modern solar tracking systems, the solar panels are fixed on a structure that moves according to the position of the sun.

Let us design a solar tracker using two servo motors, a light sensor consisting of four mini photocells and Arduino UNO board.

Step 1: Things You Need

Hardware Components:

1. DFRduino UNO R3
2. DFRobot I/O Expansion Shield
3. DF05BB Tilt/Pan Kit(5Kg)
4. DFRobot Photocell x 4
5. Resistor 10kOhm x 4
6. DFRobot Solar Panel

Software:

1. Arduino IDE

Tools:

1. Solder Iron

Step 2: Assembly of the Pan Tilt

Follow the steps in the images above and assemble the parts.

Remember: Use rubber spacers when using the M1x6.

Step 3: Construction

Connections

1. Stack the I/O Expansion Shield on the Arduino.
2. Connect lower servo with D9 in shield.
3. Connect upper servo with D10 in shield.
4. Take +5V and GND to power rails in breadboard.
5. Connect +5V in breadboard to each photocell.
6. Connect upper left photocell to A0.
7. Connect upper right photocell to A1.
8. Connect lower right photocell to A2.
9. Connect lower left photocell to A3.
10. Connect GND terminal of each photocell to GNDwith 10k Ohm resistor in series.

Step 4: Fixing and Testing

1. Fix the Solar Panel on a cardboard and paste it on the face of upper servo.
2. Take out all the wires and give them a play so as to move about 180 degrees.
3. Put the system on a stable platform.
4. Upload the code and test it with a bright LED or a bulb.

Step 5: Schematics and Code

Schematics source : Google