Solar Tracking Circuit using Arduino

Using solar power to its fullest is more crucial than ever in a time when sustainability and renewable energy sources are becoming more and more significant.

Solar tracking is a useful tool for increasing the efficiency of solar energy systems.

By repositioning the solar panels to track the suns movement throughout the day, solar tracking maximizes the quantity of sunlight gathered and hence increases energy output.

Discover the world of DIY solar tracking using Arduino a project that combines innovative thinking and creativity.

The open source electronics platform Arduino provides a flexible and approachable way to create complex tracking systems.

With this do-it-yourself project, engineers and hobbyists may design a solar tracker that maximizes the utilization of energy by orienting solar panels according to the position of the sun.

The article looks at how solar panel efficiency may be greatly increased with an Arduino based solar tracking device.

Here, an Arduino board, an IC 7809, a servo motor, a solar panel, LDRs (Light Dependent Resistors) and resistors are used to make a sun tracking solar panel system.

This project not only improves the efficiency of solar energy systems but also offers a useful and instructive experience in electronics and programming via the use of simple yet efficient sensors and motors.

Building a solar tracker using Arduino is a fulfilling project that blends technical expertise with environmental responsibility, whether you are a student keen to put theoretical knowledge into practice or a hobbyist ready to plunge into renewable energy initiatives.

Coding with Explanation:

#include <Servo.h>

Servo myservo;  // create a servo object to control the servo

const int LDR1 = A0;  // analog pin for LDR 1
const int LDR2 = A1;  // analog pin for LDR 2

int LDR1Value = 0;
int LDR2Value = 0;

void setup() {
  myservo.attach(9);  // attach the servo to pin 9
  Serial.begin(9600);  // initialize serial communication
}

void loop() {
  LDR1Value = analogRead(LDR1);
  LDR2Value = analogRead(LDR2);

  // calculate the difference in light levels
  int difference = LDR1Value - LDR2Value;

  // adjust the servo position based on the difference
  if (difference > 100) {
    myservo.write(90);  // turn right
  } else if (difference < -100) {
    myservo.write(0);  // turn left
  } else {
    myservo.write(45);  // maintain current position
  }

  Serial.println(difference);  // print the difference for debugging
  delay(1000);  // delay for 1 second
}

Explanation:

• include “Servo.h” the Servo library, which offers functions for managing servo motors, is included in this line.
• const int LDR1 = A0; this line declares a constant called LDR1 and sets its value to the analog pin attached to the first LDR, A0.
• const int LDR2 = A1; the value of analog pin A1, which is linked to the second LDR, is assigned to the constant LDR2, during its definition.
• Reading analog voltage from a designated analog pin is accomplished using the analogRead() method.
• Functions such as attach() and write() are available in the Servo library to control servo motors.
• Using the difference variables value as a guide, the if-else statements govern decision making.
• Transmission and reception of data over a serial connection are accomplished through the usage of the Serial library.
• delay(1000); before the loop repeats, this line adds a one-second pause.
• void loop() { ... }: this function is called repeatedly in a loop
• Serial.println(difference); for debugging purposes, this line outputs the differences value to the serial monitor.
• myservo.attach(9); this line connects the Arduino boards pin 9 to the servo object myservo.
• Serial.begin(9600); with this line, serial communication is started at a 9600 baud rate.
• This helps with debugging and output monitoring for the program.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

The article Solar Tracking using Arduino is a simple project for connections which is mentioned in the above circuit diagram.

The solar panels two LDRs are positioned on opposing sides.

The resistance of the LDRs varies with the quantity of light they receive as the sun travels across the sky.

The 10k resistors and the LDRs are linked in a circuit that acts as a voltage divider.

In accordance with the light levels that the LDRs observed, this generates two voltage signals.

Analog inputs on the Arduino board are linked to the voltage signals coming from the voltage divider.

To ascertain the relative light levels that the LDRs have observed, the Arduino evaluates the analog input data.

The solar panel is rotated by a servo motor.

We chose to utilize a servo motor because it allows us to accurately adjust the position of our solar panels and covers the whole path of the sun.

A servo motor that runs on 5V is used in this circuit.

The Arduino provides a control signal to the servo motor based on the comparison of light levels.

To line the solar panel with the position of the sun, the servo motor spins it.

To ensure that the Arduino and servo motor are powered appropriately, the voltage from the solar panel is regulated by the IC 7809.

How to Build:

To build a Solar Tracking Circuit using Arduino, follow the below mentioned steps for connections:

• Gather all the components as mentioned in the above circuit diagram.
• Connect a regulated IC1 7809 to provide a regulated 9V DC to the Arduino board as per the above circuit diagram
• Connect 5V servo motor black wire(Gnd wire) to GND pin on the Arduino board.
• Connect 5V servo motor red wire (5V wire) to 5V pin on the Arduino board
• Connect 5V servo motor orange wire (PWM wire) to pin 9 on the Arduino board
• Connect 12V Solar panels positive wire to 5V pin on Arduino board.
• Connect 12V Solar panels negative wire to GND pin on Arduino board.
• Connect one end of LDR1 on A0 pin on Arduino board and the other end to 5V pin on Arduino board
• Connect one end of LDR2 on A1 pin on Arduino board and the other end to 5V pin on Arduino board
• Connect one 10k resistor each with the A0 and A1 inputs of the Arduino and connect the other common ends of both the resistors to GND on Arduino

Conclusion:

Using Arduino to build a solar tracking is a great way to increase solar energy consumption and get practical experience with electronics and programming.

A system that constantly adjusts the angle of the solar panel to follow the sun may be made by combining essential parts including the Arduino Uno, servo motor, solar panel, LDRs and voltage regulator.

This basic yet efficient configuration increases your solar arrays energy production while showcasing the usefulness of automation and sensor technologies.

This DIY solar tracking project provides both useful advantages and an engaging learning opportunity, whether it is used for instructional reasons or as a springboard to more complex projects.

References:

Solar Tracker based on Sun Position Calculation