Arduino Solar Tracker

In this project, we will show how to make a solar tracker.

This operation works as follows :

Firstly, the device locates the position of the light and, secondly, it orients itself towards it.

In particular, the device tracks the light along two axes. The first axis allows the rotation around z axis, the second the rotation around the horizontal axis.

Let's get started !

Components

• 1 Arduino Uno
• 2 FS90 servomotor
• 1 breadboard
• 4 ldr photoresistors
• 4 1k Ohm resistors
• 2 bolts
• Jumper wires
• Screws nuts

The total amount of these components is about 35€

Required devices

• Laser cutter

The code works as follows : the tracker has four LDR solar captors that capture light from the outside. The code firstly records where the light shines the most by combining captors' information. The tracker then moves to this area. The two servomotors are respectively able to move the device vertically, and horizontally but their movements are limited by boundary angles.

The different parts of the tracker must fit together perfectly. Therefore, the lengths must be considered in the light of the previous parts.

The 3D design of the pieces has been done using the Catia V5 software.

The cut of all the pieces can be made thanks to a laser cutter.

You have to calculate the tolerance so as to the final pieces fit and hold together.

After cutting the pieces, assemble them together.

There are 3 layers for you to gradually build. You can follow the pictures in order to assembly each layer's pieces. Then, assemble the layers together.

Connect the components together as showed in the electrical circuit diagram drawn by GreatScott.

Each of the LDR captor are connected to a resistance. LDR captor and Servomotors are all powered by the 5V outpud of the Arduino,as you can see in the picture. The blue and red wires of the picture are therefore connected to the four LDR captors.

To finish, you can put the Arduino card inside the device.

You can use a flashlight to see your device in action or simply put it in front of a window.

If everything is working for you, then you're done, congratulations !