Vlad,, this is an interesting project. One thing you may wish to consider is to redesign the mechanical positioner to follow an arc instead of a linear tilt from east to west since the sun traverses the sky in an arc in the northern hemisphere. This would really be beneficial with a larger array of solar panels as this will keep the panels perpendicular to the linear sunrays for optimal performance. Plus with this method, you could recess the photocell slightly so very little indirect light strikes them. Then you could monitor the photocell's value for positioning. I hope this inspires some creative engineering. Thanks for sharing! Peace!
Thanks I'm brand new with Arduino .Fully trained in electronics but not coding :( you sent me down the rite path I plan on using and old satellite dish as a parabolic mirror to heat water in the day time to melt snow on the walkways and that. Just have to add the Z axis Don't know how well it will work but I,m closer to finding out. ) And I know guys I'll need antifreeze ( the non toxic stuff for boats and RV's
I did that project while ago for college. but instead of using stepper motor I used Satellite mitor and used relays to switch them and change direction
Flawed design for sun tracking with photocells on either side but at the same angle, that only works for chasing flashlisht spot. Sunlight will shine on both of these equally as the sunrays are parallel. You need photocells at different angles along the plane of movement, and their relative placement does not matter beyond simple shading.
Jan, that's a very good point. I only realised this shortcoming after I filmed the project and brought it outside. I had to orient the photo cells outward to make sure that the tracking was accurate. Thanks for the tip.
Well, I wouldn't say it is amazing, but from what I've seen on RU-vid at least, most projects are not explained. People assemble a solar tracker and don't go over their code, how it works, etc. It is easy for some, but I believe that I've added some value for some.
Kyothe, thank you for the kind comments. As I've mentioned, there are plenty of online resources, but none really cover a project from a to z and explain things in a simple manner.
Well one thing is he talks about what he is going to do in an easy to understand manner , shows it working AND SHOWS THE CODE. lol that combo is often harder to find than you would think :)
Great explanation and info! As mentioned.. best with 2 photocells angled and opposite each other (house roof) configuration. The sun's emition "radius" is larger than the torch. Just sayin..
EEEnthusiast, with the code "No Sun Detected" is it possible to rest the movement back to East or zero ready for the following morning. not sure about the code, new to all this arduino programming.
This was fun to do. Great Project! However, I am having some trouble getting the stepper motor to turn. It only vibrates. The LED on the board comes on when I disconnect the motor, however it does not come on when the sun is connected.
TripToFit How are you powering the stepper? sounds like you're trying to pull more current than the Arduino can supply and the motor isn't even getting enough to actuate.
Suggestions, the Library is unavailable.The enable pin is not used and overheats the motor. IF else == never happens , there must be a tolerance. I had to rewrite the whole lot.
We had made this project in our college... But teacher are asking the readings of project... Can u plz explain about that... Or give any example of reading.... Plz.. Plz
Hello! Can you please help me with the code for two axis? Basically, we have to split your code but I'm new to Arduino and I'm sure I'm gonna do mistakes :) Thank you very much!
hello sir, thank you for the tutorial. i want to use arduino Uno to collect data from different sensors which are temeperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed. is it possible, i need your help please.
Light follower is unnecessary and not efficient if you have a geo-stationary device. Azimuth and elevation of the sun is 100% predictable all of the time. Interesting project from academic point of view but practically useless as sun tracker.
On the other hand it's extremely useful for mobile off-grid living, where solar panels are also extremely useful. Also great for teaching, maybe for a youtube channel :)
Makes sense. somewhat. Care to enlighten us all? Links to the software? Does it work off-grid in all possible scenarios or just with a permanent internet connection to get the time and date right?
The sun position is certainly predictable. However the amount of coding and math skills for some people an issue, assuming a DIY person wants to maximize his/her solar system using a controller like arduino. Therefore a sun tracking system might sound more appealing to many who rather implement a hardware solution.
I don't think its a good idea to make a solar tracking for single axis. its better to make tracking based on timing rather then sun tracking. its only viable if you live above northern hemisphere + if you tracking on 2 axis. otherwise use tracker based on timing.
