E&TC / ECE · GSM and GPS · Final year project
Sun Tracking Solar Panel Using Arduino
An Arduino sun tracker. Light sensors on both sides of the panel tell the Arduino which way to turn the servo, keeping the panel aligned with the sun for more power.
What is the Sun Tracking Solar Panel Using Arduino project?
An Arduino sun tracker. Light sensors on both sides of the panel tell the Arduino which way to turn the servo, keeping the panel aligned with the sun for more power.
Key facts
- Branch
- Electronics & Telecommunication (E&TC / ECE); also suits Electrical
- Domain
- GSM and GPS projects
- Type
- Final year project · Intermediate
- Suitable for
- Diploma capstone and B.E / B.Tech final year
- Build time
- 4 to 6 weeks
- Estimated component cost
- ₹4,600 – ₹6,800
- Guidance from
- ₹9,999 (Hardware / IoT Final Year)
How the Sun Tracking Solar Panel Using Arduino works
- Solar panel and 12 V power adapter / step-down transformer supply the circuit; a regulator gives the controller and sensors a steady 5 V.
- The Push buttons and switches provide manual inputs and the power switch.
- The Arduino Uno R3 reads the inputs, runs the decision logic written in C/C++ and drives the outputs.
- The Stepper motor with driver moves in precise steps for accurate positioning.
- The 16×2 LCD with I2C adapter shows readings, status and messages to the user.
- The LEDs indicate status.
Block diagram
Inputs
Push buttons and switchesController
Arduino Uno R3Outputs
Stepper motor with driver16×2 LCD with I2C adapterLEDsComponents list and cost
Typical prices from Indian online stores and electronics markets (Lamington Road, Budhwar Peth, SP Road). Buy from one store where you can to save on shipping.
| Component | Qty | What it does | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 | Reads the inputs, runs the decision logic written in C/C++ and drives the outputs. | ₹550 |
| Push buttons and switches | 1 | Provide manual inputs and the power switch. | ₹40 |
| Stepper motor with driver (NEMA17 + A4988) | 1 | Moves in precise steps for accurate positioning. | ₹900 |
| 16×2 LCD with I2C adapter | 1 | Shows readings, status and messages to the user. | ₹220 |
| LEDs (assorted) | 1 | Indicate status. | ₹20 |
| Solar panel (10–20 W) | 1 | Converts sunlight into electricity to power or charge the system. | ₹900 |
| 12 V power adapter / step-down transformer | 1 | Supplies stable low-voltage power from the mains. | ₹250 |
| Charge controller module | 1 | Charges the battery safely and stops overcharging. | ₹250 |
| Rechargeable battery (12 V 1.3–7 Ah) | 1 | Stores energy and supplies power when mains is absent. | ₹650 |
| Passive components, PCB and wiring kit | 1 | Crystal oscillator, resistors (assorted), capacitors (assorted), transistors / MOSFETs, cables, connectors and jumper wires, diodes and PCB / breadboard. | ₹385 |
| Wiring, PCB, soldering and enclosure | 1 | Project overhead | ₹450 |
| Demo model base / mounting board | 1 | Project overhead | ₹500 |
| Testing spares and replacements | 1 | Project overhead | ₹300 |
| Estimated total | Varies with brand, quality and city | ₹4,600 – ₹6,800 |
Prices are estimates for budgeting. We confirm the bill of materials when your design is frozen, and components are charged at actual cost with bills.
How much does this project cost?
| Option | What you get | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Components only | You buy the parts and build it yourself | ₹4,600 – ₹6,800 |
| Hardware / IoT Final Year | Working model or guided build, Circuit diagram and bill of materials, Firmware / code with explanation | from ₹9,999 + components |
| Capstone Project (CPE) | Working project or model, Black book in MSBTE format, Step-by-step explanation | ₹9,999 + components |
| Diploma ITR | 100% working source code, Project report PDF, PPT | ₹1,999 + components |
No GST and no hidden charges. Use the cost calculator for a quote with your deadline and add-ons, or see all plans.
Download the project brief (PDF)
Summary, working, components and cost and viva questions on one branded PDF to show your guide or team. To get it developed, contact us on WhatsApp.
What you submit with this project
- Working model with circuit diagram and program code
- Project report or black book in your university's chapter order (block diagram, circuit, calculations, results)
- Presentation for the review and final viva
- Synopsis for topic approval, if your college asks for one
E&TC / ECE viva questions on this project
What is the aim of the Sun Tracking Solar Panel Using Arduino project?
An Arduino sun tracker. Light sensors on both sides of the panel tell the Arduino which way to turn the servo, keeping the panel aligned with the sun for more power.
Explain the working of your project in short.
Solar panel and 12 V power adapter / step-down transformer supply the circuit; a regulator gives the controller and sensors a steady 5 V. The Push buttons and switches provide manual inputs and the power switch. The Arduino Uno R3 reads the inputs, runs the decision logic written in C/C++ and drives the outputs. The Stepper motor with driver moves in precise steps for accurate positioning.
What microcontroller is on the Arduino Uno and what are its key specifications?
The Uno uses the ATmega328P: 8-bit, 16 MHz clock, 32 KB flash, 2 KB SRAM, 14 digital I/O pins (6 PWM) and 6 analog inputs with a 10-bit ADC.
Why is a pull-up resistor needed with a push button?
Without it the input pin floats and reads random values. The pull-up keeps it HIGH until the button connects it to ground.
Why is a stepper motor used for positioning?
It moves a fixed angle per pulse (1.8° for NEMA17), so the controller knows the position by counting steps without a feedback sensor.
Why is an I2C adapter used with the LCD?
It reduces the wiring from about 10 pins to 2 (SDA and SCL), leaving more controller pins free for sensors.
Why is a resistor connected in series with an LED?
It limits the current to a safe value (about 10–20 mA). Without it, the LED would draw too much current and burn out. R = (supply voltage − LED voltage) ÷ current.
Explain the block diagram of your project.
The input section senses the real-world quantity, the Arduino Uno R3 processes it according to the program, and the output section displays the result and drives the actuators. The power supply section feeds every block.
Which communication protocols are used between the modules?
I2C for the display, RTC or motion sensor (only SDA and SCL lines). Each protocol was chosen because the module supports it and it uses the fewest pins.
What is the operating voltage of the circuit?
The controller and most sensors work at 5 V (ESP boards and some modules at 3.3 V). The battery powers the board, and a regulator steps it down. Motors and relays get their own supply line so they do not reset the controller.
How did you calculate the power rating of your system?
Using P = V × I for each load, adding a margin of 20 to 25%. The solar panel is sized from the daily energy need divided by about 5 peak sun hours in India. Battery capacity is the energy needed per day divided by the battery voltage and allowable depth of discharge.
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