Arduino Solar Tracker with USB Phone Charger - DIY Tutorial

In this tutorial, I will show you step by step how to design and build an Arduino Solar Tracker with a Lithium-Ion battery and a USB phone charger. The design will use photoresistors as solar sensors and a gear motor to turn the photovoltaic cells that will charge the battery. An Arduino Uno will be used for prototyping and an Arduino Nano will be used for the final product. Though this is a small project, it could easily be scaled up by using larger solar panels and a liner actuator. Below is a list of parts in case you want to attempt a similar project at home.
The following are affiliate links for products I used in this video. Using these links will not affect the price for your purchase but may result in a small commission for me, allowing me to keep making helpful videos.
6-Volt, 1-Watt Solar Panel
rover.ebay.com/...
5 rpm gear motor
rover.ebay.com/...
L9110
2pcs TP4056 5V 1A Micro USB 18650 Lithium Battery Charging and Protection Board
Step Up DC-DC Boost Converter 3V to 5V 1A USB Charger Mini Mobile
18650 Battery
18650 Battery Holder
Arduino Nano
1k ohm resistor
N4004 diode
Photoresistor

[@techboystoys]

This Video is really awesome, You explained very well

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JonyGomes]

This video is really good, I'll use the idea for my professional aptitude test

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Good luck! Thanks for watching!

[@kevgermany]

Nice project. I like the way you code. Simple, clear and no unnecessary comments.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Glad you like it!

[@kdogjalapeno]

Great video... now I want a 3d printer.. dont understand the arduino yet but willing to learn after watching this video

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

You can do it!

[@Ahmadnaweed786]

it could be better if you put the conditionals like this: if (left_sensor - right_sensor > deadband) {do something}. good tutorial anyway. one more thing, if you ever decide to use linear actuator you can not get more than 90 degrees of angular travel for the panels like this motor that you used.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Good feedback.

[@perfeitomoreira4712]

Great work, could you please run a video where we can do solar tracking using horizontal and vertical axis?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

I have a few other videos in work already, but perhaps in a future video. The code would be similar, but I would do a different design to mix it up. I'll have to think on that for a while...

[@mohamadkurdi8695]

This video is amazing but is calculations on your battery sizing selection and your solar panel sizing selection. You will also need to show how much energy has been generated by the system and how much time it takes for the load cell phone to charge fully.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Glad you liked it. I hope to do another solar power video in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@Tympan]

Very informative. Thank you for creating this.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@The_Last_Post]

This is a great project, thanks for explaining it so well. I’m inspired to make my own! Did you ever upscale it to 12v with the bigger panels and a linear actuator?? If you haven’t, please could you consider it as this is what I’d like to build :)

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

I haven't yet, but it would be pretty similar. I have several videos on linear actuators that you can check out. I hope to do another one soon.

[@rushbayou5230]

looks fun... could 2 small solar pan be used to act like a light sensor? id like to figureout how to use a dc drill to run a ready rod to pivot my panals. ive never used Arduino but am interested. i dont know the diff with the other os or if there is a diff.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Yes. You could use 2 small panels as sensors. You could use voltage dividers and simply compare the voltages between the two panels.

[@sunilbute4012]

Am very happy with it 🙏👍🙏 am waiting for this vdo as u told in ur privious vdo .can this set it to go back to the initial position if we assume that the East is initial position, Now how this can working on the linear actuator with the same code , best execution vdo on solar tracking thanku 🙏🙏🙏

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Yes, you can make it work with very similar code. This video might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p33PpZqeprulrKs . If you want, you could add code that when it is dark outside (using the values from the photo resistors) to go back to the home position. Linear actuators have built in limit switches, so they will not over travel. However, if you just wait until morning, the photo resistors will detect the rising sun and automatically return to the home position. Best wishes in your projects.

[@sunilbute4012]

@@ScienceFunInnovations 🙏🙏👍🙏🙏 thanks

[@TubeLightDiscover]

I have same DIY solar tracker project plz watch...Low cost

[@__WJK__]

Love the project! Curious... what are your thoughts on using a pan/tilt robotic arm kit (aka: the lowest cost, most capable pant/tilt robotic arm kit) to perform the tracker's mechanical movements(?) This way, people can build the tracker without the considerable/added cost of a 3D printer, + the robotic arm (when hooked to the electronics) would provide a much, much simpler/quicker plug-and-play platform that would also allow larger solar panels....(?)...

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

I imagine I will do another solar tracker video sometime, and I will see about doing it without 3D printing. :-)

[@hklitgamer7750]

Hey there, I love the project Idea. I'm planning on doing a similar project and I have a quick question on the 3d Print. How did u make it so that the gear motor can move even with the 3d printed base? How did you make the 3d print so that the motor isn't just stuck to the bottom and is still able to rotate. Pls get back to me asap as I would love to hear from you soon. Thx!

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

It's been a while since I built that, but I think that the shaft of the motor was stuck into the base. (The motor is upsidedown) Hope that helps.

[@MAXimator70]

I love your Arduino Videos so much, thanx a lot! Just subscribed. :)

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Welcome aboard!

[@user-vy6do2xo2f]

Beautiful project 🫡 How long did it take to charge the phone?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

I can't remember. It took quite a while. It was much faster with the phone turned off. Next time I will use bigger solar panels. :-)

[@engr.arslanhashmi2733]

Awesome video bro

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Glad you liked it

[@andraspataki4220]

First of all the video is spectacular, and it has helped me in my project. However, I have a rather dumb question. You are using a 12v motor, powered by a 5v output. Wouldn't the right thing be to connect the motor power to an external 12v source?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

You can always use less voltage on a motor. It will just turn slower, which is what I wanted for this. It doesn't need to move quick since the sun moves slowly through the sky.

[@mrab4222]

I'm wondering whether it can be done by using only the 2 photoresistors as the voltage divider on 1 analog pin.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Hmm. Not sure if that would work. Somehow you need to compare which resistor is getting more light.

[@mrab4222]

@@ScienceFunInnovations If they're getting the same amount of light then they'll have the same resistance and the analog reading will be 511 (give or take the manufacturing differences). If they're getting different amounts of light then their resistances will differ and the one with the lower resistance will pull the analog reading away from that value.

[@mrab4222]

In reply to my own question, the problem is that you'd have no idea of the overall illumination, so it would keep trying to track even at low light levels when there's no point. You need to know the level of illumination as well as the direction.

[@hklitgamer7750]

Hey, update for the project I am making similar to this one. It mostly works, the only thing is that the phone isn't charging (I'm using an iPhone 8). when I connect it, the light from the Step Up DC-DC Boost Converter is on for like 2 seconds, then is off. I have to turn the switch off, and back on for the converter to turn back on again. Do you know why that is? Also, for some reason, the lithium-ion battery charger, when the solar panels are connected, the red and blue lights turn on when it is in direct sunlight. When there is minimal sunlight, only the blue is on. Do you know why is that as well? Thank you so much and I would love to hear from you asap on either or both of these questions.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

That project was such a long time ago, I'll try to remember a little. If I were to do it again, I would use bigger solar panels. I would turn off my phone to help it charge faster. And I was using an older phone that didn't have rapid charging. So long story short, if I did it again I would use a bigger solar panel and make sure the it has the right voltage output during full sun.

[@evandrosantanaamadio3941]

Hello, how are you? Do you have any virtual simulation or project documents that you can share? I am Brazilian and I am doing a group work at the university, we do not speak English so it is a little difficult to get what you showed in the video, we even bought the equipment.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

What particular issues are you having? You can send me an email at [e-mail] and I can try to answer your questions.

[@brandonoh777]

Did you post a link for the code that you used? I also am planning on designing a full scale to 2 axis one this spring on the same concept

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Yes. I posted the code in my Facebook Page @ScienceFun4u You will find it in the comments to my April 4 post.

[@rushbayou5230]

@@ScienceFunInnovations friends dont let friends do farcebook

[@aligharra8541]

Nice project i like it soo much 😊 is the 5 rpm gear motor 12 v or 6 v?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

It was a long time ago, but I think it was a 6V. Thanks for watching.

[@aligharra8541]

@@ScienceFunInnovations the TP4056 5pcs?

[@user-vy6do2xo2f]

@@aligharra8541no

[@chaseearnhardt8611]

This video was great to help me with my project. Except I am doing one that tracks along the horizontal and vertical axis with a 5W solar panel. I am just concerned about the 5W panel, it can produce up to 16.77V and a current up to 0.32A. So should use Step Down DC-DC converter from around 12 to 16V down to 5V? Also, how would I know which lithium ion battery to use? Kind of nervous to just hook this stronger panel to the same battery, what if it explodes haha

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Probably a good idea to use a 5V regulator. Be sure to record it on video if it explodes :-) (May just want to charge it outside the first time) Good luck.

[@aligharra8541]

can i use the black diode 1N4004 or thats not same?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Sorry, that video was so long ago I do not remember.

[@brandonparento3209]

Hey!! Science Fun. Really awesome and informative video. I am doing a similar project where I am constructing a Solar Tracking platform. However, I am going with a Stewart Platform approach for the structure/mobility of the platform. Similar to your video, we too are using photoresistors with a cross to measure the change in resistance caused by the Sun. Currently our project is controlled by a Wii Nunchuk which has inputs accX, and accY. (which is the physical rotation of the Wii Nunchuk). But, I want to integrate a switch to move between manual and autonomous control (with the photoresistor sensor). I was wondering if you could offer some advice to bridge the gap between our codes input values as stated earlier and substituting the input values from photoresistors? To provide some quick background. I too am using Arduino IDE for the programming, and most of the math involved utilize Inverse Kinematics. If you are interested in knowing more, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you, and I hope to hear from you soon! Best, Seth P

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Sounds like a fun project. I would use a state machine to switch between manual and auto.

[@martinnash007]

Very interesting video. Thumbs up from me and subscribed.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tiballagino]

Hi sir 😊may i see the full source code of this project?? just for educational purposes😊

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

facebook.com/ScienceFun4u/ You can find the source code here.

[@3doolla942]

Hi, do you have the 3D blueprint for the components you printed out? I would like to 3D print the same components.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Unfortunately I cannot find the file. I had it on the cloud, but now I can't find it. :-(

[@stefanvictor2288]

Hello, you make a good job.I want make something the same, can you send me source code?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Yes. I posted the source code in my Facebook Page @ScienceFun4u You will find it in the comments to my April 4 post. Thanks for watching and good luck on your solar tracker!

[@alexandranitu894]

@@ScienceFunInnovations Can;'t find u

[@JudasBytes]

can i used this on 2x 550w panels to track the sun throughout the day?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Yes. You can use voltage dividers to keep the input

[@aligharra8541]

How can I know the measurements that are used in printing a model?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

That was so long ago. Not sure if I have the files anymore. Sorry!

[@aligharra8541]

@@ScienceFunInnovations no problem you helped me a lot 🌹

[@SubwayComedy]

Nice

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Thanks

[@utkarshambre9265]

Is the gear motor 12V???

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

It has been a while since I built that, but I would suspect it would be a 6V motor.

[@ouizaounas6070]

The type of current used

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

The current is very low. I will use bigger solar panels next time.

[@kennethhollevoet2865]

Ik heb hiervoor twee zonnepanelen van elk 3 watt in serie gezet, waardoor ik 6 watt verkrijg. Beide zijn van 6 volt. Maar als ik 1 paneel plaats meet ik 5 volt bij een bepaalde lichtintensiteit. Maar als ik beide in serie plaats, meet ik ook 5 volt bij eenzelfde lichtintensiteit. Ik heb nog nooit meer dan 5 volt gemeten. De uitgang van de panelen gaan naar een buck converter die de ingaande spanning omzet naar 5 volt. Weet iemand dit te verklaren en hoe ik aan meer dan 6 volt kan geraken?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

You will likely need to try other panels with higher voltage.

[@4921rcw]

you links to the 5 rpm gear motor seem to be broken. What voltage is the motor your using? Thanks Rick

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

I think it is just a 3V hobby motor.

[@4921rcw]

I doubt it is a 3 volt motor. I was asking where I could buy the motor you used. Your project looked very nice and worked well.

[@rodgervinsmoke8220]

@@4921rcw what motor did you use in the end

[@NightMare-gm3zb]

Hey, can i get a source code on the Arduino?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

I have the code on my Facebook page in the comments of the post for this project: facebook.com/ScienceFun4u

[@aligharra8541]

How can charge lithium battery 🥲

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

This was a lithium battery.

[@aligharra8541]

@@ScienceFunInnovations i do this project but i put 3 lithium batteries and it was helpful Thank you so much for the help🔥

[@bisho-jo]

The real thing is, the power created from this solar panel in each minute just cannot afford for what the circuit spend during the same time.

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Correct. The solar panels do not provide quite enough power keep up with phone charging, but it will charge the onboard li ion battery over time. Once I switched to a legitimate battery, it did a much better job charging the phone.

[@rodgervinsmoke8220]

@@ScienceFunInnovations what will be a good choice for the legitimate battery

[@4921rcw]

Do think a dual axis solar tracker would work very similar

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Yes. You would just need to add two more photo sensors and another motor. One of these days I will do another one with 2 axis...

[@4921rcw]

sorry for thumbs down. I never got a reply.

[@rodgervinsmoke8220]

@@ScienceFunInnovations when will that be looking forward to it

[@raidboy7858]

Can I have the files please?

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Unfortunately, they were deleted by mistake.

[@rodgervinsmoke8220]

@@ScienceFunInnovations what battery did you use in the end because you said the current ones are rubbish

[@keitherit974]

Can i have the code bruh🤣

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

It is on my Facebook page: facebook.com/ScienceFun4u/

[@lhakpasherpa1547]

Nice 👍

[@ScienceFunInnovations]

Thanks for the visit