Solar Tracker

A simple two axis servo that orients a small solar panel to face the sun (or any source of bright light).

Light is sensed by an array of light-dependent resistors (LDRs) housed within a cross-shaped blinder that casts shadows on the LDRs if the array is not pointed directly at the light.  The difference in light intensity between the horizontally oriented LDRs is used to steer the azimuth servo until there is no difference in light. Similarly, the light differential vertically is used to steer the tilt servo.

 

KookaBlockly Code

 

Educative applications
  • Explore the position of the sun in the sky throughout daylight hours
  • Explore the passage of the sun at different times of year
  • Explore the differences in solar panel power with solar orientation