Solar Panel Tracker with Bluetooth App Integration

Using Arduino Project Guidance
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Project Overview: Dual-Axis Solar Tracker with Bluetooth Control

Hi everyone! I’m working on a dual-axis solar tracker project powered by an Arduino Mega, with two servos controlling the solar panel's movement based on LDR sensor inputs to optimize sunlight exposure. The solar panel I’m using is a 0.5W, 5.5V panel designed not for power generation but purely to measure performance improvements in light capture. Its voltage and current are monitored using an INA219 sensor, with real-time data sent to a mobile app via an HC-05 Bluetooth module. This allows me to track the efficiency increase when using the tracking system compared to a stationary panel.

The project also includes 10kΩ pull-down resistors for the LDRs to create a voltage divider circuit for light intensity measurements. A voltage divider (1kΩ and 2kΩ resistors) is used for the HC-05 RXD pin to safely step down the Arduino’s 5V TX signal to 3.3V. The setup is powered by a 6V VRLA battery, providing enough current for the servos, while a 55Ω resistor serves as a load for the solar panel to simulate real-world conditions. Attached is my AutoCAD wiring diagram—feedback or suggestions for improvement would be greatly appreciated before I finalize purchasing the parts. Thanks!

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Tell us how your testing is going. Sounds like a great project!

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From https://store-usa.arduino.cc/products/arduino-mega-2560-rev3#:~:text=The%20recommended%20range%20is%207,or%20other%20regulated%20power%20source)..)
''The board can operate on an external supply of 6 to 20 volts. If supplied with less than 7V, however, the 5V pin may supply less than five volts and the board may become unstable. If using more than 12V, the voltage regulator may overheat and damage the board. The recommended range is 7 to 12 volts.''

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Hello, thank you for replying! I was unaware of this and did some research and I think since I am only powering small components that use minimal current I will not run into any issues, or am I wrong?

The only thing that uses substantial current are the servos but they will be powered by a separate 6V battery.

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You shouldn't use solar power directly, you need a battery in the middle. That also requires a special charging/using circuit, most are wrong.

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Hello, I am a little confused about the question. What do you mean by "shouldn't use solar power directly"?

I am only measuring current and voltage produced by solar panel via the 55 Ohm resistor since current can not be measure without a load. The solar panel is not powering anything.

The servos are powered by a separate battery that I will be buying a charger for.

Does this clear things up or am still missing something?

Thanks!

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Sorry, this isn't about solar POWER, it's just an attempt at a control circuit to move the panels to follow the sun. In that case I have no comment, but would love to hear if it works.