{"product_id":"kit-photovoltaic-shade-loss-analyser","title":"Photovoltaic Shade Loss Analyser Kit with Arduino Mega","description":"\u003ch1\u003eBuild a Precision Shade Loss Analyser for Solar Panels with Arduino Mega\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"value-summary\"\u003eEvery part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"specs-strip\"\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuild Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4-5 hours\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15-18\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkill:\u003c\/strong\u003e Real-time current monitoring and bypass diode analysis\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarness the power of data to understand how shading cripples solar panels. This kit lets you build a four-channel current monitor, visualize each cell’s contribution on a TFT screen, and see how bypass diodes rescue the panel’s output. Perfect for students exploring renewable energy and embedded systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Build\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA portable instrument that clamps onto a small solar panel and measures current from four individual cells simultaneously. You'll watch real-time data on the 1.8-inch color display, and when one cell is shaded, the bypass diode reroutes current—quantified just as a field engineer would.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat You'll Learn\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHow to interface multiple INA219 current sensors over I2C using a TCA9548A multiplexer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe physics of photovoltaic shading and the protective role of bypass diodes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCoding Arduino Mega to process sensor data and drive a ST7735 TFT display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSoldering and assembling a compact prototype on PCB boards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKit Contents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eComponent\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eQuantity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eArduino Mega 2560\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eINA219\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTCA9548A I2C Mux\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolar Panel 6V 2W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.8in TFT ST7735\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.7kΩ Resistors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100nF Capacitors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCB Prototype Board\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9V Battery Snap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoldering Iron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolder Wire\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n  \u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFactor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSourcing Separately\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompoden Kit\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility checks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYou verify every part\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePre-tested as a system\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuild support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForums and scattered tutorials\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAI companion trained on this exact project\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTime to first working build\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDays of debugging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHours, with step-by-step guidance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShipping coordination\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMultiple sellers, multiple delays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho This Kit Is For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis kit is designed for CBSE Class 11–12 students tackling renewable energy experiments, B.Tech ECE\/EEE undergraduates building mini projects or Smart India Hackathon prototypes, and ATL Tinkering Lab facilitators seeking a hands-on solar physics demo. Engineering students at IITs, NITs, VIT, or BITS Pilani will find it a powerful tool for understanding real-world power electronics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilt and Backed by Compoden\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWhat if I get stuck during the build?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eScan the QR code on the box for the AI build companion trained on this kit; it guides you through wiring, code, and calibration. You can also reach us on WhatsApp for human assistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan I test larger solar panels with this kit?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe included 6V 2W panel is safe for hands-on learning. The INA219 sensors can handle up to 3.2A, so you can test larger panels with appropriate current ratings, but we recommend staying within 5V systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDoes this kit teach about bypass diodes in real solar arrays?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, by shading one cell on the supplied panel you'll see the bypass diode in action—current jumps to the diode path, just like in large installations. The data logging on the TFT shows the exact magnitude of loss and recovery.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDo I need prior soldering experience?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntermediate builders will benefit most; however, the kit includes a soldering iron and solder wire, and the AI companion has close-up visuals for each solder joint. A little practice beforehand is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"kit-description\"\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eFour INA219 on cells in a panel measure individual output. Shade on one cell shows bypass diode effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003ch4\u003eWhat's in this kit\u003c\/h4\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mega-2560-r3-development-board-arduino-compatible-54-io-256kb\"\u003eArduino Mega 2560\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ina219-bi-directional-current-sensor-i2c-module-cjmcu-219\"\u003eINA219\u003c\/a\u003e x4\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/tca9548a-8-channel-i2c-multiplexer-breakout-for-arduino-raspberry-pi\"\u003eTCA9548A I2C Mux\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/6v-2w-solar-panel-for-diy-electronics-iot-projects\"\u003eSolar Panel 6V 2W\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/18-inch-spi-128x160-tft-lcd-display-module-for-arduino\"\u003e1.8in TFT ST7735\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/resistor-variety-pack-100-pcs-10-values-14w-carbon-film\"\u003e4.7kΩ Resistors\u003c\/a\u003e x5\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/capacitor-variety-pack-6-values-100nf-to-470uf-30-pieces\"\u003e100nF Caps\u003c\/a\u003e x15\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/esp-wroom-32-breakout-board-pcb-55x52mm\"\u003ePCB Prototype Board\u003c\/a\u003e x2\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/9v-battery-snap-connector-with-15cm-wires-compoden\"\u003e9V Battery Snap\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/soldering-kit-25w-with-solder-wire-flux-paste-compoden\"\u003eSoldering Iron\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/soldering-kit-25w-with-solder-wire-flux-paste-compoden\"\u003eSolder Wire\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is included in the Photovoltaic Shade Loss Analyser Kit with Arduino Mega?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The Photovoltaic Shade Loss Analyser Kit with Arduino Mega includes all components needed: Arduino Mega 2560, INA219, TCA9548A I2C Mu, Solar Panel 6V 2W, 1.8in TFT ST7735 and more. Everything is pre-tested for compatibility and shipped from Bengaluru, India.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What skill level is required for the Photovoltaic Shade Loss Analyser Kit with Arduino Mega?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"This kit is designed for Intermediate level makers, suitable for ages 15-18. Four INA219 on cells in a panel measure individual output. Shade on one cell shows bypass diode effect. Estimated build time is 4-5 hrs.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can I buy the Photovoltaic Shade Loss Analyser Kit with Arduino Mega online in India?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, the Photovoltaic Shade Loss Analyser Kit with Arduino Mega is available online at Compoden (compoden.in), India's AI-powered electronics and robotics store. Ships from Bengaluru in 1-5 business days across India.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Product\",\n  \"name\": \"Photovoltaic Shade Loss Analyser Kit with Arduino Mega\",\n  \"description\": \"Four INA219 on cells in a panel measure individual output. Shade on one cell shows bypass diode effect.\",\n  \"sku\": \"CDN-KIT-1862\",\n  \"brand\": {\"@type\": \"Brand\", \"name\": \"Compoden\"},\n  \"offers\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Offer\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/compoden.in\/products\/kit-photovoltaic-shade-loss-analyser\",\n    \"priceCurrency\": \"INR\",\n    \"price\": \"3850\",\n    \"availability\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\n    \"seller\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"name\": \"Compoden\"}\n  },\n  \"category\": \"Power \u0026 Energy\"\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoose your assembly option:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoldering Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e — 25W soldering iron, 60\/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBreadboard Combo\u003c\/strong\u003e — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Compoden","offers":[{"title":"Clone \/ Soldering Kit","offer_id":53469282402669,"sku":"CDN-KIT-1862-CL-SLD","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Clone \/ Breadboard Combo","offer_id":53469282435437,"sku":"CDN-KIT-1862-CL-BB","price":3100.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"R3 Original \/ Soldering Kit","offer_id":53469282468205,"sku":"CDN-KIT-1862-R3-SLD","price":5870.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"R3 Original \/ Breadboard Combo","offer_id":53469282500973,"sku":"CDN-KIT-1862-R3-BB","price":5370.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"R4 WiFi \/ Soldering Kit","offer_id":53469282533741,"sku":"CDN-KIT-1862-R4-SLD","price":5240.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true},{"title":"R4 WiFi \/ Breadboard Combo","offer_id":53469282566509,"sku":"CDN-KIT-1862-R4-BB","price":4740.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/3997\/5533\/files\/kit-photovoltaic-shade-loss-analyser.png?v=1781947318","url":"https:\/\/compoden.com\/products\/kit-photovoltaic-shade-loss-analyser","provider":"Compoden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}