Solar Cell Degradation Monitor Kit with Arduino Uno + LED
Monitor Solar Panel Degradation Over Months with Arduino Uno Data Logging Kit
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Silicon solar cells lose efficiency under prolonged UV exposure and weather stress—this is the exact reliability problem engineers study. With this kit you assemble a self-contained outdoor logger that captures voltage, current, irradiance, and UV index every hour, then store weeks of data on a microSD card to plot a real degradation curve.
What You'll Build
You’ll build a weatherproof data-recording system around a 6V solar panel, Arduino Uno, and four I²C sensors. The 0.96-inch OLED shows live power output and logging status, while the DS3231 real-time clock timestamps each reading accurately. After weeks of autonomous operation, you pull the SD card and directly visualise how panel performance drops day by day.
What You'll Learn
- Acquire and calibrate I²C sensor data from INA219 (voltage/current/power), BH1750 (lux), and ML8511 (UV intensity)
- Implement timestamped data logging with a DS3231 RTC and FAT-formatted microSD card
- Design a weatherproof outdoor electronics enclosure that handles humidity and direct sunlight
- Interpret long-term degradation trends and differentiate between UV-induced loss and irradiance variation
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| INA219 | 1 |
| BH1750 | 1 |
| ML8511 UV | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| Waterproof Enclosure | 1 |
| Solar Panel 6V 2W | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
B.Tech ECE and EEE students running solar reliability experiments for capstone projects, Smart India Hackathon teams needing data-backed renewable solutions, and hobbyists curious about PV module aging. The advanced logging and calibration also make it a solid base for ATL mentors guiding long-term scientific investigations at IIT, NIT, or VIT labs.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every 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.
What if I get stuck during the build?
The included AI companion provides step-by-step sensor calibration and wiring guidance. You can also reach us over WhatsApp for hands-on, India-timeline support.
Can the logger survive outdoor monsoon conditions?
The waterproof enclosure is IP65-rated. Adding a few silica gel packets inside handles prolonged humidity during the rainy season.
How do I power the logger for weeks without constant USB?
The solar panel can charge a 5V power bank (not included) through a diode, or you can use a 9V battery on the barrel jack as backup; the code guide covers both approaches.
Will I need to write code from scratch?
You receive fully commented Arduino sketches for all sensors, RTC timestamps, and SD storage. You only adjust the logging interval and sensor calibration values.
INA219 tracks solar panel power output weekly over months. Plots degradation curve from UV exposure.
What's in this kit
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Other projects you can build
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items