Solar Irradiance Differential Tracker
Solar Irradiance Differential Tracker Kit — Arduino-Powered Cloud & Wind Inference
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Place four BH1750 light sensors facing north, south, east, and west, and your Arduino Uno computes the horizontal irradiance gradient in real time. As clouds drift across the sky, the differential readings reveal cloud cover, direction, and even hint at wind speed — transforming raw light intensity into actionable environmental data without expensive meteorological instruments.
What You'll Build
You’ll assemble a portable sensing station that logs multi‑directional solar irradiance to an SD card, displays live gradient values on an OLED screen, and timestamps every reading with a DS3231 RTC. The unit can run unattended for field studies, giving you a fresh layer of insight into local weather patterns and atmospheric dynamics.
What You'll Learn
- Wiring multiple I2C sensors using a TCA9548A multiplexer to avoid address conflicts
- Programming the Arduino to calculate irradiance differences between cardinal directions
- Interpreting gradient data to infer cloud movement and approximate wind direction
- Logging time‑stamped sensor arrays to a MicroSD card for offline analysis
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | x1 |
| BH1750 | x4 |
| TCA9548A I2C Mux | x1 |
| DS3231 RTC | x1 |
| MicroSD Module | x1 |
| 0.96in OLED | x1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | x10 |
| 100nF Caps | x10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | x2 |
| Soldering Iron | x1 |
| Solder Wire | x1 |
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
This advanced project is designed for B.Tech ECE/EEE students building environmental monitoring systems, Smart India Hackathon teams prototyping weather stations, and researchers at IITs, NITs, VIT, or BITS Pilani who need a ready‑to‑deploy irradiance gradient measurement rig. It’s also a strong fit for ATL Tinkering Lab mentors guiding undergraduate exploration in atmospheric sensing.
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?
Scan the QR code on the box to launch the AI companion trained on this kit. It can guide you through wiring, code upload, and sensor calibration. If you need a human, our WhatsApp support team is a message away.
Can this kit measure absolute solar irradiance values?
The BH1750 outputs calibrated lux; you can convert to W/m² using standard formulas. The kit’s primary focus is the differential gradient between sensors, which is more robust for cloud and wind inference.
Does the I2C multiplexer slow down sensor reads?
No. The TCA9548A switches channels in microseconds, and the companion code polls all four BH1750 sensors fast enough to track moving clouds. A full four‑sensor read cycle completes in under 10 ms.
Is the kit weatherproof for outdoor deployment?
The sensors and board are not weatherproofed, but you can house the entire unit inside a transparent plastic enclosure. With the RTC, you can log weeks of data unattended if the enclosure shields against rain and direct moisture.
Four BH1750 sensors at cardinal points compute horizontal irradiance gradient to infer cloud cover and wind.
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.
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