Solar IV Curve Tracer
Solar IV Curve Tracer – Explore Every Operating Point of Your Solar Panel with ESP8266
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Unlock the true performance of a solar cell. This kit transforms a 6V panel into a live data source, sweeping from open-circuit to short-circuit while the ESP8266 serves a real‑time I‑V curve graph on any browser. Whether you’re a CBSE Class 12 student hunting for that perfect physics project or a B.Tech ECE undergrad exploring renewable energy, you’ll finish with a portable solar analyzer that explains every nuance of maximum power point tracking.
What You'll Build
You’ll wire up a programmable electronic load driven by the MCP4725 DAC, pull precision current and voltage readings from the INA219, and stream them over Wi‑Fi to a clean dashboard. The 1.8‑inch TFT gives you instant local readings, while the web interface draws the full I‑V curve, calculates fill factor, and displays maximum power — exactly what judges and examiners want to see in a project report.
What You'll Learn
- How to design a programmable electronic load using a 12‑bit DAC and resistors
- How to measure high‑side current and voltage with 1% accuracy using INA219
- How to sweep load current to capture the full I‑V curve from open‑circuit to short‑circuit
- How to build a real‑time web dashboard on ESP8266 and serve sensor data to any phone or laptop
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ESP8266 NodeMCU | 1 |
| INA219 | 1 |
| MCP4725 DAC | 1 |
| Solar Panel 6V 2W | 1 |
| 1.8in TFT ST7735 | 1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Caps | 5 |
| 400-pt Breadboard | 1 |
| M-M Wires | 20 |
| Micro USB Cable | 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
CBSE Class 12 physics students performing solar cell characterization experiments, B.Tech ECE/EEE students working on renewable energy mini‑projects, and teams preparing for Smart India Hackathon will find this kit plug‑and‑play. It’s equally at home in ATL Tinkering Labs and NIT/IIT/VIT/BITS makerspaces — anywhere a hands‑on understanding of I‑V curves, MPPT, and embedded web servers matters.
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 inside the box to chat with the AI companion, which has been trained exclusively on this project. You can also send us a photo on WhatsApp — we’ll reply with targeted advice within hours.
Can I test a different solar panel with this kit?
The circuit is optimised for panels up to 6V and 500mA. For larger panels you’ll need an external voltage divider; the AI companion can guide you through that modification.
Does the TFT display the full I‑V curve?
The 1.8‑inch TFT shows live voltage, current, and power values locally. The complete curve, fill factor, and MPP data are served on your phone/laptop browser via the ESP8266 web server.
Is this kit suitable for Smart India Hackathon?
Absolutely. The real‑time web monitoring, remote data access, and renewable energy focus align with typical SIH problem statements, giving you a ready‑to‑demo prototype.
MCP4725 sweeps load from OC to SC. INA219 records I-V curve. ESP8266 serves curve graph on browser.
What's in this kit
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