Solar Panel Efficiency Monitor Variant 2
Build Your Own Solar Panel Efficiency Data Logger with Arduino
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Understanding how efficiently a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity is critical for anyone serious about renewable energy. This kit gives you a hands‑on tool to measure exactly that — simultaneous voltage and current via the INA219, real‑time irradiance from a BH1750 light sensor, and then an on‑the‑spot efficiency percentage displayed on a crisp OLED screen. All data gets timestamped by the DS3231 RTC and saved to a microSD card, so you can analyse performance over a full day, compare panel angles, or investigate the effect of dust and clouds.
What You'll Build
A portable solar panel efficiency monitor that clips directly to your panel. The OLED shows live V, I, irradiance, and the calculated efficiency %. Every second’s reading is logged with a precise timestamp to a CSV file on the microSD. Plug the SD card into a laptop and you have a spreadsheet ready for plotting — perfect for a science fair display or engineering project report.
What You'll Learn
- Reading high‑side current and bus voltage with the INA219 over I2C
- Measuring ambient light intensity (lux) with the BH1750 and converting to irradiance (W/m²)
- Calculating real‑time panel efficiency from measured electrical power and incident light power
- Using the DS3231 RTC to timestamp sensor data and writing structured logs to a microSD card
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| INA219 | 1 |
| BH1750 | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| 4.7kΩ Resistors | 5 |
| 100nF Caps | 5 |
| 400-pt Breadboard | 1 |
| M-M Wires | 20 |
| 9V Battery Snap | 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
Ideal for CBSE Class 11-12 students exploring the Physics investigatory project on solar cell efficiency, B.Tech ECE/EEE first‑year workshops or mini projects, and teams preparing for the Smart India Hackathon energy track. Also a solid fit for ATL Tinkering Labs in schools and individual projects at IIT, NIT, VIT, or BITS — wherever a data‑driven approach to solar energy is valued.
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 open the AI companion. It walks you through each connection and code block, and if you’re still stuck, just WhatsApp us — we reply within hours.
What kind of solar panel do I need to test?
Any small DC solar panel rated 5V to 12V and up to around 3A works with the INA219. A typical 5W or 10W panel you’d find in a school lab is perfect for this kit.
How accurate is the efficiency calculation?
The INA219 gives ±1% current accuracy, and the BH1750 responds to visible light similarly to a calibrated pyranometer. Efficiency values will typically be within 3–5% of a panel’s datasheet spec when set up correctly.
Can I log data continuously for a full day?
Yes. Power the Arduino via a battery pack or USB power bank, and the RTC-backed microSD logger will keep writing until the card is full. A 4GB card stores weeks of 1‑second readings.
INA219 measures solar panel current and voltage. BH1750 measures irradiance. Calculates panel efficiency %.
What's in this kit
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