Solar Panel Fault Detection Kit - Arduino Mega & INA219 System
Real-Time Photovoltaic Fault Detection System Kit with Arduino Mega & INA219
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Build a working photovoltaic fault detection system that automatically identifies shading, bypass diode failures, and disconnected strings in solar arrays. This kit equips you with four INA219 current sensors, an Arduino Mega, and real-time logging to SD card plus GSM alerts, exactly the kind of monitoring used in commercial solar farms. Perfect for B.Tech capstone projects, Smart India Hackathon challenges, or skill-building in renewable energy diagnostics.
What You'll Build
You'll assemble a four-channel current monitoring system that scans each solar panel string through an I2C multiplexer, logs data with timestamps, and sends SMS alerts when a fault is detected. The OLED displays real-time current readings, and the entire system fits inside a waterproof enclosure for outdoor testing. By the end, you'll have a deployable diagnostic tool for small solar installations.
What You'll Learn
- Program INA219 sensors over I2C and multiplex channels with TCA9548A
- Log fault data to SD card with RTC timestamps for offline analysis
- Configure Arduino Mega to trigger GSM alerts via SIM800L on fault conditions
- Design and solder a multi-sensor PCB on prototype board with proper decoupling
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | 1 |
| INA219 | 4 |
| TCA9548A I2C Mux | 1 |
| Solar Panel 6V 2W | 4 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| SIM800L GSM | 1 |
| LM2596 Buck Converter | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 100nF Caps | 15 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 3 |
| Waterproof Enclosure | 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
This kit is designed for B.Tech ECE/EEE students working on renewable energy capstone projects, Smart India Hackathon participants tackling energy monitoring challenges, and ATL Tinkering Lab mentors guiding advanced prototypes. It also suits electronics enthusiasts aiming to understand photovoltaic fault diagnostics used by IEC and MNRE-certified solar installers. If you're preparing for campus placements in solar energy companies or building a project for DRDO innovation contests, this kit gives you hands-on experience with multi-sensor data acquisition and GSM-based remote monitoring.
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 access the AI companion trained on this exact project; it walks you through wiring, code, and debugging. Human support via WhatsApp is available too.
Does this kit require soldering?
Yes, you'll solder components onto three prototype boards. The kit includes a soldering iron and solder wire so you can start right away.
Can I use this with a different microcontroller?
The included code and AI companion are optimized for Arduino Mega 2560, but you can adapt it to other platforms with I2C and serial capabilities.
Will the system detect partial shading?
Yes, the INA219 sensors measure current with high accuracy; you can set thresholds in code to flag partial shading or diode failure.
Four INA219 on panel strings detect shading, bypass diode failure and string disconnection.
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