Solar Panel Fault Locator Kit - Arduino Mega & INA219 System
Diagnose Solar Panel Shade & Bypass Diode Faults with Arduino Mega Fault Locator 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.
Solar panels lose efficiency quickly when partial shading or a failed bypass diode goes unnoticed. Instead of climbing onto the roof with a multimeter, this kit lets you build a dedicated six-channel current monitor that flags exactly which panel in a series string is underperforming-in real time. Each of the six included 6V 2W panels gets its own INA219 sensor; a sudden drop in one panel's current while others remain steady triggers an alert on the OLED display and logs the event with a timestamp.
What You'll Build
A self-contained fault locator that connects to every panel in a 6-panel string. Current readings from all six INA219 sensors are routed through a TCA9548A I2C multiplexer and processed by an Arduino Mega. The 0.96-inch OLED shows live currents, the DS3231 real-time clock stamps each reading, and the MicroSD module stores data for long-term trend analysis. The entire circuit fits inside the supplied waterproof enclosure-ready for field testing or a lab demonstration.
What You'll Learn
- Calibrating INA219 high-side current sensors for accurate solar panel monitoring
- Multiplexing I2C signals using TCA9548A to read multiple sensors on a single bus
- Logging time-stamped data to MicroSD with DS3231 RTC integration
- Diagnosing bypass diode failures through comparative current drop analysis
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | x1 |
| INA219 | x6 |
| TCA9548A I2C Mux | x1 |
| Solar Panel 6V 2W | x6 |
| DS3231 RTC | x1 |
| MicroSD Module | x1 |
| 0.96in OLED | x1 |
| 4.7k? Resistors | x5 |
| 100nF Caps | x15 |
| PCB Prototype Board | x3 |
| Waterproof Enclosure | x1 |
| 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
Engineering students in B.Tech ECE or EEE working on final-year projects that involve solar energy monitoring will find this kit a ready-to-build solution. It's equally suited for Smart India Hackathon teams tackling renewable energy challenges and for early-stage solar startups prototyping inexpensive fault detection. Used at IIT, NIT, VIT, and BITS-Pilani, the kit turns a complex multi-sensor system into a manageable weekend build.
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 to launch the AI companion built for this specific kit; it answers wiring, code, and calibration questions instantly. You can also message us on WhatsApp for human help within the same day.
Can I use this directly on a real rooftop solar installation?
The included 6V panels are for learning and prototyping safely. The circuit concept can be adapted for higher-voltage panels by adding voltage dividers and fuses, but always follow electrical safety guidelines.
Is soldering required?
Yes, the kit includes a soldering iron and solder wire. All connections on the three prototype boards are through-hole, so the process is straightforward even for those new to soldering.
How does the AI build companion actually help?
The companion walks you step-by-step from unboxing to data logging, explains the I2C addressing logic for the multiplexer, and helps debug common issues like incorrect sensor addresses or SD card initialization failures.
Individual INA219 on each panel in string. Sudden drop in one panel flags shade or bypass diode fault.
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