Uploaded April 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
In this tutorial, I will show you step by step how to design and build an Arduino Solar Tracker with a Lithium-Ion battery and a USB phone charger. The design will use photoresistors as solar sensors and a gear motor to turn the photovoltaic cells that will charge the battery. An Arduino Uno will be used for prototyping and an Arduino Nano will be used for the final product. Though this is a small project, it could easily be scaled up by using larger solar panels and a liner actuator. Below is a list of parts in case you want to attempt a similar project at home.
The following are affiliate links for similar products I used in this video. Using these links will not affect the price for your purchase but may result in a small commission for me, allowing me to keep making helpful videos.
6-Volt, 1-Watt Solar Panel
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575537470&toolid=10001&campid=5338595299&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FMini-6V-1W-Solar-Panel-Solar-System-DIY-For-Light-Cell-Phone-Toys-Chargers-5378%2F163678912776%3FssPageName%3DSTRK%253AMEBIDX%253AIT%26_trksid%3Dp2057872.m2749.l2649
5 rpm gear motor
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575537470&toolid=10001&campid=5338595299&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FDC12V-25mm-5-1000RPM-Gear-Motor-25GA-370-Low-Speed-Metal-Gear-Motor-DIY%2F183358414984%3FssPageName%3DSTRK%253AMEBIDX%253AIT%26_trksid%3Dp2057872.m2749.l2649
L9110
2pcs TP4056 5V 1A Micro USB 18650 Lithium Battery Charging and Protection Board
Step Up DC-DC Boost Converter 3V to 5V 1A USB Charger Mini Mobile
18650 Battery
18650 Battery Holder
Arduino Nano
1k ohm resistor
N4004 diode
Photoresistor
In this tutorial, I will show you step by step how to design and build an Arduino Solar Tracker with a Lithium-Ion battery and a USB phone charger. The design will use photoresistors as solar sensors and a gear motor to turn the photovoltaic cells that will charge the battery. An Arduino Uno will be used for prototyping and an Arduino Nano will be used for the final product. Though this is a small project, it could easily be scaled up by using larger solar panels and a liner actuator. Below is a list of parts in case you want to attempt a similar project at home.
The following are affiliate links for similar products I used in this video. Using these links will not affect the price for your purchase but may result in a small commission for me, allowing me to keep making helpful videos.
6-Volt, 1-Watt Solar Panel
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575537470&toolid=10001&campid=5338595299&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FMini-6V-1W-Solar-Panel-Solar-System-DIY-For-Light-Cell-Phone-Toys-Chargers-5378%2F163678912776%3FssPageName%3DSTRK%253AMEBIDX%253AIT%26_trksid%3Dp2057872.m2749.l2649
5 rpm gear motor
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5575537470&toolid=10001&campid=5338595299&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FDC12V-25mm-5-1000RPM-Gear-Motor-25GA-370-Low-Speed-Metal-Gear-Motor-DIY%2F183358414984%3FssPageName%3DSTRK%253AMEBIDX%253AIT%26_trksid%3Dp2057872.m2749.l2649
L9110
2pcs TP4056 5V 1A Micro USB 18650 Lithium Battery Charging and Protection Board
Step Up DC-DC Boost Converter 3V to 5V 1A USB Charger Mini Mobile
18650 Battery
18650 Battery Holder
Arduino Nano
1k ohm resistor
N4004 diode
Photoresistor
