This guide explains how to operate the Solar Tracker after the hardware has been assembled and the firmware has been uploaded.
Before mounting a photovoltaic panel, test the system on a bench. Confirm the servo moves safely between 30° and 150°, the LDR values change when shaded, the irradiance input changes with light level, the RTC is detected, the compass is detected, and the buzzer alerts are audible.
Open this file in the Arduino IDE:
src/arduino/Solar_Tracker/Solar_Tracker.ino
Install the required libraries, select the correct board and port, then upload.
Open:
src/web/index.html
Click Connect to Arduino and select the correct serial port.
Use Sync Time and Date to set the RTC using the computer time. Passive mode and operating-hour checks depend on RTC values.
Set the desired operating interval. The default values stored by the firmware are 06:00 and 18:00. Outside this interval, the firmware returns the servo to a neutral angle and detaches it.
Set the magnetic declination for the installation location. This helps the compass orientation check produce a more accurate heading.
Use passive mode for predictable time-based movement, active mode for LDR-based tracking, and manual mode for inspection or fixed-angle testing.
Enable the sudden variation filter when shadows, reflections, or clouds cause unstable LDR readings.
Use Start Recording before a calibration scan or test. The interface stores parsed angle, irradiance, and compass data. Use Stop Recording and Save CSV to export the dataset.
Check mechanical freedom, servo limits, external power stability, common ground, RTC time, symmetric LDR installation, compass interference, magnetic declination, cable strain relief, and outdoor protection.