☀️ Biothone Project

Energy follows the sun. So should the panel.

SCAT is an Arduino-powered solar panel system that tracks the brightest light and automatically removes dust to improve energy generation.

⚙️ See How It Works 📊 View Results
🔆 Light Tracking
🧹 Auto Cleaning
🌿 About the Project

Solar power needs a clearer path.

Dust, sand, and debris collect on solar panels and block sunlight from reaching solar cells. This reduces electricity generation and affects the overall efficiency of solar installations.

SCAT solves this problem by combining solar tracking and automated cleaning. It helps the panel face the brightest sunlight while keeping its surface clear from dust.

🔆

Track Light

LDR sensors detect and follow the strongest source of sunlight throughout the day.

🧹

Clear Dust

An anti-static wiper automatically removes dust and debris from the panel surface.

🌱

Extend Life

Support more efficient and lower-maintenance solar systems over the long term.

⚙️ How It Works

Simple parts. Smarter movement.

Four components working together to keep your panel pointed at the sun and free of dust.

1
👁️

Sense

LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) sensors detect the brightest source of light in the environment.

2
🧠

Think

Arduino Uno processes the sensor inputs and calculates the optimal panel orientation in real time.

3
🔄

Track

A servo motor physically rotates the solar panel to face the detected brightest light source.

4
🧹

Clean

The anti-static dust cleaner sweeps across the panel surface, removing dust and debris automatically.

🔩 Components

The build, at a glance.

Every component plays a specific role in making SCAT track smarter and stay cleaner.

🖥️

Arduino Uno

The brain of the system. Reads sensor data and sends control signals to the servo motor and cleaner.

Microcontroller
⚙️

Servo Motor

Provides precise rotational movement to orient the solar panel toward the detected light source.

Actuator
💡

LDR Sensor

Light Dependent Resistors measure ambient light intensity and guide the tracking direction.

Sensor
☀️

Solar Panel

Converts tracked sunlight into usable electrical energy. Kept clean for maximum output efficiency.

Energy Source
🧹

Dust Cleaner / Anti-static Wiper

Sweeps dust and debris off the panel surface without creating charge buildup that could cause static damage.

Cleaning Unit
🔌

Jumper Wires

Flexible wire connections linking all electronic components on the breadboard and circuit assembly.

Wiring
📋 Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

A precise breakdown of every hardware and software element used in the SCAT prototype.

🖥️
Controller Arduino Uno
💡
Light Detection LDR Sensor
🔄
Movement Servo Motor
☀️
Energy Source Solar Panel
🧹
Cleaning System Anti-static Dust Cleaner / Wiper
🔌
Connections Jumper Wires
🔋
Power Supply Battery System
📊 Results & Data

More light captured. More power generated.

Real voltage measurements comparing a fixed panel against the SCAT system throughout the day.

Voltage Output Throughout the Day

Comparing fixed panel (no cleaner) vs. SCAT solar tracker with cleaner

+2.5V

Increase in power generation observed with the SCAT system compared to a fixed, uncleaned panel.

Output by Location

Average voltage observed across different test sites

💡

Data Insight

Usable solar output observed between approximately 61% and 71% during the day across test locations.

🔬

Results are based on prototype testing under observed conditions. Performance may vary depending on sunlight intensity, dust accumulation, weather, location, and solar panel specifications.

🌍 Impact

A brighter, cleaner energy future.

SCAT combines solar tracking with automatic cleaning to improve renewable-energy generation, reduce manual maintenance, and support longer-lasting solar installations. Continued testing under different environmental conditions can further improve the system.

~41%

More voltage output vs. fixed uncleaned panel at peak

4

Cities tested: Molikhad, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Morbi

Auto

Zero manual cleaning required during operation

2-in-1

Tracking + cleaning in a single Arduino system