Ray Rider: Self-Optimizing Solar

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

A self-optimizing solar panel platform that rotates about two axes to identify and maintain the voltage-maximizing orientation throughout the day. Unlike fixed-tilt systems constrained by latitude-based assumptions, the system performs active angle sweeps using onboard sensing to adapt to seasonal variation, shading, and installation constraints for improved power efficiency.

MY CONTRIBUTIONS

• 01

  Designed the dual-axis mechanical architecture using a one-servo-per-axis approach to decouple rotational motion

• 02

  Implemented rack-and-pinion transmission systems to convert servo rotation into controlled panel tilt and azimuth adjustment

• 03

  Integrated an INA219 current/voltage sensor to measure real-time electrical output during angle sweeps

• 04

  Developed a voltage-based optimization routine, cycling through orientations to identify maximum power-producing angles

• 05

  Built a data logging pipeline to stream voltage measurements to Google Sheets at one-minute intervals for performance tracking

• 06

  Diagnosed and mitigated mechanical inefficiencies including friction losses, backlash, and tolerance stack-ups in 3D-printed components

• 07

  Debugged timing, duty cycle, and platform-level software issues, including API rate limits and asynchronous update delays

RESULTS

• Demonstrated active single-axis solar tracking based on measured electrical output rather than fixed assumptions

• Successfully logged real-time voltage data over extended operation for performance analysis

• Identified key mechanical and software bottlenecks limiting precision and response time

• Quantified the impact of friction, backlash, and update latency on optimization accuracy