Team SOLAREADY decided on using the Arduino R3 MEGA. This board allowed for all the inputs and outputs necessary for our system. Another benefit of this board was the microprocessor which allows for easy programming and offered more than enough features at a minimal price.
The next electrical compoinent used in the system is the DC to DC buck converter. This buck converter is used to step down the voltage from the battery (12V) to the arduino R3 Mega (5V). By using this converter the maximum energy can be stored as buck converters are quite efficient.
The last component of the electrical hadrware is the 2 channel relay. This relay allows for the Arduino R3 Mega to run at 5V but will also be able to suppyle the 12V needed to move the actuator which in part moves the solar panel into position.