Homemade Solar Light in a Jar

Using a homemade solar light is a convenient way to illuminate a part of your home without adding to your monthly energy bill. This is ideal for spaces which have enough sunlight during the day. At night the light will automatically turn on, to illuminate that part of your home.

However, while this might seem like a good idea at first, it does have its disadvantages. When it is used indoors, the charge doesn’t seem to be enough to keep the LED on, once darkness falls. And one LED is not enough to provide sufficient light. It is more practical to stick to commercial solar lights.

But making a homemade solar light is a good way of teaching your kids about how solar energy works. This is a perfect family project to do with them. This simple project can give them an understanding of the value of solar energy.

What you need for a homemade solar light is the following:

* One glass jar

* A solar garden light

* Rechargeable battery

* Tracing paper

The glass jar must be made of clear glass because this is where you’ll be placing the solar panels. You won’t require special tools for this project – just a screwdriver and a utility knife. When working with kids, be sure it keep the knife away from them.

Now here’s the fun part that I’m sure most kids will love.

1. The first step is to get the solar garden light and carefully take it apart. What we need from it are the solar panels, the charge controller, and the LED light. But if you don’t the idea of ripping apart a perfectly working device to salvage its parts, you can purchase a small solar panel, a light sensor, and an LED from specialty electronic shops. You might need to have a little knowledge of electronics in order to assemble it.

2. Now open your glass jar and place the components in it, with the solar panels on the cover facing outwards. You can secure the parts by using hot glue. Then cut a strip of tracing paper and place it at the sides of the glass jar. The kids can draw on the tracing paper. An alternative to this is to use glass frosting spray. Once you’re done, gently place the jar cover with care.

3. Now place your homemade solar light near a window (or, if possible, outdoors) so as to achieve maximum exposure to the sun. This could be perfect for camping as well.