DIY Solar Lantern
May 1, 2008 by Noel
Filed under Green Living
I just finished doing my DIY solar lantern project. I’ve always wanted to make one but I didn’t have the time to make one.
After the Earth Day, I decided to make time for this mini project of mine.
I’ve made a detailed documentation of this project including theory of operation, how it works, how to compute for the resistor value, and all these technical stuff.
Here’s a link to the detailed guide on how I did it.
Here are some of the pics.
[Image Source: Noel Bautista ]
Worth trying especially when I live in the tropics.
Sounds like a fun project to get my boys working on over the summer.
I’m looking for and saving up tips on projects that will keep them off the computer, games and phone and in a “learning” mode.
Wow! This is really really cool!!
your’s is the only website giving details of do-how for a solar led light;one more photo showing the amount of light from this lamp will help lay DIY enthusiasts;i am surfing for days to find guidance for converting a kerosene lantern/hurricane lantern to a solar LED lantern for rural poor in india;any suggestions or guidlines or specifications for LEDs,circuit,batteries are welcome.
Hi RKRAO,
The base of a typical kerosene lantern which is where you put kerosone, usually houses the battery and the circuit needed. Then a wire goes out and connected to an external solar cell.
The kerosene wick is replaced by a tube usually pvc pipe with holes where the LED is placed.
I’ll try to find a picture so it will be more clear.
Hi Noel,
Thanks;more than a picture i want the specifications for the white LEDs,ressistor,PCB,pv panel and circuit.
RKRAO
Hi Noel, I’m an editor at Popular Science, and was wondering if you’d be interested in adapting this project for the magazine. Please let me know when you have a chance.