How to Make a Solar-Powered Sun Catcher in a Jar
A solar-powered sun catcher is a convenient way to light up a walkway, patio or the perimeter of your yard. Once you have made your jar, there is little to no maintenance required. Sun jars are also environmentally friendly, as no electricity comes off of your power grid. The ambiance of a sun jar will add to any outdoor nighttime event. You can customize sun jars using different colors and shapes. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Resealable glass jar with a clear lid
- Solar garden light
- 2 AA rechargeable batteries
- Epoxy resin
- Flathead screwdriver
- Glass frosting spray
- Colored cellophane
Instructions
-
-
1
Using the flathead screwdriver, disassemble the solar-powered garden light. Remove electronics from the light, taking care not to cut any wires.
-
2
Epoxy the loose electrical components, except for the light sensor, to the green or brown side of the solar panel. The light sensor will be a small, flat panel with silver lines on it. The unit should be able to fit in the jar. Make sure that the LED, or light-emitting diode, is pointing away from the panel.
-
-
3
Spray the inside of the jar with the glass frosting spray. If you want to change the color of the light, put the colored cellophane over the frosting, taking care not to smudge it.
-
4
Once the epoxy and glass frosting have dried, apply epoxy to the four corners of the dark blue side of the solar panel and affix it to the underside of the jar lid. Make sure that the light sensor is between the solar panel and the jar lid, not facing toward the panel.
-
5
Replace the jar lid, and put your sun jar in a well lit area.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Replace your batteries every two years for best performance.
Check your sun jars after every significant rain to see if there is any water building up in them. Fix any leaks with epoxy. An unattended leak could damage your jar.
