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Home-made Sun Jar

Step 2Charging and Usage

Charging and Usage
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1.The light sensing diode on top of the jar should cause the LED to light up once ambient light diminishes below a certain threshold.

2.Keep the jar by a window with strong sunlight to charge the rechargeable batteries via the solar panel.

3. Enjoy your home-made sun jar or give it away as a cool gift.
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16 comments
Mar 21, 2011. 10:52 PMRelientOwl says:
Ive made like 4 and Ive given them all away.
It's odd to say but i want one
Jan 28, 2011. 5:06 PMShany120 says:
AWESOMENESS!! :3
Sep 12, 2010. 5:54 PMabosiba says:
Thank you very wonderful idea.
But the lighting in the picture is not clear
Can I increase the power of lighting in the bottle?

With high-greetings
Abosiba
Nov 10, 2009. 5:31 PMkira kappuke-ki says:
Thats so cool... id rather make one then buy one. XD
Aug 27, 2009. 8:51 PMalvingky says:
wow, it is good guideline to try out.
Jun 15, 2009. 12:12 PMmichaelmayo29 says:
if i can add a joule theif to this device and a better capacitiation/energy storing device, do you think that the solar panel would absorb/process more free electrons???? if i used a mirror (parabolic) and focused the heat energy through a circuit of prisms and special blue glass as well as a jar of electron enriched liquid/gases post solar panel does anyone think that it would improve the capacitance and storage of free electrons???
Mar 26, 2009. 5:19 PMkw95y says:
Thank you for sharing! This is one easy project that can save more carbon foot print. With a whole wall of windows facing south, I might as well utilize the sun light to do some work for me....Uhhh....such as leave a sun jar on top of my worm bin to discourage my worms from running away? Q: just out of curiosity, when the jar is fully charged, how many hours of light can it supply? Q: my husband always complains those solar garden light wasn't bright enough to do a thing, is there anyway I can make it brighter? Or maybe you have a brighter version of the sun jar?
May 8, 2009. 12:03 PMpeter12345 says:
ya its sweet
Apr 29, 2009. 12:51 PMZem says:
You could always get a brighter LED (If you don't mind soldering) and replace the old LED.
Mar 27, 2009. 5:35 AMawang8 says:
1. It depends on the amout of sunlight and the type of solar garden light. Usually a few hours. 2. This is just as bright (or maybe a tad dimmer) than a regular solar light so you can either use 2 lights, but that will half the runtime.
Feb 28, 2009. 12:19 PMeRosinski says:
Thank you! I followed your instruction and they work great!! I didn't care for the white light so I folded a piece of transparent cutable film available at any sign or lettering store for less than a buck. I like the orange glow better.
Feb 18, 2009. 10:18 PMsciguy7588 says:
went to the local Wal-mart and they have cheap color changing solar lights. Going to adapt this idea into a light jar. can't wait to see the outcome
Jul 5, 2008. 12:55 PMmarcosdjcm says:
I bought the Tobias Wong one of these, they're a great and simple idea!

i'll probably try to make one myself using this guide simply because i'd like different colours, they probably work just as well home-made

Here are photos i took of the real/official Sun Jar:

http://www.aww-kittah-aww.com/up/pupload/view/11861
Dec 4, 2008. 9:13 AMlauralee79 says:
Thanks marcosdjcm, ive been wondering if the lid is sandblasted aswell? on the website you cant see but your pics look they are, they look much nicer i wonder how that would affect the solar panel Thanks again for the pictures
Mar 6, 2007. 4:20 AMrobelicit says:
well, i get the feeling that if indeed millions of these were used in homes all around the world, much of our need for local power stations or grids would be cut in half, or at least enough to save much of the planet from the chemicals we burn in standard coal fired electrical plants that most cities use. Very nice, minimalistic little art light, easy to build it seems, tres cool man, peace, rob =][=
Sep 23, 2008. 11:10 AMmadmanmoe64 says:
Unlikely, these are good for ambient lighting but you can't see to do anything with them. Useing these as your only light source would be tricky.
Oct 9, 2008. 2:30 PMbibliomane says:
You would be amazed. One of my yard lights broke in half. I was busy and put it in my kitchen window until I had a chance to fix it. Well, I ended up leaving it there because it gets enough window light to charge and makes a very bright night light. I can see well enough to do basic food prep, night water, etc. I've had it there for about six months and am thinking about getting some more for other rooms.
Nov 1, 2007. 8:06 AMchibipowered says:
I agree with Rob, I would use a solar powered light around the house all the time. And not just because I think it's cool. ;) I hardly use light bulbs as it is, only for reading. I'm gonna go to store and buy a solar panel today (or soon) and my dad would know how to make do with what we have =P thanks for sharing!!

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A poor starving medical student.