Solar Powered Pipe Light

For around $50.00, create this interesting solar powered light with just solar lights, iron pipes and paint. Since the lights are solar powered, no need for cords or plugs. Perfect for late night backyard barbecues. I used a chain and hung mine on the fence, but you can hang yours anywhere such as a tree, a shepherd's hook, or on your porch.

Step 1: What You Will Need

3 - 1/2-in Dia 90 Black Iron Street Elbow Fittings

3 -1/2-in dia Black Steel Nipple Fittings (2 - 3”, 1 - 8”)

1 - 1/2-in dia Black Iron Plug Fitting

4 - 1/2-in dia Black Iron Tee Fittings

Rust-Oleum Black Hammered Enamel Spray Paint

3 - Garden Solar Lights (heads only)

Degreaser (I like Krud Kutter)

Chain

Step 2: Instructions

1) Clean all of the pipes with a degreaser like Krud Kutter. Spray directly on the pipes and wipe off with a cloth

2) Connect all of the pieces as illustrated

3) Paint

Step 3: Finishing

Place a solar light head in each of the elbow fittings

String chain through the top tee fitting and hang on a fence, tree or Shepard's hook

Let the sun charge up the lights and enjoy

Step 4: Other Ideas

I also made table top versions of this pipe light by mounting them to heavy wood bases with 1/2-in dia Black Iron Floor Flange Fittings.

Step 5: What They Looks Like at Night

Comments

[StewieWorks]

This is soooo cool! 100% unique.

[KentH8]

Thank you for the excellent Idea. I have a Gas light at one of my Rental properties that will cost to much to fix. I will simply replace it with solar lighting.

[KarenK116]

take some pics please

[RachelleW4]

This would be awesome as a "Stand" light on a taller pole and achored in the ground too!

[KarenK116]

You bet it would. Maybe have a few permanently anchored around the yard. That would be awesome :)

[TammyE9]

I was just at the furniture store and their indoor lamps like this sell for hundreds of dollars. Thank you for the instructions. =)

[KarenK116]

Really ??? Wow !! maybe I should sell them :)

[hyperfocused72]

Any problems doing this with galvanized pipe? Some places say just cleaning it well and then painting with an acrylic paint (usually not spray paint) is all that is needed for galvanized. Other places say galvanized should be cleaned, then primed with a primer paint, then painted. Nice job!

[emachine56]

You can do it w/galvanized pipe. Clean it well, as done in this instructable as much of the pipe sold has a waxy coating on it. Dry thoroughly, and paint it with whatever you have. Priming gives the paint a good base for adhesion and provides for a smoother finish but it's not necessary. Nice job!

[KarenK116]

Thanks for the info :)

[KarenK116]

Thanks for the question. I really don't know about whether to clean, prime what paint to use . . . . I just cleaned and spray painted the pipes. I hope the paint stays on :) :)

[annekelley]

Fantastic idea, thank you. Simple and inexpensive.

[KarenK116]

Thanks. It really is that simple

[retiredphnman]

Clever way to adorn an area outside on or around the patio.

[KarenK116]

Thanks. They really are beautiful at night. Me and the hubby had a pip-lite dinner last night. It was so nice

[ClenseYourPallet]

Great lights! Thanks for sharing

[KarenK116]

Thanks :)

[KarenK116]

:)

[Swansong]

That's really pretty :)

[KarenK116]

Thank you :)