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How to Build a Portable Solar Light
The solar cells will recharge a battery during the day and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) will provide a bright source of light during the night. It can be used as a nightlight or a flashlight during an emergency situation. Step 1: Purchase a solar powered lawn ornament or patio light. You’ll want one that can output about 5 V with as much current as possible. The more power it produces the longer the light will last in the dark. To keep things simple, find a unit with at least 4 LED lights. It will have sufficient power for this application. Look for a low-voltage unit that includes rechargeable batteries. This way the battery holster and solar cell will already all be integrated. Step 2: Purchase a penlight flashlight with a bright LED. This will be the new light bulb for the portable solar light as the ones on the patio ornaments usually do not provide as much light. Step 3: On your solar garden light, open the housing containing the solar cell and disconnect the wires to the string of lights. You may need to de-solder the leads of the wires or carefully clip them with cutting pliers. Ensure not to short the two leads together as this may damage the battery. Step 4: Dismantle the flashlight and remove the high-power LED and connecting wires. Note which wire comes from the positive (+) lead. Step 5: Connect the + wire of the LED to the + terminal of the solar power and battery array. Connect the other lead to the side. If the battery is charged, the LED should turn on. Step 6 (optional): The solar cell from the lawn ornament will usually have a day/night switch that will automatically turn on the light when the sun sets. If you want manual control, an on/off switch can be added between the + lead of the LED and the solar-cell & battery. Ensure the connection is solid to make the entire unit robust. This is a brief introduction on how to build a portable solar light. Lights may vary, so modifications may be needed.
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