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Arts and Craft Projects for KidsGeneralSummer Science

Solar Powered Mason Jar Lights

By August 3, 2014September 2nd, 2018No Comments

Solar Powered Mason Jar Lights_edited-2

Harness the power of the sun and create these beautiful solar powered mason jar lights! This project takes just a few supplies and is educational and fun. These solar lights are wonderful for adding a magical glow to your garden, patio, deck, or child’s bedroom at night. The basic function of a solar-cell powered light is to transfer energy from the sun into a small battery which is capable of powering an energy efficient bulb throughout the night.

Supplies:

Solar Mason Jar Lights

Mason jar(s), solar light(s) (available at most hardware stores and also found in the gardening section of Target and Walmart. They cost about $5 each), hammer, tin cutter, frosted spray paint (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: (Optional) Spray the inside of your jar with frosted spray paint. Or it can be decorated with many other options.

Solar Powered Mason Jar Lights

Step 2:  Remove the top cap part of the solar light, which houses the cell, battery and bulb. The cap part will usually pop right off the base very easily. Trace the top of the solar light onto the lid of the mason jar.  

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Step 3: Gently hammer a few holes into the top of the lid to allow a starting place to cut the circle out of the lid. Then cut the circle out with tin cutters (adult should do this part as the metal is sharp!).

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Step 4:  Insert the light into the cut-out on the lid.  Then screw the lid in place.  Set out in the sun for 4-8 hours and your new jars will light up the night.

Solar lights

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