PREPPERGIRL.UK: CHEAP INDOOR SOLAR LIGHTING

Using basic garden lights indoors can provide you with a super cheap alternative of indoor solar powered lighting. Here i used a three LED garden 'rock' light. This one is in the kitchen, it's enough light to avoid tripping over the cat, move about safely, gather necessary gear or do minimal tasking.

Breaking down the garden light i separated the parts, discarded the casing and mounted the light indoors adding an on/off switch whilst the parts including the batteries went into a plastic chocolate (Ferrero Rocher) box i sprayed black. The solar cell i stuck onto the box.

This is the light i used although any basic model will do, multi LED will probably be better for a brighter source though, you can always test a few before you dismantle and set up to ensure it meets time and light requirements through numerous sunlight exsposure conditions. Mount your box with solar cell in a full sun position.

The parts removed from casing

The parts you will require to make

Mounting the solar cell on the box, i used roof sealer for this, a big blob allows you to angle the cell before it sets

Parts into the box, glue to secure. Glue the cable holes inside and the lid when you are happy it's done to ensure it is weatherproof

(make sure the on/off switch is in the on position)

Mount the completed box in a full sun location using the cable ties that pass through pre made slits and run your outlet cable indoors to your light position. Do not allow exposed wires to touch once connected so only bear the ends once your wire run is inside and you connect to the light. Here shows the box with cell attached to pipe with the pre fitted cable ties, wire runs indoors to switch and light

Mount your light, it's lightweight, you can use sticky foam or a cable tie depending on it's mounting location

The light fitted, add a switch so not to waste the charge of your light

Working

The whole project

Just bringing a garden light indoors can serve for emergencies too

Spending slightly more you could buy a ready to go solar shed light, many variations available of garden lighting that could bring light indoors with minimal effort or cost.