EL Cheapo $1+ Garden Solar Lights

[Ziggy Moon]

<span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;">When bored (get bored a lot) I've tinkered with these by removing the top (top solar panel &amp; light) and setting them on my dash for charge during the day and using them as a quick grab flashlight at night. Yet, I've also had some thoughts and failed attempts at other possible uses for these inexpensive solar lights. </span><br><br><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;">While I realize they produce a very limited amount of light, it would seem that with a little imagination and creativity these would serve well for those with very limited funds and/or emergency lighting. Or a project for those with to much time on our hands...... "<em><strong>Don't Judge Me!</strong></em>" <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"></span><br><br><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif; font-size: small;">But seriously, I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with making use of these, and/or knows of any cool ideas that could be helpful to those who would benefit from your experience/ideas.</span><br><br> <img rel="lightbox" src="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/mp/00/62/74/42/09/0062744209665_P255045_500X500.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[Wild_E]

I have 4 on my dash, they are for charging rechargeable batteries. Just make sure the switch is off so the light does not come on, that way you will get full power and longer life.&nbsp;<br>Looking for some AAA ones now as well.&nbsp;

 

[CrossCountryGal]

You can increase the amount of light they give off by putting them in a foil lined bowl.

 

[HWJ]

Adding a switch would make them more useful as an emergency flashlight.<br><br>I actually stuck that model (the one in your picture) into mason jars because they fit snug where the lid cap should go. They make a neat solar light for more permanent setup locations.

 

[Ziggy Moon]

You know, I never considered using them to recharge batteries, Doh!! - Thanks Wild_E.<br><br>Maybe using both CrossCountry and HWJ's ideas....... placing foil in the bottom of a mason jar would intensify the light being emitted. Sounds like a little project to keep my mind occupied, I'm gonna try it! Thanks!

 

[Kisatchieman]

Here's a solar spotlight at Walmart for around $10 that could&nbsp;be installed inside your van, etc. and detach and move the solar panel outside onto your roof or to your dash area. If you have a little wiring knowledge you could splice in enough wire&nbsp; to make it happen. Comes in black or brown, has an on and off switch&nbsp;and says it is 15 times brighter than standard patio lights.<BR><BR><A href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Westinghouse-Cargo-Spotlight-Brown/24849688" rel=nofollow target=_blank>http://www.walmart.com/ip/Westinghouse-Cargo-Spotlight-Brown/24849688</A>

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We have a few of the little patio lights we use by our door step sometimes. Never gave thought to other uses other than that and by our outdoor chairs.
Hummm, now you have me thinking of other uses. I really like the idea of charging my AA/AAA batteries.

 

[Spirituallifetime]

I found some solar lights that can hang on a hook, I use them inside and recharge them outside when they need to be charged.

 

[greybeard23]

I use two of these each night.&nbsp; By using just the tops, I put one in a mason jar with tin foil and the other I place in front of a mirror.&nbsp; Gives me plenty of light in the Van.&nbsp; Each morning I put them under my wipers to charge for the day. Can't beat free lighting.

 

[VanFan]

My husband put a micro switch in one because the model we had would flash like a strobe when it got low on power, which was slightly crazy making in the van.&nbsp; Never thought about removing the "wand".

 

[offroad]

are most pest mammals frightened of light? Mice?&nbsp; Deer?&nbsp; Bears? Can you use them as a repellant? &nbsp; How about a temporary pin-tack or tie to a tree to mark a frequent path? &nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[cleanheart]

Good idea Offroad. I do believe if you had enough of them you could use them as a "mammal" repellant. But I love the idea to mark a frequent path as to the potty! lol

 

[Darkhematite]

When going to music festivals alot, a group of us built a flag pole to mark our camp ground. &nbsp;I put one on the top of the flag pole one year to find camp after dark. &nbsp;Worked great, the only problem was the next festival 40 other flag poles also had the same idea. &nbsp;

 

[offroad]

Darkhem - use a pattern with a couple lights.&nbsp; Something unique.&nbsp; Two&nbsp;top lights and one lower light.<br><br>&nbsp;

 

[FloridaGuy]

I have a hand crank small lantern that also charges with solar energy. &nbsp;

 

[Patrick46]

So....how do you charge AA &amp; AAA batteries with these??

 

[Patrick46]

So...how do you charge AA &amp; AAA batteries with these solar lights??<BR><BR><BR>my wife works at a hardware store and brings them home all the time!!<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>Upppssss....double posted

 

[RJCooper]

<p>@Patrick, you pull the&nbsp;&nbsp;battery (AA) out and put in your own rechargeable (AA).&nbsp; <br><br>I have four, but use them as walkway lights at the campgrounds.&nbsp; I have other means of lighting that work better for me.&nbsp; A solar lanter. mini mags and headlamps all with rechargeable batteries.&nbsp; They do make the camp inviting though.</p>

 

[Patrick46]

Thanx RJ.<BR>I never opened one up to see that there's a battery in there already. Cool!!