Solar Water Bulb

Last Updated on March 7, 2020

Whether you’re looking to save money or simply decrease your carbon footprint, any effort to reduce energy consumption can be quite simple.

With a few small adjustments – and some creativity – you can be a positive influence on the environment while minimizing the strain on your wallet.

This DIY idea has given light to many third world countries, but even in the first world, free indoor lighting is good for the pocket.

This solution doesn’t require expensive solar equipment. All you need is a clear plastic soda bottle, water, and bleach! This green and sustainable concept is very easy to implement, and can provide approximately 55 watts of light!

This solar lighting idea will give you light in outdoor sheds or buildings not connected to the grid, as well as frequently used rooms in your home during daytime. This clever solution doesn’t just lower your electricity bill though. You’ll also decrease your carbon footprint, and help lessen the amount of garbage in the environment.

Have you got a spot where you can install one of these?

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You’ll need these materials:

• Working Board
• Plastic Soda Bottles
• 2 Circular Patterns – larger circle with a diameter of the soda bottle, 3mm difference for the smaller circle
• 26 Gauge 10 x 10” Galvanized Metal Sheet
• Cement
• Rivets
• Sand Paper
• Bleach
• Water
• Covering for the Plastic Cap Bottle

And these tools:

• Pencil/Marker
• Cordless Drill
• Glue Gun with Sika Sealant
• Riveter
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Curve Metal Sheet Cutter

Steps:

Cut approximately 9 x 10 inches of GI sheet (corrugated or flat).

At the center of the GI sheet, draw 2 circles.

Cut the inner circle.

Cut the 1 cm difference radially, making strips and bend upwards, perpendicular to the GI sheet.

Using sandpaper, scratch the surface around the upper third portion of the soda bottle where the GI sheet will be placed, to allow the rubber sealant to stick better.

Insert the bottle into the GI sheet until the upper third. Apply rubber sealant on the strips above and around the area below. Wait to dry.

Apply rubber sealant above and below the sheet.

Fill the soda bottle with filtered water and ~10 mL (2 capfuls) of bleach. Cover with its original cap.

The solar bottle bulb is now ready for installation!

Perfect lighting for your workshop or garden tool shed during the day! This solar water bulb should give you great light for looking for your tools. Where else could you use this cheap and free lighting?

Thanks to Isang Litrong Liwanag and Modern Day Redneck for this great project.