How to Reuse Old Solar Lights
Solar lights are a technology that saves energy. It also cuts down on environmental and consumer costs. Solar lights work by absorbing the sun's light and converting the light energy into electricity. There are many ways to reuse the solar lights instead of trashing them.
When solar lights wear out you do not have to throw them out since parts from the light can be used in quite a few other projects.
1. Removing the Lights
When removing the lights you will need to use a flat-head screwdriver.
- Use the screwdriver to pry the lights from the plastic protection cover.
- After removing the light use a wire cutter to cut off any hanging wires on the front and back of the light.
- Place the cell of the solar light onto a soft surface to keep it from getting scratched.
2. Removing the Inner Components
Inside of the solar light is where the important components are. A wire tool will be needed to remove them.
- Carefully dig out all of the inner components.
- Make sure to remove the battery, LED, and capacitor.
- Cut off all connected wires.
3. Testing the Components
To see if any of the components still work they will need to be tested with a voltmeter. A voltmeter tests if there is any power left in the cell.
- Test the power cell by touching its wires with the two probes. If it goes above one volt, then the cell is useable.
- Test to see if the LED works by connecting it to a ohm resistor.
- Connect the positive wire voltage to jumper cables, and the negative wire to the negative ground terminal. It should read between 2 to 3 and the light should turn green.
- Lastly, test the battery by connect the negative and positive terminals to the voltmeter.