Making And Using A Solar Light Bulb

One of the most useful ways to light up a darkened space during the daylight hours is to install a simple solar light bulb that is entirely homemade, usually at a cost of less than $5 per unit and takes under an hour to create and install. These little beauties have become the answer to the prayers of many residents of developing countries where conventional electric lighting is unobtainable, and in the realm of prepping are an excellent way to brighten dark areas during daylight hours.

A solar light bulb consists of nothing more than a clear plastic bottle (usually a liter in size)  filled with water and a cap full of chlorine bleach. The bottle is then affixed through a small hole to a 12 inch square of galvanized steel or roof flashing using roof adhesive, which is then attached to the roof of the area requiring light. About 1/4 of the length of the plastic bottle is exposed to the outside UV rays and the other 3/4 of the bottle is suspended inside at the ceiling. The water in the bottle reflects and intensifies the natural outside light to the interior of a structure, and depending upon factors like geographic location and time of year can provide the same lighting as a 50 to 100 watt electric light bulb.

For rural cabins, storage sheds and even garages a solar light bulb can make an amazing difference in the ability to see and work, replacing the need for battery powered lighting, kerosene lamps, candles and the like at a far reduced overall cost. The light can also be amped up a bit with the addition of the homemade reflector of your choice, and once installed a solar light bulb should last several years before any maintenance or replacement is necessary.