Simple Upcycled DIY Solar Light

We'll show you how to turn a candlestick or an old lamp into an indoor solar lamp using these simple directions. It’s a great way to be more "green" and also save energy!

This week I wanted to revisit an oldie (but a goodie).  Autumn in Arizona is prime-time for outdoor entertaining.  After the hot summer months have kept us cooped up, fall is a welcomed reprieve.  Because family and friends would be gathering soon, I decided to look at a few ways to spice up the place.  While I have some great new kitchen ideas saved for the winter months, I wanted to focus more on the outdoors.  Living in Arizona, I’ve noticed that there are a LOT of solar panels.  Wanting to utilize the sun, save on power, and not break the bank, I decided to make some more solar lighting for the back patio where we host BBQs and get-togethers.  These lamps are a great way to add some style and customization to the standard solar walkway lights, allowing you to really get creative and create a cozy extension of your living space.  Plus it’s good for the environment!  (win-win)!

While solar panel installers are a great option for helping to supplement your home or business energy costs, they may not be in the budget.  These lamps, however, cost just a few dollars to make and of course when you’re relying on a solar energy, you won’t be inconvenienced when the traditional electricity in the area cuts out.  So these can still have an impact on your monthly power bill.  And they really help make your outdoor space feel warm and comfy. 

Some Other DIY Lighting Ideas

We’ve also got some other fun lighting ideas, shown below, like our fun DIY Path Lights from Soda Bottles, our  a Berry Adorable Upcycled DIY Room Decor Light and  Woodland Mason Jar Light to name a few.

DIY Solar Lamp Supplies

DIY ON PATH LIGHTS: You can buy these at the Dollar Store. Walmart, Lowes and other hardware stores also carry them. You want the cheap plastic ones.

OLD REGULAR LAMP SUPPLIES

CANDLE STICK LAMP SUPPLIES

**TIP: Spray your lampshades in Scotch Guard in order to protect them from the elements and keep them looking great!**

Instructions

Gather your supplies.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Begin by opening the solar lights.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Remove the pull tab so that the solar light is active.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!

Remove the light portion of the solar light from the ground stake.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!

Electrical Lamp to Solar Lamp

Remove the bottom of the lamp.

You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Cut the power cord and remove it from the lamp.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Replace the bottom of the lamp.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Spray paint the lamp in the color of your choice.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!If the lamp has a harp to hold the shade, remove it.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Place on the slip UNO fitter lamp shade.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Fill the base of the socket with hot glue.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Insert the light portion of the solar light into the hot glue.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Once dry, place outside on your patio for beautiful decor and a cozy evening light!
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!

Candle Stick to Solar Lamp

Gather your supplies.

If needed, use a hand saw to remove the plug at the base of the solar light.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Place a ring of hot glue around the center of the candle stick.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Rest the slip UNO fitter lampshade onto the ring of hot glue and let dry.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Apply additional hot glue to the top of the slip UNO fitter lampshade ring in order to secure the solar light.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!Place the solar light onto the ring.  Let dry.
You can turn a candlestick or an old lamp into a solar lamp quick and easy by following these simple directions. It’s a great way to save energy!

We'll show you how to turn a candlestick or an old lamp into an indoor solar lamp using these simple directions. It’s a great way to be more "green" and also save energy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Comments

  1. I am very pleased with this article. It is really good and helpful for me to make my own solar light guide. I was able to find a lot of useful information in here, especially the tips on how to get started making your own DIY solar light guide. This article will help me a lot when making my first one!

    Reply

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