Anybody Can Build a Solar Path Light!

This was a project undertaken for Burning Man 2002. The goal was to build solar path lights for the Alternative Energy Zone.

Anybody might ask, "Why *build* a solar path light when anybody can go to a home supply store and buy one for under $10?"

The answer is that learning and creating is fun! It's way cool to fiddle with bitty little electronic parts until suddenly There is Light! Anybody derives pleasure from seeing a homemade light, in all its funky glory, lighting the paths of the AEZ. Plus, building a solar path light is a great introduction to circuits and solar power!

This project was made possible by the collective efforts of several members of the AEZ mailing list. A special thanks goes to the stunningly talented AEZ members who built the Solar CDs, Jeff Barlow of the AEZ, and Head Hardware Wonk, Mike Tarrant (mike<at>blinkyredthings.org) of Blinky Red Things in Hushville.

To the right is one of the super cool Solar CDs. They play the music of the sun to the tune of about 4.4 volts.

Singing the song of the sun...

Here is the criteria for the lights:

Stand up to playa winds and dust
Stand up to possible rain and mud
Constructed to minimize tripping hazards
Withstand small collisions with people & bikes
Easy to transport to the playa
Easy to repair or adjust on site
Utilize readily available materials
Not be too expensive to build
Not be too difficult to build
Provide learning opportunities for all
Reusable and flexible for future projects
Well-anchored to the playa so they don't grow legs

Anybody Can Build a Solar Path Light: Table of Contents

anybody burns home

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