Making a solar mason Jar Lamp is not just a fun project; it’s also a fantastic way to learn about renewable energy and how we can use it in our everyday lives. I’m excited to guide you through this DIY project where you'll create your very own solar-powered mason jar lantern.

This project is an upgrade to my earlier Instructables. I have upgraded the PCB so that it now includes an integrated battery holder, eliminating the need for a separate holder. The building process is more straightforward, saving a lot of time.

This project is perfect if you’re new to electronics or if you just enjoy hands-on activities that combine creativity with learning. By the time we’re done, you’ll have a beautiful, eco-friendly lantern that captures the power of the sun during the day and lights up your space at night. Along the way, I’ll show you how easy it is to assemble the components, and you’ll gain a solid understanding of basic electronics, like how solar energy is converted into electricity and stored in a battery.

Whether you want to use this lantern in your room, outside in the garden, or even as a gift, you’ll feel proud knowing that you made something that’s both functional and sustainable. Plus, it’s a great way to see how renewable energy can be a part of everyday life, all while having fun and getting a bit crafty.

My Book : DIY Off-Grid Solar Power for Everyone

You can order my Book on Off-Grid Solar Power from Amazon

Supplies

You can buy the assembled PCB or Kit from our Tindie Store

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to complete this project:

1. Mason Jar -Wide Mouth Lids ( Amazon )

2. Customized Solar Panel ( PCBWay )

3. PCB ( PCBWay)

4.Inductor ( Amazon )

5. Diode IN5819 ( Amazon )

6. Capacitor ( Amazon )

7.QX5252F ( Amazon )

8. LED (options: White, Candle Flickering, RGB, Fairy LED Strings)

9. Slide Switch ( Amazon )

10. JST Connectors ( Amazon )

11. AAA Battery Clips ( Keystone )

12. Rechargeable AAA Battery (1.2V, 600-1200mAh) ( Amazon )

13. M3 x 20mm PCB Standoff ( Amazon )

14. M3x6 Screws ( Amazon )

15. Weatherproof VHB Tape ( Amazon )

16. Screwdriver ( Amazon )

17. Silicon Gun ( Amazon )

18. Frosted Glass Spray Paint (optional for diffusing the mason jar light) ( Amazon )

Step 1: How It Works

This solar Jar is powered by the sun! During the day, a solar panel on the lid collects sunlight and turns it into electricity. This electricity is stored in a rechargeable battery inside the jar. The circuit board (PCB) inside the jar takes care of everything—it charges the battery while the sun is shining, and then, when it gets dark, it automatically turns on the LED light inside the jar, making it glow beautifully at night.

The original circuit provided in the datasheet uses only an inductor as an external component to drive standard LEDs. However, this setup doesn't work well with RGB LEDs and some other types of LEDs. To address this, I modified the circuit by adding a buffer circuit to the original design.

The buffer circuit is simple—it consists of a diode (1N4148 / IN5817/ IN5819) and a capacitor (0.1uF) placed at the output before connecting the LED. The diode helps keep the capacitor charged even when the pulsating signal drops to 0 volts.

Step 2: Install the Diode

First, identify the diode by its silver band, which indicates the cathode (negative side). Locate the corresponding position on the PCB, ensuring the silver band aligns with the marked line on the board. Insert the diode into the PCB, with the cathode in the correct orientation, and solder it in place.

Step 3: Install the Inductor

The inductor helps in the smooth transfer of energy within the circuit.

Insert the inductor leads into the designated holes on the PCB, ensuring they are fully seated. Once in place, use a soldering iron to solder each lead to the PCB, making sure the solder flows around the connection for a solid bond. After soldering, trim any excess wire from the leads sticking out on the bottom side of the PCB.

Step 4: Install the Capacitor

The capacitor stores and releases energy in the circuit as needed.

Solder it in place and trim any excess length from the leads on the underside of the PCB.

Step 5: Install the QX5252F IC

This is the brain of the circuit, controlling the solar charging, LED lighting, and protection. The QX5252F IC comes in a TO-94 package, where the 4 legs are positioned very close to each other. To make installation easier, I designed the PCB with extra space between the holes for these legs.

To install the IC, start by gently holding the QX5252F in one hand and carefully stretching the legs apart a little, as shown in the picture. This will help them fit into the PCB more easily.

Next, insert the IC into the holes labeled "QX5252F" on the PCB, making sure you align it in the correct direction.

Once the IC is correctly positioned, solder each leg to the PCB. After soldering, trim any excess length from the legs to clean up the connection.

Step 6: Install the LED

When soldering the LED onto the PCB, it's important to note that the flat side on the silkscreen marking represents the negative terminal of the LED. On the LED itself, the shorter leg is the negative terminal. Align the shorter leg of the LED with the flat side on the PCB silkscreen to ensure correct polarity.

When you insert the LED, leave a little space between it and the PCB. This gap helps the light spread out better. Once the LED is in the right position with enough space, go ahead and solder the legs securely.

In the next few steps, I'll test the circuit with the following LEDs:

Strawhat LED
Color-Changing RGB LED
Candle Flickering LED
Fairy String Light

Step 7: Install the Slide Switch

The slide switch allows you to turn the lantern on or off.

Solder the slide switch in the spot on the PCB marked as "SWITCH," making sure it's securely in place. After soldering, use a nipper to trim off any extra length from the legs for a clean finish.

Step 8: Install the JST Connector

The JST connector is used to connect the solar panel to the PCB.

Solder it onto the bottom side of the PCB, ensuring that the polarity is correct. The positive terminal should be aligned with the "+" marking on the PCB .

Step 9: Install the Battery Clips

Solder the battery clips to the bottom side of the PCB. These will hold the rechargeable AAA battery securely in place.

Step 10: Install the Battery to the PCB

Install the rechargeable AAA battery into the battery clips on the PCB, making sure the polarity is correct. The correct polarity is marked on the PCB, so ensure the positive and negative ends of the battery match the "+" and "-" symbols on the PCB.

Step 11: PCB Testing With Different LED Options

White LED: Provides bright, clear light—great for general illumination.
Candle Flickering LED: Mimics the warm, flickering light of a candle, perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere.
RGB LED: Cycles through different colors, adding a playful or festive element to your lantern.
Fairy LED Strings: Multiple small LEDs create a whimsical, glowing effect inside the jar.

Test each LED option by connecting it to the PCB to see which effect you like best before final assembly.

Step 12: Mount the PCB Standoffs

Place the PCB at the center of the lid and use a marker to mark the positions of the mounting holes on the lid.

Drill two 3.5mm holes at the marked positions.

Install the two 20mm M3 PCB standoffs to the lid using nylon screws. Nylon standoffs can also be used if you prefer.

Step 13: Customized Solar Panel

In my earlier version, I tried to find a good quality circular panel with high efficiency, but I couldn’t find one that met the required specifications and fit the jar lid. To overcome this issue, I designed my own solar panel with the desired voltage and current, perfectly fitting the wide-mouth jar lid.

This waterproof Mini Solar Panel is rated 0.6W / 2V, ideal for outdoor charging of 1.2V NiMh/NiCd rechargeable batteries. It is far more efficient, quality-assured, and reliable than the commonly available cheap solar panels on the market today. The efficiency of typical circular solar panels on the market is around 12-13%, while our solar panel uses high-efficiency monocrystalline cells with an efficiency of 23% or higher.

You can order it from PCBWay Store.

Features:

Waterproof
UV resistant
Durable and lightweight
High-efficiency monocrystalline cells with efficiency ≥ 23%
Diameter: 80mm

Specifications:

Peak Power (Pmp): 0.6W ( Tolerance: +/-3% )
Peak Voltage (Vmp): 2V
Peak Current (Imp): 272mA

Step 14: Install the Solar Panel

To prepare the lid for installing the solar panel, start by marking the position of the solder pads on the top side of the lid. I covered the solder pads with ink and then carefully aligned the panel on the lid to create a footprint. Once you have the marks, drill two small holes in the lid where the wires from the solar panel will pass through into the jar.

First, insert the two wires of the JST connector from inside the jar to the outside and pass them through the holes you drilled in the lid. Once the wires are outside, solder them to the solar panel.

Next, install the solar panel on the lid using a silicone glue. I used Loctite clear silicone glue for this step. After the panel is in place, seal the two holes where the wires pass through to make the jar weatherproof, ensuring no moisture can get inside.

Step 15: Install the PCB to the Lid

Align the PCB over the two PCB standoffs, making sure the holes in the PCB line up with the standoffs. Once aligned, secure the PCB by fastening it with two screws.

Before mounting the PCB, be sure to connect the solar panel’s JST connector to the PCB.

For a clearer understanding, you can refer to the image shown above.

Step 16: Close the Lid

Screw the lid with the installed PCB and solar panel onto the mason jar. Your solar lantern is now almost complete!

Step 17: Charge the Lamp

Place your mason jar lantern in direct sunlight for several hours to charge the battery. The solar panel will convert sunlight into energy, stored in the battery for use at night.

Step 18: Get Different Effect

You can have a lot of fun making your solar mason jar look even cooler! One idea is to spray the glass with frosted glass paint. This gives the lamp a nice, soft glow that spreads the light evenly, making everything look cozy and calm.

If you're into a bit of sparkle, try filling the jar with acrylic pebbles. When the light hits them, it creates a glittery effect that makes the whole thing shimmer and shine.

These simple tricks can really turn your solar lamp into something special, perfect for adding a bit of magic to any spot in your home or garden.

Step 19: Use It in Multiple Application

Your DIY solar mason jar lamp isn’t just a fun project—it’s also a great tool for learning and can be used in all sorts of practical and creative ways. Plus, it’s a fantastic introduction to STEM concepts!

1. STEM Education: Building this solar mason jar lamp is a hands-on way to learn about renewable energy, basic electronics, and the science behind how solar power works. You’ll get to see how sunlight is converted into electricity and stored in a battery, then used to power an LED light. It’s a cool way to dive into STEM subjects, and the best part is that you end up with something you can actually use!

2. Camping: When you're out camping, this mason jar lamp is perfect. It’s easy to carry, and you don’t have to worry about finding batteries. Just leave it in the sun during the day, and it’ll light up your tent or campsite at night, giving you a cozy glow that makes everything feel a little more like home.

3. Lawn or Garden Light: Your solar mason jar lamp is a great addition to your lawn or garden. Place it along your garden path or on your patio table, and it’ll soak up the sun all day, then automatically light up your outdoor space as soon as it gets dark. It adds a charming, magical touch to your yard without any need for wiring.

4. Decorating During Festivals: During holidays or special events, these lamps are perfect for adding that extra bit of sparkle. Line them up along your driveway, place them around the house, or hang them from tree branches. The soft, glowing light creates a warm and festive atmosphere that’s sure to impress your guests.

5. Reading: Your DIY lamp is also perfect for reading. It gives off just the right amount of light to read by without being too bright or harsh. Plus, because it’s portable, you can take it with you to any cozy corner you like to read in, whether it's indoors or out.

6. Flashlight: Need some quick light? Your mason jar lamp can double as a handy flashlight. Whether there’s a power outage or you’re just looking for something in the dark, this lamp is ready to go. Just grab it and you’ve got a reliable, eco-friendly source of light whenever you need it.

Step 20: Conclusion

This project not only teaches basic electronics and the importance of renewable energy but also results in a functional and beautiful solar lantern. Whether for use in your home, garden, or as a critical tool in remote locations, this DIY lantern is a powerful example of how simple technology can make a big difference. By creating this project, you’ve gained hands-on experience in STEM concepts while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Introduction: DIY Solar Mason Jar Lamp