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3D printing

DIY Solar Bottle Lamp: Build a Small Solar Light From a Reused Bottle

A practical guide to building a solar bottle lamp, with revision-specific parts, panel-sizing math, assembly steps, battery safety, sealing limits, and documented prototype runtimes.

By ThatPainter Team 5 min read
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A DIY solar bottle lamp is a compact off-grid lighting system built around four essentials: a solar panel, charge and protection circuitry, a rechargeable single-cell lithium battery, and an LED. The reused bottle acts mainly as the diffuser and support; the electrical design determines how safely it charges and how long it runs.

This guide follows the Open Green Energy project while separating its documented design revisions, sizing assumptions, and prototype test results. Treat the reported runtime as a reference for that particular build, not a guarantee for every bottle lamp.

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#1 Best Overall
Mebaraul 2 Pack 3600mAh Wine Bottle Lamps, 2026 New 3 Color Rechargeable Wireless Bottle Lamps, Bottle Lamp Kit for Liquor Bottles with Touch Dimming for Parties, Restaurants & Home Decor
  • Two-Pack Value Set – Double the Creativity: This set includes 2 wireless bottle lamps, allowing you to decorate multiple spaces or create a cohesive lighting setup. Ideal for wine lovers, home decorators, or anyone looking to upcycle empty bottles into unique lights. Perfect for parties, dinners, or everyday ambiance
  • Touch Control for Custom Lighting: Our wine bottle lamp offers three color temperature settings: 3000K warm, 4000K natural, and 6000K white, allowing you to easily adjust the ambiance for different occasions like parties, gatherings, or outdoor events.
  • Rechargeable & Cordless – 3600mAh Battery: Each lamp is powered by a built-in 3600mAh rechargeable battery for 6–24 hours of wireless use. Recharge via USB-C in just 2.5 hours. No cords, no hassle—place it wherever you like: dining table, shelf, or outdoors
  • Fits All Bottles – DIY Your Own Lamp Base: Comes with a flexible silicone adapter to fit most wine, liquor, and soda bottles. Whether it’s a whiskey bottle centerpiece or a repurposed champagne bottle, you can create your own one-of-a-kind lamp with ease
  • Unique Unique Gift Idea: This 2-pack wireless liquor bottle lamp is a unique gift idea that adds a touch of elegance to any setting—be it a cozy bedroom, a romantic dinner table, or an outdoor patio. With IP54 waterproof protection, it’s perfect for dads who appreciate good lighting and good taste. Ideal for housewarmings, birthdays, or any special moment worth celebrating

What the lamp contains

The project is a standalone solar photovoltaic system in miniature. Its functional blocks are:

  • Solar panel: converts sunlight into charging power.
  • Charger and protection circuit: regulates charging for the single-cell lithium battery and helps protect the cell from unsafe conditions.
  • Rechargeable battery: stores energy for use after dark.
  • LED and control circuit: turns stored energy into light and provides the selected brightness.

A custom enclosure holds the panel, electronics, switch, and LED assembly at the bottle cap. STL files and a custom PCB are part of the documented project approach.

Choose the circuit revision before buying parts

Do not combine the parts lists from different versions. The Make: version describes a TP4056 single-cell Li-ion charger module with LED-driver circuitry. Later creator materials identify an LP4060B5F charger and AP6685 battery-protection components. Those revisions may require different wiring and board layouts.

Rank #2
Cynzia Solar Wine Bottle Lights, 6 Pack 20LED Solar Powered Diamond Cork Lights, Waterproof Outdoor Fairy String Light for Garden, Patio, Party, Wedding, Holiday Decor (Warm White)
  • Solar Power: The wine bottle lights are energy saving and environmentally friendly. They do not need batteries or wires, just a solar panel on top.
  • Easy To Use: Just slide the switch to the 'on' position and the lights will charge in the sun for 5-6 hours to light up for 6-8 hours.
  • Durable And Waterproof: The copper wires are bendable and flexible, allowing you to shape them into any bottle. The lights are waterproof, but the cork is not.
  • Compatible With Most Bottles: The cork has a universal size of 2.1 inches in diameter to fit most bottles like beer bottles, glass bottles, and soda bottles.
  • DIY Application: The ultra thin copper wire is easy to bend and shape into any design. Perfect for parties, barbecues, weddings, Halloween, Christmas, gardens, indoor and outdoor decoration.
Documented version Charger/protection information What to do
Make: guide TP4056 charger module and LED driver Follow that guide’s schematic and module pinout.
Later V2.0 materials LP4060B5F charger and AP6685 protection Use the matching PCB, schematic, and bill of materials.

Use a protected, compatible 14500 Li-ion cell specified by the chosen revision. A TP4056 module is not interchangeable with the later charger simply because both charge a single lithium cell.

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Parts and tools

Electrical and mechanical parts

  • Small solar panel matched to the chosen circuit
  • 14500 rechargeable Li-ion battery and suitable battery terminals
  • Straw-hat LED
  • Charger and battery-protection components for one documented revision
  • Resistors, diode, switch, PCB, JST connectors, wire, and heat-shrink tubing
  • Custom printed enclosure, or another cap-mounted enclosure that fits the panel and electronics
  • Clean, translucent soft-drinks bottle
  • Epoxy or another weather-resistant sealant, plus hot glue where the design calls for it

Tools

  • Soldering iron
  • Wire nippers
  • Hot-glue gun
  • Printer or printing service if making the custom enclosure

Size the panel realistically

The creator’s project log calculates a 0.68 W panel target from its own assumptions: 2.75 Wh of LED energy, divided by 90% assumed battery efficiency to give 3.05 Wh, then divided by 4.5 peak-sun hours. The arithmetic is:

2.75 Wh ÷ 0.90 ÷ 4.5 h = 0.679 W, rounded to 0.68 W.

Rank #3
VOOKRY Solar Wine Bottle Lights, 8 Pack 20 LED Solar Powered Cork Lights
  • Solar Bottle Lights(Wine Bottle Not Included): Fits for wine bottles, glass bottles, soda bottles, beer bottles and many other kinds of Bottles, the cork bottom: 1.77 in (45 mm) in diameter. 7ft long with 20 Leds. Bottle lights for liquor bottles, perfect for decorating all kinds of wine bottles, giving them a glow and vibrancy.
  • Environmental Protectio And Energy Saving: These wine bottle lights do not require batteries, 100% solar powered, the best choice for environmentalists. Bottle lights generally charge in the sun 6-8h will light up 10-12h, slide the switch to the "ON" position, long lasting LED bulbs, little heat, safe to handle even after long-time use.
  • Widely Used: The flexible copper wire of solar fairy lights is easily bended into any shape your desire. You can make full use of your empty bottles to DIY the beautiful garden, deck, patio, fence, bedroom, bar, outdoor, wedding, party, Christmas decor, Halloween decor etc. Solar string lights outdoor fill your house with cozy lights.
  • Easy to Use: Solar wine lights don't have complicated settings. Simply flip the switch and put cork lights outdoors to let them absorb the solar energy. A built-in light sensor ensure that solar cork light turns on at dusk and turn off by dawn automatically. Absolute high quality that provides enough brightness and long time of working life.
  • IP65 Waterproof: The wire lights and solar panel are all waterproof, so it will be absolutely safe if you want some water in the bottle or exposing the bottle lights to the rain or snow. (The cork is not waterproof). Wine bottle solar lights allow you to enjoy the gentle light of your outdoor patio even on rainy nights.

That is a project-specific estimate, not a universal sizing rule. The enclosure provides only a 60 × 60 mm panel area. The log says suitable panels for a 3.7 V battery were typically 5.5 V and commonly rated around 0.4–0.45 W at that size; the selected Sunpower panel was rated at 0.55 W. The creator later reported that the mounted panel could not adequately charge a larger-capacity battery and added USB-C charging as an alternative input.

For your build, compare the panel’s actual rated output with the battery capacity, LED load, shading, season, and expected charging hours. A physically larger battery does not solve an energy deficit if the panel cannot replace what the lamp consumes.

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Build the lamp

  1. Prepare the bottle. Wash it thoroughly and remove labels and residue. The guide describes filling the bottle with water and adding a few drops of chlorine to discourage algae; keep the bottle sealed and handle chlorine according to its label.
  2. Fit the panel. Install the solar panel in the top enclosure. Seal its inside perimeter so water cannot readily reach the electronics.
  3. Install the battery terminals. Mount the terminals in the enclosure and insulate exposed joints with heat-shrink.
  4. Mount the LED. Fit the straw-hat LED in its opening and seal around the joint. Confirm the LED polarity before soldering.
  5. Install the switch and PCB. Secure the switch and the board so neither can move inside the enclosure.
  6. Wire by the labels. Connect panel, battery, and LED terminals exactly as marked on the selected schematic. Check positive and negative connections with a meter before inserting the battery.
  7. Close and seal the enclosure. Apply epoxy at enclosure joints and around cable or component openings. Allow the sealant to cure fully before exposing the lamp to moisture.
  8. Attach the enclosure to the cleaned bottle. Make the cap or adapter mechanically secure, then inspect every seam for gaps.

Polarity and lithium-battery safety

Reverse polarity at the panel, battery, or LED can prevent operation or damage components. A lithium cell can deliver dangerous current if shorted. Do not solder directly to a bare cell unless you have the appropriate equipment and experience; use the specified terminals or a cell prepared for the project. Stop if the battery becomes hot, swollen, damaged, or gives off an odor.

Rank #4
Ratopo Wireless Bottle Lamp 1 Pack White Color
  • [ Unique Bottle Lamps ]: This wireless bottle lamp transforms wine, whiskey, or beer bottles into a unique lighting lamp. Designed as a lamp for bottle use, each one is with a bottle stopper which fits most standard necks. A unique home decor and bar addition.
  • [ Touch Dimmable with 3 Light Modes ]: Easily control your bottle lamp with a simple touch on the lamp top. Just a slight press, the light can be switched among 3000K warm, 4000K natural and 6000K white, which will create the perfect mood for dinners, relaxing nights, or parties.
  • [ Rechargeable and Portable for Indoor and Outdoor Use ]: Built-in rechargeable battery with USB-C charging without cords and free worry of battery changing—clean, simple, and hassle-free.
  • [ Durable and Waterproof ]: The shade is crafted from high-quality metal, this wireless bottle lamp is built to last. With IP54 water resistance, it handles splashes and light rain with ease—perfect for patios, outdoor dinners, and bar use without worry.
  • [ Housewarming Gifts ]: With a sleek metal finish, this bottle lamps for liquor bottles setup adds a premium touch to any decor. A creative and thoughtful gift for wine lovers, friends, and family—perfect for any occasion.

Test the circuit on the bench before sealing it. Verify that the panel voltage reaches the charger input in bright light, that the battery connection is correct, and that the LED responds to the switch and brightness settings.

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What performance to expect

Open Green Energy reports the following backup times for its prototype:

Brightness setting Reported backup time Qualification
Low 26 hours One project prototype test
Medium 12 hours One project prototype test
High 7 hours One project prototype test

These figures depend on that battery, circuit revision, LED setting, charge state, panel exposure, and test method. Weather, shading, panel angle, battery age, and a different PCB can change both charging time and runtime substantially.

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Best Value
EricX Light Wine Bottle Torch Kit 4 Pack, Includes 4 Long Life Torch Wicks ,Brass Torch Wick Holders And Brass Caps - Just Add Bottle for an Outdoor Wine Bottle Torch
  • Perfect for garden lighting, bar, or outdoor lighting
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  • Help you creates beautiful wine bottle Lights, beautiful garden lighting
  • Beautiful Accent Garden Lights - Great alternative to garden decor solar lights, or solar path lights, DIY wine bottle light
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Weather resistance is not the same as waterproofing

Sealing the panel, LED, and enclosure joints can improve resistance to splashes and outdoor exposure. The documented steps do not establish a certified waterproof or ingress-protection rating. Keep the lamp out of standing water, inspect seals regularly, and bring it indoors if the enclosure cracks or moisture appears inside.

Ways to simplify the project

Use a ready-made solar garden-light top

Repurposing a complete garden-light top can reduce circuit assembly, but it may constrain battery size, LED behavior, and bottle-cap fit. Confirm that its charger is designed for the battery chemistry and cell count you intend to use.

Keep the custom PCB and enclosure

The custom approach gives control over the switch, LED output, enclosure dimensions, and charging inputs. It requires accurate assembly and a matching PCB revision.

Use a simpler cap-mounted enclosure

A simpler enclosure can avoid 3D printing, but it still needs room for the panel, terminals, switch, wiring, and safe insulation. Do not sacrifice clearance or sealing just to reduce printing work.

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Troubleshooting checklist

  • LED never lights: check switch continuity, LED polarity, battery voltage, and the board’s connector orientation.
  • Battery does not charge: confirm panel polarity, adequate sunlight, charger-input voltage, and that the panel rating suits the selected charger.
  • Short runtime: test at a lower brightness, inspect battery condition, and compare the installed panel output with the battery’s energy requirement.
  • Intermittent operation: inspect solder joints, JST connectors, wire strain, and movement inside the enclosure.
  • Moisture inside: stop using the lamp until the battery and electronics are dry and safe; replace failed sealant before retesting.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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