Topic: water light

[Jake]

have to put this one in the memory bank.

http://dornob.com/solar-bottle-lamps-water-bleach-10000-liters-of-light/#axzz2PH22kOvD

[ober]

I saw that somewhere else recently.  I think it's a good idea, but there are a few flaws. 

How do you turn it off? 
I'm sure it doesn't last forever (although I guess it's easy enough to refresh)? 
You're cutting a hole in your roof which could be prone to leaks over time.
It doesn't provide light after it gets dark and only minimal light on overcast days.

I'm sure it is helpful to those people a lot of the time, I'm just curious if it also presents new problems.

[KnuckleBuckett]

Taken from the intended third world perspective....

Why would you turn it off?  Even if you needed to you would just cover it.

Ever seen a plastic bottle wear out?  Didn't think so.  Also there is a few drops of bleach in it to keep it sterile.

The roofs that are using these already leak.  Lots.

Light at all is better than no light after dark.

From a first world perspective...

Same answer on the first 2.

I agree sunlights, chimneys, vents, etc. typically guarantee an eventual leak.

Most of the time you might use these in a shed or similar facility it would be enough to do general tasks.  Get the lawnmower, bag of plant food, etc.  Otherwise you can turn on the lights.

Finally there are plenty of areas that do not have power run to them, this improves upon the light from the windows, doorways, or flashlight.

[ober]

I get all that, I do.  And I'm not trying to bash the idea.  I think it's brilliant.

My comment about it wearing out was more related to the bleach itself... I assume water/bleach solution would eventually either seep out or not be as strong over time, but that's just a guess.  I wasn't worried about the bottle.

[Mike]

Ever seen a plastic bottle wear out?

Yes, plenty of times.  Plastic bottles like that will deteriorate in sunlight causing cracks and leaks.