I decided to complete this project because I see the real impact that solar lights can have on kids in Africa, and I felt that it went well with my interest in electronics.  I would encourage anyone to explore doing a similar project.  Making the lights was challenging but also very rewarding, and the lack of instructions for what I was trying to do was half the battle.

I started by exploring a very simple design using premade yard lights and just modifying them slightly.  I decided on building lights from scratch because I found that they were brighter, more durable, and could hold a bigger charge.  I ended up ordering an assortment of components and also custom ordering printed circuit boards from a PCB factory.  It was difficult learning to solder and teaching others to solder, but I found that in the end that was one of my favorite parts of the project. 

Ian Moore
BSA Troop 507

We are grateful for Ian's efforts and have received his 24 solar lamps. 

You can see more photos of Ian's Eagle Project on solar lights in this album 

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