The Consol Solar Jar is one of the most beautiful lights I have come across. Consol is known for making glass jars and this one uses solar energy to light up.
Consol Solar Jar lit at night
This lantern comes neatly packaged in a box with a small ribbon tied around it and is definitely one of the quirkiest lights to take along on your trip. It charges up the LED lights on the underside of the lid from solar panels placed on the top of the jar. It takes about eight hours to charge fully, but the light lasts a long time when switched on. To switch the jar on you simply flip the ‘switch’ which would ordinarily be the jar’s fastening clip.
It’s a wonderful option for camping as you don’t have to worry about running out of batteries and it’s good for the planet too. You just need to pack it securely when you heading out to make sure it doesn’t smash.
It’s not the brightest of lights, but is more than sufficient for camping, around the braai and taking an evening stroll. There is an old-school handle so it works as a lantern and the jar-shape spreads the light evenly. It’s also a proudly South African product and one we should definitely support.
The Consol Solar Jar would make the perfect gift too and you can just pop a note inside.
Costs about R160
You can buy it directly from the Consol Store: details here or from Pick’n Pay and various outdoor stores.
