Detailed technical specifications are available for the Consol Solar Jar. Components include the one-litre classic glass preserve jar, durable electronics, 2 re-chargeable batteries (each 600 mAh), 4 LED lights and an integrated solar panel (3 V, 135 mA). This is also a micro-USB-B input port (the same that is found on many android smart phones) to provide an alternative method for charging in overcast conditions (charging cable and wall socket are not included).

The power output is 15 lumens, equivalent to 120 mW. It will provide 1 hour of light for every hour charging in direct sunlight, so will average 6-9 hours of run time per typical charging day, with a maximum of 12 hours on long clear days and around 2 hours from a rainy, overcast day.

It has a unique on-off magnetic switch that has no moving parts and is watertight, as demonstrated in the image below (taken underwater).

The Consol Solar Jar also has several other features:

It turns off automatically when low battery voltage is reached to protect the battery and extend its lifetime. It also illuminates for 60 seconds when the external lighting level suddenly falls below a threshold to assist in finding the lantern in the dark, and does not illuminate even when switched on if external lighting levels are high (to conserve power).

Information about how to store and recycle the product is available in the technical specifications sheet and Frequently Asked Questions. For further support, contact the manufacturer.

The product’s lifetime varies from 18 months (when used continuously) up to ~4 years if only partially discharging the batteries each day. This is based on the batteries’ lifetime; they are rated to give 500 cycles (full charge-discharge).

Each unit is also guaranteed for 1 year from its date of manufacture, and some resellers offer an extension on this warranty.

Getaway magazine tested the product and found that it illuminated an area of 70cm diameter for 7 hours and 30 minutes.

No other third-party vetting has been performed and Getaway did not test the product’s other features.

Manufacturer testing indicates that the product has 120 mW power output, 15 Lm light output and up to 80% of efficiency. After a fully-charging clear sunny day, the Solar Jar can produce 6-9 hours of light per day and ± 2 hours of run time (from 1 to 3 hours/day) from charge on rainy, overcast day. The batteries should give ± 400 full charges before they begin to deteriorate. 

Electronic components should be handled cautiously, especially around water. Care should be taken with the jar of the lantern to avoid sharp impacts that may smash the glass.