Solar study lights, built by students
Fact sheet · October 6, 2026 · Bellevue, Washington
What one solar study light costs in parts
The part list and the total per light are itemized on the study light page. Volunteers assemble the light without pay.
What is in a light
A Flash Forward light is a small rechargeable lamp: a 3D-printed case, a solar panel, a battery, a charge board, two LEDs, and a switch.
- 3D-printed case: Printed by student volunteers. Holds every part together. $1.10
- 5V solar panel: Charges the battery in daylight. $1.50
- LiPo battery: Stores the day's charge for the night. $1.65
- TP4056 charge board: Charges the battery safely from the panel. $0.45
- Two 5 mm LEDs: Turn the stored charge into reading light. $0.12
- Slide switch: On after sunset, off by morning. $0.35
- Parts total: $5.17. Volunteers assemble the light without pay.
Student volunteers print and assemble the light without pay.
What the price covers
The price on this website is parts only. Student volunteers print and assemble the light without pay. Shipping and the partner's distribution are not inside that parts total.
The itemized list is kept in one place so the donate page and this note cannot drift apart.