What is the best way to charge solar powered garden lanterns quickly?

[Shirleyion]

I have a set of solar powered garden lanterns I need to use for a play. The man at the store said to leave them in full sun (I'm in England, so that's never going to happen!) for three days before turning them on. However, I need them before that for rehearsals. Is there a way to quickly and artificially charge solar cells? What sort of artificial light works/works best in charging solar cells?

 

[rockyptjoe]

"sun" lamps???

 

[mr.phx]

most bright light will charge them. However, the length of staying power may not hold. most are good for several hours on a full charge. 3-5 hrs max. good luck

 

[rockyptjoe]

For something quick and dirty...you might try some of those work flood lights...high wattage.

An arternate, more efficient method would be to see if you can get at the battery contained in the solar light and charge that directly (dc current). Many of the solar lights that are out there now have a replaceable, rechargeable battery (as compared to the sealed units when they started coming out years ago).