that idea is obviously nothing new - but what about this for an idea (similar concept)
set up a system of gears and weights, and using gravity, spin a turbine as the weight falls down.
watso does not know the maths of it all , but surely if a person raises enough bricks to a high point, and then harnesses the energy as the bricks fall (gravity), then surely there should be enough energy to power several led lights.
watso's grand parents told watso, how during the war, family members took turns on a bicycle, with a little generator , to provide light during blackouts .....mmmmm just imagine how much light could have been generated using led lights.
mmmm solar rechargeable batteries provide good light