Fill a one gallon glass jar with 15 cups of water (one gallon, minus 1 cup) and place 8 tea bags inside.

Tightly screw on the lid and set glass jar outside in direct sunlight for 3 hours (keep in mind when the sun moves, you may have to move your jar)

While tea is brewing in the sun, combine ½ cup of sugar with remaining cup of water in a small saucepan.

Bring sugar and water mixture to a simmer for 4 - 5 minutes, or until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.

Add cooled sugar syrup and fresh lemon juice to tea in glass jar and stir to combine.

Serve over ice in tall glasses with lemon slices, if desired.

Refrigerate remaining tea for up to 3 days.