A solar flashlight has incredible advantages over a conventional battery-powered light. You typically don't need one unless the grid is down (blackout, natural disasters) or there is no grid at all (camping, wilderness hikes). And from an environmental standpoint they are completely carbon neutral. They can be used in remote conditions where it is impossible to find any source of power.
This article looks at some of the top solar powered flashlights available. We are biased, of course, but we think GoSun's SolarLight is the best you can buy. It is cheap and portable, but packs enough lumens to illuminate any campsite. It has multiple modes, including a lantern mode. It has a built-in rechargeable battery so that you can recharge with either your GoSun charger or trickle charge with the sun. Plus the USB adapter on the flashlight means that it too can be an alternate charging source for your portable goods.
A Look at Solar Powered FlashLights
A good solar flashlight is reliable, handy and convenient to use. Below are three other products featured in Clean Energy Summit.
1. NPET T09 Solar Flashlight
the NPET Solar Flashlight has many light modes and positions. The flashlight also comes with safety tools that can make it an important part of your survival kit.
Another feature is that once it has enough charge, you can use it as a power bank to connect and charge USB devices, making it multi-operational. The light is also bright; it has around 265 lumens in its highest mode.
One concern is that it is heavy because it has so many features in such a little body. The product is bulky and it weighs around a pound. This light is not the best for anyone who is looking for a light that has maximum portability.
Many users of this product appreciate its versatility. The sidelights can be used as a solar lantern and as emergency lights. It is easily mountable thanks to its magnet. The headlights also makes it effective.
Despite all of the features of this solar flashlight, it has its flaws. The flashlight is large and heavy. And it is water-resistant so that it can withstand heavy rain and splashes of water, but it is not waterproof.
2. MECO Hand Cranking Solar Powered Rechargeable Flashlight
The MECO solar-powered mini solar flashlight works well for hikers and campers. It is also not expensive, and it is light: the product weighs less than .2 pounds so you can carry it around with you as an emergency light source.
The MECO flashlight has a cranking system. It takes around six minutes of cranking to give you an hour of light. It also collects solar energy efficiently. The battery can store it for hours so you can have more extended lighting capability.
Although the flashlight has many amazing features, there are some downsides. It has three LED beads that do not illuminate bright lights because the energy is saved for hours of use. The flashlight is practical and convenient but not suitable to be used for hours. Not great when you need long lasting illumination in a campsite.
3. XREXS Solar Powered LED Car Flashlight
XREXS offers a solar powered LED car flashlight that is multi-functional. It has a USB charger and solar charger.
The XREXS Car Flashlight is great for both indoor and outdoor activities. With a compact and solid design, it works well for hiking, camping and traveling.
It’s great for emergencies, not just a power outage but all kinds of emergencies. With a seatbelt cutter, hammer, compass, flashlight and other useful items, you can use it for self-defense and a lot of other instances.
On a more negative note, the instructions that come with it are a bit incomprehensible as it is translated from Chinese to English.
Unfortunately, it has a magnet that does not work. It’s supposed to have a powerful magnet that could be attached to cars but that the magnet is too weak.
Meet the SolarLight: GoSun's Solar Powered Flashlight
The SolarLight has all the advantages of the aforementioned solar flashlights but none of the disadvantages. This rechargeable flashlight packs 280 lumens of on demand light. With an integrated solar cell, it has the ability to recharge using solar energy alone, but can also be recharged with the included USB cord. It has a lantern mode, spotlight ability and a red strobe emergency setting. A magnetic back allows for hands free use.
Uses: Camping, backpacking, and emergency
Weight: 0.3 lbs
Lumens: 280
Charges USB devices
Multiple modes: Lantern, Spotlight, and Emergency
For faster re-charging use: SolarFlex 10 or Powerbank
Features
- Multi-Functional: This device works as a flashlight, power bank, working light, and warning light
- Charge Electronics: Connect other electronic devices to the flashlight to charge them via the integrated USB port
- Magnetic Bottom: Attach to surfaces for hands free use
- Vertical Lantern Mode: An illuminating bright white light allows the flashlight to double as a lantern
- Emergency Strobe Function: The side lantern doubles as an emergency red strobe light
- Weather Resistant: Rain, sleet, and snow won’t hold this flashlight back. This is a reliable light for any weather scenario.
- Drop Resistant: Durable no matter how rough the road gets
Curious about some of the other solar powered flashlights on the market? Here's a video going over some major brands.
So that's the overview of some of the best solar powered flashlights on the market. There are many great products, but we believe GoSun's SolarLight tops them all. We hope you find a light in a dark place!