Laterns seem like a throwback - the sort of thing you imagine a gold prospector carrying around, along with his pickaxe, all while sporting a massive beard. But they are essential when you want illumination when there's no electricity. The problem is that you have to rely on kerosene or batteries. Kerosene smells terrible and is flammable. And even the best lithium ion batteries run out. The solution is solar lanterns.
One of the most transformative technologies that has yet to reach those who need it most are solar lanternst. An estimated 1.1 billion people – 14% of the global population – do not have access to electricity. They have to rely on kerosene or other dangerous forms of fuel that are a fire hazard and threaten smoke inhalation damage. A solar light can be a boon to off-grid families in need so they can live safer, brighter and more productive lives
Scroll down to see the best solar lanterns you can find.
Solar Lamp 50
This portable solar light provides 50 lumen of light. The lower setting provides 20 lumens of light for more than 6 hours; a perfect solar lantern which is ideal for reading, cooking or lighting up your home.
- Weighs only 6 ounces - great for backpacking and camping
- full day of sunshine will completely recharge the battery
Solar Cabin System
Light the home, cabin, or outdoors with the Solar Cabin System. This package offers light for up to four rooms. Mobile phone charging is supported via USB output.
Comes with an 8W solar panel and can be setup in minutes to run for many years. Integrated LFP battery is ready to serve 5+ years fully backed up by GoSun's 1 Year Warranty.
- 5+ years LFP long life battery
- 2 brightness modes
- 15 ft. cable for lamps
- 4 lamps
- 8W solar panel
- Mobile phone charging
Solar Home Light
GoSun's Fusion has been getting plenty of buzz for its ability to cook food with solar energy even when the Sun is down. But you still need to see what you're doing if solar night cooking is your thing. And those LED headlamps definitely don't use solar energy.
But the Solar Home Light does. This is a solar-panel powered light with a 360-degree tilt. The Pico is compact and reliable, providing up to 72 hours of light from a full charge.
- 5x brighter than kerosene
- Integrated solar design
- 72 hours of light on low mode
The Solar Home Light defines the industry's gold standard in affordable solar-powered lanterns with a 360-degree tilt and mobile device charging capability. Sun King Pro features phone charging capacity, and a leading level of brightness, in the industry. The Sun King Pro is an ideal home or travel accessory, that provides up to 45 hours of light per day on a full charge.
Uses: Camping, boating, shed, garages, cottages
Solar Light Flashlight
his 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 lb
- 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
- 40x brighter than kerosene
- USB charging port
- 100 hours of light on low mode