Last Updated on October, 2024
Are you also looking for an eco-friendly option where you don’t ever replace the batteries of a flashlight? Look no further. A solar panel flashlight is what you need!
Solar-powered flashlights use renewable energy in the form of direct sunlight. So you don’t ever have to worry about discarding batteries. Many solar flashlights are USB rechargeable, so they can be reliable even in the absence of solar charging.
This article is a review of the seven top best solar flashlights that you can rely upon as an emergency flashlight on multiple occasions.
Table of Contents
- Top 7 Best Solar Powered Flashlights
- 1. HYBRIDLIGHT Journey Seeker 300 Solar LED Waterproof Flashlight (Editor’s Choice)
- 2. NPET T09 Solar Flashlight (#2nd Best Choice)
- 3. Thorfire Solar Flashlight (#3rd Best Choice)
- 4. Spurtar Rechargeable Waterproof Solar Powered Flashlight
- 5. Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Flashlight
- 6. Simpeak Hand Crank Solar Powered Rechargeable LED Flashlight
- 7. FosPower Emergency Solar Light
- How Do Solar Flashlights Work?
- Choosing the Best Solar Flashlight for You
- Why Use Solar Powered Flashlights?
- Types of Solar Powered Flashlights
- Solar Powered Flashlights vs Traditional Flashlights
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top 7 Best Solar Powered Flashlights
1. HYBRIDLIGHT Journey Seeker 300 Solar LED Waterproof Flashlight (Editor’s Choice)
The Journey 300 by Hybridlight is a resourceful solar-powered flashlight built for rugged use.
It has a waterproof enclosure, so it is weather resistant making it ideal for various lighting circumstances, both household and outdoor activities.
At just 6″ in length, this solar power flashlight weighs 4.5 oz.
These solar-powered flashlights use a LED emitter to shine a super bright light on two brightness settings and a strobe function.
The high setting gives a 300-lumen light output for 5 hours, and the low light setting gives an 80-lumen output for 50 hours, making it a perfect flashlight for a power outage.
These solar flashlights’ 2500 mAh lithium-ion battery can be recharged using a micro USB cable for rapid charging, typically within 4 hours. When fully charged, the indicator turns green. Recharging using the built-in solar panel will take at least 13 hours based on the light intensity and brightness.
This solar-powered rechargeable flashlight is a solar power bank that allows you to recharge your mobile devices via a USB cable.
Key features of the HYBRIDLIGHT Journey Seeker 300 Solar LED Waterproof Flashlight
- Two lighting settings plus a strobe mode
- Maximum light output- 300 lumens
- Waterproof
Pros
Cons
2. NPET T09 Solar Flashlight (#2nd Best Choice)
The NPET T09 solar flashlight is a 268-lumen strong flashlight with an impressive max beam throw of 700 feet.
These solar flashlights have LED emitters embedded at the head, which is the headlamp. On the side of the body white lamp and red light that together offer you 7 working modes.
The headlamp can run for 4-6 hours on high, medium and flash luminances.
The side white lamp can run for 4-7 hours on high and medium, while the red light gives 6-7 hours of runtime on flashing and slow flashing.
And all this is controlled by a single switch button at the base of the head.
With a built-in 2000 mAh 18650 rechargeable battery, you can either recharge the NPET solar flashlight via a USB cable or by exposing the 50V 50 mA monocrystalline silicon solar panel to sunlight for solar charging.
These solar rechargeable flashlights comprise some super exciting features. It can be used as a multifunctional emergency tool during vehicle emergencies. It has a seat belt cutter to cut through a jammed seat belt and a safety hammer able to break the vehicle window glass.
There’s more! It has a compass at the tail base that is super useful when hiking, sailing or camping. And a magnet on the side of the head to hold it in place for convenient car or other electrical repair work.
Plus, it serves as a solar power backup bank, so you recharge your digital devices in case of an emergency.
These solar flashlights are made of an anodized aluminum alloy body to make them impact and weather resistant. Thus making it a perfect choice for rugged use situations.
Key Features of the NPET T09 Solar Flashlight
- Seven working modes
- Maximum brightness- 268 lumens
- Maximum beam throw- 700 feet
- Impact resistant
- Weather resistant
Pros
Cons
3. Thorfire Solar Flashlight (#3rd Best Choice)
The Thorfire flashlights have three LED lamps offering you two lighting levels and an SOS mode. The lighting level uses one LED bulb, and the high lighting level uses all three bulbs.
This Thorfire solar flashlight can be recharged using solar power or the hand crank.
It uses a 5.5V 20mA solar panel and a 3.6V 80mAh Ni-MH battery to provide a maximum runtime of 4 hours.
This solar power flashlight’s highly efficient energy conversion can deliver 1 hour of light on the high lighting level with just 1 minute of hand cranking.
And 80 minutes of light on low brightness and 110 minutes of flashing for the SOS mode.
One hour of enlight exposure gives 120 minutes of light and 140 minutes of flashing.
These solar flashlights are bright and compact, weighing only 176g. Encased using quality material, they are highly durable and handy for many lighting scenarios, camping, hiking, traveling, survival adventures or rock climbing.
Key features of the Thorfire Solar Flashlight
- Two lighting levels plus an SOS mode
- Charging methods- Solar power or hand crank
- Waterproof rating- IPX6 (Submersible up to 45 feet)
Pros
Cons
4. Spurtar Rechargeable Waterproof Solar Powered Flashlight
The spurtar solar flashlight can produce a maximum luminous flux of 500 lumens over a range of 700 feet.
This solar flashlight is a versatile tactical tool with multiple features to help you escape a car emergency.
The safety hammer will help break the car window, and the seat belt cutter will help you cut the seat belt in case of a jam.
The strong magnet allows attachment to metal surfaces for hands-free light settings. The compass attached at the base is a handy tool when you are voyaging or hiking.
2000 mAh built-in rechargeable battery on a full charge can give up to 10 hours of battery life. It also serves as a solar power bank for your digital devices. These features make it a perfect choice for an emergency kit.
This solar flashlight offers you seven different lighting modes: high, medium, low, strobe and SOS options. The headlight, perfect for finding your way in the dark, gives you high, medium and flash modes.
The side white lamp gives you strong and low modes that are good for power outages, camping and other working scenarios. And the side red light gives you fast and slow flash, ideal for vehicle emergencies.
The aluminum encasing of this solar flashlight makes it waterproof and shock resistant. At just 7.88″ in height, this emergency light weighs only 1.21 pounds.
Key features Spurtar Rechargeable solar flashlight
- Seven light modes from three LED light sources
- Maximum luminous flux- 500 lumens
- Maximum beam range- 700 feet
- Water-resistant
- Shock resistant
Pros
Cons
5. Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Flashlight
The Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro is a USB rechargeable lantern, a flashlight and a 9.62 Wh 2600 mAh lithium battery as a power bank.
The power bank doubles as phone chargers as it can charge your phone one full time.
Rechargeable via USB charging or goal zero nomad solar panels in 3.5 hours.
The lantern delivers a maximum brightness of 150 lumens and can run from 7- 170 hours, depending on the light modes used.
The flashlight’s maximum flux is 120 lumens, running between 9 and 100 hours. Both the lantern and flashlight have low and high brightness settings.
This solar flashlight is made of plastic and is rated weatherproof. Weighing 0.352 ounces, it measures only 4.4″ in length. These features make it perfect for any outdoor activities and lengthy blackouts.
Key features of the Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Charge Flashlight
- Two lighting modes- High and Low
- Maximum brightness of lantern- 150 lumens
- Maximum brightness of flashlight- 120 lumens
- Battery light indicator
- Waterproof rating- IPX6
Pros
Cons
6. Simpeak Hand Crank Solar Powered Rechargeable LED Flashlight
The simpeak crank solar-powered flashlight with a rechargeable built-in battery can generate up to 10 minutes of run time per 60 second hand crank.
The incorporated solar panel can absorb light from various sources like strong or medium sunlight, lamp light and more.
Made of premium quality material, this simpeak solar flashlight gives an ergonomic, comfortable and secure grip.
It is a perfect choice for many daily activities, sudden power outages, emergency kits and outdoor lighting scenarios.
Key features of the Simpeak Hand crank solar powered Rechargeable LED flashlight
- Weatherproof Encasing
- Quick snap carabiner
Pros
Cons
7. FosPower Emergency Solar Light
The FosPower solar lights are actually emergency crank weather radios that can provide two LED light sources.
A 1W flashlight torch with zoom and a reading light.
This versatile solar flashlight is 6.2″ in length and weighs only 310g. Made using high-quality materials, these solar flashlights are waterproof.
This hybrid solar-powered flashlight features a 3.7V 2000 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery that can be used as a power bank.
This emergency weather radio can be recharged in multiple ways. The crank lever of the radio and the small solar panel provide plenty of power to keep the radio, emergency flashlight and SOS alarm ready for use when required.
When you are in a situation where you cannot recharge the radio, you can simply use AAA disposable batteries to keep it going.
The radio of this hand crank solar-powered flashlight can receive emergency weather forecasts and emergency news broadcasts from NOAA and AM/FM radio stations.
Key features of the FosPower Emergency Solar light
- 20-lumen flashlight torch
- Waterproof rating- IPX3
Pros
Cons
How Do Solar Flashlights Work?
Generally resembling a standard flashlight, a solar flashlight has most of the features you would see in a regular flashlight. But what makes them different from other flashlights is how they are powered.
These ingenious innovations have solar photovoltaic (PV) cells or solar panels typically built into the handle or body area of the flashlight. When exposed to direct sunlight, these solar cells can convert the sunlight energy into electrical energy.
And this electrical energy is stored in the rechargeable battery of the flashlight.
When the solar flashlight is switched on, the battery releases the required electrical current to power the light emitter used.
Most solar-powered flashlights empty LEDs rather than incandescent ones for effective use of the electrical energy.
Choosing the Best Solar Flashlight for You
A solar flashlight you choose for whatever purpose should be handy, reliable and convenient for you. So some factors you should consider when selecting a solar flashlight include;
Brightness and Adjustable Light Settings
Depending on the purpose you intend to primarily use the solar flashlight, you should choose a suitable lumen count.
Higher the lumen count brighter the light.
So if you want to use it as an outdoor flashlight, you can select a higher lumen count for more glowing lights or for indoor light; a lower count will be sufficient.
Besides, many solar flashlights have multiple light settings so that you adjust lighting levels to your preference and circumstance.
Battery Life and Size of the Solar Panel
Some flashlights tend to retain battery power only for a short time. This is mainly because of incomplete charging or insufficient battery capacity. On a full charge, many of the solar flashlights reviewed above can give you a reliable runtime. So consider battery life, capacity and runtimes to ensure it meets your needs.
Also, many of them serve as solar energy power banks. So you have a power source at your disposal during an emergency situation.
A large solar cell panel can absorb more solar radiation, so the recharging time is faster.
Durability
Check if it is weather and shock resistant. The build material will give you an idea of how rugged the flashlight is. So if you intend to use it outdoors, ensure it is able to withstand the impacts and water intrusions.
Size
The size and weight of the solar flashlight matters if you expect to carry it around. Choose a reasonably compact flashlight with the features you require without letting it weigh you down.
Price
All of the solar flashlights included in this list fall into a price range of $20 – $50. Added features make it a handy flashlight, so they tend to be priced higher.
Consider if the features you get are worth your investment.
Why Use Solar Powered Flashlights?
As responsible citizens, we should all try our best to reduce our carbon footprint on the earth. Using a flashlight powered by renewable energy is a small step in that direction. And flashlights running on solar energy are a reliable, handy and convenient option.
Without the use of batteries, if you can keep a flashlight running with easily accessible solar
energy, why would you possibly choose otherwise, Right?
Benefits of Using a Solar Flashlight
- Eco-friendly option using renewable solar energy as the power source
- Handy to use in various lighting situations from indoor to outdoor activities
- They do not have any moving parts, so they tend to be more durable compared to a standard flashlight
- Reliable during power outages as they do not rely on batteries
- Many are built to be versatile and multifunctional- backup power sources for your digital devices, solar lantern and torch light features
- Modern options are integrated with many survival gadgets
Types of Solar Powered Flashlights
There are various types of modern solar flashlights. Apart from the integrated solar panel, they are composed of their own set of unique features. Some can even be used as survival tools. That’s how handy a great solar flashlight can become. Some of the commonly seen types of solar lights include;
- Rechargeable flashlights– There are different versions of a rechargeable solar flashlight. You can either use sunlight as the light source to store energy in the built-in battery. Or directly by directly USB charging via a power outlet.
- Solar hand crank lights– These kinds of solar flashlights can run even in the absence of stored solar energy. The hand crank flashlight allows you to generate electrical current to power up the light source by spinning the handle repeatedly.
- LED lights– Most solar flashlights have bright LED bulbs as the light source to ensure bright and efficient lighting.
- Survival lights – Some solar flashlights are built with extra gadgets like a seat belt cutter, window hammer, magnet, power bank and compass to help you navigate your way.
Solar Powered Flashlights vs Traditional Flashlights
| Solar Flashlights | Traditional flashlights |
| Use of batteries charged via sunlight exposure | Use of disposable or rechargeable batteries |
| Uses renewable energy, so there is no pollution | Discarding batteries contributes to pollution. |
| Rechargeable even during long blackouts in the presence of sunlight | If batteries run out, cannot recharge without an electricity supply, or have to replace batteries if using a disposable type |
| Weather dependant | Not weather dependant |
Conclusion
We choose the Hybridlight Journey 300 as the best solar flashlight. It gives a super bright 300-lumen light that can last you a while. And it is small and compact, making it conveniently portable. It is a great choice as an emergency light and for various other lighting scenarios.
All in all, we hope this review helps you choose your favorite solar flashlight with all the features to fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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