Page Contents
- Best Solar Lantern
- How do Solar Lanterns work?
- Types of Solar Lantern
- Top List Solar Lantern
- Best Solar Lantern Review
- TANSOREN LED Camping Lantern
- JMADENQ Solar Camping Lantern
- Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Solar Lantern
- MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro
- LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns
- Mesqool 3000 Large Capacity Hand Crank Solar Camping Lantern
- SUAOKI Led Camping Lanterns
- Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern
- MAGGIFT 2 Pack Hanging Solar Lights
- BioLite Sunlight Solar Powered Lantern
- Cooo 8 Pack Outdoor Solar Lantern
- TomCare Solar Lights Upgraded Solar Lantern
- TomCare Solar Lights Metal Flickering Flame Solar
- Pearlstar Hanging Solar Garden Lights Outdoor
- OxyLED Solar Lanterns Outdoor
- Ulmisfee 2 Pack Solar Lantern
- OxyLED Solar Lanterns Outdoor Waterproof
- How to choose the best solar camping lantern for your needs
- Solar Lanterns: Why invest?
- FAQ:
- Similar products in the category
- Solar Сategories
Best Solar Lantern
Get solar powered lights that will change your life Are you going on an overnight camping trip or are you just planning to camp? You should bring a flashlight with you if you plan to go camping overnight. We review Best Solar Camping Lights
For 2023, the range of lanterns will include soft-bodied and hard-bodied collapsible lanterns as well as old-fashioned models. There are many options on the market. These include classic propane lanterns, solar lanterns and electric camping lights. These are the best backpacking and hiking headlamps.
Unfortunately, you cannot charge a gas lantern outdoors. This is where solar-rechargeable lanterns come in handy. You won’t be without light, no matter whether you’re setting up camp later than you expected or making breakfast in early morning. They are also more environmentally friendly than propane lanterns. There are many solar lanterns available. This is why our comparison table below serves as your quick guide to our review.
How do Solar Lanterns work?
A lantern is made from:
- Battery
- Light fixture
- Controller board
- Four-cell solar array
- Photoresistor
Through a diode, the solar cells are connected to the battery. The battery charges during the day.
The controller board receives input from the photoresistor and energy from the battery and solar cells. The controller board turns on the light fixture when the photoresistor signals darkness.
It is crucial that the lantern’s location be correct in order to function properly. To get the best out of the solar cell, position it south at a perpendicular angle to the sun.
Types of Solar Lantern
Compressible: Some inflate like balloons, while others squish like accordion. However, compressible lanterns are most popular. They can be collapsed down to less than half an in thickness.
Fixed: There is a variety of “fixed” (i.e. non-compressible, lanterns. These range from traditional lanterns to smaller blocks such as the BioLite SunLight.
String lights: An innovative product, solar-powered string light are similar to a string Christmas lights. These lights allow you to spread the light around your campsite.
USB rechargeable: Solar lanterns were initially 100% solar-powered when they appeared on the market. Nowadays, lanterns can be charged via either solar panels or USB ports. Many solar lanterns you’ll find are USB-rechargeable and solar-powered. These lanterns are available in a variety of configurations, including string, fixed, and compressible.
Top List Solar Lantern
Best Solar Lantern Review
TANSOREN LED Camping Lantern
This solar lantern is for campers. It is bright and simple to use. The DC input is indicated by a red light. The lantern is charging if the light is on. You can attach the lantern by using four magnets on its bottom.
You can also charge your Android or other USB devices via the USB port. This is a great way to have your phone on you in an emergency.
TANSOREN LED Camping Lantern – Pros & Cons
JMADENQ Solar Camping Lantern
We are ready to treat our value-lovers with a little something. The JMADENQ is a traditional camping lantern design. It is made from ABS plastic housing and feels stronger than it looks. The camping lantern comes with two sets stainless steel handles: one on the top and one on the sides. The first handle can be used to hang the lantern on a tree branch and the second one allows you use the lantern as a flashlight.
Simply collapse the lantern, turn it on and point at the base to control the beacon. The only button that will turn on or off the solar-powered camping lantern is located in the middle. The lamp can be charged via the USB port or through the solar panel. This rechargeable led lantern can be charged by the sun for approximately 10 hours and USB for about 3 hours.
It takes much less time to use the USB port. You can expect to get 6 hours of use time which is enough for most campers. You can also use the 2000 mAh battery for charging your phone in an emergency.
JMADENQ Solar Camping Lantern – Pros & Cons
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Solar Lantern
Technically, this is cheating because the camping lantern does not have a built-in solar panel. You can still use any compatible solar panel for the rechargeable 5200mAh battery. Alternatively, you could use the crank to keep your light on. This last one is only for emergency situations. If you don’t, you will have to manage the entire trip.
Two warm, 3W LED bulbs provide the entire light source. The battery is large enough to power the lights for 2.5 hours at high brightness. The yellow knob can be used to adjust the brightness and extend the battery’s life by up to 180 hours.
The Lighthouse camping lantern is a versatile tool. It acts as a portable power bank. This ensures that you won’t run out of power on your next camping trip.
Goal Zero Lighthouse 600 Solar Lantern – Pros & Cons
MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro
The original collapsible sun lantern, the Luci, was the first. We still love it. Our top pick was the MPOWERD Luci Pro Outdoor 2.
This light is a great choice for those looking for great features, excellent light quality, fast-charging solar panels, and decent mobile charging capabilities. The Luci Pro lantern was brightest at 150 lumens. We found that we used the lower settings more often in the tent, however. The warm white LEDs create a pleasant, diffused light that gives off a great atmosphere.
Its solar panel was also very fast charging. The solar panel could charge up fast enough to allow it to run for just a few minutes with ambient light or indirect sunlight indoors. We loved the fact that it can be unsnapped, which allows for easy hanging.
Although the mobile charging capabilities of the Luci Pro aren’t as impressive as a dedicated solar charger or battery pack, they still managed to impress us. The Luci Pro provided a 34% increase in phone battery life when fully charged. It took 32 minutes and 1 hour to completely drain the battery. Although it may not sound impressive, this is twice the power of the Suaoki mobile charging lantern. The Luci Pro can charge a phone even if it is completely empty.
Mobile charging can be finicky and we had trouble getting it to register on the phone a few times when it was charging under the sun. It was probably not drawing enough power from the early-winter sun. Overall, we were very impressed by this light and are excited about its mobile charging. We would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a durable, high-quality, solar lantern.
MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 Pro – Pros & Cons
LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns
Although the LuminAID PackLite Nova USB had many positive qualities, it was not able to make our top five. It is similar to the MPOWERD Luci lanterns and has a battery indicator and an adjustable strap for easy hanging. It is well-built and durable. The snaps on the adjustable strap are much more user-friendly than Luci’s straps.
We weren’t impressed by the solar panel. It took it over an hour to generate enough power to turn on in direct sunlight. It did stay on for a decent amount of time once it had enough power. It was able to charge slowly, but it had a longer runtime than many other solar lanterns. This lantern emits a bright white fluorescent light that is reminiscent of those flickering office lights we like to escape from when backpacking. It provided the worst illumination for our campsites and tents.
The LuminAID PackLite camping lantern is solid and well-constructed if you aren’t bothered by the bright white LEDs. The three winners of the award give you more bang for your bucks and make it much easier to light up your campsite.
LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns – Pros & Cons
Mesqool 3000 Large Capacity Hand Crank Solar Camping Lantern
The primary light has 12 LED bulbs with 360° of 200LM, comparable to a 2.4W bulb, and can provide 4 hours of bright light and up to 28 hours of low light. With suitable battery capacity, the 3W flashlight with 350LM can light up for 8 hours of bright light and up to 35 hours of low light (batteries pre-installed in the lantern).
Mesqool LED camping lanterns have 3000 big-capacity rechargeable batteries and a solar panel.
The dynamo Crank allows for the use of windup power in weather-related crises such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe snow storms.
Mesqool 3000 Large Capacity Hand Crank Solar Camping Lantern – Pros & Cons
SUAOKI Led Camping Lanterns
We wanted to include a budget option in our test. With mostly positive online reviews, the Suaoki LED Camping Lantern seemed like a good choice.
This lantern was unfortunately the worst quality and performed poorly. Cheap materials began to show signs of wear almost immediately. Plastic crinkled and started to tear after being exposed to the sun for a few seconds. The solar panel worked intermittently. It was able to charge the lantern for about half an hour in sunlight, and it worked well during our tests.
Another instance was that the Suaoki sat outside in direct sunlight for more than three hours, but did not have enough power to turn it on. Its overall runtimes are good, but it quickly lost its brightness. Its runtime was so short that it would be difficult to use for close-up tasks such as reading or cooking, let alone setting up camp.
Although the lantern has mobile charging capabilities it only gave our phone an 11% boost before it was fully charged. The phone could not be charged using solar power alone. It was quite cool that the light from the collapsed lamp was turned into a flashlight beam.
These lanterns, along with many others, litter Amazon and are cheaply available. Even though the Suaoki is a very affordable lantern, we believe anyone who is interested in solar lanterns should spend a little more for the Goal Zero Crush Light and the MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0.
We don’t recommend this light because of its fragile build and poor performance. There are better options available in the same price range.
Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern
The Goal Zero Crush Light weighed only 3.2 oz and was our favorite solar lantern overall. There were many positives to this lantern. The main selling point for us was its light weight and compactness. Its warm yellow-orange color blends right in with the campfire. It never feels out of place or out of place around the campsite, unlike the bright white LED lights.
We found this light to be the most helpful, as it was warm and cozy. It was an innovative idea to use the candle-light mode which flickers and dims light randomly to simulate a candle. However, it’s not convincing. After playing with the setting for a few minutes, we realized that there was no reason to use it. It doesn’t diminish the other amazing properties of the light, so we are indifferent.
The Goal Zero Crush Light ran for a shorter time than other lights, but it still had a lot of power left after it was turned off. After the lights went out, they were dead, completely drained, and could not be turned back on until they were recharged. We could turn Goal Zero back on after it had shut off at high power. It would usually last another hour on low power.
It’s important to be able to see that the Crush Light won’t abruptly turn off, leaving you in complete darkness. The solar panel on the Crush Light worked exceptionally well considering it was the smallest of the lanterns we tested. In direct sunlight, the Crush Light was able to charge up quickly. This light had only a few downsides. It could be hard to crush the material, so it might take some effort to get all the folds into place.
It also didn’t have any indicator of its battery state, so you would be guessing. The USB port does have a light that blinks red when the USB port is charging. It was also the only lantern that didn’t have a cover or bottom. The LEDs might be a bit binding if the lantern is hanging above your head. This light was recommended for its ambiance, which is why we love it.
This, combined with the fact it was the lightest, most compact, and performed well in our tests, makes it a great choice for backpackers and anyone else looking for a simple, portable solar lantern to light up your backcountry nights.
Goal Zero Crush Light Solar Powered Lantern – Pros & Cons
MAGGIFT 2 Pack Hanging Solar Lights
The solar lights are sold in packs of 2. These solar lights are made from iron and have a white finish. They look very decorative.
You can use the lantern as a Christmas decoration, or just every day. This lantern is soft and subtle, making it a great choice for those who need to add some light to their garden or create a warm atmosphere at parties. These lanterns can also be hung from trees or on porches. When fully charged, the lantern will last up to 8 hours.
MAGGIFT 2 Pack Hanging Solar Lights – Pros & Cons
BioLite Sunlight Solar Powered Lantern
We tested the BioLite SunLight, which was the only non-collapsible sun lantern. It had many of our favourite features. It was amazing in color and ambience. The dimmable white light and the option to select from different lighting options were a great feature. When we were at camp after a great meal, the “party mode” was fun. It slowly cycles through various colors of light.
It is extremely lightweight and compact and it lasted 13 hours and 10 seconds in our runtime testing. It’s a portable, rechargeable USB camping lantern that we loved. Its solar panel was not the strongest in our test and, since this review is about solar camping lanterns it weighs quite a lot. Three hours of full sun took the BioLite three hours to reach reserve mode. This mode is low-power and limits the BioLite’s functionality to a dim white light.
Refer to the following: Both Luci lights and Goal Zero lights turned on within minutes, and often within seconds of being in direct sunlight. It didn’t have enough power even after spending more than five hours in direct sunlight. It turned on immediately after being plugged into a USB charger and continued to work for more than an hour. It is hard to believe that a solar panel could not generate enough power in just a few seconds by charging it on a wall.
We aren’t sure if there was a glitch in the lemon that required a surge of USB power to exit reserve mode or if it is simply extremely inefficient. We were disappointed, regardless of the reason. This light is still an option if you intend to keep it charged via USB, but use the solar panel to boost it every so often. It was a good product. However, we would not recommend it if it didn’t charge with sunlight.
Cooo 8 Pack Outdoor Solar Lantern
This set includes 8 mason-jar lanterns. These jars appear to be filled with fireflies at night.
This package contains 30 LED lids, handles and crystal glass containers. The jars can be hung with a shepherd hook, or simply placed on a path or other flat surface. The jars can be used in any weather conditions, such as rain or snow.
Cooo 8 Pack Outdoor Solar Lantern – Pros & Cons
TomCare Solar Lights Upgraded Solar Lantern
The flickering flames design is what makes TomCare’s solar lantern stand out. The flames appear real flames and the yellow light creates an inviting atmosphere. This is an excellent alternative to traditional candles that are eco-friendly.
The lantern does not have wires. The lantern comes with a hook and a clamp that can be clipped or hung anywhere. All you have to do to make the solar panel work is to place it in direct sunlight to charge.
TomCare Solar Lights Upgraded Solar Lantern – Pros & Cons
TomCare Solar Lights Metal Flickering Flame Solar
Solar lights next to you are made from metal with a rustproof coating, making them durable. They can be kept outside all year. It has a glass effect that makes it appear more expensive.
It doesn’t need to be broken if it falls. It is made up of flickering flames, which resemble real fire. It’s an excellent candle substitute because of the warm yellow light it gives off.
TomCare Solar Lights Metal Flickering Flame Solar – Pros & Cons
Pearlstar Hanging Solar Garden Lights Outdoor
These are great for vintage lovers. The lantern emits warm light. It also emits a pattern when it is placed on the ground. These lanterns can also be placed in your yard, tree, or on a pathway leading to your home.
They are equipped with a light sensor that automatically turns them on at night and charges during the day. The handle allows you to hang them from the wall or place them flat on a surface.
Pearlstar Hanging Solar Garden Lights Outdoor – Pros & Cons
OxyLED Solar Lanterns Outdoor
If you’re looking for a decorative lantern, look no further. The OxyLED lantern creates clouds-like patterns. This lantern is one of the most beautiful decorative lanterns available. It can be placed in your backyard, on your pathway or used when you camp for a relaxing atmosphere.
It can be used to lighten up, but it is strong enough to be used for a lamp. The solar panel is located on the top of the lantern, where it collects solar energy. The lantern takes 8 hours to fully charge, and can last 6-8 hours.
OxyLED Solar Lanterns Outdoor – Pros & Cons
Ulmisfee 2 Pack Solar Lantern
Another lantern in a retro design. It features flameless horizontal stripes and an LED wavy-edge column candle. It looks so real that I had to double-check it. The lantern is retro-metallic in appearance and can be used indoors or outdoors.
It is made from plastic, which may not be ideal but it is lightweight and rustproof. The top ring can be detached. It can be used to carry, hang or remove the lantern from a flat surface.
Ulmisfee 2 Pack Solar Lantern – Pros & Cons
OxyLED Solar Lanterns Outdoor Waterproof
Another decorative solar lantern is the final one. When fully charged, it emits a whimsical pattern that resembles tree branches. This is a great choice if you are looking for soft lighting and ambiance.
The device automatically switches on and off, and can last up to 8 hours if fully charged. Installation is very simple. Simply remove the cover and flip the switch to place the lantern wherever you want.
OxyLED Solar Lanterns Outdoor Waterproof – Pros & Cons
How to choose the best solar camping lantern for your needs
Solar Charging Time
A wall charger can charge most lights in a matter of hours. It’s different under the sun. You need to be aware of how long it takes to recharge your solar lantern if you intend to use it primarily off-grid. Manufacturers will tell you how long it takes for the light to fully charge in sunlight. But that’s not the entire story.
Some lights take longer to reach full capacity but can be charged up in less than an hour to last through the evening. Others lights can take hours to charge enough to turn on.
Light Quality
We tested a variety of lights, from soft and warm to harsh and cold. This was a major factor in how much we liked these lights, despite all other features.
Consider your preference for light quality (warm, cold, diffused or sharp), and ensure that the light you receive is suitable.
Lumens
Lumens refer to the amount of light that a lantern emits at its source. We tested lights ranging from 60 to 150 lumens.
60 lumens was sufficient for us to cook, hang out, and do other tasks around camp. Although it is nice to have more brightness, it is not essential.
Mobile Charging Capabilities
Solar lanterns can also be used to charge your phone’s battery. Although this is a great feature, their charging power is limited.
These are great for occasional top-ups, but not enough to last for heavy usage.
Emergencies
In times of emergency and crisis, it is essential to have reliable lightning sources. It is not a good idea to be stuck in a blackout with no lighting for your family.
A great option is to use solar-powered lamps as a lantern.
- Night Lightning Purposes – Being able to light your environment at night is crucial to survival in emergencies
- Emergency Backup – In the event of extreme weather, you will have an emergency backup
- A Safer Alternative – Candle lanterns or camping lanterns are safer than open-flame candles or kerosene lamps.
Solar Lanterns: Why invest?
A renewable source of light
Solar power is more sustainable than products that use electricity and it’s renewable.
You won’t have to worry about the sun rising every day, and you won’t run out of energy like other finite resources.
Solar energy is also readily available and doesn’t cause any harm to the planet.
Solar Light Can Save You Money
They pay off over the long-term.
Although electricity can be expensive, the sun’s energy is free. You can save a lot of money by using the sun to charge your energy-consuming devices, whether you are looking to lighten up your garden, backyard, or camping lanterns.
Mobility
Place your UV light products wherever you like. It’s simple to move the solar lantern if there isn’t enough sunlight in your area.
Do you need to take your dog outside in the middle of the evening? Solar lanterns will provide all the light you need, wherever you are.
Solar lights are safe
Solar lanterns are free from any wiring or external cords. These cordless lights are safe for pets and children.
They don’t heat up. They are safe to use.
FAQ:
Yes, solar lights can be worth the investment. Solar lights are affordable and can be used to add ambience to your garden. They also last for eight hours. You just need to position them where they are needed.
The batteries used in outdoor solar lights are expected to last 3-4 year before needing to be replaced. The LEDs can last up to ten years. When the LEDs stop working, you will know it is time for replacement.
Solar lights do not require direct sunlight to charge. Solar lights, however, require some light to turn them on. This can be done without sunlight. Solar lights can be charged using artificial light, LED lamps or incandescent bulbs.
Solar lights typically last between 6-10 hours on a fully charged battery. This was done to ensure that lights could run all night after receiving enough sunlight.
Solar lights can be made to last longer by cleaning them regularly and changing the battery frequently.
Yes, most definitely! Water can cause solar lights to be damaged. However, even a tiny amount of water (e.g raindrops) will not cause this. Solar lights must be exposed to large amounts of water in order to seep inside and cause damage.
- Make sure there isn’t a pull tab. …
- To test the light, cover the panel. …
- Make sure the solar panel is clean. …
- You must ensure that the solar panel is correctly positioned. …
- If possible, test with regular batteries. …
- Turn off the power and let it charge for 72 hours.
Solar lights can be left outside in winter, as long as they have an outdoor rating. Each set of solar light will have an outdoor or indoor rating printed on its packaging. The lighting’s performance will be affected by cold temperatures as well as rain, snow, and cold days.
Use a damp cloth with mild detergent (such dish soap) to gently scrub the solar panel’s surface. After the panel has been cleaned, wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Reinstall the solar lighting in its original place.
To charge the solar panels quickly without sunlight, place them directly under a household lamp. Your solar lights should be placed as close as possible to the lightbulb. Your solar panel will take longer to charge if it is farther away from an incandescent bulb.
Our solar lights can charge even on cloudy days. The solar panels can continue to charge batteries even in the dark.
Many solar lights are powered by lithium-ion battery technology. These batteries are extremely volatile and can easily catch fire if they are punctured or overheated. This is what thrifty property owners may find themselves in. They might have purchased inferior or cheaper solar lights that increase the chance of them overheating and setting fire to their properties.
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