Best Solar Powered Flashlights 2023: Reviews & Guide

Shopping for the Best Solar Powered Flashlight for Your Emergency Kit?

Well, you do not have to look around anymore!

A flashlight is an essential component of all emergency kits. In fact, you can use flashlights for multiple daily life tasks, so it is better to have one.

Solar-powered flashlights are a major update in the world of flashlights as they do not need any artificial power source. You can rely on them even when there is a power cut as long as you can charge them under sunlight.   

What's In This Buying Guide?

This buying guide includes a comprehensive insight into the factors you need to consider while buying a solar-powered flashlight.

It also sheds light on the types of flashlights and how solar flashlights work.

We have reviewed some of the best solar flashlights in this guide for your ease as well. In the end, there are some FAQs to further clear any confusions that you might have. 

Best Solar Powered Flashlights

1. Best Solar Flashlight Overall: NPET T09 Solar Flashlight

NPET T09 Solar Flashlight is the best overall choice for those who like to be well-prepared for emergencies. It has a sleek build and is quite lightweight, making it great for tough times. 

Features

Tactical Design: The NPET T09 Solar Flashlight has a tactical build, making it easy for users to carry it. The ergonomic handle makes sure you do not feel any hand fatigue, even if you have to carry it for long hours. Its powerful black appearance helps this flashlight look cool as well. 

7 Working Modes: Since it has seven working modes, it offers a greater diversity of use. The brightness of the flashlight is adjustable, which leads to changes in runtime as well. You can transition between different lighting options of a headlight, flashing, and red lighting as per your needs.

Window Breaker: This flashlight works as a safety car escape tool too. The aluminum frame is quite reliable and can help break the car's windows in case of an emergency. Meanwhile, the seat belt cutter in it makes it easy for you to cut through a jammed seat belt.

Power Bank: Another great feature is the 2000mAh 18650 battery, which can store energy throughout the day. So, you can charge your gadgets from this flashlight since it can work well as a power bank.

Best for Adventure Enthusiasts

Considering all its features, it proves to be an amazing choice for adventure seekers. It has tactical construction, which ensures comfortable use even if you are stuck in some situation outdoors.

Limitations

NPET T09 Solar Flashlight’s frame is quite prone to scratching and denting. So, you have to take extra care while moving in rugged landscapes.

Summary

All in all, NPET T09 Solar Flashlight is a great option for those who want something tactical and reliable. You just need to handle it carefully. Despite that, it is totally worth the investment. 

2. Best Waterproof Solar Flashlight: Delxo Patriot Flashlight

If you are looking for a waterproof flashlight, then Delxo Patriot Flashlight could be your best bet. It has high-quality construction, which allows it to survive harsh conditions.

Features

Damage Resistance: Delxo Patriot Flashlight has a high damage resistance due to its superior build quality.

It has a waterproof frame that keeps the photovoltaic cells and batteries safe from moisture. Plus, the shock resistance keeps it safe even when it falls on rough and hard ground. 

Hands-Free Working: It has a built-in magnet that attaches to metallic surfaces. This flashlight's 95% absorption iron surface enables you to use it without holding it in your hand.

This way, you do not have to worry about holding your flashlight and driving at the same time.

Multiple Modes: One of its most striking features is the three lighting modes and six kinds of lighting. These lighting variations help in preserving charging or using it sparingly when the conditions call for it.

Survival Tools: This flashlight comes with multiple survival tools like a seat belt cutter. The supporting compass on it improves your navigation as well when you are on the go.

Best for Humid Places

Since it has a high resistance to water damage, it is great for outdoor places with high humidity. The emergency alarm function in it lets users know of any situations that they have to beware of. 

Limitations

The only probable downside to this Delxo flashlight is that it has a heavy frame. This might be a problem for those who have to use it for long periods. 

Summary

To sum up, Delxo Patriot Flashlight is an incredible solar flashlight with a high waterproof rating. It also has many survival tools, so you will not regret buying it. 

3. Best Hand Crank Solar Flashlight: FosPower Emergency Solar Flashlight 

FosPower Emergency Solar Flashlight has stood out to us with its alternative power sources. In fact, the three charging options make it useful for several situations.

Features

3 Power Sources: Since the FosPower Emergency Solar Flashlight has three power sources, its charging is not a problem anywhere.

It has a solar panel and a hand crank to recharge the radio and light when required. There are AAA batteries in it as well that come in handy when you cannot recharge the flashlight.

Lifetime Warranty: Manufacturers provide a limited lifetime warranty on the FosPower Emergency Solar Flashlight.

This makes it more trustworthy and reliable. Hence, you do not have to worry about repairs or replacements if there is any damage to the flashlight. 

Built-In Radio: There is also a built-in radio in this flashlight. The FM/AM function enables it to work on both types of frequencies. Plus, the NOAA weather broadcasts on this radio can help you prepare for the conditions ahead. 

IPX3 Water Resistance: The IPX3 water resistance provides greater protection against water damage. This way, the flashlight can keep working even during rainfall or in humid places. 

Great for Power Cuts: The triple charging options and radio make it great for power cuts where you do not get to charge the flashlight. 

Limitations

The build quality of this FosPower Solar flashlight is not very good, and the ports become dislodged. But, it is not that big of an issue, considering its price point. 

Summary

To wrap up, the FosPower Solar Flashlight is a remarkable solar-powered flashlight that you can rely on when it comes down to surviving the worst conditions. Its warranty and power bank working make it a great option for most people out there. 

4. Best Versatile Solar Flashlight: Otdair LED Flashlight

Otdair has gained users' trust with its high-quality products, and this LED flashlight is no different. It has some of the most desirable features that can make surviving emergencies easier. 

Features

High Brightness: The Otdair LED Flashlight has a maximum brightness of 500 lumens. This brightness is adjustable to conserve charging when you need it for a longer time. 

Multi-Mode Operation: There are five modes of lighting that help in different kinds of situations. There are strobe and SOS options in addition to the high, medium, and low modes. 

Focused Lighting: There is focused lighting of 500 lumens up to a distance of 700 feet. This condensed light causes more brightness even if it consumes greater energy. 

Warning Light: The Otdair LED Flashlight has a warning SOS light to let you seek help when the conditions are dire. There is also a 120 dB alarm that can be useful for warning others or signaling for help.

Ideal for Campers

Those who are into camping and hiking will like using the Otdair LED Flashlight. It has many options that help in asking for help or raising an alarm. 

Limitations

This Otdair LED flashlight takes a long time to charge fully, which can be a problem when you are short of time. 

Summary

Keeping all this in view, the Otdair LED Flashlight is a reliable flashlight for many situations. Its pricing and features like outdoor functioning make it worth a shot. 

5. Best Tactical Solar Flashlight: Serjur Multifunction Flashlight 

Tactical flashlights are the most effective for rescue workers and those who like to go for prolonged adventures. And, Serjur Multifunction Flashlight holds true to the principles of tactical solar flashlights. 

Features

Tactical Construction: The Serjur Multifunction Flashlight has a tactical build, which provides you a comfortable user experience. It has a non-slip handle and a lightweight frame; thus, you can hold and use it without any discomfort. 

Easy Storage: This flashlight has an easy storage ability due to the magnetic surface. You can hang it anywhere due to its strong magnet. The flashlight is also great as you can use it without handling it while driving. 

Multi-Functioning: Since it has seven working modes, it can be great for multiple situations. It has the standard low, medium, and high brightness modes. In addition, it has strobe light, SOS light as well as red and blue light functions. 

Emergency Tools: There are many emergency tools like a seat belt cutter and alarm lights in this Serjur flashlight. The power bank and siren in it are also quite useful when it comes to emergencies. 

Best for Rescue Work

Since it comes loaded with emergency tools and accessories, it is great for rescue workers. You can use it for personal use as well when you are putting together an emergency kit. 

Limitations

This Serjur flashlight is a great solar flashlight, but it is slightly expensive as compared to other options available on the market.

Summary

Considering all of its features, it is a wonderful flashlight for rescue workers and household use. Its sleek construction makes it great for hiking and night walking. 

6. Best Camping Solar Flashlight: Operkey LED Camping Lantern

Operkey LED Camping Lantern is a great camping flashlight primarily because of its superior LED output. It has several lighting options, making it useful for a diverse range of users. 

Features

High Portability: It is a highly portable flashlight with its smart construction and a carrying belt. You can hook this belt on the flashlight to make it easily portable. The collapsible design helps you fold it and then carry it without any problem. 

Upgraded Lights: This flashlight has COB LED lights that offer superior brightness. 12 LED bulbs work together to provide enhanced illumination. 

Guaranteed Satisfaction: It comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which ensures a better user experience. The lifetime satisfaction guarantee makes it more reliable for potential buyers.

Dual Charging Options: Operkey LED Camping Lantern has dual charging options. The solar panel is quite efficient on its own; however, the charging cable is a nice addition to it. This charging cable can be reliable on days when the sunlight conditions are poor. 

Best for Outdoor Functioning

Operkey LED Camping Lantern is one of the best options for outdoor usage. It has a sturdy frame that can withstand most environmental conditions without undergoing any damage. 

Limitations

The only limitation of the Operkey lantern is that its runtime is not as great as its charging time. This makes it necessary for you to charge it frequently, even when you’re away from home. 

Summary

To conclude, this LED camping lantern is an amazing solar-powered flashlight that works well for emergency situations. So, you can go for it without any hesitation. 

How do Solar Flashlights Work?

Solar flashlights work on the basic principle of solar-powered electric appliances. But, it is slightly different as the processing occurs on a microscopic level. 

There is a small solar panel on these flashlights that absorbs sunlight. The photons in sunlight provide energy to the electrons inside the panel, increasing kinetic energy. This energy causes the electrons to move, which leads to the flow of electric current. 

This current then reaches the nickel-metal hydride or lithium battery, which stores energy. The batteries keep storing energy throughout the day, and then when it is dark, you can use them as per your needs.

Another way of charging the flashlights is using a hand-cranked dynamo. These devices help in generating current by using mechanical energy that movement produces.

They have a manual operation but can be handy when you are away from charging points on a cloudy day. 

In addition to this, some solar-powered flashlights have a USB charging option. You can charge them via their USB charging port when there is lesser sunlight out there.  

What to Look for in a Solar Powered Flashlight?

With so many solar-powered flashlights out there, it gets hard to settle for one.

The choice is particularly difficult if you are looking for a flashlight for specific indoor or outdoor use. Here are important factors you must keep in mind while buying a solar-powered flashlight.

Outdoor Use

Solar-powered flashlights are great for outdoor use, but they need to have powerful solar panels. For them, the most reliable source of charging has to be sunlight since there are no charging slots outside. 

Flashlights with manual sources of charging like hand cranks are also great for outdoors.

You can rely on them when there is less sunlight or when the solar panel is damaged. It is also important to have a waterproof flashlight for outdoors so that it can withstand humid air. 

Indoor Use

A solar-powered flashlight for indoor use does not need any major changes from the ones used for outdoors.

It just has to be able to hold the charge for a long time since people mostly need it for emergencies. It also has to be easy to store to avoid any inconvenience. 

Here are some general considerations that you have to keep in mind despite indoor and outdoor use. 

Size

Since flashlights are a part of your emergency tool kit, they have to be compact. They need to be easy to store and carry around. So, you should prefer flashlights with a small frame but moderately-sized lenses. 

Weight

One of the most desirable features of a flashlight is its handiness. And lightweight flashlights are the easiest to carry around.

This is why you have to look for flashlights that weigh less, so that you may be able to use them constantly without any fatigue. 

Power Backup

You have to be careful about the power backup since it can make a major difference when it comes to tough survival conditions. Even if it is a rainy day, your solar flashlight should have an alternative charging source to keep going. 

Charging Time

Charging time is also an important feature as it has a direct effect on a flashlight’s working. The best flashlights have a short charging time but a greater working time.  

Modes

Flashlights come with multiple options, but three modes are present in almost all of them.

They have variations between dim, bright, and strobe lighting, which are enough for most users. However, you can look for other modes like a red-light mode if you are fond of hunting trips and other adventures.  

Runtime

Runtime is one of the most crucial factors that you need to consider while buying a flashlight.

The runtime has to be greater than the charging time to ensure a smooth experience. A runtime of seven to ten hours is ideal as it can last a whole night. 

Generally, the runtime depends on the efficiency of the battery in the flashlight. So, go for a highly efficient battery to get a better runtime average. 

Types of Solar Powered Flashlights

Solar-powered flashlights come with many charging phenomena which divide them into different types. Each of these types has its own perks; here’s an overview of each:

Photovoltaic Solar Flashlight

Photovoltaic solar flashlights rely only on solar panels to power them up. There is a solar panel in the flashlight handle, which captures sunlight and then produces an electric current. 

USB-Charged Solar Flashlight

USB-charged solar flashlights have an additional charging option that helps them on cloudy days. These flashlights charge up real quick and fulfill the deficiency that poor sunlight leaves behind. 

Crank-Powered Solar Flashlight

Crank-powered solar flashlights are a great way of staying safe in emergencies.

You can charge them by turning the crank manually, irrespective of the lighting conditions around you. Hand-cranking charges a flashlight much faster than other options.

Hybrid Solar Flashlight

Hybrid solar flashlights have rechargeable batteries that you can use to illuminate your surroundings. These batteries are removable, so you can store them along with the flashlight. 

Pros and Cons of Solar Powered Flashlights

Solar-powered flashlights come with a wide range of benefits. They have beaten other forms of flashlights in many aspects, so people are more interested in these. This is why we have listed their advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if you should go for these. 

Pros

First, let’s have a look at the major perks that these flashlights offer. 

Eco-Friendly

The best thing about these flashlights is that they use a renewable energy source.

This way, they do not put a strain on the environment and do not create any pollution. So, it is better to choose them over other flashlights as they gain most of their power from sunlight. 

Multi-functional Usage

These flashlights can perform multiple functions at the same time. Yes, their primary function is to provide illumination, but they can work as power banks as well.

You can use the stored energy to charge your devices when you need. They can also power up other small gadgets at times when you do not have any proper charging sources.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Batteries in solar flashlights last longer than other batteries. These batteries do not need any tricky maintenance and are quite reliable for over a period of two years. 

Work with Unstable Electricity

One of the best things about these flashlights is that they can keep working even if you have unstable electricity at your place. You just need to charge them under the sun, so there is no involvement of electricity. 

Cons

Now, here are a few downsides you have to be aware of when it comes to solar flashlights. 

Sunlight Dependence

One of the major benefits of solar flashlights can also be their drawback. These lights depend on sunlight for charging, so they might not be the best option on cloudy and cold days. 

Less Brightness

LED lights in solar flashlights do work for a long time, but they have less brightness. This is because solar-powered batteries are not as good as other batteries out there. So, if you want higher brightness, you might have to look for other options. 

Care and Maintenance

The key to a smooth solar flashlight user experience is to take care of its maintenance.

You have to take care of all the important components of these lights to ensure better functioning. Here are some important steps that you need to take better care of your flashlights.  

Clean the Panels

Solar panels can get a layer of dust and grime on them, which restricts the supply of sunlight.

This, in turn, minimizes the efficiency of the flashlight on the whole. So, to avoid this, you have to clean all the dust and other pollutants from the surface of lenses and panels. 

Polish Surfaces

Another issue with solar panels is that their surfaces get dull due to constant sun exposure.

This also leads to poor absorption of sunlight by the panels. Thus, you have to polish all the surfaces frequently to make sure the sunlight quantity and quality stay up to the required level. 

Protect from Moisture

While taking care of your solar flashlight, you have to prevent water from entering their frame. It can not only corrode the batteries but also damage the cells inside the panel.

This is why it is better to invest in a waterproof flashlight. But, even if you do not have a waterproof flashlight, it is better to keep it in a dry place. 

Replace Batteries

Old and worn-out batteries can be a problem when you want proper illumination. Keeping this in mind, you should replace the batteries according to the information mentioned in their packaging. 

Remove Batteries while Storing

An important factor to keep in mind is that batteries corrode even when no outside moisture seeps in the flashlight. Hence, you have to remove the batteries from your flashlight when you are keeping it away for a while.

FAQs

Does a Flashlight Work Underwater? 

Yes, a flashlight can work underwater, but you have to be careful of your flashlight's depth rating.

A depth rating of 100 feet is fine for shallow divers, but you will have to upgrade your flashlight to go deeper than this. A depth rating of 200 feet or higher is advisable for divers who like to go deeper. 

Should I Trust Solar Lights?

Yes, you should trust solar lights as long as you live in an area with a greater solar landscape.

Solar energy is free and solar lights are a kind of one-time investment. So, with so many advantages that these lights offer, you can rely on them.

Can I Make Solar Lights Brighter?

Yes, you can make your solar light brighter by ensuring its cleanliness. Dust and other pollutants often accumulate on the solar panel, minimizing the amount of light that enters in there.

This way, the flashlight has less energy to run on. You need to clean the lenses thoroughly as well to make sure the light outlet does not have any obstruction. You might have to get a new and more powerful battery for your flashlight to make it brighter.

How Can I Make my Solar Light Last Longer?

In order to make your solar light last longer, you have to be mindful of its care and maintenance.

You should clean it frequently and polish the solar panels' surface, which dulls with constant sun exposure. To maximize its life, you should store it indoors during winters. 

Can You Rely on a Solar Light on a Cloudy Day?

Solar lights do work on cloudy days, but their efficiency is not as high as it is on bright sunny days.

So, you can rely on a solar light when you need it for minor tasks or when you need it for a lesser time. But, if you need the light to work for hours at high brightness, then it will not be possible on a cloudy day. 

Final Verdict: What are the Best Solar Powered Flashlights?

To wrap up, NPET T09 Solar Flashlight is the best overall choice for those looking for a solar-powered flashlight for general use. 

However, FosPower Emergency Solar Flashlight is an incredible hand crank charging flashlight.

And Otdair LED Flashlight is the go-to flashlight for those who want a multifunctional option. 

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