It’s time to brighten your day and night with the best solar-powered flashlights! No emergency kit is ever complete without a proper flashlight to ensure you’ll have visibility when there is none.
Whether the power goes out or you’re stuck on a dark road, a solar flashlight will keep you reliably safe in any instance of darkness, and you can stay assured that they’ll always work great.
Solar flashlights beat the competition because the sun will always be in the sky, unlike regular batteries that die out in a few weeks or wall plugs that are susceptible to power-outs. As long as sunny days are coming, you’ll have free access to charge all your solar devices efficiently.
Many solar flashlights can store power for several months, so they’ll always be ready no matter what situations arise.
When choosing the right light to secure your home, many diverse options can bring you value thanks to creative additions and valuable features.
Let us illuminate you with this guide to the best solar flashlights you can find.
Finding the perfect flashlight powered by solar energy is all about knowing what makes a quality flashlight, from a powerful magnet to hundreds of lumens for the ultimate brightness.
Many solar lights have solar panels built inside that are water-resistant and can charge your battery for hours.
Solar charging is essential for a flashlight, but what happens when the sun goes down? The best solar energy-powered LED light uses a crank system for manual battery charge. With solar panels and a crank, you can find the best flashlight for your camping trip.
Each product on our list can be found online via the links provided throughout the article. Charge your flashlight battery with solar energy and take a step towards making your camping trip green. Each flashlight on our list conserves energy and offers hundreds of lumens for hours of brightness.
With the built-in solar panel offered by some flashlight options, you can charge via the sun. Others offer a hand crank, and some can receive battery charges via USB.
Pick your favorite charge method and select a suitable solar flashlight for you.
If you’re looking for the number-one-rated Solar Flashlight, you’ll find the NPET T09 solar flashlight and its built-in solar panel.
This all-in-one emergency kit features a bright light, a window breaker, a seat belt cutter, and a compass. This is perfect for a camping trip or off-road expedition and an ideal tool if you’re stuck in a car and need a way out.
This flashlight comes loaded with a 50V monocrystalline solar panel and a 2000 mAh (or 100Wh) battery that can charge in direct sunlight or through AC and DC cords.
This tool stands out from the competition because it features seven complete working modes, ranging from headlights to flash, and includes a magnetic head for hands-free use.
Our Verdict
Fans have praised this flashlight for ease of use and versatility, finding it gets the job done. Compared to other flashlights, such as the FosPower Emergency Solar, it seems brighter, has more options, and features like the magnet make it more convenient.
The NPET T09 solar flashlight and its battery-charging solar panels offer light output hours and many different light modes.
If you’re looking for an LED flashlight that will keep you covered for hours at a time. Combine this with a reasonable price; this LED light is your best flashlight.
Pros
Variety of convenient working modes
The light shines for hundreds of feet
The solar panel is long-lasting, up to 30 years
Cons
Build quality could be improved; some parts feel loose
This flashlight boasts a very low dependency on mains electric power supply. The Hand Crank Solar Powered Flashlight is a handy tool in case of emergencies.
It can be charged using the hand crank or solar panel, so it should be beneficial in some of the most challenging situations.
What’s even more impressive about this flashlight is its efficiency. You would think it would take much cranking to power the lights. But then, you only need about a minute of that to get around 5 to 8 minutes of lighting.
The solar charging is similarly impressive. You should get a full charge in around 6 to 8 hours of exposure to moderate or intense sunlight. A full charge should last up to 4-5 hours.
Our Verdict
This flashlight is famed for its bright lights. When we used it, the illumination spanned lengths over 100 ft. So, we know for sure the lights travel far.
We particularly loved the compact design. Then, the clip at the base of the flashlight and the 0.19 pounds of weight make for easy storage. So, this is a strong contender if you ever need something you can readily carry around without being burdened.
Overall, the Hand Crank Solar Powered Flashlight is quality, no doubt. While being independent of mains electricity is a nice touch, we would have preferred that option still exist. At least, that would have offered a faster charging option than the other two.
An all-in-one emergency flashlight tool with everything you could need when disaster strikes. The FosPower Emergency Solar includes a solar flashlight and hand-crank radio, complete with a power bank to charge your other devices.
It features two light sources, a 4 LED reading light, and a simple 1W emergency flashlight to ensure adequately dispelled darkness.
The hand crank is here, so you never run out of power because you can generate your own. However, if you want something ready, the radio takes AAA batteries, and the device can be fully charged via solar.
The light is bright enough to do the job in emergencies, but if you rely on the hand crank to generate power, be aware you might have to put some effort into it, as it runs 130-150 RPM per minute.
Our Verdict
Other products like the RunningSnail Solar Crank also include radios built into their flashlights, and the FosPower light stands out by providing many options for keeping the device on, and the light is bright as well. If you’re ever in need of an emergency flashlight, then this product is perfect for you.
On top of the hand-cranking and solar panel combo, this flashlight also has built-in USB charging capabilities. The USB charging allows you to keep your phone running by simply cranking the crank solar power flashlight. Increase your battery life by up to 4 hours or more with the USB charging capabilities.
Huge power. Tiny design. One of the best solar-powered rechargeable flashlight options. This flashlight (with an attention-grabbing name) features two primary methods of power: solar and solar hand crank.
With these options, no batteries are needed for the ThorFire Solar Flashlight. The solar hand crank can generate over an hour of power after just one minute of turning, and the solar panel is equipped with high-quality LED bulbs to ensure that you’ll have a shining bright light whenever you need it.
This flashlight is best used on camping trips, outdoor excursions, and road trips, and it is compact enough to fit into most gear.
This tool is convenient to keep on your person, and the long-lasting battery life means you can store it away for future use. It comes in at only around 6 ounces, compared to other flashlights like the NPET at approximately 10 ounces, so it has the perk of being incredibly lightweight despite cramming so many features into the torch.
Our Verdict
From the rechargeable LED lights, which can reach up to 160 lumens, to the insane power bank available on this solar torch, you’re certainly getting quite the bang for your buck.
With their money-back guarantee, you’re running no risk with this portable solar-powered flashlight.
The ThorFire Solar Flashlight offers hours of use and a run time. This light source comes with many modes and provides an incredible light output for such a small device. This product makes solar charging simple and reduces the time between uses.
If you need a super bright flashlight, look no further than the 3000LM Rechargeable LED Flashlight. With a luminous intensity of 3000 lumens, this flashlight blows every other one we reviewed out of the water. It goes without saying, but you can probably tell how bright this flashlight would be going by its size.
Of course, being that big, this may not be your ideal portable solar flashlight. But if portability isn’t your defining feature, you should consider it.
In our trials, this rechargeable LED flashlight traveled over 900 ft – more than any others. So, when we say it is the brightest, take our word for it.
As expected, you can charge this device with solar power. Getting a full charge in moderate sunlight could take up to 10 hours. Of course, that charging time could be faster. But we reckon it is okay, considering the battery size.
The flashlight comes with 3 inbuilt 1500 mAh batteries. So, in total, you’ll be charging 4500 mAh. This is why we think the solar charging time is still fair.
Besides solar charging, you can charge the flashlight with a USB cable. It takes just around 4 hours when you use this option. Interestingly, you can also charge your mobile devices with a flashlight. So, when it isn’t getting charged, it could be charged.
When charging this device, you can monitor the charging process. The three indicator LEDs tell you how much charge the battery has gotten. So, you never have to rely on arbitrary signs.
The flashlight is not a one-trick pony. It runs in about 6 lighting modes, including a red flashlight, which can come in handy when warning people of potential danger.
Our Verdict
This device is excellent. From the durable build to the bright lights, functionality, ease of use, and long lighting times, it just packs a lot of quality.
It might not be portable, but the handle makes it somewhat easy to carry around.
This flashlight is a versatile tool to light your way; it features a solar battery that keeps it charged in daylight and a handful of helpful survival tools like a cutter, compass, magnet, and window breaker.
The flashlight is a bright 380 lumens, making it a reliable light source for which you could find many uses when in action. The range of light is expected to reach over 200 meters away, ensuring that if you are ever lost, someone far enough away will be able to see you.
The included magnet can have various uses, like attaching another flashlight or mounting it to a metal surface.
Users have noted that the light is super bright, and the battery is sufficiently long-lasting. Having something that doesn’t require batteries makes it a great addition to any survival kit, and if you are planning on going camping, this item is as essential as it can be.
When you look at all they included in this tool, it will be easy to see why users don’t go without it.
Our Verdict
Compared to other devices, the XREXS features more packed options that can be handy when you need immediate light rather than something you can turn on with a hand crank, like the RunningSnail Solar Crank.
The included USB cable makes this one of, if not the best, LED flashlight options available. This solar flashlight offers a built-in solar panel with up to 150 lumens of power.
This light source has many modes, including a low beam when needed. This waterproof flashlight is an incredible product that makes camping easy.
Pros
Versatile kit with many features
A good battery that doesn’t compromise bright light
Sturdy and drop-resistant
Cons
No instructions included
Some users have reported charging issues.
7. Portable Solar Power Station with Flashlight and 3 Lighting Bulbs
The resources of the Portable Solar Power Station with Flashlight and 3 Lighting Bulbs are surely the icing on the cake for us.
You probably wouldn’t need anything else when you have a solar flashlight with a USB cable for various mobile ports, an AC to DC adapter, 3 DC LED light bulbs, and a detachable solar panel.
But away from the resources, all 3 lighting sets on this solar flashlight are pretty bright. Of course, their brightness varies, but you’ll get sufficient illumination with even the light with the lowest brightness (the circular flashlight panel).
The 4500 mAh battery capacity of this device is undoubtedly impressive. It is even one of the largest among the lights we reviewed. With such a large battery, it is no wonder that the flashlight can power the 3 DC LED light bulbs simultaneously for up to 10 hours. Then, the other light sources can run for up to 30 hours when the flashlight is fully charged.
Of course, being a solar flashlight, you can charge this product with a solar panel. It takes around 8 to 10 hours on a regular day. But with the AC to DC adapter, charging time is shorter by half. 3 LED indicators on the flashlight show how much charge the battery has taken in. This way, it is easy to know the battery’s charge status.
Then you can also charge your mobile devices with this device. This is where the USB cable with multiple ports comes in handy.
Still, on how much resources this product offers, it has an FM radio and an MP3 player that supports USB and MMC cards. With these, you can keep yourself entertained while outdoors. The MP3 player would be pretty useful in places without radio signal reception.
Our Verdict
This solar flashlight is like a camping hub. It features many basic electronic needs for outdoor camping.
So, you will surely find it helpful in one way or another. It is easy to use, durable, and versatile. We highly recommend it, like many other buyers.
Pros
Features a multiport USB cable
The lights are pretty bright.
You get 3 sets of lights, each with a different brightness level.
Another versatile solar flashlight and radio combo is a worthy addition to your emergency supply kit. The RunningSnail Solar Crank features a fully functional AM/FM NOAA weather radio and hand crank, so if your power’s out amid extreme weather, you’ll be up to date with your local and national stations.
There’s also an SOS and panic alarms with a 2000 mAh rechargeable battery.
As for the light itself, the solar panel will keep the light charged and ready to go whenever you need power. Compared to other devices, this product manages to pack a lot of features into a tinier package.
The whole thing comes at around 10 ounces and can easily be taken for handheld use on the go. You won’t believe how small it is until you hold one.
Fans of the device have commended the clever use and included options. Thanks to that, this flashlight has managed to stay ahead of competitor lights for those needing clear sound and a secure resource in emergencies with general use features.
Our Verdict
With the crank on one side of the flashlight and the built-in solar panel on the other, this tactical flashlight is the perfect LED flashlight for any emergency.
The USB cable provides solar energy to your phone when needed, and the battery will last at least 4 hours after you charge the battery. Bright lumens from the 3 LED bulbs built-in keep you camping even when on a low beam.
Pros
The radio is high quality and well-built
Lots of power options
Light can be very bright
Cons
Battery life could be better
Hand Crank isn’t in a very ergonomic location.
And the Winner Is…
The product that we have selected as our favorite solar flashlight is…
The FosPower Emergency Solar flashlight offers hours of charge and plenty of energy, all for an affordable and fair price. With many different light modes, this flashlight keeps your campsite lit long into the night.
It’s an all-in-one package with a solar-powered battery that can receive charge through the hand crank. Even if we extended our list to the top 10 solar flashlight devices, this would still win.
This product has a charge, many modes, and energy preservation. This product certainly took our top place with lumens that keep you lit all the time, the energy easily restored through charge, and different lighting modes for different situations.
If you’re looking for a flashlight with many different lighting modes, plenty of energy storage lasts for a long time and offers plenty of lumens for ample coverage on the darkest nights. The FosPower Emergency Solar flashlight is the perfect product for you. All for an affordable price, this flashlight will charge fast and last long. It is easily the best flashlight on our list.
How to Pick a Solar-Powered Rechargeable Flashlight
Now that you’ve seen some examples of high solar-powered flashlights on the market, you might wonder how to choose the right one.
There are a few specific features you should look out for when making your decision, and thankfully, most of these are easy to ascertain, so you can tell at a glance whether the flashlight you’re looking for will meet your needs.
We considered a few features when shopping for solar flashlights before selecting an LED flashlight for the list. These are some of the most essential features a flashlight can have.
If you’re in an emergency, light is important. You’ll want a strong solar power bank that offers hours of use. Power outages happen often, so having an emergency flashlight with many different lighting modes will be handy.
Remember that a tactical flashlight running on solar power will be useful in the woods in an emergency.
A water-resistant, hybrid solar-powered flashlight will help illuminate the area for hours after charging. We looked for a flashlight that best uses solar power when fully charged. While camping, you’ll want a portable solar LED to keep your camp sight bright.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of important features in your solar flashlight. Minutes of light simply won’t cut it when you’re out camping. You’ll want a solar flashlight that can be fun for 4 hours to 6 hours, at least when fully charged.
Extra features like a USB cable will also come in handy on your hybrid light journey.
Different Uses
The first thing to do is ask what you’ll use it for when in action. Different kinds of solar lights are more effective, given the situation.
For example, hand crank flashlights with included radios are better for emergency storage and preparation. If you’re going on a camping trip, you probably don’t want to waste your energy turning the dial and waiting until the lights come on.
After all, those hungry bears probably won’t wait, either! In these cases, an option like the XREXS or NPET will likely serve you better. These flashlights are more equipped for pick-up-and-go scenarios, and the other included features, like the compass and cutters, will help you carry fewer tools since they’re all with you.
On the other hand, if you live in a place like Tornado Valley in Oklahoma and see a storm on the horizon, the hand crank lights are better for hunkering down since most include essential appliances, radios, and SOS alerts.
Alternatively, when the snow buckets down, you’re trying to fix a globe on our sophisticated Christmas lights display. Having a charged torch lying at the ready is very handy.
Usage
Thankfully, most flashlights have versatile uses that can be applied to various scenarios. Furthermore, they are inexpensive enough for most people to get more than one. You don’t need a whole toolbox dedicated to flashlights, but keep at least a backup or two filed away only in case it is safe.
Another thing to look out for when buying solar flashlights is ensuring you’ll get the most out of the solar functionalities. This probably won’t be a problem if you live in Texas or Arizona, where the sun shines continuously.
Still, if you’re in a primarily cloudy area like the United Kingdom, it might be wise to pay attention to those weather reports and keep your lights out to charge when you know it will be sunny. As most solar flashlights can hold their charges for several months, typically, this isn’t something you’ll have to do very often.
Charging your phone with the solar flashlight can be done via a USB cable. Good solar flashlights draw from the power bank to power your phone battery. As mentioned, the hand-cranking solar-powered charging can be the perfect combo for keeping yourself safe in an emergency.
The perfect car or tactical flashlight should the need arise in an emergency. Using these solar flashlights is simple if you keep the rechargeable battery active.
Operating Safely
How bright you want your light to be can be critical in choosing your product. At first glance, picking the most shining light you can find might make sense, but that might not always be the way to go.
Remember, staring directly into a bright flashlight can damage eyesight and even blindness if not careful. If you’re in an emergency, you’ll likely be moving the light around a lot, and if it’s too bright, it might pose a risk to those around you.
Bright lights can also get extremely hot the longer they are on. This typically isn’t a problem for flashlights since they’re small and built for holding, but it is something to watch out for regardless. Brighter lights can be more effective in many cases, but ensure you know how to handle them safely.
Most of the flashlights mentioned above have various working and brightness modes so that you can experiment with a comfortable level for you. Thankfully, the manufacturer’s guide with most flashlights includes detailed warning pages and safety guidelines.
Some solar-powered flashlights include a seat belt cutter in case of an emergency. According to the safety manual, this can be dangerous if you don’t use it. Remember that 1 minute of cranking can offer up to 6 hours of energy on some lights. Solar power can provide up to 7 hours of energy to others.
Staying safe with the product is simple, but some precautions should be taken when using a solar-powered flashlight.
The Best Place for a Solar Flashlight
A flashlight that runs on solar power would be best utilized outdoors. This lets you easily charge your lights, solar energy is always available, and your lumens will be brighter than ever.
Charge your light throughout the daytime for plenty of power at night time. A solar flashlight will use the sun to charge and offer you the lumens necessary to keep your camp lit.
When camping, having a flashlight on hand can be pretty significant. However, there’s no way to tell when the charge of a normal flashlight will run out. Solar keeps your flashlight alive with our list of lights, even when the battery runs out. Simply charge it up quickly, and you’re ready to go!
Extra features on a solar flashlight are important as well. This solar flashlight will likely be used in emergencies and should handle all situations. Features like a powerful magnet or the ability to cut through a seat belt are extras that showcase a quality emergency flashlight.
You don’t want to break the bank when shopping for solar lights, so keep the price low. Just because the price is high doesn’t mean the quality is. A solar light with a low price could be just as beneficial as one with an extreme price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the Best Solar Flashlights Better than Regular Ones?
Solar flashlights are better for efficiency and cost-cutting. When you go solar, your batteries are in the sky above your head via direct sunlight, and that’s something you don’t have to pay to keep replacing.
These LED lights can be stored for long periods without losing power; they charge relatively quickly and are typically just as bright as anything on the market. These solar LED devices can offer up to 7 hours of low-beam use for every charge.
Typically, a solar-powered flashlight has plenty of extra features designed to help in an emergency. High-quality solar-powered flashlights include at least 3 LED bulbs, can reach up to 150 lumens, can hit 160 lumens and above, and include many different light modes.
From hand cranking to solar power, these solar-powered LED lights will keep you safe long into the night with their rechargeable power bank that lasts much longer than your typical battery-powered flashlight.
Where Do These Flashlights Get the Energy?
Solar power works by converting the sun’s rays to usable electricity. This is all thanks to the small solar panels in your flashlights that collect energy from solar.
The particles of light absorbed from the sun into these panels are called photons, and they proceed to knock electrons away from atoms, letting them flow freely to create electricity. The generated electricity, in turn, powers the flashlight and keeps your bright lights going.
Along with the solar panel charge, many solar-powered flashlights can receive their charge through hand cranking. Solar energy can work wonders for your flashlight, but solar power could be useless once the sun goes down. Even when the sun goes down, the greatest solar-powered flashlight includes hand cranking for further solar power. Keep charging your battery into the knight with the best hand-crank solar-powered flashlight.
How Are These Flashlights Useful?
Anyone can use solar flashlights in helpful ways! These tools are most handy to keep around in emergencies, such as power outs or being stuck on the road at night.
They turn on quickly, typically have lots of power saved from charging in sunlight, and most include other useful functions like radios and hammers. These can also help camping trips and other outdoor activities where you know you’ll probably be out after it gets dark.
From a solar power bank offering you an emergency light in all situations to a device that can bring your phone to full charge via USB cable when power is out, any solar-powered flashlight on our list will be well worth your time. Whether your camping, hiking, or power at home went out, an LED flashlight is ready for you.
From the hand crank solar powered to the solar panel flashlight, there are hundreds of variations for you to choose from—hours upon hours of use when at full charge and the perfect fix for power outages.
If you ever need a hybrid solar-powered flashlight, it’s wise to shop today, so you don’t have to worry when the hand crank flashlight is needed.
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