5 Best Solar Lanterns 2024
Solar lanterns provide a clean and renewable source of light, allowing us to benefit from the natural energy of the sun. This article will explore what solar lanterns are, how they work, and why they are becoming increasingly popular. Solar lanterns are a great way to reduce our carbon footprint by replacing traditional forms of lighting with eco-friendly alternatives.
Solar Lanterns are such a versatile source of light, they can be used to illuminate your garden, patio and balcony, they are portable and small enough that they can be taken on camping trips, packed into panniers whilst cycle touring on your e-bike, they can be stored in the corner of you RV. If you want to save the batteries in your off grid home, then these lanterns are the obvious choice.
Offering numerous advantages including portability, affordability, and sustainability, solar lanterns are becoming a powerful tool for promoting economic development, alleviating poverty and improving health outcomes.
Best Overall
LETRY Outdoor Table Lantern
Best Camping
LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lantern
Best Garden
BRIMMEL Solar Landscape
How do Solar Lanterns Work?
Solar lanterns are a great way to light up an outdoor space without relying on electricity. This type of lighting is powered by the photovoltaic effect, in which solar cells, convert sunlight into electrical energy that can be stored in the lanterns battery and used as needed.
Solar lanterns work by harnessing this energy through solar panels, normally placed on the top of a solar lantern, which absorb the sun’s rays and use them to charge the internal battery. This battery then powers the lights when they are switched on.
The amount of light produced depends on how long it has been exposed to sunlight – meaning that if you want more light, you will need to charge your lantern for longer periods of time throughout the day.
Factors to consider when Choosing a Solar Lantern
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a Solar Lantern, namely brightness, measured in Lumens, Charge time, Battery life, portability and of course what you plan to use your lanterns for, as this will determine the type of lantern you choose.
Brightness
Brightness is the key factor when choosing a solar lantern, as it determines how much illumination you need for your particular project. The brightness of a solar lantern is measured in lumens, which tells you how much visible light it emits.
Consider the different modes available and how they affect the total brightness produced. Some models offer multiple settings with varying brightness levels, allowing you to choose just the right amount of illumination for each task.
You can also find solar lanterns designed specifically for camping or emergency situations that offer high-lumen outputs to ensure proper visibility in all conditions.
Charge Time
The size and capacity of the battery in the solar lantern, as well as how much sunlight is available each day will determine how quickly the battery can be charged.
Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from eight to sixteen hours for a solar lantern to fully charge its battery, and this range is typical of the solar lanterns in this article.
Many lanterns have a USB, enabling you to charge the solar lantern up ready for your trip, you just need to ensure you use the solar feature to keep it charge whilst away.
How do you plan to use your Solar Lantern?
You are not going to use an inflatable solar lantern on a patio, well you could do, but if you intend it to be decorative as well as functional, then you will choose a lantern that meets these criteria, same as you would not choose a 12″ lantern if you are going cycle touring or camping, its just not practical.
If the lantern is to be a permanent feature outside, or will be used whilst on camping, cycling or fishing trips, or any outdoor activity for that matter, then a lantern that gives some measure of weather protection such as being waterproof should be taken into consideration.
Product List
This article gives you a choice of different types of solar lantern to meet your needs.
LETRY Outdoor Table Lantern/Lamp
This Solar Lantern is a great all rounder, because of its size 5.3×5.3×7.4ins, and carrying handle this lightweight and portable lantern can be used for camping, reading, walking, hanging on a patio wall or table mounted.
With variable lighting modes, the low light can last for up to 60 hours and when on maximum setting, 5-6 hours.
LuminAID Solar Inflatable Lanterns
An inflatable solar lantern which is waterproof and durable, perfect for camping or fishing trips, cycle touring or as an emergency light.
Lightweight, inflatable, collapsible, waterproof (IP67), shatterproof, and dustproof.
It is collapsible and will fit perfectly into a rucksack or panniers when cycle touring, can be used as an emergency light in an RV, packing nicely into a small space.
BRIMMEL Outdoor Solar Landscape Floor Lantern/Lamp
A perfect addition to your garden, this solar lantern will illuminate and show off key features in your garden, or use to illuminate a path.
These 600 lumen solar lanterns are ideal for long term outdoor use as they are made with sturdy aluminium and are waterproof and can work for up to 10 hours at night on a full battery in the summer.
Tom Care Solar Lights Flickering Flame Metal Solar Lantern
Pack of 2 Quality Retro looking solar powered lanterns with flickering flames to give a feeling of warmth, great for the patio of your home or off grid cabin.
Made from high quality metal which has been given a rust proof finish.
Waterproof to IP65 standard so will withstand all the elements have to throw at it.
GIGALUMI 8 Pack Solar Hanging Lantern
This solar lantern, which comes in a pack of 8, are perfect for mood lighting in your home, garden, patio or balcony.
These lanterns come with stakes that can be attached and inserted into your lawn or soil, or using the handle, can be hung on your patio or balcony or instead placed on level surfaces.
They solar lanterns can also be hung inside a tent or an umbrella.
Light and durable, these lantern are also waterproof.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best solar lanterns can provide sustainable light sources for many applications, from outdoor life to home living. With so many different types available, it’s easy to find the perfect lantern for your needs and environment. Whether you want a rugged and portable lantern for camping or one that fits in with your patio or balcony aesthetica, there’s something out there for everyone.
Investing in a solar powered lantern is a great way to reduce energy costs, they are convenient and efficient while simultaneously helping the environment.
