A popular phrase about devices using solar power is that theyre plugged into the sun. Thats pretty close to the truth with a solar-powered LED flashlight: a small solar panel collects the suns energy, then charges the flashlight battery when you plug in. A typical solar panel in this case differs a bit from those you may have seen on the roofs of houses. LED solar flashlights often come equipped with a solar panel measuring about 3 x 5 or less, weighing only about 3 to 5 ounces.
The Practicality of Solar
An average of 7 hours of bright sunlight will charge the flashlight battery, generating enough power for about 12 hours use at full brightness level. Some manufacturers of smaller flashlights or headlamps claim room light will also charge the solar panel. Dimming the flashlight to half brightness could allow up to 24 hours of use before recharging is needed. So, on a camping trip with lots of night hiking or spelunking for example, the solar charger would have to be brought along. Usually however, that same solar charger could pull its weight by charging other electronic items, with the proper USB or phone adaptor.
LED Flashlights are Superior
LED´s are a big improvement over traditional incandescent flashlight bulbs. Solid state construction makes LED´s highly durable. With no filament to heat up or burn out and no glass vacuum casing needed, LED bulbs are much smaller and almost unbreakable, lasting effectively forever. Highly resistant to vibration and shock, LED flashlights are very efficient in producing light and are cheaper to own in the long run, requiring less battery replacement. Many models will function in either hot or cold environments and waterproof models that float are available for even more durability.
The Solar Difference
Solar power is produced when photovoltaic cells capture sunlight and convert it to electrical energy. LED solar flashlights add one more big advantage to the already pretty amazing LED flashlight, no batteries to keep track of, change and purchase over time. This is one step more environmentally friendly than the regular LED flashlight, with zero used batteries to dispose of (Hybrids are available with a back up lithium battery to make sure you are never left in the dark). The cost of the solar LED flashlight, including the solar charger in most cases, is comparable to regular LED flashlights.
A Convenient Power Source
The solar LED flashlights arent very bulky and can be taken almost anywhere. The one downside may be in regards to carrying around the solar charger but many new models have the solar panels on the actual flashlight. For those who would like even greater assurance that light is available when and wherever needed, it is possible to opt for the LED solar flashlights that also contain a crank handle. In these circumstances a minute of winding generally results in an hour of light. All in all when looking for the next flashlight, why not go off the grid and get a solar powered LED flashlight?
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