How to choose the best solar lamp for emergencies
Power outages are a predictable feature of modern crises. Storms, floods and grid failures often cut electricity when it is needed most. For governments, aid agencies and households, a dependable solar lamp has become an essential part of emergency preparedness. The right lamp can provide safety, light critical spaces and keep basic communication running when the power goes out.
Yet the market is crowded with options that vary in quality and performance. Some lamps are designed for daily use in off-grid communities. Others are built for short-term power cuts. A few are engineered for harsh environments where reliability is non-negotiable.
This guide sets out the key features that matter in an emergency and explains how BRIGHT’s field-tested solar lamps meet different needs across preparedness, humanitarian response and household use.
What to look for in an emergency solar lamp
Portabilty and ease of use
In a crisis, people move between rooms, shelters and outdoor areas. A good lamp should be simple to carry, hang or mount. Compact designs work well in crowded homes and shelters where space is tight.
Brightness and light modes
Emergencies call for different types of light. High brightness helps with cooking or medical tasks. Lower settings conserve energy and support reading or navigating at night. Multiple modes give more control over how long a lamp lasts on a single charge.
Durability and weather resistance
Flooding and rain are common during hurricane and monsoon seasons. At a minimum, choose lamps with an IP64 rating to withstand dust and water splashes. A rugged housing also matters. Drops, knocks and rough handling are part of any realistic emergency scenario.
Long battery life
A reliable lamp should last through the night, even in cloudy weather. Extended runtime is vital when storms persist or when solar charging is disrupted. For planning purposes, most households need around 8 to 12 hours of general light each night.
Charging options
Solar is essential when grid power fails. USB charging adds flexibility when power returns or when vehicles and power banks are available. A lamp that can charge both its own battery and a phone can make a material difference during prolonged outages.
Shelf life and reliability
Preparedness gear may sit unused for months. Lamps with long-life battery chemistry and the ability to hold charge during storage are better suited to emergency kits.
Emergency signalling
Some models offer flashing or SOS modes. These can improve visibility for search teams and signal distress during severe weather or low-visibility events.
Why BRIGHT solar lamps fit emergency preparedness
BRIGHT lamps are designed for harsh settings and have been used in refugee camps, disaster zones and off-grid communities worldwide. They follow the same principles: long runtimes, robust construction and user-friendly design. A brief mention of sustainability and repairability is worth noting. Durable housing, simple components and replaceable batteries extend service life, reduce waste and strengthen resilience during long emergencies.
Across the range, all BRIGHT lamps offer:
- LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) batteries engineered for long lifespan
- Weatherproof construction (IP64 on most models)
- Solar and USB charging
- Long runtimes on lower modes
- Simple operation in stressful situations
The right choice depends on the scenario.
BRIGHT solar lamps for different emergency needs
Start+
A pocket-sized essential
Start+ is a compact lamp ideal for personal kits. It weighs very little, fits in any bag and delivers more than 90 hours of light on the lowest setting. It suits families who want a light for each member or for those who need an ultra-portable option with minimal storage requirements.
SunTurtle
A simple, affordable standby
SunTurtle offers basic lighting for short outages. Its long runtime on low settings makes it suitable for community distributions and simple household needs. It works well as a low-cost addition to preparedness kits.
Move
Built for mobility
Move is a versatile choice for first responders, field teams or households that require directional lighting with strong battery capacity. It combines mobility, integrated solar charging, mobile phone charging functionality, and practical light output for active tasks.
SunBell
A modular, multi-functional lamp
SunBell provides general room lighting, a task light and a detachable torch in one unit. Additionally, it also supports mobile phone charging. Its long history in humanitarian response and strong runtime make it a dependable option for households, shelters and training programmes. It suits situations where families need one lamp that can adapt to different tasks.
Sol Series (Basic, Mid, High Capacity)
High-performance lighting for demanding conditions
The Sol range offers some of the longest runtimes in its class, in addition to mobile phone charging functionality.
- Sol Basic: Reliable light for everyday needs with extended runtime. A strong entry-level choice for households and preparedness programmes.
- Sol Mid: A balanced option that meets most emergency needs. Higher brightness, long runtime and stronger charging capacity make it the preferred all-round model for households preparing for storms or long outages.
- Sol High: High-capacity lighting suited to community shelters, multi-family spaces or situations where extended independence from the grid is required. Its long runtime supports several days of light without recharging.
Quick guide: Choosing the right solar lamp
Quick guide: Choosing the right solar lamp
For most households:
Sol Mid - strong output, long runtime, dependable charging.
For long, repeated outages or shared spaces:
Sol High - extended runtime and high-capacity performance.
For personal emergency kits or go-bags:
Start+ - lightweight and pocket-sized with long endurance.
For mobility during response operations:
Move - practical, directional light for active tasks.
For a versatile solar lamp that does everything:
SunBell - room light, task light and torch in one modular system.
For low-cost mass distribution:
SunTurtle - simple, reliable and effective.
The case for being prepared
Choosing the right lamp is a balance of durability, energy capacity and flexibility. With storms and outages growing more frequent, reliable solar lighting has become part of the basic toolkit for households and agencies alike. BRIGHT’s lamps combine long-term reliability, practical features and field-tested durability. Whether for a family preparing for the next blackout or for an organisation managing emergency stockpiles, the right lamp can bring safety, comfort and resilience when it matters most.
Need lighting for emergency stockpiles or response kits? Speak to our team for support on the right solar lamps for your programme.