How to choose the best solar lamp for emergencies

Having a reliable solar-powered emergency light can mean the difference between safety and vulnerability. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Some lamps perform better as task lights, others excel at lighting up spaces, while others balance light provision with power bank capabilities. To select the best solar emergency light, it is important to evaluate the key features that make a solar lantern suitable for emergency preparedness.

Key features to consider in a solar emergency light

Portabilty and ease of use

The ideal solar lamp for an emergency kit is compact, lightweight and easy to carry. Look for designs with integrated handles or hooks for hands free use in tents or shelters. These small details can make a big difference when space is tight, or conditions are rough.

Adjustable brightness settings

Different scenarios call for different lighting. Whether you need soft light for reading or bright light for cooking, adjustable brightness settings help conserve battery life while meeting your needs. Lamps with multiple brightness modes allow you to adjust lumen output, preserving energy when full brightness is not necessary.

You might want to consider having more than one lamp for various use cases. Some emergency management agencies like FEMA, advise having a lamp or flashlight for every family member. Depending on the use case and scenarios you will be planning for, whether you need a general light, or one for reading and other tasks, you will need to consider the brightness or lumen output of the solar lamps and think about the desired colour temperature, how warm or cool you want the lamp to be.

Durability and weatherproofness

Look for durable and rugged solar lamps with reinforced frames, shatterproof lenses, and a shockproof design. A durable lamp is more likely to survive being dropped or jostled during emergencies. Durable materials like ABS plastic and silicone seals offer extra protection.

With flooding a big concern during hurricane or monsoon season, a weatherproof solar lamp for emergency preparedness is essential. A minimum of IP64 rating ensures protection from dust and water splashes, guaranteeing reliability in harsh conditions like storms, floods or outdoor use.

Long battery life

A high-quality solar-powered emergency light should last through the night on a full charge. Aim for models offering at least 15 hours of light at medium brightness or longer if used on energy-saving modes. This ensures that you are not left in the dark if persistent cloudy weather delays solar charging.

For reference, the typical hours of use for a night light in a home are about 12-hours while most people average between 8 to 9 hours between dusk and dawn. For general lighting, usage ranges between 1 to 3 hours per room per day, although this is not always continuous or at high intensity. Choosing a solar lamp which provides at least two nights worth of run time on the lowest brightness setting would be a good starting point.

Device charging capability

Keeping your mobile phone charged during an emergency is crucial. Choosing a solar emergency light with USB output to recharge mobile phones, ensures access to important information like emergency alerts and warnings during power outages.

Some high-quality solar lamps offer dual charging, enabling you to charge the lamp’s battery and your phone simultaneously. However, it is worth noting that charging a phone with your solar lamp will typically reduce the lamp’s run time, and dual charging may extend overall charging time.

Efficient, fast charging solar panel

Ensure the solar panel is efficient and charges the battery quickly in full sun. Some lamps charge fully in 6 – 8 hours of sunlight, which is optimal for day-to-night readiness.

If relying heavily on solar charging, detachable or expandable solar panels can improve performance. Consider lightweight panels or solar lamps with built-in solar panels that offer higher wattage for faster charging.

Multilple charging options

Choose a solar lamp that also support grid charging via USB port. This redundancy ensures that you are covered during overcast conditions or long-term outages. Multi-source charging increases reliability in unpredictable scenarios.

Shelf life and reliability

Emergency gear is often stored for months or years. Select solar lamps that retain charge during storage and remain functional when needed. A good emergency lamp should have a long shelf life and be ready to use at any moment.

Emergency or SOS beacon functionality

Some solar lamps offer SOS, strobe, or flashing light modes. In times of distress, this increase your visibility to rescuers, especially at night, in low-visibility situations, and can be vital for signalling during disasters.

The BRIGHT choice

BRIGHT offers a lineup of dependable field-tested solar lamps engineered specifically for durability, usability, and versatility making them the ideal choice for use in emergencies, and in diverse off-grid environments.