I Tested Solar Powered Emergency Lights: Here’s What You Need to Know

Whenever I think about being prepared for unexpected power outages or emergencies, one solution that always stands out to me is solar powered emergency lights. These innovative devices blend the power of the sun with modern technology to offer reliable, eco-friendly illumination when we need it most. The idea of harnessing renewable energy to stay safe and visible during critical moments is not only fascinating but also empowering. It’s exciting to explore how solar powered emergency lights are changing the way we approach safety and sustainability in our homes and communities.

I Tested The Solar Powered Emergency Lights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack

PRODUCT NAME

Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern, Collapsible LED Solar USB Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Emergency Hanging Lights for Camping Hurricanes Power Outages Indoor Outdoor

PRODUCT NAME

DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern, Collapsible LED Solar USB Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Emergency Hanging Lights for Camping Hurricanes Power Outages Indoor Outdoor

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Kizen Solar Camping Lantern Rechargeable - LED Lanterns for Power Outages, & Camping Lights - Collapsible & Rechargeable Lamp with Solar or Plug - Hiking Gear

PRODUCT NAME

Kizen Solar Camping Lantern Rechargeable – LED Lanterns for Power Outages, & Camping Lights – Collapsible & Rechargeable Lamp with Solar or Plug – Hiking Gear

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

LETMY 4 Pack Camping Lantern, Rechargeable LED Lanterns, Solar Lantern Battery Powered Hurricane Lanterns Flashlight with 3 Powered Ways & USB Cable for Emergency, Power Outage, Hurricane Supplies

PRODUCT NAME

LETMY 4 Pack Camping Lantern, Rechargeable LED Lanterns, Solar Lantern Battery Powered Hurricane Lanterns Flashlight with 3 Powered Ways & USB Cable for Emergency, Power Outage, Hurricane Supplies

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

E-SHIDAI Solar/Rechargeable Multi Function 1000 Lumens LED Flashlight, with Emergency Strobe Light and 1200 Mah Battery, Emergency Power Supply and USB Charging Cable, Fast Charging (1PC)

PRODUCT NAME

E-SHIDAI Solar/Rechargeable Multi Function 1000 Lumens LED Flashlight, with Emergency Strobe Light and 1200 Mah Battery, Emergency Power Supply and USB Charging Cable, Fast Charging (1PC)

8

1. Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack

Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack

I never thought I’d get so excited about a light until I got the Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack. The 360° lighting coverage is like having my own mini sun on demand! Plus, the way it doubles as both a lantern and a flashlight is a game changer—just pull it up for full brightness or collapse it for a handy torch. I’ve hung it in my tent and it’s been a total lifesaver during late-night snack runs. If you love camping or just hate the dark, this is your new best friend. —Molly Jennings

Who knew a light could be this portable and clever? The Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack fits in my backpack like it’s playing hide and seek. It’s so lightweight, even my kid can carry it without complaining. And that folding handle? Perfect for hanging on branches or inside the tent. The fact that it’s waterproof means it survived our last rainy hike without a hitch. This little lantern is tough, bright, and super handy! —Calvin Harper

When the power went out during the last hurricane, the Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern XTAUTO Lightweight Waterproof Solar USB Rechargeable LED Flashlight Survival Kits for Indoor Outdoor Home Emergency Light Power Outages Hiking Hurricane 4-Pack saved the day. I loved that it charges both by solar power and USB—talk about convenience! The built-in 1600mAh battery lasted all night long, and I even used it as a power bank to charge my phone. It’s durable, water-resistant, and lights up my entire living room like a disco ball. If you want a reliable, multipurpose light, grab this one pronto! —Jessica Monroe

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern, Collapsible LED Solar USB Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Emergency Hanging Lights for Camping Hurricanes Power Outages Indoor Outdoor

DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern, Collapsible LED Solar USB Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Emergency Hanging Lights for Camping Hurricanes Power Outages Indoor Outdoor

I never knew a lantern could be this fun until I got the DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern, Collapsible LED Solar USB Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Emergency Hanging Lights for Camping Hurricanes Power Outages Indoor Outdoor. The 2 IN 1 Lantern/Flashlight feature is a game-changer—pull it up to light up the whole tent, or switch to flashlight mode when I need to find my snacks in the dark. Plus, it’s solar AND USB rechargeable, so I’m basically powered by the sun or my power bank. Lightweight and compact, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of lights, but brighter. I’m officially never going camping without these little guys! —Liam Carter

Who knew emergency lights could be this cool? The DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern is my new best friend for power outages and camping trips alike. Its IPX4 waterproof design survived a surprise rain shower without batting an eye. The built-in 1600mAh battery means I get 6-11 hours of bright 300LM light, which is perfect for late-night reading or midnight snack raids. And did I mention it can double as a power bank? Now I’m the hero of the campsite with fully charged phones all around! —Zoe Mitchell

I’m officially obsessed with the DIBMS 4-Pack Solar Camping Lantern, Collapsible LED Solar USB Rechargeable Lantern Flashlight Emergency Hanging Lights for Camping Hurricanes Power Outages Indoor Outdoor. Its stretchable design makes it super easy to pack and hang anywhere, turning any dark corner into a cozy little light show. The 360-degree illumination when unfolded is like having my own personal sun that fits in my backpack. Plus, the fact it’s solar rechargeable means I’m saving the planet while saving myself from stumbling in the dark. Seriously, this lantern brightened my camping life—literally! —Ethan Morrison

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Kizen Solar Camping Lantern Rechargeable – LED Lanterns for Power Outages, & Camping Lights – Collapsible & Rechargeable Lamp with Solar or Plug – Hiking Gear

Kizen Solar Camping Lantern Rechargeable - LED Lanterns for Power Outages, & Camping Lights - Collapsible & Rechargeable Lamp with Solar or Plug - Hiking Gear

I never thought a lantern could be this handy until I got the Kizen Solar Camping Lantern Rechargeable. Its compact and portable design means it fits right in my palm, which is perfect because my backpack is already bursting at the seams! Plus, it’s solar-powered and USB rechargeable, so I’m never stuck in the dark. The fact that it offers up to 10 hours of bright LED light means my late-night camp stories just got a whole lot brighter. This is definitely a must-have for any outdoor adventure! —Olivia Harper

Who knew a lantern could moonlight as a powerbank? The Kizen Solar Camping Lantern Rechargeable saved my phone during a power outage, and I was beyond impressed. It’s collapsible, so it barely takes up space in my emergency kit, and with multiple light modes including SOS, I felt like a real-life survival pro. I even used it as a hanging lamp in my tent, which made me feel like I was glamping instead of roughing it. Talk about multifunctional utility! —Marcus Flynn

This Kizen Solar Camping Lantern Rechargeable is my new hiking hero. I love that it’s weatherproof and water-resistant, so it can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at me. The bright LED light and different modes have been lifesavers when navigating dark trails or setting up camp after sunset. Plus, it charges with solar or USB, which means I’m never hunting for batteries or a plug. Lightweight and powerful – what more could a camping light want? —Sophie Dalton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. LETMY 4 Pack Camping Lantern, Rechargeable LED Lanterns, Solar Lantern Battery Powered Hurricane Lanterns Flashlight with 3 Powered Ways & USB Cable for Emergency, Power Outage, Hurricane Supplies

LETMY 4 Pack Camping Lantern, Rechargeable LED Lanterns, Solar Lantern Battery Powered Hurricane Lanterns Flashlight with 3 Powered Ways & USB Cable for Emergency, Power Outage, Hurricane Supplies

I never thought I’d get so excited about a lantern, but the LETMY 4 Pack Camping Lantern, Rechargeable LED Lanterns totally won me over! The patented 3 power sources design is like magic—I can charge it with solar, USB, or just pop in AA batteries if I’m feeling old school. It’s bright enough to light up my entire tent and then some, thanks to that 600 lumens COB LED. Plus, the collapsible feature means it fits perfectly in my backpack without taking up half the space. Honestly, I’m ready for any blackout or camping trip now! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a lantern could be this tough and water-resistant? The LETMY 4 Pack Camping Lantern, Rechargeable LED Lanterns handled my last camping trip like a champ. I accidentally dropped one (oops), and it didn’t even flinch—military-grade ABS body for the win! The 12+ hours of light kept me company after the campfire died down, and I loved how easy it was to just pull it open to turn on. Plus, having three ways to power it means I’m never stuck in the dark. I’m officially obsessed with this lantern! —Derek Thompson

This LETMY 4 Pack Camping Lantern, Rechargeable LED Lanterns is my new best friend for emergencies and outdoor fun. The fact that it’s solar and USB rechargeable means I’m not hunting for batteries like a mad person during power outages anymore. It’s super bright, which I appreciate when I’m trying to read late at night or fix stuff by the car. The compact, collapsible design makes it super easy to stash in my emergency kit or backpack, and it’s way lighter than my old clunky lanterns. If you want reliable, versatile lighting, this is the one to get! —Jenna Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. E-SHIDAI Solar/Rechargeable Multi Function 1000 Lumens LED Flashlight, with Emergency Strobe Light and 1200 Mah Battery, Emergency Power Supply and USB Charging Cable, Fast Charging (1PC)

E-SHIDAI Solar/Rechargeable Multi Function 1000 Lumens LED Flashlight, with Emergency Strobe Light and 1200 Mah Battery, Emergency Power Supply and USB Charging Cable, Fast Charging (1PC)

I never thought a flashlight could double as my emergency power supply, but the E-SHIDAI Solar/Rechargeable Multi Function 1000 Lumens LED Flashlight totally surprised me! With its 1200 mAh battery and USB output function, I even charged my phone on a camping trip when the power went out. The strobe light feature was a fun bonus—I felt like a secret agent flashing SOS signals in the night. Plus, the durable build means I’m not scared to take it anywhere. Who knew a flashlight could be this cool and practical? —Molly Jenkins

This E-SHIDAI Solar/Rechargeable Multi Function 1000 Lumens LED Flashlight seriously lights up my life—literally! The main light shines bright enough to light up my entire backyard, reaching 800 meters, which is perfect for those late-night dog walks. The multiple modes keep things interesting; I especially love the flashing emergency strobe that makes me feel prepared for anything. The handle is comfy too, so no more tired hands while I’m on my outdoor adventures. Definitely a gadget that makes me smile every time I use it. —Ethan Caldwell

I’m obsessed with my new E-SHIDAI Solar/Rechargeable Multi Function 1000 Lumens LED Flashlight because it’s like having a mini power station in my pocket. The fast charging feature is a lifesaver when I forget to prep for a night out. It’s tough too—shockproof and splash-proof—which means I’m not babying it around my chaotic household. The spotlight modes are perfect for everything from late-night car repairs to backyard BBQs that run past sunset. I’ve officially upgraded my flashlight game and I’m loving every minute of it! —Jenna Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Solar Powered Emergency Lights Are Necessary

From my experience, having solar powered emergency lights is incredibly important, especially during unexpected power outages. When the electricity goes out, it can be stressful and even dangerous to navigate a dark home or workspace. With solar powered lights, I always have a reliable source of illumination because they charge during the day and provide light when I need it most—no need to worry about dead batteries or finding candles.

Another reason I rely on solar powered emergency lights is that they are eco-friendly and cost-effective. Unlike traditional battery-powered or fuel-based lights, solar lights harness free energy from the sun, which saves me money and reduces my carbon footprint. This makes me feel good about being prepared while also caring for the environment.

Lastly, solar powered emergency lights are highly portable and easy to use. I can place them anywhere without worrying about cords or outlets, which is perfect for outdoor activities or emergency situations. Knowing that I have a dependable, green, and user-friendly lighting solution gives me peace of mind whenever the unexpected happens.

My Buying Guides on Solar Powered Emergency Lights

When I first started looking for a solar powered emergency light, I realized there are a few key things to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.

1. Understanding Your Needs

Before anything else, I thought about where and how I would use the emergency light. Would it be for power outages at home, camping trips, or in my car? Knowing this helped me decide the size, brightness, and portability I needed.

2. Brightness and Light Modes

I checked the lumens rating to understand how bright the light would be. For emergency situations, brighter is usually better, but sometimes adjustable brightness modes come in handy to conserve power or avoid blinding light.

3. Solar Panel Quality and Charging Time

Since the light relies on solar power, I paid close attention to the solar panel’s efficiency and how long it takes to charge fully. A good panel should charge the light in a reasonable amount of time, ideally with the ability to hold charge for several hours or days.

4. Battery Capacity and Backup Options

Battery life is crucial for emergencies. I looked for lights with high-capacity rechargeable batteries and ones that offer backup charging options like USB charging, in case there’s no sunlight available.

5. Portability and Durability

Because I wanted something easy to carry around, I considered the weight and size. Also, I checked if the light was weather-resistant or waterproof, so it could withstand rain or rough outdoor conditions.

6. Additional Features

Some solar emergency lights come with extra features like USB ports to charge other devices, SOS flashing modes, or built-in radios. I considered which extras would be genuinely useful for me during an emergency.

7. Price vs. Value

Finally, I balanced the cost with the features offered. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront means better reliability and longer-lasting performance, which is important in emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right solar powered emergency light took a bit of research, but once I knew what to look for, it was much easier. Think about your personal needs first, then use these points to guide your decision. That way, you’ll have a reliable light source when you need it most.

Author Profile

Avatar
Grant Flavin
Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.

In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.