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Solar

5 Best Solar Lanterns For Your Outdoor Adventures

JG Wall
5 Mins read

Last updated on December 24th, 2022 at 01:41 am

We all know there is something about solar lanterns that makes a patio inviting. Maybe it’s the warm, soft light they emit or the fact that they’re powered by the sun. Solar lanterns are a great way to add ambiance to your outdoor space.

But solar lanterns are more than just a pretty face. They have some serious benefits that make them a superb choice for camping, hiking or hanging out on the patio.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into some of the top benefits of traditional lanterns. We’ll also share our top picks for all the lanterns that meet our specifications.

How to choose the best solar lantern for your patio

One of the most important factors to consider is the size of the lantern. If you have a large patio, you’ll need a lantern that is big enough to provide adequate light coverage. If you have a small space, you can get away with a smaller lantern. Another consideration is the type of bulb used. LED bulbs are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs so they will save you money in the long run. Finally, could you buy a lantern that is weatherproof and durable? After all, it will spend its time outdoors! With these factors in mind, you should have no trouble finding the perfect light.

Types of lanterns

There are many lanterns on the market, each with distinct advantages. For example, they design a collapsible solar lantern to be lightweight and portable, making them ideal for camping or hiking trips. Others are more durable and withstand being dropped or bumped without breaking. Others manufacture bright, even LED light, making them ideal for reading or working in lit areas. With so many options available, it’s important to choose the right solar powered lantern for your needs. With a little research, you can find the perfect lantern to light up your life.

How Do The Best Solar Lanterns Work?

Solar lanterns are a great way to light up your yard or garden at night without relying on electricity. But how do they work? Panels convert sunlight into electrical energy. During the day, the solar panels absorb the sun’s rays and store the resulting energy in a lithium-ion battery. Then, at night, they use that stored energy to power LEDs, providing a bright and efficient light source. Thanks to renewable energy, solar lanterns are self-sufficient and require no external source of power. So next time you’re looking for a way to light up your outdoors, go solar – they’re good for the environment and your wallet!

a lamp shines on a patio surrounded by lounge chairs, Best solar lantern
A3J

Benefits of solar lanterns

Solar lanterns are a fantastic way of getting light using no form of electricity. They use the sunlight and store it in batteries to power the bulb later on. Solar Lanterns have many advantages over electric lights, such as…Solar lanterns are environmentally friendly. They don’t produce emissions or pollution. Solar lanterns are also very efficient, converting all the sunlight they receive into electrical energy.

If you’re looking for a way to add some ambient lighting to your patio or deck, solar lanterns are a great option. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to set up. But with so many products on the market, how do you choose the best lantern for your needs?

Our Top 5 Outdoor Solar Lighting

Best Overall
Etekcity LED Camping Lantern for Emergency Light Hurricane Supplies, Lanterns for Survival Kits Power Outages , Battery Powered Operated Lanterns Lamp, Camping Gear Accessories , 4 Pack
Etekcity LED Camping Lantern for Emergency Light Hurricane Supplies, Lanterns for Survival Kits Power Outages , Battery Powered Operated Lanterns Lamp, Camping Gear Accessories , 4 Pack
4.8

The lantern is a great addition to any camping gear. It is very bright and has a 360-degree lighting effect. It is also very compact and lightweight so it is easy to pack in your backpack. The lantern is made with military-grade ABS material and is FCC-certified and RoHS-compliant


It also has a storage compartment for keys, change, or spare batteries. The lantern provides up to 50 hours of bright light with 3 AA batteries included.

Pros:
  • Robust and durable design
  • Uses LED bulbs
  • Perfect for camping trips, hiking, emergencies
  • Solar-powered design means it is self-sufficient
  • Thousands of favorable reviews
  • Give-back program
Cons:
  • Batteries last only a few hours compared to other models
  • The light is not as bright as other options on the market
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Editors Pick
Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Rechargeable Lantern with USB Power Hub, 250 Lumens, Dimmable
Goal Zero Lighthouse Mini Rechargeable Lantern with USB Power Hub, 250 Lumens, Dimmable
4.8

The Goal Zero Lighthouse 250 Mini Lantern is perfect for those who want a compact and lightweight option. It delivers 250 lumens of brightness and can run for up to 48 hours on a single charge. Plus, it has a built-in USB port for charging devices such as your smartphone or tablet.

Pros:
  • 250 lumens of brightness
  • 48 hours runtime on a single charge
  • Built-in USB port for charging devices such as your smartphone or tablet
  • Multi-funtion camping, hiking, home
Cons:
  • Pricey compared to others on the market
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Best Decorative Lantern
Solar Outdoor Lantern, Garden Hanging Waterproof Lanterns PVC Upgrade 3 LED Flickering Flameless Candle Decorative Lights for Garden (Grid Candle)
Solar Outdoor Lantern, Garden Hanging Waterproof Lanterns PVC Upgrade 3 LED Flickering Flameless Candle Decorative Lights for Garden (Grid Candle)
4.2

This solar powered candle lantern is perfect for garden decoration. The craftsmanship is beautiful, and it's very easy to use. You just need to turn on the switch before you put it in the sun, and it will automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn. It's a great way to save energy, and it adds a nice touch of light to your garden.

Pros:
  • The candles are attractively designed and look like real flames
  • The "S" hook allows you to hang the lantern or place it on a tabletop
  • The solar powered lanterns turn on automatically at dusk and off at dawn
Cons:
  • The Solar Powered Candle Lantern must be placed in the sun for max light efficiency
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Best Table Top Lantern
LETRY Outdoor Table Lamp, 3-Level Brightness LED Nightstand Lantern, Portable Rechargeable Solar Lamp Waterproof, Touch Control Outdoor Lamps Cordless Lantern for Patio/Walking/Reading/Camping
LETRY Outdoor Table Lamp, 3-Level Brightness LED Nightstand Lantern, Portable Rechargeable Solar Lamp Waterproof, Touch Control Outdoor Lamps Cordless Lantern for Patio/Walking/Reading/Camping
4.7

The perfect lantern for anyone looking for a stylish and functional hand lamp. The matte texture is comfortable to touch and the style is simple yet elegant. The LED light provides a more uniform, delicate, and anti-glare light that is great for reading, eating, night walking, etc. The top of the lamp is equipped with a handle that makes it easy to hang in the hallway or courtyard or to take with you wherever you go. The IP44 waterproof rating offers protection from splashing water from any angle.


It has three modes, so you can choose the brightness depending on your needs, and it even has a touch switch button. You can easily charge it either through USB or solar panel, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Plus, the lithium batteries mean that the lamp will last longer than other lamps. So if you're looking for a versatile and long-lasting light, this rechargeable table lamp is definitely the product for you!

Pros:
  • The lamp has multiple charging methods, which makes it very versatile
  • Easy to use, with a simple touch button to change the brightness
  • The lamp is safe for use, with three modes for different levels of light
  • Waterproof rating IP44
Cons:
  • For some, the light might not seem very bright
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Best For Emergencies
Hand Crank Camping Lantern Flashlight Solar Powered, 3000 Rechargeable LED Camping Light with USB Charger, Super Bright Portable Survival Kit Lantern Light for Power Outage,Emergency,Camping&Tent
Hand Crank Camping Lantern Flashlight Solar Powered, 3000 Rechargeable LED Camping Light with USB Charger, Super Bright Portable Survival Kit Lantern Light for Power Outage,Emergency,Camping&Tent
4.5

The 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 is a great lantern that comes with a built-in rechargeable battery. It has three supply modes: solar panel, hand crank, and 5V USB charging capabilities The USB cable is included for rapid charging. The crank lever and solar panel are also capable of regenerating continuous power to keep the camping light working in dark or with no power. The lantern is also very versatile, with two lighting modes: lantern and flashlight. It's great for camping, emergency situations, or just general use around the house.

Pros:
  • 3 Powers Sources
  • 2 brightness modes for lighting options
  • Large capacity battery
  • Lightweight, easy to stow
  • 4-40 hours lasting power
  • Waterproof
  • Phone charging options
Cons:
  • Small in size
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Best for Camping
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
4.5

The Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern is a great product! The lantern has 6+1 high-intensity LED chips and it is very energy efficient. It also doubles as both a lantern and a flashlight, so you can adjust the brightness by how high up you pull up the lantern. This makes it perfect for lighting up an entire room.


The folding handle makes it easy to hang it on tents or trees, freeing your hands. The extremely lightweight design also makes it fit for young children. The built-in 1600mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery ensures that the lantern will last long time even in tough environment.

Pros:
  • Adopts 6+1 high-intensity LED chips
  • Doubles as both a lantern & as a flashlight,
  • Collapsible design, as small as a phone when collapsed, easy to carry.
  • With folding handle, can be hang it on tents or tree, free your hands.
  • Made of high quality ABS material,
Cons:
  • Not weatherproof
  • Battery life could be better
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Solar Lights on Your Patio

Using a solar lantern is intuitive and straightforward, but check out these points on using.

Do’s

  • Do keep in mind the size of the solar lantern before purchasing
  • Do buy a solar lantern that is weatherproof and durable
  • Do look for a lantern with an LED bulb for energy efficiency
  • Do clean off any dirt or debris on the solar panels for maximum efficiency

Don’ts

  • Don’t forget to charge the lantern before using it
  • Don’t leave the solar lantern out in extreme weather conditions
  • Don’t place the lantern near heat sources or open flames to avoid fire hazards

Overall, a solar lantern on your patio can add a beautiful ambiance while being environmentally friendly. Just remember these tips to ensure safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

Solar lanterns are a great way to light up your yard or garden at night without relying on electricity. They rely on solar collectors to convert direct sunlight into electrical energy, which is then stored in batteries and used at night to power LEDs. Thanks to solar power, solar lanterns are entirely self-sufficient and require no external source of power. So next time you’re looking for a way to light up your outdoors, consider solar lanterns.

FAQ

How long do solar powered lanterns last?

In terms of light staying on at night, solar-powered lanterns can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the model. Some models come with rechargeable batteries, which can be plugged into an outlet, while others rely on solar power to recharge. It’s important to read the product specifications before purchasing to ensure you get the most out of your solar lantern.

As far as life span, solar lanterns are typically durable and can last for several years with proper maintenance and care. It’s important to clean the lantern panels regularly to ensure maximum efficiency and keep the lantern stored safely when not in use.

Are solar lamps worth it?

Some people find solar lamps to be worth the investment, while others find them to be less cost-effective in the long run. It depends on a variety of factors such as the size of your property, how much sunlight you get, etc. You can find out more about whether solar lamps or decorative lighting are worth it for you specifically by researching online or consulting with a local specialist.

How many lumens is good for a solar lantern?

The answer depends on what you plan to use it for. A lower-lumen lantern will be sufficient if you need a little light to find your way around in the dark. However, if you want to use the lantern for reading or other activities requiring more light, you will need a higher-lumen output lantern. Most solar lanterns have between 50 and 200 lumens, so there is plenty of choices available. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how many lumens you need.

How long do solar lights need to be in the sun to work?

To work properly, solar lights need to be in direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. However, many lights will continue to work even if they don’t get full sun exposure as long as they’re in a bright location. So if you’re thinking about adding solar lights to your home, be sure to place them in a spot where they’ll get plenty of sun during the day for the best brightness output.

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Written by

JG Wall

Jim is an avid weather enthusiast and Amateur Radio operator. Attends Skywarn Storm Spotter training conducted by the National Weather Service. Jim and his wife are committed to preserving open space for water quality and conservation. Essential for the environment and sustainability for future generations. He also enjoys traveling, reading, writing, and spending time with his family outdoors.

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For the Weather and Sustainability Enthusiast
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