Camping is a popular outdoor recreational activity that allows people to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy nature. However, one downside of camping is that it usually involves spending time in low-light conditions, especially at night. This is why lighting is an important consideration when packing for a camping trip. Solar lights have emerged as an eco-friendly lighting option for campers in recent years. But are solar lights a viable lighting solution for camping trips? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of using solar lights while camping.
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What are solar lights?
Solar lights, sometimes called solar lanterns or solar-powered lights, are lighting devices powered by energy harvested from the sun through solar panels. Here’s how they work:
- Solar panels on the light absorb sunlight during the day and convert it into electricity that charges an internal battery.
- The battery stores this electricity to power an LED light bulb during the nighttime hours.
- Many solar lights have photosensors that automatically turn the light on when it gets dark outside.
- The battery capacity and solar panel size determines factors like brightness and how long the light can run on a single charge.
The major advantage of solar lights is that they allow you to have portable lighting at night without needing access to an electrical outlet or using disposable batteries. They are powered entirely by sustainable solar energy.
Pros of using solar lights for camping
There are several benefits that make solar-powered lights advantageous for camping trips:
Sustainable and eco-friendly
One of the best things about solar lights is that they are powered by the sun rather than non-renewable resources like coal or natural gas. This makes them a sustainable green solution. Camping is all about enjoying nature, so solar lights align well with those eco-friendly values. They do not create any carbon emissions when in use.
Reduce disposal of batteries
Disposable batteries are inconvenient for camping since you have to pack enough to last the whole trip. They also contain toxic chemicals like mercury and cadmium that pollute the environment when not disposed of properly. Solar lights have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that last for years, eliminating the need to buy and dispose of hundreds of batteries over time. This makes solar lights a much greener solution.
Cost-effective in the long run
While the upfront cost of purchasing solar lights may be higher than disposable flashlights or lanterns, solar lights pay for themselves over time by eliminating the need to continuously buy new batteries. And with recent improvements in solar panel efficiency and LED bulb technologies, solar light costs have come down significantly. When you amortize the cost over the 5-10 year lifespan of a solar light, they work out much cheaper than using throwaway batteries or propane lanterns during the same period.
Bright, long-lasting illumination
The latest solar-powered camping lights utilize efficient LED bulbs and high-capacity lithium batteries to provide bright light output – often over 100 lumens, which is more than enough to illuminate a campsite at night. On a full charge, many quality solar lights can provide 8-12 hours of continuous lighting. The illumination is consistent and lasts throughout the night, unlike fuel-based lighting options that tend to weaken over time.
Portable and lightweight design
Solar camp lights are designed to be lightweight, compact, and portable. They integrate all the components – solar panel, LEDs, battery – into a single sturdy unit that’s easy to transport and position. Many models also have carry handles, hooks, magnets, or retractable stands to make setting them up at a campsite very convenient. The portability also allows you to carry the light with you if you need to step away from the campfire or tent at night.
Easy charging and maintenance
Solar lights designed for camping applications are very simple and intuitive to use. All you need to do is place the solar panel in an area exposed to direct sunlight during the day. The battery automatically charges up, so the light turns on once it gets dark. Most solar lights have waterproof and rugged designs that allow them to withstand outdoor use. They don’t require complex wiring or installation. Just strategic placement for charging is sufficient.
Cons of using solar lights for camping
While solar-powered lighting has many useful advantages for camping, there are some downsides to consider as well:
Upfront cost
As mentioned earlier, the initial purchase price of quality solar lights may be higher than cheaper battery-powered flashlights or lanterns. You need to spend $20-$50 or more per solar light. This upfront cost can add up if purchasing solar lighting for a larger group. However, the long-term savings often make the investment worthwhile.
Weather dependent charging
Solar panels need direct exposure to sunlight for adequate charging. Cloudy or rainy weather may limit the charging ability and subsequently dim or shorten the runtime of the light. This unreliability due to weather variations is a drawback. Bringing an external backup battery can help mitigate this issue when camping in overcast areas.
Takes time to charge
It takes 6-8 hours of bright sunlight to fully charge the internal batteries on most solar lanterns. This charging time is longer than simply replacing disposable batteries. So the solar lights need to be placed outside the tent and exposed to sun for effective charging during the day. They cannot be instantly charged up like fuel-powered lanterns.
Dimmer light compared to fuel-based options
While solar lights provide adequate illumination for general campsite activities, the light output from LED bulbs may not be as bright as propane or pressurized fuel-based lanterns that generate over 300-500 lumens. If very bright lighting is a priority, solar lights may not satisfy. Combining a solar lantern with flashlights can help compensate for this limitations.
Ineffective under dense forest canopy
Solar panels don’t work well under dense forest cover or in heavily shaded camping areas. The trees and vegetation block out most direct sunlight, severely limiting the solar charging capabilities. So solar lights are not the best choice for wooded campsites.
Examples of quality solar-powered camping lights
LuminAID PackLite Nova USB
The PackLite Nova USB from LuminAID is a popular solar-rechargeable camping lantern known for its compact, lightweight, and inflatable design. Weighing just 4.25oz, it packs down to 5 x 5 x 1.3 inches but provides over 75 lumens of 360° illumination at max setting. Dual charging options from the sun or a USB powerbank make it very versatile. It has an IP67 waterproof rating and can be inflated to float on water. Priced under $25.
Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern
The Lighthouse 400 from Goal Zero is a brighter solar-powered camping lantern made for larger sites. It has a 400 lumen max brightness from its LEDs powered by an integrated 6000mAh lithium battery. The rugged, water-resistant build makes it suitable for outdoor use. It can run for 48 hours at lowest setting from a full solar charge. Fairly lightweight at 1.74 lbs and includes handle. Retails for around $60.
BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern
The AlpenGlow 500 from BioLite is an ultra-portable, modular solar lantern designed specifically for camping and outdoor activities. Weighing only 12.32 oz, it delivers up to 500 lumens of brightness and combines area lighting with task lighting. The removable powerpack with integrated solar panel provides versatile charging options. Fully waterproof with kickstand for positioning. Starts at $99.95.
Factors to consider when buying solar-powered camping lights
Here are some key criteria to evaluate when purchasing solar-powered lighting for your camping needs:
Brightness
Consider whether you need just basic area lighting around 10-30 lumens for minimal visibility or more intense 100+ lumen illumination for activities. Brighter solar models are bulkier.
Lighting modes
Many solar lanterns offer adjustable brightness settings and special modes like emergency red/white strobe, which are useful features for camping.
Size and weight
Important if you need to pack it in your backpack while hiking to the campsite. Compact, inflatable models are most portable.
Battery capacity
Higher mAh capacity directly relates to longer light runtime. But it increases the weight.
Solar panel power
Measure in watts. Higher wattage panels charge faster. But again, increases weight.
Durability
Rugged, waterproof construction is necessary for withstanding outdoor camping conditions.
Extra features
Mobile charging, handles, hooks, stands, daisy chaining, etc. add functionality and convenience.
Cost
Higher-performing models with more features run $50 to $100+. Simpler lights under $30.
Recommended solar light products for camping
Based on their stellar reviews and ratings for quality, performance, and value, here are five top-rated solar-powered lighting options that are great for camping:
1. LuminAID Packlite Nova USB
2. Anker Bolder XL Solar Charger
3. Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 Lantern
4. BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern
5. SunKingdom Solar Lantern
These lights check the key boxes in terms of portable and rugged construction, good brightness and runtime, and easy solar recharging. The LuminAID PackLite Nova USB is an ultra-lightweight inflatable lantern that packs down very small. The Anker Bolder XL is a powerful folding solar panel charger with built-in LEDs. The Goal Zero Lighthouse 400 provides 48 hours of light at low setting from one solar charge. The BioLite AlpenGlow 500 has modular components and great portability. And the SunKingdom Solar Lantern combines decent brightness with very affordable pricing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, solar-powered lighting can certainly serve as an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for illumination when camping outdoors. The pros include sustainability, reduced battery waste, lower long-term costs, adequate brightness, and lightweight portability. With proper strategic placement to maximize solar charging during the day, quality solar lanterns and lights can meet most lighting needs at a campsite. The main downsides are higher upfront costs, unpredictable weather conditions affecting charging, dimmer output compared to fuel-based lanterns, and limitations in heavily shaded areas. But for the environmental and budget-conscious camper, solar lighting provides a green lighting solution without compromising overall functionality. Just ensure the solar-powered lights you select are sufficiently rugged, waterproof, portable, and provide adequate runtime between charges. With solar technology improving all the time, solar-powered camping lights will only get better at satisfying both illumination needs and eco-friendly values during outdoor recreational activities.