When you go camping, most of us use a camp lantern at night to illuminate the area away from the campfire. We usually place one on the picnic table to light up the area where we are playing or have snacks or s’more ingredients. The light from the lantern allows for community activity. Just think how your activities would change if you had to rely solely on flashlights. Camping lanterns definitely serve a purpose and solar lanterns have some distinctive advantages over propane and battery powered lanterns.
Most of us are familiar with solar-powered devices like handheld calculators and garden lights. This power source has been around for a while, but products like solar camping lanterns have really improved over the years. Solar lanterns are commonly used as the main light source in isolated areas where conventional electricity is lacking. Any type of camping, from an RV to a tent, requires some type of light source. It may well be a solar lantern that rely on batteries and electricity. These solar powered lights require a light source or electrical outlet to charge them. You can use the sun or man-made light to do this. The only batteries required are for sunlight and they last a long time. Standard light bulbs are replaced with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) that emit brilliant light and last for years. They are also weather resistant making them usable in harsh weather conditions. A 2-6 hour charge in the sun will provide up to 15-20 hours of light. Most of the solar camping lanterns on the market today have a lifespan of about ten years. Think of the money you’ll save on batteries and light bulbs.
Safety is a key attribute to consider when selecting the right solar camping lantern. Make sure they are CE certified, corrosion resistant and waterproof or waterproof. You want them to be able to withstand the type of weather you will be in when you are camping. They are also safe for the environment, since they do not emit any emissions. They are safe for children to use as there is no electric shock to worry about and the lights are cool to the touch.
Some solar camping lanterns come with a removable solar panel that you can charge using a car charger or wall outlet. There are many brands and different sizes and shapes of solar camping lanterns. Some of the available solar lanterns have an automatic feature that turns them on when it gets dark or you can use the manual on-off switch. There are even solar reading lights that you can clip to a book. Think about the convenience of being able to read at night when you’re camping without having to worry about batteries. You just have to remember to charge it in the sun when it starts to run low.
Once you try a solar powered camping lantern, you will be hooked. Your old propane powered camping lantern is most likely a thing of the past.