Solar Flashlight With Battery Backup
By JustinPosted on October 30, 2008
Filed Under Outdoors | 19 Comments
This is a great find! It’s a solar powered flashlight WITH a battery power backup called the Hybrid Solar Flashlight. It is light weight (4.3 ounces) and charges quickly in the sunlight. The packaging says it will hold a charge for over three years. I have not had my light that long 
The light is 40 lumens. I’m not up on all of the lumens but I can say it is bright! To charge my flashlight I just let it sit in the sun all day. It did come fully charged and ready to go. If the solar battery dies or goes low there is also a lithium backup battery in the unit. To use the backup battery simply press the power button two times. Press it one time to use the solar powered battery. When the unit is charging a red LED lights up on the unit to let you know there us sufficient light available. As you can see from the pictures below the flashlight is barely over seven inches in length and also floats. No more lost flashlights when you’re out around the water at night. The one drawback I would like to see with this light is a carrying case for my belt. I like to keep my flashlight on me when I’m outside. The build in wrist strap is nice but I prefer to get my light out of the case, use it, and put it back. What are your thoughts? Have you used a solar light before? Maybe this one? For more information please visit the Hybrid Solar Flashlight website. Note: click on the images to view a larger image.
If you order this light use the code blog08 when checking out so they know you’re a visitor from Great Wild Outdoors!
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19 Responses to “Solar Flashlight With Battery Backup”
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Hi Justin – thanks for the write up ! I wanted to mention to you that the Solar Lite is guaranteed for life – also it is waterproof to depths of 80 feet so it can be used for snorkling or playing in the pool or lake too! We are working on a caribiner for the light to attach to a belt loop or pack – most people express they would not wnat it in a case as they would want the panel exposed to the sun during day hikes, etc. Maybe the option of both would be the answer. Ideally that lithium back up is not going to be used much so it should last the duration of its 7 yr shelf life – then it can be recycled and a replacement is only about $2 – so this light will save money, save the environment, encourage emergency preparedness and alternative energy use – plus it’s so handy to have around – especially in the outdoors! Thanks again
Linda – I agree both would be the answer. After dark I would want to put it in a case that is with me. During the day I could leave it out to charge.
Costco has these flashlights. It’s $23 for two.
Thanks for the heads up about Costo. I didn’t know they carried this light. That’s a deal for 2 of them.
Very useful light for long tavels and adventures. And the most loved thing is that this is environment saving. Thanks a lot for the info and life time guarantee, Linda…
are these available in the UK?
Total Solar Energy´s last blog post..solar energy shop
Ok dumb question – I don’t see any PV cells. Are they build in to the torch or is there a seperate panel not shown in the photo?
Sunny – What are PV cells? The light has built in battery storage and also has replaceable batteries.
PV are photo-voltaic cells – the little brownish things (technical description!) that turn light into electricity.
Sunny – Yes the PV is built into the flashlight. It’s probably 1 inch by 3-4 inches long and covered in plastic that is sealed up to make the unit waterproof.
I got this for my dad at Costco. I’m trying to teach him the ways of saving the environment. He calls ‘em “treehuggers”. Next, I’m gonna install solar powered lights for his garden. We’ll see how it goes.
Rick – You might get some more resistance when you install solar powered lights.
Being in the solar business I must say it is very exciting when I see different gadgets making use of solar energy. It means we are moving in the right direction and soon every major manufacturer will most likely follow the trend. Alternative energy will be the norm very soon I think.
California Solar Company´s last blog post..Cheap and Easy Energy Tips for your Home
I always thought a solar powered flash light was an oxymoron, kind of like an ejection seat for a helicopter. Guess not now eh.
Francis´s last blog post..Re: Updates to site
Francis – I love the comparison to an ejecttion seat on a helicopter. Just thinking about it made me laugh. You know, I’ll bet there is a patent out for that.
Here’s a simplified explanation of lumens: http://www.lightsandknives.com/led_lumens_flashlight.htm
The more technical explanations make my head hurt.
The light looks cool. I love these kinds of things. I’ve got a Freeplay Indigo which charges using either AC power or human power via a hand crank.
Your Freeplay Indigo looks pretty bright too! I love how long the flash light holds charge. I keep it in the dark 99% of the time and the rechargable batteries are always ready.
Now this is awesome, thanks for sharing it! There are so many great little gadgets that use solar power now.
Thanks John yes solar is everywhere now. I’ve even seen solar cell phone chargers.