A solar camping lantern charges from a small built-in panel during the day and lights your tent at night - and the best ones also charge by USB-C and double as a power bank. They cost £9 to £35. The important thing to know is that the solar panel is a top-up, not a fast charger: on a British camping trip, charge it fully by USB before you go, and let the sun keep it going.
How solar lanterns charge
The panels on lanterns are small, so a full charge from sunlight alone can take one or more bright days. In practice that means:
| Charging method | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C from the mains or a power bank | A few hours | Before you leave |
| Solar panel, full sun | Slow, often a day or more | Topping up on site |
| Solar panel, cloudy | Very slow | Not much |
That's why a lantern with both solar and USB-C charging is the one to buy. For charging phones and more on a trip, see our guide to what a solar power bank will actually power.
What to look for
- Battery size - 2,000mAh does a few evenings, 5,000-6,000mAh lasts a long weekend or more
- USB-C input for fast charging, and a USB output if you want it to charge a phone
- Warm light and dimming - softer and kinder to your eyes and the neighbours in the tent next door
- A hook and a magnetic base, so you can hang it in the tent or stick it to the car
- Water resistance of at least IPX4 for British campsites
Camping, power cuts and the allotment
The same lantern earns its keep at home. It's a ready-charged light for a power cut, a light for the shed or allotment when you're working late, and a spare for the car. For a permanent light in an outbuilding, though, see our solar shed lights guide, which covers lights with panels designed to be fixed on a roof.
Recommended lanterns
Everything below was in stock on Amazon UK when this guide was written.
Lepwings 6,000mAh solar camping lantern
A large lantern with a 6,000mAh battery that the maker rates at up to 80 hours on low, warm dimmable light, solar and USB-C charging, and a power bank output for your phone. It's the most-reviewed lantern here, rated 4.5 stars from over 2,100 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →Rechargeable solar camping lantern with magnetic base
A tough lantern with a magnetic base and a hook, charged by solar or USB, and rated for up to 15 hours of light. Rated 4.4 stars from 400 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →Yonktoo 5,200mAh solar camping lantern
A big battery for the price, with solar and USB charging and IPX5 water resistance. It has fewer reviews so far (4.5 stars from 24).
amazon Check Price on Amazon →Solar and USB rechargeable camping lantern
A compact lantern that also works as a torch, charged by solar or USB. Rated 4.5 stars from 53 reviews.
amazon Check Price on Amazon →Summary
- Solar lanterns cost £9-£35
- The panel is a top-up - charge by USB-C before you go
- Choose 5,000mAh or more for a long weekend
- A power bank output lets it charge your phone too
- Keep one at home for power cuts
For bigger camping power, see portable solar panels and touring caravan solar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a solar lantern take to charge from the sun?
Usually a long time - often a full bright day or more for a large battery, and much longer in cloud. Charge by USB first and use the sun to top up.
Can a solar lantern charge my phone?
Some can, if they have a USB output and a large enough battery. Check for a power bank feature in the listing.
Are solar lanterns waterproof?
Most are water resistant rather than waterproof. Look for IPX4 or better for rain.
How long do solar lanterns last on a charge?
It depends on the battery and brightness. Large 5,000-6,000mAh lanterns can run for days on low, far less on full brightness.
Are they useful in a power cut?
Yes. Keep one charged at home and it makes a good emergency light.