Why do solar lights still need batteries?

Solar panels provide a clean, renewable source of continuous energy by converting sunlight into electricity. Sunlight hits the panel and is absorbed by the photovoltaic cells embedded inside, creating direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter is then used to convert the electricity into alternating current (AC), which homes use for appliances, gadgets, and more. This electricity flows through the system or into a home, where it can be used right away, but it isn’t stored anywhere unless you install a battery. A rechargeable battery connected to the system will store excess energy for later, whether when the sun sets or when there is not enough solar energy generated to maintain energy. Now, this describes a residential or commercial solar power solution, albeit an oversimplified one, but it’s also precisely why solar lights and solar gadgets still need batteries, on a smaller scale.

From outdoor path and garden lights to camping lanterns, batteries store energy collected by the built-in panels, providing power for constant use at all times. Imagine trying to light a lantern at night, with no energy storage and only a solar panel on top of the housing. It may have a faint glow, but it won’t provide substantial light because it has nowhere to draw its energy from. But with a solar-charged battery during the day, the light will turn on and stay on, even in the dark, because it has a reliable power source. This is also why most devices you can power with portable solar panels have a built-in battery, such as an internal battery or a portable plug-in power station.

Observers may have noticed that there is no mention of an inverter for small appliances, like solar-powered lamps or gadgets. This is because they can be designed to run on direct current (DC), so the electricity produced by the panels or the battery inside is supplied by the panel’s DC output, which then powers the electronics of the device. Small electronic devices such as USB chargers, LED lights, portable fans, batteries, radios and similar devices can operate directly on low voltage DC power. Some of these smaller systems may still incorporate what’s called a charge controller to regulate voltage, provide DC-DC conversion, and ensure consistent performance for the battery or internal components.

Ultimately, this is how you end up with a ton of solar-powered USB-C gadgets and the like. Camping enthusiasts to stay cool, flashlights to keep the surrounding area in view, and bug repellents to repel mosquitoes and other big creepy crawlies can all run on solar power, which essentially charges an internal battery.

You don’t need to choose devices with a built-in solar panel to benefit from solar energy. You can also take a portable power station on your adventures, many of which are compatible with solar panels for charging. You can plug the panel into the station, charge it during the day when the sun is at its peak, and then rely on the stored energy (from the internal battery) to power your devices and gadgets at any time. They are excellent for off-grid living and remote use, for keeping certain appliances and electronics powered during a storm or outage, and even in an emergency as first responders use them to power emergency equipment. Some great portable power stations exceed their price range and also offer a ton of value, so they’re a viable option for just about everyone.

What’s great about a portable power station is that it contains plenty of outlets so you can plug in your standard appliances, and it also doesn’t need to run on solar or DC power. Not only do they have a battery, but many models also have built-in inverters or converters for when you might need them. Plus, power stations typically include USB-A, USB-C, DC, and AC outlets, among others, so you have plenty of places to plug in your gear. You’ll need to think about how much power you’d like to have, as the size of the station determines how much power it stores for later use and how long you can use it before recharging.