4 Solar Powered Gadget Users Swear By It

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Solar-powered gadgets can help you lower your electricity bills while being more environmentally friendly. With solar energy, it is important to understand that the size of the panel correlates with the amount of energy it can produce. For this reason, solar energy is typically used as a supplement rather than a primary energy source, especially for small gadgets. This means they can also use traditional charging like USB-C to ensure you can still use them when you don’t have access to sunlight.

Being able to power a device with sunlight adds flexibility, and not just to power banks and small devices like flashlights. There are gadgets you might not have known could run on solar power, like smart watches and kitchen equipment. These are especially great for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or who frequently go camping, although there are pros and cons to camping with solar-powered gadgets.

As with any gadget, user reviews are extremely helpful in sorting through the different options and deciding which products are worth the money. The five solar-powered devices listed here (all available for purchase on Amazon) are ones that users swear by for one reason or another, like durability or general convenience.

They may not be exciting, but a reliable flashlight is vital when you actually need one to find your way in the dark, especially in an emergency. Smartphone flashlights are great in a pinch, but constant use will drain the battery, which is not what you want during a power outage or when you’re outdoors. Our flashlight pick is the VOETIR LED Solar Flashlight, available on Amazon for $12.95. Charging it is as simple as leaving it on a windowsill in good sunlight, although it comes with a USB cable as a backup.

The solar flashlight produces 1,500 lumens, making it nice and bright, and has four different modes: high, low, SOS/strobe, and side light. It’s also IP65 certified, meaning it’s dustproof and can withstand low-pressure water jets, making it ideal for outdoor use. Currently, the VOETIR flashlight has 4.3 stars on Amazon, with users praising its brightness and lightness. If you’re looking for a flashlight to throw in an emergency bag or leave in your car, this Amazon device is a great solar-powered option.

Solar power banks aren’t just about reducing your carbon footprint. Being able to charge your device with sunlight means not having to worry about your power bank running out of battery as often. There are larger ones for camping and emergencies, but options like the BLAVOR Solar Power Bank are ideal for everyday use. It’s about the size of a thick smartphone with a 10,000mAh capacity and a list price of $39.99 (on sale for $29.99 at the time of this writing), making it comparable to traditional power banks.

BLAVOR’s device can charge in the usual way, but it also has a solar panel on one side to capture sunlight. This is perfect if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, as you don’t need an outlet to charge your phone. It even supports wireless charging to make things even more convenient and has USB-C and USB-A ports, meaning you can charge up to three devices at once. That said, don’t expect fast charging from solar alone. The size of the panel correlates with the amount of power it can produce, and we’re not at the point where solar power could make phone chargers obsolete.

Nevertheless, users are generally satisfied with the BLAVOR solar power bank. It has 4.3 stars on Amazon from over 46,000 ratings, as well as reviews that call it high quality and durable. Some users even report that their power banks have survived accidents, like getting hit by a truck or falling out of a car going 50 mph on a highway. Others have noted issues with solar panels and their speed, but overall the BLAVOR Solar Power Bank is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Many users say Garmin watches beat the Apple Watch in fitness thanks to their superior battery life, health and workout-focused features, and more weather-resistant construction. Some models even come with a solar panel on the face that lets you charge your smartwatch while you’re outside. Of its solar-powered options, the Garmin Instinct 3 will be best for most – just be aware that not all Instinct models are solar-powered. The Tactix and Fenix ​​both cost over $1,000, while the Instinct 3 with solar power costs between $349.99 and $499.99 depending on size and features. You can also buy it on Amazon, where the 45mm model is on sale for $299.99.

The Instinct 3’s battery life is a huge boon, with Garmin claiming it can last up to 28 days in smartwatch mode on a single charge and only requires three hours of sunlight to keep it powered for a full day. One Reddit user who tested this found that his watch reached 12% on three hours of solar power alone in imperfect conditions, which is impressive considering the overall battery capacity of the device.

It can also track many different workouts and health metrics, although some features are exclusive to a Garmin Connect+ subscription, which costs $6.99/month or $69.99/year. The smartwatch has 4.5 stars on Amazon, although that’s only based on 21 ratings and positive reviews from hiking-focused websites and blogs. Katie Jackson of The Trek called the Instinct 3’s solar capabilities “impressive,” especially for those who like to go off-grid, recommending it to anyone “looking for a smartwatch that prioritizes durability, functionality, and longevity over flashy aesthetics.”

Solar gadgets are great to have on hand in case of emergencies, like power outages, and multi-function gadgets are great for anyone who wants to be prepared for any eventuality. The KAYINOW emergency radio is much more than just a radio. It also has a Bluetooth speaker, 5,000mAh power bank, flashlight, and SOS alarm that can be powered by crank, USB-C, or solar panel. The device’s flexibility and multifunctionality make it ideal for emergencies or camping, as does its IPX5 waterproof rating. What sweetens the deal is that it’s only $29.99 on Amazon.

The KAYINOW radio is also suitable for everyday use. Being able to tune into emergency radio alerts, keep your devices on, or try to find help in a pinch are all important. This versatile gadget can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker or portable charger. It has 4.3 stars on Amazon and reviews praising the radio for how many things it can do and how well it accomplishes its various tasks. Many particularly emphasize the quality of the speaker given its size and price. However, customers also said that the instructions are unclear, so other reviews may be more helpful than the included manual.

In choosing these products, we focused heavily on user ratings and reviews found on store pages and blogs, as well as social media posts with detailed and specific feedback. All products listed here are available on Amazon, but we have also included links to the manufacturer’s online stores where available. Items only on Amazon required at least 4.3 stars and a significant number of reviews to be considered to weed out low-quality and untested products. Reviews with specific comments or examples were weighted more heavily – positive or negative.