Applications of Solar Energy: Part-6: Solar Lanterns

Written by: Haresh Khemani • Edited by: Swagatam
Updated Aug 29, 2008 • Related Guides: Solar Energy | Energy

Solar laterns are the portable source of light. They absorb the solar energy during day time, convert it into electricity and store elctricity in the battery. This electric power can be used at any time and any place. Solar lanterns are available in different shapes, sizes and colors.

What is Solar Lantern

Another important application of the solar energy, an important form of renewable energy, is the solar lanterns. Solar lanterns are the portable source of light that can be moved easily like the torch from one place to other and can be kept anywhere in the room without occupying much space. In fact present days solar lanterns come in various decorative and aesthetic shapes that enhance the looks of the house.

The solar lanterns are an excellent source of light at night times especially in the far of remote places. They are also being used extensively as the emergency light in the places where there are frequent power shutdowns.

The solar lanterns are also available in the form of small handheld lights that are fast replacing the handheld lights fitted with the conventional battery. Solar lanterns are environmental friendly lamps producing light at no cost at all, though their initial cost may be higher.

Working of Solar Lanterns

The solar lanterns are fitted with the solar panel that collects the solar energy during daytime. The photovoltaic cell or solar cells convert the solar energy into electrical energy, which is stored in the NiCad battery. In the conventional lanterns the battery is charged by the domestic electricity point, but in solar lanterns the battery is charged by solar energy.

The solar lantern is also fitted with the sensors that sense the intensity of light of the surroundings. When the intensity of surroundings light falls below certain level, the solar lantern start automatically.

Advantages of LED Solar Lanterns

The solar lanterns can be fitted with various types of lamps, however the LED type of solar lanterns are most popular. LED lamps consume very small amount of power which increases the duration of time the lamp burns from the power stored in the battery throughout the day. The LED lamps also have long life extending well beyond 50,000 hours.

Various Shapes of Solar Lanterns and their Applications

The solar lanterns are most commonly used as the source of light where no conventional supply of electricity is available. They can be used in remote places, far off places, villages, the places where there is no continuous supply of electricity etc. People also use solar lanterns when travelling at night and also during camping trips and picnics. The solar lanterns don’t require any wiring and are weather proof which makes them a highly versatile, reliable and dynamic source of light in all the conditions.

The solar lanterns used for the general applications as the source of light have kerosene lantern sort of shape covered with the PVC plastic. After charging the whole day from solar energy, they can produce illumination for 8-12 hours.

Solar lanterns are also available in variety of other shapes and sizes that the emergency lights are available in. They also use different types of other lamps like CFL more intensity of light. Apart from being used as the alternative or emergency light, solar lanterns are also being used as the decorative lights in various shapes and colors. The colorful solar lanterns add to the beauty of the house during festive seasons and also normal days.

Some Solar Lanterns