Portable lantern harnesses solar power to charge battery
Complete with built-in handle, SolarLED-3 is ideal for roadside emergencies, campsites, or anywhere electricity is scarce or unreliable. Uses sunlight to recharge nickel-metal-hydride battery, located within lantern base. Contains cluster of 24 incandescent-white, 5-mm. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), protected within polycarbonate dome. To recharge battery, plug photovoltaic solar panel into lantern and place in sunlit area. Panel measures 8 ins. wide by 11 ins. longsimilar to a sheet of letter-sized paper. Comes with 5-ft. cable for positioning panel near maximum sunlight. Under bright sunlight, battery takes about 12 hours to charge, depending on site conditions. Once charged, LED lamp provides up to 55 hrs. of light. Lasts nearly 7 times longer than a compact fluorescent lamp. Accepts more than 500 charges before needing battery replacement. Also features plastic body that resists dents, scratches, and harsh weather. In addition, LED lamp resists electrical and mechanical shock, as well as environmental extremes. Solar-powered design eliminates hazards of conventionally fueled lanterns, which may cause fires, burns, fumes, spills, or explosions. Overall size is 8 ins. high. Weighs about 2 lbs. (with solar panel and battery). Price: $110.