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One vital item you need during a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or other emergency is information, which can be a hard thing to find when the power goes out. A good solar radio with a solar panel and hand crank can keep you informed even during a power outage.
Solar radios also typically include other add-ons, such as a flashlight, making one a valuable addition to your household emergency kit or grab-and-go bag, as well as more mundane uses like camping or hiking trips.
When looking at solar radios, you''ll find a wealth of features that can quickly become overwhelming. Our buying guide covers everything you need to know, from battery size and bands to charging methods and survival add-ons, to find the right one for your needs. In addition to covering what you can expect from a solar radio at various price points, we also link to some of our favorites for you to explore.
If it''s a radio, it has to have radio bands. All solar radios have the ability to receive at least three standard bands: AM, FM, and the severe weather/emergency federal network of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Some solar radios, particularly those at higher price points, have additional bands, such as shortwave (SW). While rare, some are also equipped with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) alerts so you don''t need to search for weather alerts; they are automatically transmitted to you.
Whatever bands your solar radio includes, you want the signals to be clear and free of static.
The one primary feature that sets a solar radio apart from other radios is the way that it''s charged. Most solar radios can be charged via a number of different methods. When considering a solar radio, the rule of thumb is the more powering options the better.
USB: Many solar radios allow charging via USB, although this may not be an option in an emergency situation.
Batteries: Some solar radios also run on AA or AAA batteries. This can be an easier way to power the radio when using it in non-emergency circumstances.
The run time, or the length of time the solar radio can run on a full charge, varies considerably from one radio to the next. While manufacturers claim that their solar radios run anywhere from 10 to 30 or more hours on a charge, the real run time usually falls a bit short of their claims. Somewhere between 6 and 12 hours seems to be common for radios of this type, although the run time will be less if you also run other powered features, such as the flashlight, at the same time you''re using the radio.
Solar radios are designed for use in an emergency, so they tend to be a bit tougher than your standard radio. Most solar radios are designed with some level of shock and water resistance, and some can withstand being dropped or rained on, something to consider if you want to take your radio on hiking or camping trips. If a radio is going to be useful in an emergency situation, it must be able to take a bit of abuse and still work reliably.
However, if you only plan to use the solar radio under normal circumstances or during events such as power outages, durability may be less important.
While these radios aren''t what you would consider huge, they do vary in size, which might factor into your decision. More compact solar radios, such as those that weigh less than half a pound and measure less than 5 inches long, are a good choice if you''re in search of a lightweight radio you can toss in a pocket or tuck in a backpack. If you''re buying a radio to use as a backup in case of a power outage at home, size and weight may be less of a consideration.
Some manufacturers offer solar radios in a choice of colors. The color you choose is largely a matter of personal preference, but note that a bright color like yellow is easier to find in low-light situations and easier to see in an emergency situation.
The battery in these radios can range from less than 1,000 to 5,000 milliampere-hours, with 2,000 being the average. The higher the number, the more juice the battery has, which means a longer run time and better ability to recharge other devices. Note that a larger battery also takes longer to fully charge.
These solar radios also function as a power bank to charge smartphones and other devices. Even inexpensive radios that cost as little as $10 have this capability. If this is a feature you plan to use regularly, consider buying a solar radio with a battery in the 4,000 to 5,000 milliampere-hour range for best results.
One feature that is pretty much universal in solar radios is a built-in LED flashlight, which can be useful during power outages or when camping or hiking. To really take advantage of this feature, choose a solar radio that includes two lights: a flashlight and a desktop/reading light.
Solar radios are very similar to each other in what they do, with most offering a standard set of features. Manufacturers differentiate their products in the various survival or emergency add-ons theyinclude. Here are some common add-ons; most solar radios include a few items on this list.
A siren in a solar radio is handy for drawing attention as well as scaring off wild animals.
Inexpensive: In the $10 to $20 range, solar radios are smaller in size, with batteries that are 1,000 milliampere-hours or less. While many of these incorporate a flashlight, they include little in the way of added features. Solar radios in this range tend to be less durable and water-resistant.
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