The Solar Powered LED Torch by Brando provides a way of powering a torch with solar energy without the solar panel being part of the torch. With the solar panels on the docking station the torch is a more conventional torch shape and its LED light produces a steady bright beam.
The Solar Powered Torch uses a single LED (Light Emitting Diode), this 0.5w light emits a bright beam while having a low energy consumption rate. The torch comes with three 400 mAh AAA rechargeable batteries. The torch measures 13cm x 3.5cm x 3.5cm (5in x 1.4in x 1.4in) making it a compact torch good for inaccessible places and light for carrying. The docking station for the torch however is a little more bulky, the solar panel on it measures 4cm x 13.5cm (1.6in x 5.3in) meaning it makes the most of any light about.
The Solar Powered Torch’s docking station does need to be positioned somewhere in direct sunlight to charge the torch and the torch needs to be placed within the station. This does mean some forethought is needed to make sure you have a charged torch when you need it, but this should be simply done by always keeping the torch in the docking station when not in use. The docking station and torch are both portable but the docking station is a little inconvenient for transporting around much due to its bulk.
The solar torch is priced at $42.00 USD (about £26) from Brando.