A solar powered emergency radio can save you and your family or friends during times of crisis, but it can also keep you entertained during normal times.
If you are looking for the best solar powered emergency radio don’t look any further, because we have made a list of some of the best solar powered radios out there.
Before you decide to buy a solar radio for yourself it is wise to do a little research. You want a radio that not only provides you with warnings and alerts but also has some additional features that can help you out in a crisis situation.
With the help of our guide you should definitely be able to find the best solar radio for your own needs!
Table of Contents
Best Solar Powered Emergency Radios
Solar Powered Radio Reviews
If a disaster strikes and you find yourself stuck in your home with no information about the situation, a good solar powered emergency radio can be very useful. In fact, it can be so beneficial that it may save your life.The majority of solar powered radio models will be equipped with several features to help the user get through emergency situations. If you are searching for an effective solar radio, then it is recommended that you continue reading. This article will discuss the different features available as part of the best solar powered emergency radios currently on the market.
Kaito KA500
The Kaito KA500 hand crank solar radio is the ideal option when searching for a high quality model suitable for emergency situations. This model includes an AC generator feature, as well as solar panels; therefore, you do not need to concern yourself about batteries running out of power.Another beneficial feature of this radio is the LED lamp. If you are trying to manage low light, it is possible to light the area using the Kaito KA500. A LED light can be located on one side of the solar radio and it can be utilized for signalling help in emergency situations.The Kaito KA500 survival radio is highly advantageous if you are facing a power failure at your home. It is possible to charge many different types of electronic devices using this model. Furthermore, if you are facing a natural disaster, you can use the weather alert feature on the radio. This feature has been created for stable reception of information and can be a lifesaver if used appropriately.
Sangean MMR-88
The Sangean MMR-88 is another highly beneficial solar powered radio option. It is unique in that it includes phone charging features with a LED flashlight to provide Morse code signalling.Of course, the option of charging devices can be attained by manual cranking; however, it is also possible to use the USB feature or a solar panel. This is helpful because you do not need to concern yourself with the radio being out of power.This solar power radio is able to offer news information, provide access to radio programs, and can access weather warnings where necessary. This makes it ideal if you are stuck in a residence because of a natural disaster or other detrimental weather events.One feature that is highly appreciated by users of this model is that it includes an emergency buzzer with a flashlight. It is very versatile and, despite the numerous features, is an easy to use item.
Midland ER310
No list of best solar powered emergency radios would be complete without a review of the Midland ER310. Regardless of the situation where you would be using the device, this solar radio can be used effectively because it has several charging alternatives.The NOAA receiver has seven channels meaning that you are able to access the news, weather information or alerts, and any reports of emergency situations. If there is a report of potential danger, the solar radio will notify you with a siren.In addition to the various emergency-related information channels, it is possible for the user to access different “normal” radio stations on this radio where you can listen to music. If you wish to listen to the music or radio programs privately it is possible to connect headphones to the device.This emergency radio includes a 2600mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery. When the battery is fully charged it can be used for over thirty hours. The battery can be charged using the solar power feature, but it can also be charged with a USB cable and using the hand crank feature.If you are searching for an emergency solar radio model to protect you and your family in emergency situations, then the Midland ER310 is a solid choice.
Kaito Voyager Pro KA600
The Kaito Voyager Pro KA600 solar powered radio is the ideal model and is set apart from other radios according to two specific features. The first feature is the ability to access a radio frequency using direct keypad entries, and the second is that it allows all listeners to enjoy traditional FM radio programs using a Radio Data System.This particular solar crank radio operates using seven weather channels and will provide reliable information regarding global weather conditions, particularly what is to be expected regarding natural disasters. Entertainment channels are also available including channels featuring sports programs, talk shows and news in different areas worldwide. This means you will be up to date on all aspects of the area regardless of where you reside.With a high quality FM reception feature, you can be certain that this type of emergency radio is highly reliable. It also presents a stable battery with long battery life, a humidity meter, and a digital thermometer. This is the perfect option when heading out on a camping trip or experiencing a power failure because it has a flashlight feature that can light a path in the dark.
American Red Cross FRX3
The American Red Cross FRX3 is one of the multi-function emergency solar radios providing various features including an ability to charge a smartphone, provide information about the weather, and much more. Using the weather information feature, you will be able to adequately prepare yourself for any potential natural disasters or emergency situations that may occur.In addition to charging the American Red Cross FRX3 radio using the solar panel, it is possible to charge the unit with battery power or a hand crank. When fully charged the model can provide continuous performance to the user for approximately four hours. A notable feature of this solar radio is that it features a dual-function LED flashlight. If you touch the button on the upper corner of the device, you will receive a bright light. However, if you touch the button twice you can make the light start to blink.The American Red Cross FRX3 solar radio is equipped with an AUX audio port and a personal headphone output port. If you are searching for a multi-purpose model at a cost-effective price, then the American Red Cross is another solid choice.
Solar Powered Emergency Radio Buyer’s Guide
Just like with any other investment, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you spend your cash on a solar powered radio. First, you need to be aware of all the necessary specifications based on what you intend to get from the radio. Furthermore, it’s always beneficial to do some research first before jumping at the first radio you come across. You may ask yourself how useful the radio will be in the event of an emergency. In this guide, we’ll share some insights to help you get some direction and make a wise choice.
What Kind of Solar Radio Will Work Best for You?
This is the first and perhaps the most important question you need to ask yourself. Keep in mind that some of the solar radios are built for specific one-way communication. Though they provide you with alerts, they don’t have the ability to communicate with other devices. So, if you are looking for a solar powered emergency radio that can give you alerts and contact the authorities, then you should consider a more expensive one. But if you only want to get the information about what’s going on outside while you’re stuck inside during a crisis, then almost any kind of radio can get the job done.
What Do You Need to Receive on The Radio?
The reception of the device is another major consideration before you buy a solar crank radio. You may be looking to buy a radio with a good reception on its own, but don’t forget you have the option of using a separate antenna to improve the reception of a solar radio.
Another great idea is making sure that the radio you purchase has a NOAA logo. This logo means that you will receive news and warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This works even when the reception is poor, so that you will still be able to receive alarms in emergency situations like severe weather conditions or natural disasters.
What Power Options Do You Need?
With solar powered radios, there are different power options based on the radio you buy. Higher quality solar radios may offer more options to charge the batteries. It’s also important to have the battery life in mind, though you may also have to charge it in another way when the power is down.
The AC adapter will suffice to keep the unit charged on a day to day basis. But what will you do when the power is out? There are some emergency solar radios that come with a hand crank, and this can be a convenient option to charge the device during an emergency. Even when the radio has been down for quite some time, you will still receive alerts or warnings when you have these alternative options for charging.
A good solar radio should also have a hand crank, and include additional batteries. Don’t forget that this can be a matter of life and death in some situations, so you need to consider the ability to use alternative power options as you make your buying decision.
What Other Features Should You Consider?
We have already discussed some of the most crucial points when choosing a new solar power radio. But you might be looking for something a bit more specific or an extra feature that you deem useful for you.
SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding)
This is a feature that you might need on your solar emergency radio. SAME can really come in handy cutting through the noise especially when you’re dealing with major emergencies, since it provides the warnings and alerts specific to your area. This means that you don’t need to keep monitoring all of the alerts, since the SAME feature will only provide you with the alerts that pertain to you and your area. This will save you power and time, which are vital resources during a disaster.
LED Lights, Water Resistance, and Alarm Clocks
Solar radios can come with a range of other features including alarm clocks, water resistance, and LED lights. If you are in an area that is prone to lots of rainfall, the water resistance feature can come in handy. If dust is a problem in your area, try to find a dust resistance option. LED lights can work in a number of ways, such as providing you with a secondary source of light during an emergency, or even using the light as an emergency signal. You can even have a Morse code flashlight on some of the units, for use when needed.
Check the Charging Ports
Some solar powered radios come with a convenient option that lets you charge other electronic devices. In a case where the lights are out and your phone has gone dead, these charging ports can be really helpful. Plus, if you want to listen to some music quietly around others, ensure that the model has a headphone jack.
Solar Powered Radio FAQ
How does a solar powered radio work?
By absorbing the sun’s energy, a solar power radio battery gathers power and energy. It then creates electricity which is used to power your solar radio in an emergency situation. It’s a miracle of technology and nature in one device!
Do Solar Powered Walkie Talkies Exist?
There’s currently not a traditional style walkie talkie which is powered by solar energy on the market, or at least not any reputable ones. There are some options which may work to varying degrees available on Chinese websites, but we recommend you steer clear of those just in case they are low quality. That said we have listed an option for you below which is a hybrid solar powered walkie talkie option that can work for you.
Best Solar Walkie Talkie?
The best solar walkie talkie on the market is the Retevis RT45. You get a huge resource of features and a pair of walkie talkies which you can then power on the go using a solar generator like the WTY 298W Portable Power Station. By harnessing the power of the sun and USB charging, you can feel confident in your ability to charge your walkie talkies and keep communication going even when you run out of traditional batteries.
Conclusion
There are many different options available when it comes to solar radios, and it can be a bit overwhelming trying to choose the right model for your needs. But with the tips we have discussed above, you can choose a radio that has the right features to meet your needs. A good solar powered radio can be used not only on a daily basis, but also in times of crisis. Be sure to look at the kind of features you may need to use in either situation. And when you finally get the best solar radio, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you have a great tool to help survive a catastrophe, that can also keep you entertained when travelling or at the comfort of your own home.
