When storms roll through and the lights go out, your home can feel unfamiliar and unsettling in the dark.
Candles flicker weakly, flashlights drain batteries, and everyone starts looking for the nearest phone charger.
But there’s a simple, inexpensive trick that can keep your home bright and safe.
For just $20, you can use outdoor solar lights to create a backup lighting system that works perfectly during blackouts.
It’s one of those ideas that makes you wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner.
Why Solar Lights Are a Smart Solution
Solar garden lights aren’t just for your yard, they’re tiny, self-charging lanterns that store sunlight by day and release it as a warm glow by night.
Unlike candles, they don’t pose a fire risk, and unlike flashlights, they never run out of batteries.
Once you’ve charged them in the sun, they’re ready to illuminate your space for hours.
What makes them even better is their simplicity. You can charge them daily just by leaving them outside or near a window.
When a power outage hits, you simply bring them indoors, they’ll shine for six to ten hours, enough to last through the night.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need a survival kit or fancy gear. A quick trip to Walmart, a hardware store, or even your local dollar store is enough.
Here’s what you should get:
- Around $20 worth of outdoor solar garden lights, roughly a dozen small stake lights is perfect.
- A sunny spot where they can charge during the day.
- A bucket or small bin to store and move them easily.
Once you’ve got these items, your emergency lighting system is ready to go.
How to Set It Up
Step 1: Charge Them During the Day
Stick your solar lights outside where they’ll get full sun, along your garden path, in a planter, or even on a patio table.
Make it part of your daily routine to keep them charged.
Step 2: Bring Them Indoors When the Power Goes Out
Once night falls and the power cuts, grab your charged lights. You can pop them into jars, cups, or even glass bottles to keep them upright.
They create a cozy, steady light that fills a room better than a candle.
Step 3: Recharge for Tomorrow
When daylight returns, set them outside again to recharge. They’ll be ready to use every night, no replacements, no hassle.
Storage and Safety Tips
Store your solar lights together in a small basket or five-gallon bucket near your emergency area, like the pantry or back door.
That way, you’ll know exactly where to find them during a storm.
Solar lights are much safer than open flames, especially in homes with pets or children.
Additionally, you can even use them in bedrooms or hallways at night for gentle light without worrying about leaving a candle burning.
More Than Just a Blackout Fix
Once you start using solar lights this way, you’ll find other uses for them. They make great nightlights for porches, sheds, or chicken coops.
Campers love them because they’re lightweight and don’t need charging cables.
In off-grid living, they’re a quiet little luxury that provides light wherever it’s needed. Plus, they’re an eco-friendly choice.
Read more: 26 Beautiful and Budget-Friendly Solar Light Ideas You’ll Fall In Love With
