Barefoot Power Firefly Lamp

These are good lights, when they work... I bought one first generation light and it lasted less than a year; didn't recharge well and didn't make more than about an hour of light.Thinking it might be a lemon, I bought three more second generation lamps (my bad).On the pro side they charge more readily on less light, but that's where the good news ends. My newbies didn't do much better than the oldie - one 2nd gen light died a few weeks after I got it.The other two work, but I'm leery, as in, how long will they last?And when you consider they're made in Australia and you live, say, in America customer service is a long way off...I live off grid in a northern climate - lots of darkness from late fall till spring. I bought these to read by, to provide area lighting and to replace kerosene lanterns. To that extent, when I first received them they seemed like great, clean alternatives to the "old tech" stuff I'd been using (for years).And maybe they will be, but for now...The kerosene lanterns are still my mainstay for area lighting. And frankly, I can't wait till something better comes along!1/15/2013 UPDATE:Small Steps Solar's rep got in touch following my negative review above. They were concerned that I was having problems and wanted to fix things as soon as possible. After a brief exchange of emails in which I described the problems, they offered to exchange the faulty one and send me a new battery pack for the other.I received both yesterday. The battery change out took a little work, but not many minutes to get done. The new lamp and the newly rebatteried old one are both charging happily in my window as I write.We were impressed with the prompt service and response. If you're holding out because the lamps are made in Australia, don't. The folks at Small Steps stand behind their product.Final comment - I'm using mine (I have 4) daily - one at a time and rotating them so they can recharge in the limited winter sunlight. So far so good!I think these lamps are promising alternatives to the smokey lanterns off-griders like me are used to!3/11/13 Update:Unfortunately yet another one of the lights is malfunctioning - runs for a little while (15-30 minutes) and then the center LED goes out (second light this has happened to). Thinking (hoping) at first it was because of low sun light (winter in the Northwest) I left it in the window for a couple of weeks to charge. First time I used it, out goes the LED :(I'll contact customer service...July 2, 2013In March, I was pretty dependent on my Aladdin lamp and rotated the firefly lamps (2) every other day for about an hour a day. The rest of the day they were charging.In June the 2 that were malfunctioning in March, began it again. I contacted Mark Newell at Small Steps Solar on June 6 and he said he would "remedy" it and asked a couple questions. Another email exchange on June 10 and I sent off the two bad lamps within a day or two.I'll update this as soon as I hear from them. Meanwhile, I had to downgrade my rating, and, frankly, I think the lamps are best used a little and not depended on as a substitute lighting source, like Aladdin lamps or simple kerosene lamps.August 7, 2013I contacted Small Steps Solar (SSS)on June 6, '13, returned two lamps, answered several questions by SSS. So far, no lamps. I wrote and asked when I might see the lamps (they tell me that my lamps are fine and are going to return the units I sent them); and so far have heard nothing... I'll update when I do.

I love this product. We're using it in an off-grid cabin. It provides great light for reading at night and even includes a little "hook" so that you can hang the light on the wall above your bed. It easily charges , even in less than perfect sun exposure. Fully charge the light holds the charge for a couple days of reading at night. I'm buying more!

Very nice, but only works when solar panel is unplugged.?? I thought you could leave it plugged into the solar panel all the time, then turn on as needed.

This solar lamp is one of the best on the market! I've seen alot of junk but this one is nicely made and executed and well thought out. The lamp is bright and well made - has 2 settings which greatly saves energy while also providing a bright reading quality light when you need it for those of us with older eyes. The solar panel is solid aluminum and glass construction just like a larger module which is a welcome change from the flimsy plastic modules that come with other lights. It's a little heavier than those flimsy ones but will survive being thrown around in backpacks and bikebags while also lasting forever - well worth the extra weight. And the charging electronics seem to be solid. With the Li battery this light lasts a long time on one charge. Light won't work while charging which is a nice safety feature (one does not need light when the sun is out!) and this assures the charging circuitry is simple and straightforward - a switch locks out the light while charging. Nicely done. Comes in a small tight package for shipping - Highly recommended choice.

I received a sample Barefoot Power Firefly set (Firefly) of two solar lighting lamps, a solar panel, and a series of respective attachments to assist my efforts in identifying a potential agency within the United Nations, e.g., United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that could greatly benefit from Barefoot Power products. I commenced utilizing the Firefly lamps on a daily basis to determine their efficacy so that I was better prepared to discuss the Firefly with potential clients.I was impressed with the Firefly’s apparent ease of use, thoughtful durable design, long battery life, and a myriad of household applications. The Firefly superseded my expectations. On a full charge, the Firefly lasts through two full nights on a low light setting. I found it to be convenient that the Firefly has variable light intensity settings to fit any lighting need. The intensity settings are easily controlled by pressing of a button. The Firefly is portable with a pliable stem which makes it easy to reach small uncomfortable areas (in my case, the area that I needed to light was underneath my sink during the replacement of a faucet). A flashlight did not work since I was not able to secure it unlike the Firefly. The Firefly lamps are also independent of traditional lithium battery power as it is powered by the sun. The Firefly will never need new batteries that are heavy and problematic when it comes to their proper disposal. Be it a simple need for moderate to full lighting of a space, reading a book, cooking a meal (indoors or outdoors), or any other activity that requires lighting, Barefoot Power’s Firefly is ideal.

This is a very small, light-weight lamp. It did not work well as a table lamp. I then tried hanging it above my bed (it has a hook for hanging), but the light was just not bright enough for reading in a dark room. Also, it must be charged OUTSIDE for a good charge! I accomplish this by putting the lamp in the mailbox, attaching the charger, and then setting the solar panel on the sunny doorstep. Right now I'm using this lamp when I need some low light during meditation.