After living through the Texas Freeze, a tornado tearing out our electrical power lines, and plenty of other power outages, I’ve learned which lights my family actually reaches for when the house goes dark.
Our first choice isn’t a flashlight or an oil lamp. It’s a simple USB light bulb plugged into one of our Jackery portable power stations. But we also keep several other options, because lighting a kitchen, finding your way to the bathroom, and giving a child a comforting bedroom light are different needs.
These are our five most-used light sources for power outages, plus one backup we still keep.
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1. USB Light Bulbs: Our First Choice for Lighting a Room
Hands down, USB light bulbs are the lights we use most during a power outage. We plug ourdirectly into our Jackery power stations, and they give us light comparable to an electric light bulb —enough to make a room bright again.
As I shared in my article about backup power, I like having several smaller Jackeries available. We take one into the kitchen with a USB bulb and use another in the living area. That simple setup lights the areas where we spend the most time.
Our bulbs use very little energy, and we have never drained a Jackery just from using them for lighting during our outages. Of course, your runtime will depend on the bulb, battery capacity, and other devices drawing power.
My suggestion: Look for a bulb that runs directly from a USB port. Some “USB rechargeable” lights only use USB to charge an internal battery.
Browse USB-powered light bulbs.
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| Tea lights are so handy. I buy them in bulk. |
2. Tea Lights: Inexpensive Light for Small Areas
Tea lights are our second most-used option. They’re small, inexpensive, and useful when we only need a little light—such as lighting a dark bathroom or dark corner.
I buy them in bulk and watch for deals at IKEA, Amazon, and other retailers. We also pick up votives and other candles during holiday clearances throughout the year.
A tea light won’t brighten a whole room, but it can provide enough nearby light to see what you’re doing.
We set ours on a bathroom sink or in a dish to protect the flame - when unattended in bathroom. Can also add a dash of essential oil for a nice scent. For an unattended dark corner or hallway, I use a flameless light.
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| flameless candles - don't forget to stock up on batteries! |
3. Battery-Operated Candles: Warm Light Without an Open Flame
Battery-operated “fake flame” candles have become one of our favorite additions.
Normally, I don’t like depending entirely on replaceable batteries. But these candles earn their place because they give off a warm glow without an open flame.
They’re especially useful for a child’s bedroom or a makeshift indoor tent, or anywhere I’m uncomfortable putting a burning candle. Flameless candlesticks can also go into holders just like regular tapers.
*** Keep spare batteries on hand.
Browse battery-operated flameless candlesticks.
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| Solar lights can be brought indoors during the evening |
4. Solar Lights: Rechargeable Backup and a Little Atmosphere
We have solar yard lights and camping lights, and we bring them into our outage plans, too.
Some of my favorites are the flickering-flame solar torch lights. Ours have held up through extreme Texas heat and weather, and the dancing-flame effect adds a comforting glow.
Solar Christmas lights and string lights are another favorite. They make a dark room feel more cheerful and help outline a hallway or walking area. We position the panel at a sunny window or charge it outside and bring the lights indoors.
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| Most durable solar lights. Still working 2 years later after being exposed to the elements. These solar lights are especially useful for camping. You can take a magnetic clip and attach to van or RV, hang one of these sensor solar lights and they will come on and off whenever someone approaches vehicle. |
I wouldn’t depend on solar alone. Storms can bring several days of poor charging weather, and charging through a window may be less effective than charging outdoors. Models that also accept USB charging give us another option using our portable power stations.
I shop holiday markdowns and camping sales. During a prolonged outage, I would also choose an outdoor charging spot where the lights are less likely to disappear.
Browse solar sensor lights, flickering-flame solar torches, and solar string lights with USB charging.
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| Fireplace not only offers light, but warmth and a back-up cooking method |
5. Our Fireplace: Comfort During Winter Outages
There is something comforting about a fireplace lighting up a room when the electricity is out. During cold-weather outages, ours provides both warmth and light.
If we didn’t have a fireplace, I would look into a properly installed wood stove.
This is fifth on my list because it’s seasonal. During a hot Texas summer blackout, building a fire would add heat we certainly don’t need. But in winter, a fireplace has real value.
Why We Still Keep Oil Lamps as Backup
Years ago, we stocked up on oil lamps and fuel during Christmas sales. We still have them, along with extra wicks, but they’re no longer the first lights I reach for.
They require fuel and maintenance, and an open flame is a concern around children and animals that could knock one over. Fuel also costs money and may be harder to replace during an extended outage.
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Still, I keep our oil lamps as another layer of backup.
Browse oil lamps and lamp oil.
What I Would Keep for Power Outage Lighting
Our USB bulbs and Jackeries handle most of our room lighting. Flameless candles provide a comforting glow, tea lights serve small areas, and solar lights offer another way to recharge. The fireplace helps in winter, while oil lamps stay in reserve.
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| Solar lights at the dollar store |
Through all our outages, having several ways to make light has mattered more than having one favorite. Batteries run down, cloudy weather limits solar charging, and candles and lamps eventually need more fuel.
But the first thing my family reaches for? That little USB bulb.
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