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, 2013
In 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, 2013
I 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.
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I just purchased the new model of the Solar Firefly Light. I have had the old model for 3 years and simply loved it. When the new model was available, without hesitation, I bought it. The new model has two settings instead of three, which I find an improvement. I never used the middle setting. I can use the light for longer periods of time as the battery lasts longer.
I use my Firefly Light for ambient light, a night light, a reading light, flashlight, camping & backpacking light. Around my house I find using my solar light instead of turning on a light switch every time I enter a room very satisfying. For the future I am doing my Christmas shopping by giving this wonderful solar light to my friends and family.
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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.
Honest reviews on Barefoot Power Firefly Lamp
Love my new little Firefly12! Worth the wait for the new model with the more powerful lithium ion battery to be manufactured and stocked. It worked right out of the box--no delayed gratification. Its light weight and small size belie its bright and flexible light (adjusts to different light levels). Besides the holier-than-thou green footprint we can brag about, it's great for places where you don't have a plug or don't want wires, but need light--kitchen, porch, bathtub--or want a low-level light (on the lower setting) so as not to bother anyone. Might even take it on trips as one of my pet peeves is not having a lamp on both sides of the bed. Got a second for my son to take camping, but not sure I want to part with it! This is going to be a go-to gift item. Can't imagine anyone who couldn't find a use for it. BTW, was going to get the unit with the phone charger until I realized it might not work on my (Android) smart phone. Might be good for a Kindle, etc., though.
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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.
