Saw this and thought I would post the link. I don't know if it is of any quality or not, but the premise is interesting.

http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/product/...iProductID=5437

I've seen that lantern before. It was the price that put me off. Does the price reflect the cost of the solar panel, or just the lantern?
Eventually I settled for this LED lantern, combined with seperate battery solar charger and batteries. At least there is no built in battery to die on me at the wrong moment. The total price for the set up I bought came to about the same price for your lantern .
Now I have the solar charger, all the batteries I use are rechargeable.

http://outdoorsuppliesuk.com/12ledlantern/ledlantern.html

Very interesting concept, especially for blackouts where I need light in enclosed places like bathrooms, and high-traffic areas like hallways and I don't want to leave fuel/flame lanterns burning.

Here in the States, Sportsman's Guide has a couple of variations. They're not solar, and I'm not sure if they will work on rechargable batteries but they're intriguing nonetheless.

Here is the link for convenience: LED Lanterns at Sportsman's Guide

~Sarah

Not to knock electric lanterns, but on car-camping trips I enjoy taking an old railroad kerosene lantern I found in my grandparent's "well house" as a kid. The warm, dim light sets a nice mood, compatible with the fire crackling nearby. After the eyes adapt it is plenty bright to eat a meal by or read a book.

For scrounging in the tent or backpack, a headband-mounted light suffices. Light-up-the-night zillion-lumen mantle lanterns are not welcome!