Q: What type of helmet is better: solar-powered or battery-operated?

A: Remember: All auto-darkening helmets that comply with the ANSI standard for helmets, whether battery- or solar-powered, protect the operator from damaging UV and IR radiation even when they are not darkened. However, solar-powered helmets offer the following advantages: 1. Since solar-powered helmets do not have an "on-off" switch, the helmet is always auto-activated when an arc is struck, therefore shielding the eyes from uncomfortable high-intensity visible light. On the other hand, battery-operated auto-darkening helmets typically have an "on-off" switch or an "auto-off" feature to conserve battery life. In either case, the operator must remember to turn the helmet on to activate the auto-darkening capability. 2. Additionally, solar-powered helmets do not have user-serviceable batteries requiring regular and inconvenient battery changes.