A solar powered lamp is provided with flat ends and a translucent flexible housing, such that the housing can be inflated to form a free standing cylinder. A solar panel faces outward on one of the flat ends for recharging a low-profile rechargeable battery which, under the control of a printed circuit panel, powers an array of LEDs, which point into the lamp housing. Reflective surfaces, facing each other on opposite inside end walls of the lamp, maximize the diffusion of light from the LEDs. The lamp is a durable, portable, long light lighting solution for those who live off the electric power grid, victims of disaster, and the like.