One of the ways to power outdoor solar lights is to use the best rechargeable batteries for solar lights. Outdoor solar lighting is an eco-friendly way to light up your compound. Most people all they know is that solar harnesses solar energy which is later used to light the solar lights. But why do lights continue working even without sunlight?
The solar has internal batteries that store energy after the solar is exposed to the sun. When the sun sets or is low, the stored energy in the batteries will illuminate your compound.
The positioning of the solar to get full exposure to the sun is key. This is important, but it also depends on the batteries in the solar. The type and condition of the batteries determine how long the solar needs sun exposure.
Some batteries need four hours of sun and it will offer to light the entire night. Others may need a complete day of sunlight. This article will look at the best rechargeable batteries for solar lights. Buyers guide and answer some questions that you may have concerning rechargeable batteries for solar lights.
Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate, we may earn commission from qualified purchases — thanks for your support!
The 7 Best Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights
1. NiMH Rechargeable AA Battery
The rechargeable battery has a high capacity of 1300mAh which makes it an impressive gadget. This makes it last longer to use time compared to other brands in the market. Your solar lights will work efficiently with a single charge of the battery.
You can recharge the AA batteries over 500 times without a problem. The batteries eliminate the need to buy one-time alkaline batteries, and this saves you money in the long run. AA solar batteries have multiple uses like operating a Tv remote, toys, wireless mice, flashlights, and so on.
NiMH batteries are environmentally friendly and are UL listed, hence safe. They have a 30% pre-charged power for transportation safety. Before using them for solar lights, recharge them to full capacity for longer working hours. Routine recharging of about three times a month will increase its life span. You can recharge them through solar or standard charging units.
Pros
- Longer service life
- 1300mAh
- Durable
- Multiple uses
Con
- Intermediate power
2. EBL AA Rechargeable Batteries
Packed with 20 units of AA rechargeable batteries is another best-performing battery for solar lights. Each unit has a capacity of 1.2v 1100mAh. Such power will save you a lot and prevent spending on other poor-quality brands.
The EBL batteries are perfect for solar-powered landscaping lights, gardening lights, and lawn lights. Other applications include remote control, wireless keyboard, and mouse.
The rechargeable batteries show high performance and efficiency than other types in the market. Extreme weather does not affect its performance. It works when the temperatures are under 4 degrees and 140 degrees.
With a solar charger, you can recharge from the sun and snow. They come in packs of four for proper storage. Batteries are pre-charged and need to be charged in full before use. It can’t get better than this when the battery has not been in use as they maintain the charge. When the sun is low, you can use an EBL battery charger.
Pros
- High durability
- Versatile operation
- Low self-discharge
- Convenient storage
Con
- Ordinary life span
3. Tenergy AA Rechargeable Battery NiCd 1000mAh 1.2V Battery
It is a perfect pack for all your solar light needs. With a high capacity of 1000mAh, it means you will use the AA rechargeable battery for a longer time. With a single charge, it will power all your lights efficiently.
You can use the Tenergy AA batteries for various purposes like lawn lights, landscaping, and garden lights. Other devices like gaming controllers, remotes, and wireless mouses can also use these batteries. Comes with a perfect design to replace many alkaline AA 1.5v batteries.
This means you can turn to rechargeable batteries for all the devices. You will save money as the batteries can be reused and recharged. You will not have to buy disposable batteries for every device after a short period.
Tenergy rechargeable batteries can be charged by solar or standard charging units. When the sun is not enough, use Tenergy universal battery charger.
Pros
- Low self-discharge
- Long service life
- Multipurpose
- High Capacity
Con
- Ordinary power
4. GEILIENERGY NiMH AA 600mAh 1.2V Rechargeable Batteries
They are fit for Malibu and traumatic solar garden lights and used instead of 600mAh AA cells. Has a capacity of 600mAh that provides a long service time per charge. Each battery has 1.2v to support all your outdoor solar lights.
It is also environmentally friendly. The design is perfect to be used in other devices like remote controls, toys, and others. The pack has twelve pieces of high quality and an extended lifetime.
Geilienergy batteries are best charged by solar power or standard charging unit. The rechargeable batteries help you save money spent on one-time disposable alkaline batteries. It is advisable to exhaust the power before you recharge. This way, its capacity, and lifespan will be safeguarded.
Pros
- Reusable
- Easy to install
- Excellent performance
Con
- Middle life span
5. RELIGHTABLE AA NiCd 600mAh 1.2V Rechargeable Batteries
This product comes in 20 pieces. Each of them has 600mAh 1.2v rechargeable batteries. Each unit has a 600mAh capacity. This makes it perform excellently. It has power that can enable it to run for 12 hours.
You can use these batteries for a long as they have 1000 charge and discharge cycles. It is ideal for Malibu and undramatic solar garden lights. Their design can replace 800mAh and 600Mah NiCD AA cells. Compared with other rechargeable batteries, relatable AA NiCd offers much energy and power recharging.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to use
- Saves money and time
- High lifetime
Con
- Normal recharge power
6. AmazonBasics AAA Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights – 8 Pack
The batteries have a high capacity of 2000mAh and you can get them in packs of four, eight, twelve, and even twenty-four. They are versatile as they are used in different devices like toys, wireless keyboards, remote controls, cameras, and others.
From the manufacturer, they come charged and you can use them as soon as they are delivered. With a cycle rating of 1000, you can recharge these batteries as many times. The capacity is maintained after every recharge, which means it will serve all the solar lights for a long time.
The self-discharging is low and it can’t go past 80% even if stored for two years without being used. When they cannot recharge or store power, you don’t have to throw them away. Some companies collect such batteries for recycling hence making the environment clean.
Pros
- Affordable
- Recyclable
- Come when fully charged
- Come with one year warranty
Con
- It loses about 8% of capacity after half a year.
7. Energizer Rechargeable AA Batteries for Solar Lights – 4 Pack
The rechargeable batteries have a capacity of 2000mAh. When fully charged, it will power all your solar lights for twelve hours. The AA NiMH batteries are well known to work efficiently in cold climates.
This is probably a feature to look out for when you need to light your solar lights during winter. The recharging cycle rating is 1000 and the battery can store the power for a year. This is a great battery to serve you for years without the need to buy new ones.
Pros
- Durable
- Recyclable
- Can hold a full charge for a year.
Con
- They are priced higher than other batteries.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Light
Chemical product
Different rechargeable batteries have different chemical compositions. Some of these chemicals include lithium-ion batteries, nickel, cadmium, lithium, and iron batteries. Each of these battery chemical compositions provides a different performance and function. Lithium-ion batteries, when used for solar lights, provide high-value operation and performance. There are other, more environmentally friendly batteries. Look for batteries without toxic components, hence taking care of your health.
Battery size
Battery size and type is an important feature to consider before purchasing rechargeable batteries. Different types are measured in A, AA, AAA, and other units. The different sizes are compatible with different devices. For solar light, the most common size in rechargeable batteries is AA.
The feature is vital as the batteries are used in different devices such as remotes, toys, game controllers, and sound devices. Look for rechargeable batteries that will serve your solar light and other devices.
Battery power capacity
This is the most sought feature of rechargeable batteries. The power capacity of a rechargeable battery is interpreted as its life span. The capacity of a battery is measured in Ah or mAh. Most rechargeable batteries have a capacity that ranges from 600 mAh to 100.
The life spans of batteries differ. Each life cycle offers greater energy capacity. Hence, it will save you time and money from buying new rechargeable batteries after a short period than what you expected.
Solar lights with long-life rechargeable batteries will offer high performance all night. You will be in a better position when you buy high battery capacity for your solar lights and other devices.
Energy efficiency
The energy efficiency aspect of a rechargeable battery is important to consider. Rapid energy recharging can offer high performance with less energy required to do so.
Since solar lights use solar energy to operate, the best rechargeable batteries will be those that take four to five hours to charge completely. When the sun intensity lowers, the implements will have the power to run the lights.
Energy efficiency can be analyzed in terms of how the batteries can prevent power loss while not in use. When batteries stay for a long time without being used, the maximum capacity loss can be reduced. This means when self-discharging is low, you can use the rechargeable battery after being stored for years.
Effectiveness against other factors
While these rechargeable batteries are used in solar lights, climate, and weather changes can affect their operations and performance. The temperature may rise and the batteries should not melt under these high temperatures.
When the temperature falls very low, the batteries should not be destroyed. Rechargeable batteries should be durable over different temperature ranges, making them adapt to different environments.
FAQs:
What kind of batteries do you use for solar lights?
AA batteries are mostly used for solar lights. They can be NiMH or NiCd type. The number of rechargeable batteries in a solar light depends on the design, but the common ones use four batteries. NiMH batteries have a high performance in cold weather compared to NiCD batteries.
Can regular AA batteries be used in solar lights?
It is not advisable to use regular AA batteries in solar lights. The reason is regular AA batteries have a brief life and will serve you for a moment.
Solar lights need rechargeable batteries that can recharge during the day and store some energy. The stored energy is used at night. So go for rechargeable batteries to power your solar lights.
How long do rechargeable batteries last?
How long a rechargeable battery serves you at optimum capacity will depend on the recharging cycle rating. Different batteries have different recharging cycle ratings. If you have a battery with a rating of 2000 cycles, it can serve you for years while a 500 rating can last for less than a year.
Final Thought
Rechargeable batteries for solar lights are of different types and sizes. Every kind has its features to give you an efficient power supply. Understanding your compound and the number of lights in the yard will help you have a glance at how much power you need to supply to all the lights.
Understanding each of the above-discussed rechargeable batteries will help you choose the best. The advantages and disadvantages will enable you to search for what works for you. Consider the discussed factors in the buyer’s guide before purchasing any batteries for a better decision.
Purchase rechargeable batteries that are compatible with other devices in the house to cut extra costs. The weather in your residential area is also a vital factor to consider in having continuous lighting.
From the above list, choose the best brand, type, and capacity of rechargeable batteries for your solar lights. Let your home surroundings glow with solar light.
