When it comes to these lights, selecting the right battery is essential for optimal performance and longevity. In this blog, we delve into the world of the best batteries for solar lights. Additionally, we’ll also review some replacement batteries for solar lights.
Powering Up with Best Batteries for Solar Lights
When it comes to choosing the best batteries for solar lights, there are a few factors to consider, such as battery type, capacity, chemistry, and brand reputation. Here are some of the best battery options commonly used for solar lights:
1. Brightown Battery for Solar Lights
Brightown batteries are among the best batteries for solar lights. These rechargeable batteries have a capacity rating of 1300 mAh and they provide a decent battery backup. These batteries come in a box of 12, which is a good deal for the price. They also offer a 1-year warranty. However, compared to other batteries, the number of times you can recharge them is slightly lower.
Pros
- Battery has a rated capacity of 1300 mAh.
- Comes with 12 batteries in the box.
- Includes a 1-year warranty.
- Offers decent battery life.
- Rechargeable batteries for versatile use.
Cons
- Battery cycles could have been higher.
2. POWEROWL Batteries For Solar Lights
Powerowl is a premium brand known for offering high-performance batteries for solar lights, which justifies their higher price. These batteries boast an impressive battery capacity of 2800 mAh, surpassing others available. You can use these batteries for solar lights outdoors.
Although not the highest in quantity, the brand still offers a decent pack of 12 batteries, which allows you to power multiple lights. Additionally, the batteries come with a reliable 3-year warranty, ensuring their durability and reliability.
Pros
- Battery has a rated capacity of 2800 mAh.
- Comes with 12 batteries in the box.
- Highly reliable and durable.
- Includes a 3-year warranty.
Cons
- Slightly higher price compared to other options.
3. Tenergy Battery for Solar Lights
Tenergy batteries are for those who are on a tight budget. You can use these batteries for solar lights outdoors. Despite the lower price, you still receive a decent pack of 12 batteries. However, with an average battery capacity of 1000 mAh, there is room for improvement. Unlike many budget brands, Tenergy offers a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros
- Battery has a rated capacity of 1000 mAh.
- Comes with 12 batteries in the box.
- Includes a 1-year warranty.
- Affordable option for solar lights.
Cons
- Battery life rating is average.
4. KINSUN Battery For Solar Light
Kinsun is a smaller brand of solar light batteries that provides good performance at an affordable price. You can use them as replacement batteries for solar lights.
It is a viable option if you’re looking for reliable batteries These batteries offer a decent capacity of 900 mAh, providing satisfactory battery life for most applications.
However, keep in mind that the pack size is relatively small, containing only 8 batteries. Despite being a lesser-known brand, Kinsun still offers a 1-year warranty, ensuring some level of assurance for your purchase.
Pros
- Battery has a rated capacity of 900 mAh.
- Comes with 8 batteries in the box.
- Includes a 1-year warranty.
- Supports a high number of discharge cycles.
Cons
- The pack size could have been larger.
5. RELIGHTABLE Batteries for Solar Lights
Relitghtable is known for its rechargeable batteries, providing long-lasting usage. You can use these batteries as replacement batteries for solar lights. Their pack size stands out as it contains a generous total of 20 batteries.
However, these batteries have a low capacity of only 600 mAh, resulting in poor battery life. Additionally, they lack a manufacturer warranty, which raises concerns about their reliability.
Pros
- Battery has a rated capacity of 600 mAh.
- Comes with 20 batteries in the box.
- Supports up to 1000 discharge cycles.
Cons
- Battery has a low capacity.
- Does not come with a warranty.
6. GEILIENERGY Batteries For Solar Light
Geilienergy is a brand that offers a convenient solution for multiple solar lights by providing a pack of batteries in a single purchase. These batteries are among the best batteries for solar lights.
With a generous pack size, you’ll receive 20 batteries, making it suitable for all your lights. The affordable price is another advantage.
However, similar to Relightable batteries, Geilienergy batteries have a lower battery life due to their capacity rating of 600 mAh. On the bright side, these batteries come with a reliable 2-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros
- Battery has a rated capacity of 600 mAh.
- Comes with 20 batteries in the box.
- Includes a 2-year warranty.
- Offers decent value for money.
Cons
- Battery life rating is poor.
7. EBL Batteries for Solar Lights
EBL’s batteries are among the best batteries for solar lights. They are both practical and long-lasting, with the largest battery pack size available. You’ll get a whopping 20 batteries in the box, which is more than enough for your needs.
Each battery in this pack offers a decent battery backup, rated at 1100 mAh. Additionally, these batteries come with a special feature: a battery carrying case that makes them convenient for on-the-go use.
Pros
- Battery has a rated capacity of 1300 mAh.
- Comes with 12 batteries in the box.
- Includes a 1-year warranty.
- Offers decent battery life.
- Rechargeable batteries for versatile use.
Cons
- Battery cycles could have been higher.
8. HENREEPOW Batteries For Solar Light
Henreepow is a well-known brand that specializes in rechargeable AA batteries widely used to power devices like solar lights.
Their Ni-MH AA rechargeable batteries offer a capacity rating of 1300 mAh, ensuring strong performance. These 1.2-volt batteries can be charged using standard charging units or solar cell lights.
Henreepow batteries are safe, reliable, and long-lasting compared to NiCD batteries. They come pre-charged with 30% power, but it’s recommended to fully charge them before extended use. These batteries are suitable for various outdoor lights and other devices compatible with AA batteries, such as mice, calculators, keyboards, remote controls, microphones, and toys.
With up to 1200 rechargeable cycles and rapid charging capability, these batteries have a long service life. You’ll receive a total of 12 batteries in the box, providing good value for the price. Additionally, it offers a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Pros
- Battery has a rated capacity of 1300 mAh.
- Comes with 12 batteries in the box.
- Can be charged using solar cell lights or standard charging units.
- Includes a 1-year warranty.
- Eco-friendly, safe, recycled, reliable, and long-lasting.
Cons
- Battery cycles could have been improved.
These were some replacement batteries for solar lights. Now, let’s learn how to choose the best batteries for solar lights.
Also Read: 8 Best Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights
How to Choose the Best Batteries for Solar Lights
Before making a purchase, conducting basic research is necessary. Let’s explore the key factors to consider before buying the best batteries for solar lights.
1. Types of Solar Batteries
NiMH batteries, NiCd batteries, and Li-ion batteries are the commonly used batteries for solar lights. To help you choose the right one, here is a detailed explanation of each type.
a) NiMH Batteries for Solar Lights
NiMH batteries are widely used in solar lights and other cordless devices due to their safety and reliability. They are considered a safer alternative to NiCd batteries, which can be environmentally hazardous if not disposed of correctly.
The NiMH battery, despite being the same size as alkaline batteries, holds a significantly higher electric charge and can be disposed of in an eco-friendly manner. However, it does have a shorter lifespan compared to its counterpart.
This type of battery can be charged up to 500-1000 times, which is approximately 2-3 years of usage if handled correctly. A helpful tip to maximize their lifespan is to use them frequently.
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b) NiCd Batteries for Solar Lights
After learning about NiMH batteries for solar lights, let’s learn about NiCd batteries. These batteries are also known as Nickel Cadmium batteries and were popular rechargeable batteries in the 90s. They are commonly used in small devices like solar lights, toys, cameras, and computers. These batteries store energy using metallic cadmium electrodes and an alkaline electrolyte of nickel oxide hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.
One unique characteristic of NiCd batteries is that they maintain a consistent voltage of 1.2V until they are fully discharged. They are effective in supplying power throughout their entire range and can last for approximately 1000 cycles before needing replacement. However, the main drawback is their memory charge, which requires them to be completely drained before recharging.
c) Li-ion Batteries for Solar Lights
Li-ion batteries are commonly used to power smartphones and laptops. One major advantage of these batteries is their significantly shorter charging time compared to other nickel-based batteries. They also have a longer lifespan, higher energy density, require low maintenance, and have low self-discharge rates.
Another benefit of Li-ion batteries is that their voltage capacity remains consistent regardless of the charge level. This means that even when the battery is at 10% capacity, it will still provide the same performance as when it’s fully charged.
However, the main drawback of Li-ion batteries is their higher cost compared to other battery types.
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2. Battery Capacity
The battery capacity differs among different models and is typically measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). Rechargeable batteries generally have a capacity range of 600 to 2000 plus mAh. In general, batteries with higher capacity will provide power to solar lights for a longer duration. Therefore, it is important to select batteries with higher capacity ratings that meet your specific requirements. This will help you calculate the longevity of the lights before needing to recharge or replace the batteries.
3. Battery Type
When purchasing rechargeable batteries, it is important to consider the type and size that best suits your needs. Battery types are often measured in units like A, AA, AAA, and more. Different devices require different battery sizes and types to function properly.
For solar lights, AA rechargeable batteries are typically the preferred and commonly used option. These batteries are also used in remotes, toys, game controllers, and sound devices. It is crucial to ensure compatibility with your devices when choosing rechargeable batteries. Look for batteries that are suitable for both your solar lights and other gadgets to ensure optimal performance.
Also See: What is Battery Energy Storage?
4. Number of Batteries
When setting up solar lights, it’s important to consider the number of batteries needed. Since multiple lights are usually installed, you’ll require a sufficient quantity of batteries. Nowadays, batteries for solar lights are available in packs with different sizes, ranging from 6 to 20 batteries. Opting for larger packs or bulk deals is recommended for better performance.
5. Energy Efficiency
It is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing rechargeable batteries. A battery with quick energy recharging capabilities will offer high performance while consuming less energy for proper illumination.
Solar lights primarily operate on solar energy and take approximately 4-5 hours to fully charge. During periods of low sun intensity, the stored power in the batteries is vital for the lights to function. Choosing an energy-efficient battery ensures minimal capacity loss when the batteries are not in use for extended periods. Batteries with low self-discharge are preferable as they retain their charge even after being stored for years.
6. Effectiveness
Rechargeable batteries in solar lights are designed to withstand climate and weather changes. They can tolerate high temperatures without melting and low temperatures without damage. Their durability allows for effective performance in different environments.
7. Environmental Impact
Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries contain toxic cadmium. To avoid harm, it is necessary to properly handle these batteries. Leaking or open batteries pose a higher risk. Cadmium easily enters the body through skin contact. You need to dispose of NiCd and NiMH batteries at designated recycling stations to prevent environmental contamination, particularly in water bodies.
8. Memory Effect
NiMH batteries charge up to their full capacity, unlike NiCd batteries. The cyclic memory effect is a phenomenon specific to nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, where they tend to remember their previous low charging levels and reset their charging capacity accordingly.
For example, if a NiCd battery is recharged up to 80% due to limited sunlight received by the solar panel, it will recall the previous recharge level and charge only up to that level (i.e., 80%) instead of reaching full capacity.
Cadmium naturally degrades over time, causing a gradual reduction in capacity, but at a slower rate compared to the cyclic memory effect.
9. Cycle Charges
The number of cycle charges indicates the rechargeable battery’s lifespan. The packaging or manual displays the range. Typically, it can be changed between 500 and 2000 cycles or more.
10. Compatibility
Ensure compatibility by considering the size and type of batteries for your solar lights. Check the user manual or the battery compartment of your existing lights for the recommended battery type. Solar lights commonly use AA or AAA batteries, so be cautious of size similarities that might lead to selecting the wrong battery.
Note: Do not mix NiMH and NiCd batteries in the same compartment due to discharge differences, which can lead to leaks and potential hazards.
Also Read: Do AGM Batteries Need to be Vented?
11. Price
The price of solar light batteries can vary based on factors like battery type, runtime, energy efficiency, and brand. Consider your budget range when selecting a product. Typically, their prices are quite affordable, ranging from $5 to $50.
12. Warranty
Check the warranty offered by manufacturers before purchasing rechargeable batteries for solar lights. Most products come with a minimum 1-year warranty, while some offer a 3-year warranty for extended longevity. Read product reviews and ratings to understand what is covered under the warranty.
By analyzing batteries on the basis of these factors, you can choose among the best batteries for solar lights. Now, let’s also analyze if you can use energizer rechargeable batteries for solar lights.
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Can I use Energizer Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights?
Yes, you can use energizer rechargeable batteries for solar lights. They are a reliable choice for charging solar lights. They are constructed with durable materials, ensuring long-lasting performance. Additionally, they offer excellent cold resistance. With a lifespan of five years and 1500 recharge cycles, these batteries have dependable usage. Furthermore, they are made with 4% recyclable materials and have a storage capacity of 2000 mAh.
Selecting the best battery for your solar lights can make a significant difference in their performance and overall lifespan. It’s crucial to consider factors such as battery life, charging efficiency, and compatibility with your solar light system. For more solar battery content, keep reading!
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