Installing solar lights in your outdoor space will significantly improve the aesthetics of your landscape, in addition to the security implications. As the battery is one of the most important components in any solar lighting system, it is critical that you get dependable ones either when installing the lights or when the old batteries run out.
Many solar batteries abound on the market today, such that making a good choice can be overwhelming. This is why we have selected and reviewed some of the best batteries for solar lights. We will also talk about some of the features and factors to consider when choosing batteries for your solar lights.
Table of Contents
- 6 Best Solar Light Batteries & Our Reviews
- Why You Should Trust Us on This Review?
- Kinds of Batteries for Solar Lights
- 5 Factors To Consider When Choosing Batteries for Solar Lights
- Conclusion
6 Best Solar Light Batteries & Our Reviews
1. Panasonic BK-3MCCA8BA Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
The Panasonic BK-3MCCA8BA is a 2000mAh AA NiMH battery that is guaranteed, according to the manufacturer, to last up to 2100 recharging cycles before a replacement would be required. Furthermore, there is a claim that the batteries will maintain up to 70% charge for up to 10 years when it is not in use, but that seems hard to believe. Interestingly, the batteries are already pre-charged with solar power, so they typically wouldn’t need a full charge after installation to power your lights. The batteries have no memory effect, so they can be recharged even when they are partially discharged.
Durability is another important characteristic of rechargeable batteries. Much more than the fact that they are long-lasting, the improvement made to the conductive surface layer of the electrode material makes for better conductivity. This, in turn, reduces the degradation of the conductive layer. It comes in different packs, ranging from a pack of 4-pack to a 24-pack, so you get to choose depending on what your solar lights require. If you ever need to buy rechargeable batteries for your solar lights, the Panasonic BK-3MCCA8BA is one of the batteries that deserve your consideration.
Pros + Key Features
- The batteries come pre-charged
- 2100 recharging cycles
- No memory effect
- Battery capacity is quite high
2. Energizer Double A Max Alkaline Batteries
If you are familiar with popular battery brands, then you should know Energizer. There are a lot of interesting things that we found interesting about this Energizer model, and if you are down to using non-rechargeable batteries for your solar lights, then you should take a look at this. They are really affordable and come in a pack of 48 Energizer MAX alkaline AA batteries. Another thing we like is the leak-resistant construction of the batteries. It is a very versatile battery type that can power a lot of things, solar lights being just one of the numerous.
According to the manufacturers, the batteries can hold power for 10 years, so you can always have them around for emergencies. The only downside to these batteries is that they are not rechargeable. Nonetheless, they are really affordable, and with the 48 battery pack, you get enough quantities to serve you for a very long time.
Pros + Key Features
- They are affordable
- Batteries don’t leak easily
- They are quite durable
3. Energizer Rechargeable AAA Batteries
This is just one of the numerous batteries from Energizer. They come in a pack of 4 800mAh NiMH AAA rechargeable batteries that are quite affordable. Apparently, this product is the first rechargeable AAA battery to be made with 4% recycled batteries. The only downside to these batteries is the low 800mAh capacity. Nevertheless, they are quite durable and will last you a long time. Furthermore, they can retain their charge for up to 12 months without recharging, so you can always have them around for rainy days.
While they are not the most durable rechargeable batteries, they will last for a decent 700 recharge cycle. The batteries come pre-charged, so they should power your lights right out of the box. The low capacity also implies that they would charge up quickly, even though they will not last as long as batteries with higher capacities. The Energizer brand is a tested and trusted one, so you can be sure that these batteries will last you long enough.
Pros + Key Features
- They charge up quickly
- They come pre-charged
- They are made with 4% recycled batteries
- They can retain charge in storage for up to 12 months
4. AmazonBasics AA Rechargeable Batteries
With a 2000mAh capacity, these AmazonBasics rechargeable batteries have an impressive capacity; you would struggle to get a higher capacity in rechargeable batteries. In addition, they are one of the most durable options you can get on the market. The manufacturer’s claim that the batteries can maintain an 80% capacity for 24 months is quite striking. If that is true, it is a really exciting quality as you can always have them readily charged for any form of emergency. As a matter of fact, the batteries come pre-charged, and they will start to power your lights right out of the box.
Depending on the capacity your lights require, you get to choose from different battery packs, ranging from 4 packs to 24 packs. To further assure customers of the durability of the product, it comes with a 1-year warranty. Also, the batteries can be recycled when they eventually run out. Al you would need to do is get them to a recycling plant near you. Interestingly, they can be recharged and used up to 1000 times before they run out. As a versatile battery, it can be used with a wide variety of devices and fixtures.
Pros + Key Features
- The batteries come pre-charged
- 1-year warranty
- Up to 1000 recharge cycles
- They are recyclable
5. EBL AA Rechargeable Batteries
These EBL AA Batteries have a capacity of 1100mAh. This is average battery capacity, but you can depend on them to power your solar garden lights. While we’ve reviewed them solely for solar light purposes, they are versatile enough to power your remotes, keyboards, controllers, and more devices. Quite interestingly, they are more temperature-tolerant than most batteries, and they will continue to perform well in the sun or snow.
It comes in a pack of 20 batteries, and it is not overly priced. The batteries do not discharge easily and can maintain 75% power for up to 3 years without charge. The superlattice alloy construction is responsible for the high retention of electric charge, the low loss capacity, and the excellent discharge performance. As it is, the manufacturers claim that the batteries can last up to 1200 recharges. While these batteries do not have the highest capacities, we have used them for some time and found them durable and long-lasting.
Pros + Key Features
- They are long-lasting
- Low self-discharge
- They don’t leak easily
- They are quite versatile
6. GEILIENERGY AA Ni-CD Rechargeable Batteries
The GEILIENERGY AA Ni-CD batteries are guaranteed to last for up to 6 hours with a full charge. This is not the best running time for your solar lights, but the battery’s low 600mAh capacity is what is responsible for this. Nevertheless, it will charge up quickly, in case you don’t have extended sunshine periods. Another thing we have noticed about these batteries is that you should use them as soon you get them to prevent a continuous discharge of the batteries. They typically don’t hold a charge for a long time.
You can recharge and use the batteries up to 1000 times. This is a very reasonable lifetime for solar light batteries. Like the other batteries we have reviewed, it is versatile and can be used with a variety of devices and fixtures. It comes in a pack of 20 1.2V rechargeable batteries, and it is reasonably priced. Although it is a general rule with solar light batteries, you are reminded that the power should be used up before subsequent recharging.
Pros + Key Features
- Up to 1000 recharge cycle
- It charges quickly
- It is quite durable
Why You Should Trust Us on This Review?
When reviewing products, there are a couple of things to go by. Customer feedback and personal testing are the most important factors, and these two are our most important guidelines for reviewing products. Moreover, we have considerable experience in solar lighting (both indoor and outdoor), and we know what features and factors influence the quality of these solar lights.
Solar lights make use of different types of rechargeable batteries, so the first thing we did was to make a selection of different types of batteries from different brands. We largely relied on customer feedback in our assessment of these batteries as it testing the batteries out proved ambiguous.
Nonetheless, the AA batteries were tested with small battery-powered flashlights and fans to get an idea of how fast they drain. Taking into consideration our experience with some of these rechargeable batteries we have used with solar lights,
Kinds of Batteries for Solar Lights
There are different types of batteries that can be used with solar lights. What differentiates these batteries from one another is their chemical composition. So, when changing your batteries, endeavor to replace them with the same battery type.
Nickel Cadmium Battery
Nickel-cadmium batteries are like the most portable solar batteries you can get. Portability is not the most important factor when it comes to solar light batteries. If you ever need portable batteries for your solar lights, you should consider this type of battery. When it comes to better capacity, nickel-cadmium batteries are not the best. Also, they have some problems regarding charge memory.
Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery
There is not much difference between nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries, apart from the fact that nickel-metal hydride batteries. It comes with hydrogen-absorbing alloy links. Furthermore, it is more environmentally friendly and can hold more charge. The sheer environmental-friendliness and capacity of nickel-metal batteries make them one of the best for solar lights.
Lithium-ion Battery
If you need the best batteries for your solar lights, then you should consider lithium-ion batteries. They can be quite expensive, but they take very little time to charge. They are also portable and environmentally friendly. Lithium-ion batteries are also more durable than NiMH or NiCad batteries.
Lithium Phosphate
Lithium phosphate batteries are closely related to lithium-ion batteries. However, lithium phosphate batteries are highly improved. Also, they are not so common, so it can be hard to get them if you ever decide to. An interesting thing about this type of rechargeable battery is the uniform voltage output.
5 Factors To Consider When Choosing Batteries for Solar Lights
Replacing solar light batteries is a straightforward process once you have the replacement batteries. However, the work is in choosing the right battery for the solar lights. If you are looking for new batteries for your solar light, you should consider the following factors.
1. Battery Type
If you are replacing batteries that have run down, you first have to determine the battery you go searching for replacements. There are different types of rechargeable batteries, but you should always replace them with the same battery type. So, you should always go for the same type of batteries when replacing them.
The common types are the Nickel Cadmium Battery, Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery, and the Lithium-ion Battery. The battery type you have in your lights is what should determine the battery type you go for.
2. Battery Size
Another thing you have to check before replacing your batteries is the size. Outdoor solar lamps typically use two different battery sizes; the AA and the AAA. They can be easily mistaken for each other, as they have similar sizes. Nonetheless, be sure to have the right size when buying the batteries.
3. Battery Capacity
You should also establish what sufficient battery capacity is for your solar lights. Battery capacity is rated in mAh. The higher the mAh, the longer the battery will last. High-capacity batteries, however, take longer to charge.
4. Low Self Discharge
Over time, rechargeable batteries will lose charge if they are not used. They don’t have to be connected to anything before this self-discharge occurs. Nonetheless, some manufacturers are able to minimize self-discharge by adding more insulation to the battery.
5. Price
You should also establish how much you can afford to spend before you shop for batteries. Solar light rechargeable batteries are available at different prices. When compared to other types of batteries, they are typically more expensive. As they last long enough, the prices are always justified. You can always get affordable rechargeable batteries that will adequately power your solar lights. You don’t have to go overboard and spend more than what you can afford.
Conclusion
New solar lights typically come with batteries, but if yours didn’t come with rechargeable batteries, these batteries are some of the best options available on the market. Also, when your batteries run down and need replacement, these are all perfect options. Replace with the same type of batteries that have the same size as the former ones. The rechargeable batteries are durable, and you can rest assured that you will get commensurate value for money spent. They are also not so expensive, and they offer good value for the prices at which they come.
See Also:
