Introduction
It is a fact that the common source of solar energy is the sun. However, the best batteries for solar lights will need more than just the sun to function. Even though the sun can sustain all electricity-related activities, there is a need for other alternatives. The primary purpose of solar lights is to store a specific amount of power gotten from the sun. But what plans are we making to tap unlimited energy from the sun?
Solar energy has become significant and can be a unique global sensation. We are slowly running out of oil and gas, which means solar power should be considered an option.
This review will look at things to consider when buying the best batteries for solar lights and how to maintain them.
Things to Consider before Buying Batteries for Solar lights
You may notice a wide range of battery options in the market when shopping for a good battery for solar lights. These options can increase the probability of you making the wrong choice when buying. These choices are why you need to conduct personal research on the attributes of any battery before buying them.
Some of the things to consider before buying batteries for solar lights include:
The Capacity Level Of The Battery:
When buying a battery for your solar light, you need to note the capacity level and ensure that it is up to the standard. It is advisable to pick a battery with a good pedigree. A battery with a proven capacity can power up a solar light for a long time. Getting the battery functioning at an optimal level will require proper charging. However, its productivity tends to reduce if it is charged for too long.
Charge Cycle Of The Battery:
A battery’s charging cycle will determine how long it can continue to perform at a consistent rate. The cell components of these batteries differ in grade and they play a crucial role in determining if the battery can be recharged and reused. You should ensure to check the battery cycle on the packs before buying them.
The Lifespan Of The Battery:
Knowing the lifespan of a solar battery is another vital point to consider before buying them for solar lights. Ensure to check for the battery duration from online sites or other people who have bought it in the past.
Customer Reviews:
If you are fond of buying stuff online, you will have come across many reviews from past customers. Before purchasing the solar batteries, always check for customer reviews on that particular battery you want. These people always give honest opinions because they have also used that product.
Some of the Best Batteries for Solar Lights
The best batteries today all come with different built-in cell compositions. These cell elements allow you to get the best out of your devices and lamps on a single charge. Choosing one for your solar lights can be tricky due to the variety of available options in the market.
To limit your search, below are some of the best batteries for solar lights that are guaranteed to give you the best performance.
TENERGY Ni-CD Rechargeable Battery:
The TENERGY Ni-CD is a rechargeable solar battery with a moderate capacity of 1000mAh. It is an ideal solution for powering up solar lamps and household devices. It comes with a built-in battery cell composition that allows to you make the most of your devices on a single charge.
Features of Tenergy Ni-CD Solar Battery
- It comes with a NiMH battery cell composition.
- It has a length of 50mm and 14.2mm diameter.
- It weighs around 4.9 ounces.
- It comes with a battery capacity of 1000mAh.
- It has a recharge cycle of up to 500 times.
Pros of Tenergy Ni-CD Solar Battery
- It has a multi-purpose function.
- It allows you to use your device for more extended periods.
- It is cheaper and can be reused.
Limitations of Tenergy Ni-CD Solar Battery
- The battery doesn’t last long.
- It develops faults after a few weeks.
- The battery is not recommended for solar devices.
Brightown NiMH Rechargeable Battery:
The Brightown rechargeable solar battery comes with an impressive capacity of 2400mAh and a voltage output of 1.2V. It can be constantly reused and recharged and cost less money to buy. You can make the battery life span longer by making it go through a recharge cycle every three months. The Brightown solar battery works well with home devices like flashlights, radio, and TV remotes.
Features of Brightown NiMH Rechargeable Battery
- It has a high capacity of 2400mAh.
- It has more than 1200 charge cycles.
- It comes with environmental protection materials.
Pros of Brightown NiMH Rechargeable Battery
- It is recyclable.
- It doesn’t cause environmental pollution.
- It is powerful and long-lasting.
- It has a fast charging speed.
Cons of Brightown NiMH Rechargeable Battery
- The battery capacity reduces after each use.
- The plastic wrap is too thick.
- It is smaller than regular-sized batteries.
- The battery leaks chemicals after prolonged use.
GEILIENERGY Ni-CD Solar Battery:
The GEILIENERGY solar battery comes with 600mAh and is perfect for landscape lights and garden lamps. It has a Nickel and Cadmium (Ni-CD) battery cell composition and doesn’t contain heavy metal elements. This battery is ideal for household devices that use rechargeable batteries. These household devices include:
- Gaming controllers
- TV remotes
- Wireless keyboards
- Solar chargers
Features of GEILIENERGY Ni-CD Solar Battery
- It has a moderate battery capacity.
- It weighs 13.2 ounces.
- It has a height of 50mm and 14mm diameter.
- It has a 1500 charge cycle.
- It has a Ni-CD battery cell composition.
Pros of GEILIENERGY Ni-CD Solar Battery
- It uses sunlight to recharge.
- It is easy to use.
- It is eco-friendly and easily disposable.
- It is perfect for solar garden lights.
- It is affordable.
Cons of GEILIENERGY Ni-CD Solar Battery
- The battery charge doesn’t last long.
- It has a low battery capacity.
POWEROWL Rechargeable Battery:
The POWEROWL rechargeable battery comes with an impressive capacity of 2800mAh and is ideal for clocks, radio, and digital cameras. It keeps 70% power after non-use for three years and can be recharged over 1200 times. It comes with a Ni-MH environmental protection material that reduces metal pollution.
Features of POWEROWL Rechargeable Battery
- It comes in an AA battery type.
- It comes with a NiMH battery cell composition
- It has a high-range battery capacity.
Pros of POWEROWL Rechargeable Battery
- It has a high capacity and is eco-friendly.
- It comes with a comprehensive temperature range battery.
- You can use the battery on devices like remote controls and digital cameras.
- It has a long service life.
Cons of POWEROWL Rechargeable Battery
- It is expensive
- The battery charge runs out quickly.
Soshine Rechargeable Battery:
The Soshine rechargeable battery is ideal for providing high-performance power solutions and lighting the environment. It is made of NiMH components and can be constantly reused and recharged. It is eco-friendly, costs less money to purchase, and has a battery capacity of 1300mAh. These batteries are durable and perform much better in high temperatures than similar batteries.
Features of Soshine Rechargeable Battery
- It comes with an AA battery type.
- It has a high battery capacity and is eco-friendly.
- It weighs 1.35 pounds.
Pros of Soshine Rechargeable Battery
- It charges with the sun even in snowy conditions.
- It is affordable.
- It is easy to carry around.
- It doesn’t contain heavy metal elements.
Cons of Soshine Rechargeable Battery
- It is expensive for some people.
- It has poor quality.
- It loses power quickly.
RELIGHTABLE Ni-CD Solar Battery:
The RELIGHTABLE Ni-CD is a solar battery designed for exterior solar lighting. It has a longer lighting power of up to 8 hours after a full charge and lasts for 800 charge cycles. You can fix the batteries in the morning and allow them to charge throughout the day before use.
Features of RELIGHTABLE Ni-CD Solar Battery
- It has a Ni-CD battery composition.
- It has an output of 1.2V volts.
- It has a capacity level of 300mAh and weighs 8 ounces.
Pros of RELIGHTABLE Ni-CD Solar Battery
- It is way cheaper and more affordable.
- It has a longer lighting power.
- It charges for up to 800 cycles.
- It is recyclable.
Cons of RELIGHTABLE Ni-CD Solar Battery
- It takes a long time for online delivery.
- It is not rechargeable.
- It usually fails within 2-3 weeks of use.
Dynpower NiMH Solar Battery:
The Dynpower NiMH is a rechargeable solar battery with a 1000mAh battery capacity and is ideal for solar garden lights and landscapes lights. The battery has an AA high-performance voltage output and doesn’t contain mercury, lead, or other metal elements. The Dynpower battery is eco-friendly and can be charged with a solar cell light.
Features of Dynpower NiMH Solar Battery
- It has an output of 1.2 volts.
- It comes with a NiMH battery cell composition.
- It has a mid-range battery capacity.
Pros of Dynpower NiMH Solar Battery
- It is re-usable.
- It supports standard charging units.
- It is cheaper.
- It is ideal for solar lawn lights and wireless keyboards.
Cons of Dynpower NiMH Solar Battery
- The battery capacity is low
- It doesn’t last long
HENREEPOW AA Rechargeable Battery:
The HENREEPOW rechargeable solar battery has a capacity of 600mAh and has been pre-charged with 30% power. This battery is ideal for street lights, radio, remotes, and garden solar lights. It has a strong performance and remains an excellent choice to consider. It is also reliable, safe, and long-lasting.
Features of HENREEPOW AA Rechargeable Battery
- It comes with an AA battery type.
- It has an output of 1.2V volts.
- It is has a moderate battery capacity.
- It comes with a Ni-MH rechargeable battery.
Pros of HENREEPPOW AA Rechargeable Battery:
- It is recyclable.
- It is adaptable with standard charging units or solar cell lights.
- It has more rechargeable times than NiCad batteries.
- It is safe and reliable.
- It is ideal for remotes, flashlights, and radio.
Cons of HENREEPOW AA Rechargeable Battery:
- The battery capacity does not reflect its size when working.
- The size differs based on the type of solar lamp.
Taken LiFePO4 14430 Solar Battery:
The Taken LiFePO4 14430 is a multi-purpose solar battery with a high voltage output. It is ideal for anyone who wants a battery that can power solar lamps and solar panels. This solar battery comes with a 450mAh capacity and is convenient to use and replace. It is available in nearby outlets and shops.
Features of the Taken LiFePO4 14430 Solar Battery:
- It has a LiFePO4 battery composition.
- It has a 3.2 voltage output.
- It comes with a moderate battery capacity.
Pros of the Taken LiFePO4 14430 Solar Battery
- It is eco-friendly and easy to use.
- It is recyclable for other purposes.
- It is ideal for solar lights.
Cons:
- The battery capacity level is low.
- It can’t serve a larger purpose.
iMah HR6 Rechargeable Battery:
The iMah rechargeable battery is compatible with most charger bases and solar lamps. It comes with an 800mAh battery capacity and can power up garden lamps and interior solar bulbs. It is affordable and has a low self-discharge.
Some Features of iMah HR6 Rechargeable Battery:
- It has a composition of Ni-MH battery.
- It has a voltage of 1.2 volts.
- It comes with a mid-range battery capacity.
- It comes with low self-discharge.
- It is suitable for garden lamps and interior solar lights.
Pros of iMah HR6 Rechargeable Battery
- It is cheaper.
- It is re-usable.
- It is adaptable and can be used for purposes.
- It is available in nearby outlets.
Cons of iMah HR6 Rechargeable Battery
- Its battery capacity is low
- It overheats easily
Volt Rechargeable Solar Battery:
The Volt is a rechargeable solar battery that works with digital cameras, keyboards, wireless mobile keyboards, and home security systems. It has a high-cycle life and can be charged over 1200 times. These batteries consist of 8 Lithium ions and are convenient to use.
Features
- It comes in a 4/5AA size battery.
- It is re-chargeable up to 1200 times.
- It has a 3.2 voltage score.
Pros
- It has a high-cycle life.
- It is eco-friendly.
- It comes with surge voltage protection.
Cons
The size might not fit into most devices.
BONAI AA Rechargeable Battery:
The BONAI rechargeable solar battery is ideal for exterior solar lights and comes with a capacity of 1100mAh. It comes with a charging cycle of 2000 and is environmentally friendly with no toxic metal elements. It consists of special materials and formulas to withstand both hot and cold temperatures.
Features of BONAI Rechargeable Battery
- It has a NiMH cell composition.
- It has an output of 1.2 volts.
- It weighs 12 ounces.
Pros of BONAI Rechargeable Battery
- It can withstand hot and cold temperatures.
- It is eco-friendly and doesn’t contain heavy metal elements.
- It has a battery life cycle of up to 2000.
Cons of BONAI Rechargeable Battery
- It does not hold a charge for long.
- It is expensive for most people.
Maintenance tips for Batteries for Solar Lights
Now that you have bought the batteries, the next step is to give them proper maintenance to ensure they last longer. The right knowledge will help you get the best out of your batteries.
Some of the best maintenance tips for solar lights include:
Charging at Intervals:
Constant charging is ideal for improving battery performance. Ensure to charge the batteries at least every two weeks to reduce degradation and internal corrosion. Avoid charging a frozen battery at a temperature of above 120AEF. When charging, ensure that the charger is set to the required frequency depending on the type of battery you are charging.
Clean the Batteries:
When cleaning solar batteries, use a battery-cleaner brush, distilled water, and baking soda. After the cleaning process, rinse the terminals with water and ensure all connections are tight. Finally, cover the metal components with a high-temperature sealant.
Keep at Optimal Temperature:
Ensure that the batteries are fully charged before placing them in storage. Keep them in a dry, cool location away from extreme temperatures. These batteries discharge when in storage, so it is advisable to boost when they are at 70% or less.
Make Use of a System Monitor:
When driving, a dashboard is required, so it is a good system monitor for your battery. Devices like a hydrometer will allow you to run checks and determine when the battery is fully charged or whether any individual cells lag.
Avoid Battery Combinations:
Ensure to avoid putting different batteries into one solar lamp. It is not advisable to use different batteries in the same solar light to avoid mild combustion. Always use batteries of the same level as well as charging them together.
Routine Checks:
Ensure to conduct routine checks on the batteries and connections. Tighten any loose edges and replace any damaged parts to avoid corrosion.
Wrap Up
Batteries are the heart of any solar light but finding the right ones for your solar lamps can be difficult. You can get the best batteries for your solar lights with the right knowledge. And with the proper maintenance tips, these batteries will end up saving you money and serve you for a long time.