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The Best Solar Light Replacement Batteries

Last updated on June 2, 2022

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Solar garden lights add brilliant, decorative interest to gardens yet don’t need to be plugged in for power. Their energy comes from the sun, with solar energy being drawn into their small built-in panels. They do need batteries to store that energy, though, so they can be used at night when it’s dark out. Most solar-powered products include batteries for that reason.

These batteries, however, will eventually need to be recharged or replaced. You can use alkaline batteries for a few days, but it’s better to stick with rechargeable, solar-powered ones of the same chemistry. Regular batteries can corrode the terminals in solar lights or cause system failure, and causing damage to them can also void your warranty.

The most critical features to look for in solar batteries are capacity, durability and the ability to hold up in poor weather conditions.

The two main kinds of solar light replacement batteries are nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) and NiCd (nickel-cadmium). The first type has a larger capacity: up to twice as much solar energy storage as standard NiCd ones. This increased capacity also means longer output times and stronger illumination. NiCd batteries also contain cadmium, a hazardous element that must be disposed of appropriately; NiMH batteries are considered more environmentally friendly.

As a guideline, the average life span of a rechargeable solar battery is about one to two years, but this can vary. As they age, their charging ability and overall performance decline significantly, so the best course of action is to replace them as soon as their performance start to degrade. Solar batteries recharge in the sunlight, or you can use a USB charger and a power grid (as long as the batteries are compatible with the charger).

Our Picks For The Top Solar Light Replacement Batteries

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Tenergy 1000mAh AA Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries, 12-Count

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Tenergy

1000mAh AA Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries, 12-Count

Coming in at just the right price, these reliable and rechargeable NiCd 1.2V solar batteries have a high 1000-mA hour rating that makes them last longer. Recharge these AA batteries up to 500 times and use them in low-drain devices such as solar lights.

Overall Take

Affordable, Versatile PowerWhy bother with alkaline batteries when these great solar ones save you time and money?

 Runner Up

GEILIENERGY 800mAh AA Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries, 12-Count

GEILIENERGY

800mAh AA Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries, 12-Count

Geilienergy's 1.2V NiCd 800 mA rechargeable solar light AA batteries work well with Malibu Solar and Intermatic lights, plus toys, remotes, game controllers and wireless mouses. They have a high capacity, so you can keep the action going.

Overall Take

Little Green MachinesPick up a pack of these pale green batteries to make the most of the sun's energy.

 We Also Like

BONAI 1100mAh AA Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries, 20-Count

BONAI

1100mAh AA Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries, 20-Count

These environmentally-friendly, high-capacity 1.5V 1100 mA rechargeable AA solar batteries in electric blue are dependable and durable for solar-powered devices. They can stand up to super-hot and cold temperatures ranging from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overall Take

Try Getting the BluesWith these durable, high-performing all-weather AA batteries, you'll need to recharge less.

 Also Consider

Tenergy Solla 1000mAh AA Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries, 12-Count

Tenergy

Solla 1000mAh AA Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries, 12-Count

Tenergy's rechargeable AA NiMH batteries feature Solar PRO technology that prevents over-charging and leaking. They stand up to all kinds of weather conditions and have a battery life that endures 2,000 charges and lasts five times longer than alkaline AAs.

Overall Take

Longer-LastingThese AA batteries can last for years so you spend less money powering your devices.

What to Look For

  • Like other batteries, solar light replacement batteries come in different sizes; be sure to buy the correct one.
  • Try not to recharge batteries unless they are fully drained, as this will decrease performance.
  • Solar batteries can be used in place of alkaline batteries for many other devices, like TV remotes.
  • Not all solar batteries hold up to their manufacturers’ claims of long duration and long shelf lives; read the product reviews.

More to Explore

Although humans have been using the sun’s heat for various purposes since the 7th century B.C.E., when magnifying glasses first concentrated the rays of the sun to make fire, the harnessing of solar energy in a mechanical way didn’t come about until around 1767, after Swiss scientist Horace de Saussure built the world’s first solar collector. Then, in 1816, England’s Robert Stirling built a solar-powered engine. In 1869, French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect: electric current or voltage is produced when things are exposed to radiant energy or light.

The first solar cells were described by American inventor Charles Fritts in 1883. Research by companies and institutions like Sharp Corporation, Hoffman Electric, University of Delaware and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) advanced the field in the 1900s. The U.S. government eventually got involved with solar energy research and production, launching the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in 1977.

After the Solar Investment Tax Credit was enacted in 2006, the industry grew by 10,000 percent in the years following. Solar panels started showing up on houses everywhere, and solar garden lights followed soon after that.

More to explore