Brightown 1300mAh AA Rechargeable Solar Light Batteries, 12-Count

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).

• 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.