Just about every type of solar light requires the use of rechargeable batteries. These batteries typically last a long time — usually about one to two years — and are essential for anyone looking to use more solar power to meet even the smallest energy needs. Rechargeable batteries store the energy created by the solar cells and holds it until dusk when the light is needed. Energy flows one way and is activated by a photoresistor when the sun sets.
Worn out batteries are the primary reason why your solar lights will stop working properly. While these batteries recharge themselves automatically, they do lose their effectiveness after a certain number of charge cycles. Fortunately these types of batteries can be found at any hardware store and are simple to replace.
Do I Need Special Solar Batteries for Solar Lights?
The two types of rechargeable batteries that work with solar lights are nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries. These batteries work because they are designed to recharge even when receiving low amounts of energy. These are the same types of batteries that you probably already use in your camera or other electronic devices around your home. Many companies produce replacement solar light batteries that are supposedly designed for use in outdoor solar lights, but the truth is these batteries are no different than standard AA NiMH or Ni-Cad batteries.
NiMH Vs. NiCad
Many people like to go with NiMH, nickel-metal hydride, for these lights rather than NiCd because it lasts longer through its charge and release cycles. How long the battery lasts will depend on a number of factors including geographic location, weather conditions, season and where the light is installed among many other factors, so the time length given on a brand’s package is simply an estimate. It’s quite common, however, for these rechargeable solar batteries to last as long as four years under normal conditions. NiMH is also not as harmful to the environment after disposal because they don’t contain cadmium.
NiMH and NiCd are usually interchangeable, so it is easy to switch from one kind to another should the need arise. Some believe that it is best to stay with the same type of battery that came with the lights because there are some differences in charging them, but this is usually not necessary. In either case, it is important to check the battery from time to time for corrosion or faulty connections. Sometimes corrosion can occur even when the batteries seem to be operating properly
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