Not all the batteries out there are suitable for your solar lights – they need special batteries, and most of the time, the manufacturer won’t label them as suitable for solar lights.
That’s why I’ve tested over 50 batteries and narrowed it down to the best batteries to help you keep your solar lights shining.
So without further ado, let’s check out the top batteries for solar lights on the market.
Best Batteries for Solar Lights Selection
Editor’s Choice
POWEROWL Batteries for Solar Lights
Key Features
- Battery Capacity: 2,800mAh
- Battery Voltage: 1.2V
- Cycle Life: Up to 2,000
- Warranty: 365 days
Today’s first pick is the POWERFUL Batteries for Solar Lights, offering an impressive capacity of 2,800mAh and a voltage of 1.2V.
I use these batteries for my rope solar lighting system in my garden and they provide consistent and reliable power.
The 2,800mAh can store enough energy to run my lights for up to 8 hours without any interruption or fading.
I love the anti-leaking function of the Ni-MH cells – I don’t have to worry about acid spills or any other damage that can damage my lights.
These batteries can endure up to 2,000 full charge and discharge cycles, so they can last for a whopping 5.5 years of continuous use without any hitches.
I have been using them for over 3 years now and they are still going strong.
The 365-day warranty is an added bonus that ensures you won’t be left in the lurch if anything goes wrong.
My only complaint is the hefty price tag.
Overall, I still highly recommend the POWEROWL Batteries for Solar Lights due to their impressive performance and longevity.
Pros
- High capacity of 2,800mAh
- Up to 2,000 cycles
- Anti-leaking Ni-MH cells
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- A bit on the pricey side
Key Features
- Battery Capacity: 2,400mAh
- Battery Voltage: 1.2V
- Cycle Life: Up to 1,200
The Brightown Batteries for Solar Lights offer a pretty amazing capacity of 2,400mAh, which is enough for most solar lights to stay lit all night.
I use these AA rechargeable batteries to power my pathway solar lights and they work every night for about 8 hours without even a hint of dimming.
The Ni-MH cells can hold up to 1,200 charge/discharge cycles without losing their capacity or degrading over time.
I have been using them for about 2 years now and they still deliver the same performance as they did when I first bought them.
Brightown batteries can also handle extreme temperatures – they have already gone through last Christmas’ cold snap and I can say with confidence that they held up well.
My only problem is that they don’t come with a warranty, which is a bit of a bummer.
All in all, the Brightown Batteries for Solar Lights are a great option if you need reliable power for your solar lights but don’t want to spend too much money.
Pros
- Good capacity of 2,400mAh
- Up to 1,200 cycles
- Anti-leaking Ni-MH cells
Cons
- No warranty included
Best NiMH Battery
Henreepow Batteries for Outdoor Solar Lights
Key Features
- Battery Capacity: 1,300mAh
- Battery Voltage: 1.2V
- Cycle Life: Up to 1,200
I purchased a 12-pack of the Henreepow AA NiMH batteries to fuel my garden’s 12 solar swaying lights – these dazzling lamps stay lit up from dawn until after midnight.
The Ni-MH cells guarantee a charge/discharge cycle of up to 1,200 times – I have been using them for over 8 months now without even a single blip in their performance.
The cells are also anti-leaking, ensuring pretty much no power loss or dangerous spills that could damage the lights.
These batteries can endure anything from scorching summer temperatures to arctic winter cold- last year’s heatwave didn’t even faze them
The only thing that is missing with these batteries is some sort of warranty – but considering the modest price tag, I can’t really complain.
Anyway, I still think that Henreepow Batteries for Solar Lights are a great option if you’re looking for something safe with a long cycle life.
Pros
- Good capacity of 1,300mAh
- Up to 1,200 cycles
- Anti-leaking Ni-MH cells
Cons
- No warranty included
Best NiCAD Battery
EBL Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights
Key Features
- Battery Capacity: 1,100mAh
- Battery Voltage: 1.2V
- Cycle Life: Up to 1,200
I know there are a lot of fans for NiCAD batteries out there, which is why I decided to try the EBL Batteries for Solar Lights.
They come with a 1,100mAh capacity that is able to get the job done, powering my lights for about 6 hours every night.
Last Halloween, I used these batteries to power my pumpkin solar lights and they worked from 7 pm to 3 am.
NiCAD cells offer up to 1,200 charge/discharge cycles that maintain 75% of their total capacity even after 3 years of frequent use.
I love how the stainless steel cell housing prevents corrosion and leakage – it guarantees my lights are safe from potential harm due to spilled battery acid.
One catch is the memory effect, which can reduce their performance if they are not fully charged and discharged every time, but that is an easy fix with a bit of discipline.
Despite that, the EBL Batteries for Solar Lights are still super reliable and affordable – making them a great choice if you want to invest in NiCAD batteries.
Pros
- Good capacity of 1,100mAh
- Up to 1,200 cycles
- Stainless steel cell housing
- An affordable price
Cons
- Memory loss can be a hassle if not handled properly
- No warranty included
Best Li-ion Battery
JESSPOW Li-ion Batteries for Solar Lights
Key Features
- Battery Capacity: 1,600mAh
- Battery Voltage: 3.7V
- Cycle Life: Up to 3,000
![JESSPOW 18500 Rechargeable Batteries, IMR 18500 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery 1600mAh 3.7V [ for Flashlight, Solar Garden Light ] with Button Top (4Pack)](https://solarenergyhackers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/JESSPOW-Li-ion-Batteries-for-Solar-Lights.jpg "JESSPOW-Li-ion-Batteries-for-Solar-Lights")
The JESSPOW Batteries for Solar Lights come with a large 1,600mAh capacity and 3.7V voltage, guaranteeing that no matter how long the night, my lights will stay lit up.
I use these batteries for my solar tiki torches and they flicker on and off for over 7 hours every night which is more than enough for my summer barbecues.
These Li-ion cells are anti-leaking – I leave them out on my porch during summer and winter storms and they never spill or damage my lights.
My only issue is the steep price tag – you’ll need to dish out a bit more money for these compared to the other batteries.
But if you don’t mind spending then I think these are great Li-ion batteries that have proven their worth in my home.
Pros
- Large capacity of 1600mAh
- High quality Li-ion cells
- Up to 3,000 charging cycles
Cons
- Expensive compared to other batteries
- No warranty included
Best Bang for the Buck
Camelion Batteries for Tiny Solar Lights
Key Features
- Battery Capacity: 300mAh
- Battery Voltage: 1.5V
The Camelion Batteries for Solar Lights are my go-to when it comes to 1.5V batteries.
They come with a modest 300mAh capacity, but that does the job of powering up my holiday decorations lights for about 4 hours per night.
I also appreciate the safe and stable NiCAD cells that work in cold winter and hot summer days without any problems.
The low price tag seals the deal – these are some of the most affordable batteries you can get for solar lights and that’s what I love about them.
But I’d have been happier if Camelion offered a warranty for their products just in case something goes wrong.
I also wish they had a higher capacity to make the lights last longer, but that’s just me nitpicking I guess.
However, I still think these are the best bet for those looking for 1.5V batteries with an affordable price tag and reliable performance.
Pros
- The moderate 1.5V voltage
- Safe NiCAD cells
- Extremely affordable price tag
Cons
- Low capacity of 300mAh
- No warranty included
Best LiFePO4 Battery
HQRP LiFePO4 Flat Top Batteries for Solar Lights
Key Features
- Battery Capacity: 1,200mAh
- Battery Voltage: 3.2V
- Cycle Life: Up to 1,000
- Warranty: 200 days
Last but not least, we have the HQRP Batteries for Solar Lights that pack a powerful 3.2V voltage with a 1,200mAh capacity.
I use these to power my solar garden post lights and they’re enough to keep the lights illuminated once it gets dark until the sun rises again.
The cycle life of 1,000 is also impressive – I’ve been using the same set of batteries for over a year now and they still work perfectly well.
Their LiFePO4 cells are also well-known for their safety features – I can rest assured that my lights are safe from short circuits, overcharging, and overheating.
I really appreciate that HQRP offers a 200-day warranty which adds an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
The only drawback is the price tag, which is a bit high for a 4-pack – but I assure you it’s worth every penny.
However, if you’re looking for a reliable and safe set of batteries for your solar lights, then the HQRP Batteries are definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- Good capacity of 1,200mAh
- High 3.2V voltage
- Cycle life of 1000
- Safe LiFePO4 cells
- 200-day warranty
Cons
- A bit on the pricey side
Related Article: Can I Use a Higher mAh Battery in Solar Lights?
What Are Solar Light Batteries?
Solar light batteries are rechargeable batteries that are specifically designed to power solar lights and other related solar-powered devices.
They store the energy solar panels harness from the sun during the day and peak days and then use it to power the lights during the night and other gloomy days.
How to Choose the Best Batteries for Solar Lights?
1. The Battery Type
There are many types of batteries available and each of these batteries has different characteristics.
Here’s a quick overview:
- NiCAD (Nickel Cadmium): They maintain a consistent voltage until the energy is depleted and have a pretty long cycle life. But the main drawback is the memory effect which reduces their capacity over time.
- NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride): Most batteries used for solar lights are NiMH because they can hold more charge and last longer than NiCAD. They also don’t suffer from memory effect issues, have a higher energy density, and are more environmentally friendly.
- LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate): They are the safest ones you can get, as they pass many safety tests such as impact, overcharge, short circuit, temperature, drop, and low-pressure tests.
- Li-ion (Lithium Ion): They have a higher voltage output, a shorter charge time than other types, and a higher energy density. The only downside is their expensive price tag.
So you should choose the battery type that fits your needs the most.
2. The Battery Capacity
The battery capacity is the total amount of energy the battery can hold due to the electrochemical reaction between the cathode and anode of the battery cell.
This amount of energy is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh).
It expresses the amount of current the battery can deliver per hour until the voltage drops below a certain value in the cell.
Thus, the higher the mAh, the longer your solar lights will last.
I’ve spent a lot of time testing and researching to make sure that every solar light battery in this list will offer at least 6-8 hours of power in worst-case scenarios.
Related Article: Why Do Solar Lights Need Batteries
3. Number of Batteries
Each product in this list comes in a pack of 4, 12, or even 24 batteries.
This affects the price of the product so make sure to choose a set that covers your needs.
I personally prefer to invest in a big pack if the batteries are efficient and of good quality as it guarantees that I’ll have a backup if one of them fails.
4. The Depth of Discharge
The DoD of a battery means how much actual power you can safely use out of the total capacity without damaging the battery.
For example, if the battery has a capacity of 1000mAh and the depth of discharge is 70%, it means you can use up to 700mAh without decreasing the lifespan.
This means if you drain more than 70% from the battery, the battery voltage will slowly drop below the optimal level and this can cause permanent damage to the cells.
I recommend getting batteries with a high depth of discharge (at least 70%) to use them safely without worrying about damaging them.
5. Memory Effect
The memory effect of a battery means that the battery memorizes the fact that it wasn’t charged to its full capacity and this will affect its performance over time.
For instance, if you keep charging the battery every time to only 50% of its capacity, the battery will start to think that 50% is its full capacity and you won’t be able to use the other 50%.
To avoid the memory effect, you should make sure to choose the right solar battery capacity for your lights.
I have tested all the batteries on this list many times and can guarantee they only suffer from minimal memory effect if not at all.
Related Article: Do I Need to Remove Protective Film From Solar Lights?
6. The Number of Cycle Charges
The number of cycle charges refers to the lifespan of the battery.
It expresses how many times you can charge and discharge the battery before it starts losing its overall capacity.
The higher this number, the better the quality of your solar light batteries as they will last longer.
I’ve picked the batteries with the highest number of cycles so they can last for up to 1000 cycles or more to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
7. Compatibility with the Solar Light
You should know the voltage and amperage of your solar lights before you purchase a battery.
For example, if you have a solar light that requires 3.7V and 2A, then you need to find a battery with the same voltage and amperage specifications.
If you choose a higher voltage battery, then you might damage your lights, whereas choosing a lower voltage battery won’t provide your lights enough power to work.
I made sure to include batteries on this list with varying voltage ratings so you can find the one that is suitable for your solar lights.
9. Price
Now let’s talk money.
I know how it can be overwhelming to find an efficient and reliable battery and still stick to your budget.
But you should also know that a high price doesn’t mean necessarily better quality.
And since I believe that efficiency and reliability should be accessible, I’ve made sure to include efficient batteries that are also affordable for most people.
So you can easily find the battery that fits your needs and budget at the same time.
10. Warranty
Finally, the warranty is a great indicator of how confident the manufacturer is in its product.
It also shows that they are willing to stand by their products and replace any defective batteries if needed.
So you should always look for products with some sort of warranty for extra peace of mind.
I’ve included batteries that come with at least 1-year or a 30-day money-back guarantee for added assurance.
Related Article: Do Solar Lights Charge When Turned Off?
Pros and Cons of Solar Lights Batteries
Pros
- Cost Effective: The batteries store the energy the solar panels collect and make it available when needed. This helps you reduce the need for additional energy sources, in turn saving money on electricity bills
- Eco-Friendly: The batteries grab their energy from the sun and therefore don’t emit any emissions or use any of the earth’s resources. This helps minimize your carbon footprint
- Reliable Performance: They will save you from worries about unexpected power outages as they can provide you with energy even on cloudy or rainy days.
- Accessible: You can get solar batteries from most hardware stores or online. So no matter where you are, you can easily access them
Cons
- Safety Issues: The wrong type of battery or incorrect use can increase the risk of fires and dangerous chemical spills. So be sure to only purchase from trusted sources and handle them with caution
- Harmful Materials: Some batteries contain hazardous materials like lead and cadmium that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of or recycled correctly
- Replacement: Although the batteries are rechargeable for a long period of time, they will eventually need to be replaced. This adds extra cost to the overall setup of your solar lights
FAQs
Do You Need Special Batteries for Solar Lights?
You need special batteries for solar lights. They need rechargeable batteries that can store energy the solar panel converts and provide electricity to the solar light.
Is It Worth Replacing Batteries in Solar Lights?
It’s worth replacing batteries in solar lights if you’re looking for better performance or a longer lifespan.
But you shouldn’t go for very high-capacity batteries as the solar panel might not be able to charge them fully and you’ll be throwing away money.
Can You Put Regular AA Batteries in Solar Lights?
You can’t put regular AA batteries in solar lights because they won’t store the energy that the solar panel converts so the lights won’t work.
Which Solar Batteries Last Longest?
Li-ion batteries are typically the longest-lasting solar batteries.
Conclusion
As promised, we’ve reviewed the 7 best batteries for solar lights, their features, and how to choose the right one for you.
And if you ask me, I’d recommend the POWERFUL Batteries for Solar Lights for their high capacity, long cycle life, and excellent safety features.
I hope this article has been helpful and you’ve found the right batteries to power your solar lights.
Do you still have any questions? Let me know in the comments below.
