Can You Use Regular Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights?

Solar lights have so much going for them, it’s easy to see why they’ve grown in popularity recently. They’re independent of cords, wires, and cables, allowing solar lights to be placed in a wide range of locations that might not otherwise be easy to illuminate. They also generate light from non-fossil fuels, an important benefit for many users of solar lights. But even still, solar lights need to hold onto the energy from the sunlight they capture, and to do that, they use batteries. You may be wondering if regular rechargeable batteries will work in your solar lights, and the answer is, that depends.

Each Solar Light Model is Different

Some solar light manufacturers have designed models that accept regular rechargeable batteries; however, others require specialized batteries because of voltage or other specific energy needs. If you’re developing your own solar lights, rechargeable batteries can be a viable option. What’s important to remember is that switching up battery types isn’t a good idea for the overall performance and longevity of your solar lights. If your solar lights use alkaline rechargeables, don’t use NiCd and NiMH rechargeables or vice versa. Make sure any replacement batteries you use have the same voltage and mAh as the ones you’re taking out.

Custom Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights

To get the best performance from your solar light system with rechargeable battery packs, consider which kind of battery best meets your needs. Regular alkaline rechargeable batteries can’t usually hold enough energy collected by the solar panel and discharge power to the bulb in the way that NiCd and NiMH rechargeable batteries do. You can use them for a couple of days if needed but the longer you leave them installed, the more likely they are to experience leaking or corrosion that can damage the housing or case of your lights. Designing NiCD and NiMH battery packs can provide convenience and reliability.

Do You Need to Power Solar Lights?

At Rapport, Inc., our experienced team of electrical professionals is ready to assist contract manufacturers in finding the perfect solution to your solar lighting project power needs. We offer a wide range of battery design and production services, including wholesale batteries. Our full-service, state-of-the-art production facility and professional networks allow us to source the best combination of parts and materials for your electrical project. We provide complete assembly and testing, too, to ensure that you can have confidence in any rechargeable battery packs we produce. Contact Rapport, Inc. today to learn more about our custom battery solutions.