what kind of battery does solar lights use? Solar lights are a great way to light up your yard, patio, or garden without having to pay a lot for electricity. But have you ever thought about what makes these little lights shine after the sun goes down?
The battery is at the heart of the solar light and holds the answer. We will explain the world of solar light batteries in this blog. We will talk about the different types of batteries used in solar lights their pros and cons and how to pick the best one for your needs.
Do Solar Light Need Batteries?
Of course! Solar lights use a battery that can be charged to store the power that the solar panel makes during the day. At night, this saved energy turns on the LED lights. For the most part, your solar light would just look nice during the day without a battery.
What kind of battery does solar lights use?
Solar light uses these kinds of batteries such as
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH):
Most sunlights use nickel metal hydride (NiMH) cells, which can be charged again and again. They have a good mix of capacity and lifespan. NiMH batteries are also good for the environment and easy to find. But they might not work as well in very hot or cold conditions.
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion):
More and more solar lights are using lithium-ion batteries because they last longer than nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and can store more charge in a smaller space. The battery works well in a bigger range of temperatures. Li-ion batteries, on the other hand, cost more than NiMH cells.
Lead-Acid:
Lead-acid batteries are sometimes used in bigger solar power systems, but they are not as popular in smaller solar lights. They are known for being cheap and everlasting but they are heavier and don’t last as long as NiMH or Li-ion batteries. Also, lead-acid batteries need to be thrown away in the right way to protect the earth
Flow Battery:
Chemical reactions power flow batteries. Liquid electrolytes between battery chambers provide energy. Despite its great efficiency and 100% depth of discharge, flow batteries have a poor energy density, requiring huge electrolyte liquid tanks to store energy. This size makes them too expensive and unsuitable for most households. Larger areas and applications fit flow batteries better.
Things to Consider Before Selecting the Battery for Solar
How well your solar battery works depends on several things. Before you pick a battery system, think about these things:
Kind of Battery:
You can choose from different kinds of batteries, and each has its own main benefit. As lithium-ion may be right for you if you want something small that lasts a long time. If you are on a tight budget right now, lead-acid might be a better choice.
Lasting Power of Batteries
There are many things that affect how long a battery lasts, including its age, type, quality, and how deeply it has been discharged. Based on how they are used and lead-acid batteries can last anywhere from one to ten years. Most lithium-ion batteries last between seven and fifteen years.
Depth of Discharge
How much of a battery’s saved energy is used up before it needs to be charged again is called its “depth of discharge.” The deeper a battery is drained, the less time it will usually last.
Batteries usually have both a cycle life estimate and a suggested maximum depth of discharge. The cycle life estimate tells you how many times the battery will last at a certain depth of discharge.
When deeply discharged both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries break down faster, but lead-acid batteries tend to be less tolerant of deep discharges than lithium-ion batteries. If deeply drained regularly, lead-acid batteries will have a much shorter life span.
Efficiency
Some of the energy that is received by solar panels is lost when they are moved and stored by batteries. This means that solar systems and batteries are not 100% efficient. It might be worth it to buy a more expensive but more efficient battery, depending on how much energy your panels can produce and how your system is set up.
Choosing the Right Battery for Solar Lights
There are a few things that determine which battery is best for your solar light:
Size of the solar light:
AA or AAA NiMH batteries work with most small lights, but a Li-ion or even a small lead-acid cell may be needed for a larger light.
Sun Explore:
A regular NiMH battery may work fine if your solar light gets a lot of sunlight all day. A Li-ion battery with more power might be better in places where the sun doesn’t shine as much, though.
Budget:
Li-ion batteries are a bit more expensive than NiMH batteries, but they are usually the least expensive choice. Most of the time, lead-acid batteries are the cheapest, but they might not be right for all uses.
How to Take Care of Your Solar Light Batteries
Follow these easy steps to make sure the batteries in your solar lights last for years:
Choose the right battery type:
As we already talked about, when choosing a battery, you should think about the size of your light, how much sun it gets, and your income.
Selecting the Battery:
Cells need to be changed often because even the best cells lose their power over time. If you find that the lights last a lot less time, you should replace them.
Location matters:
For the best power, put your solar lights where they will get a lot of sun.
Extreme temperatures:
Do not put your solar lights in places that are very hot or cold, as this can shorten the life of the batteries.
Conclusion: Power the Night with Solar Light Batteries
Solar lights depend on their batteries to run all night. No ordinary battery will do. Regular batteries may seem like a fast fix, but they’re temporary. Solar electricity is less cost-effective and environmentally friendly due to its limited capacity and frequent replacements.
Rechargeable batteries are best for long-term lighting. The decision becomes intriguing here. NiMH batteries are popular because they are inexpensive and have high capacity and reusability. With its high energy density and lightweight construction, Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries provide brighter light for longer.
If you want custom help Get a Quote. Our experts help you to find the best. Budget, illumination duration, and charging frequency according to your needs. And also helps you to choose the proper battery type to guarantee your solar lights illuminate your outdoor area night after night.