Getting some quality batteries for your solar lights can help them shine brighter and last longer into the night. You might have noticed weak luminance or abbreviated life, which is usually an issue caused by dying batteries (especially if you've checked the light positioning for maximum solar recharging).
Rechargeable batteries aren't meant to last forever, and the outdoor nature often means they'll see quicker degradation than those kept indoors. Most popular solar lights take AA or AAA batteries, and we recommend nickel metal hydride (NiMH) over nickel-cadmium (NiCd) cells unless you're looking to minimize costs. A larger capacity, measured in mAh, means a longer runtime per charge, and you'll also want to keep an eye on charge cycle limits to estimate the battery's lifespan. With all this in mind, we've collected a bunch of the best batteries for solar lights to keep your yard shining bright.
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Tenergy Solla Premium NiMH AA Rechargeable
Editor's ChoiceTenergy's Solla Premium AA NiMH batteries come in 8-, 12-, and 20-pack options, with the largest pack coming out to about $1.25 each. The batteries have a 1,300mAh capacity at 1.2V and are rated for 2,000 recharge cycles. They're built specifically for outdoor use and should be a good balance of performance and cost for most people.
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EBL NiCd AA rechargeable
Best ValueEBL's batteries are as cheap as $1 apiece when buying 20 at a time, making them a great value. They do rely on NiCd instead of NiMH, so you won't see as much longevity (in this case about 1,200 cycles). But if you're OK with that you can save some money. They have an 1,100mAh capacity at 1.2V, and they're made specifically for outdoor use.
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Powerowl NiMH AA Rechargeable
Best CapacityPowerowl's NiMH AA rechargeable batteries are the right choice for those who enjoy staying out late into the night. They have a huge 2,800mAh capacity at 1.2V, with endurance that is rated for up to 2,000 cycles. They're a bit pricier thanks to their boosted specs, but they should do the trick if you find your lights won't stay on for the whole party.
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Kruta NiMH AAA Rechargeable
Best AAAKruta's AAA solar rechargeable NiMH batteries come with an 1,100mAh capacity at 1.2V, which is on the large side for AAAs. They're good for up to 1,200 recharge cycles and are relatively affordable at about $1.17 per piece when you buy a 12-pack. Grab these if you have lights that take AAAs and you want the best runtime possible.
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Brightown NiMH AA Rechargeable
Storage Box IncludedBrightown's AA NiMH batteries are a good alternative to our top pick that come with an included storage cse. They go for as little as about $1.21 per piece if you buy 24, and they boast a 1,200 recharge cycle life. A 1,300mAh capacity is good enough for most people, with hours of runtime per charge.
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Henreepow NiMH AA Rechargeable
Solid AlternativeHenreepow's AA NiMH rechargeable batteries are another great alternative to our top pick. They cost about $1.33 each when you buy 12, they have a sizable 1,300mAh capacity at 1.2V for generous runtime, and they have a 1,200 recharge cycle limit for plenty of lasting power.
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Kruta NiMH AA Rechargeable
Larger CapacityKruta's AA batteries are as good as its AAA options, especially if you're looking at a slightly larger capacity for a longer runtime. They operate with a 1,600mAh capacity at 1.2V, with a 1,200 recharge cycle lifespan. They cost about $1.50 each when you buy 12, but it should be worth it for the extra capacity.
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Tenergy Solla NiMH AAA Rechargeable
Budget AAAThose who need AAA rechargeable NiMH batteries on the cheap should check out Tenergy's Solla option. Buying a 24-pack brings the cost per piece down to just $0.75, though they have a smaller 600mAh capacity at 1.2V. Nevertheless, they come with a solid 2,000 recharge cycle life.
What Type of Battery Should You Buy?
The most important thing that you have to know before purchasing new batteries for your solar lighting is to acknowledge that there are different types of batteries, each with their own pros and cons. Our guide to NiCd vs. NiMH batteries has lots of info, but a short explainer here will deliver the basics.
- Nickel-cadmium batteries (which are labeled NiCd) were very popular once upon a time. In fact, they were considered to be the best rechargeable batteries that the market had to offer back in the 90s. Because of their rather light weight, they were extremely popular for portable devices, but since portability isn’t your concern when it comes to solar light, this advantage isn’t something you’re interested in. Compared to alkaline batteries, these won’t have any noticeable voltage drop as they’re drained of power, and that is one major advantage. However, they do have some charge memory issues and aren't as environmentally friendly.
- Nickel-metal hybrid batteries (labeled NiMH) are a new(er) market entry (at least compared to alkaline batteries), but they have quickly taken over the throne. They can hold more electric charge and are more eco-friendly when it comes to disposing of them. They also don't have the same memory charge issues as NiCd.
- Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion) are definitely a type that you’ve heard of in the past. They have been around for decades, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that they actually became popular. In fact, your laptop or your smartphone mostly get their power from this type of battery. The biggest advantage that these bring over NiMH batteries is that they take way less to charge (about half the time), but the major drawback is that they are quite expensive.
Important: If you buy NiCd or NiMH batteries, never use them in the same compartment. You should either use one or the other. Because of the discharge difference between the two, the batteries are more likely to leak.
Getting the best batteries for your solar lights
Solar lights are a common backyard sight, and with the proper care and maintenance they can last for years. The batteries inside, on the other hand, are a different story. Your solar lights might have included batteries to get you going, but they won't last forever. Thankfully, there are plenty of great replacement options available. If we're looking at the batteries that should suit most solar lights, Tenergy's Solla Premium NiMH AAs are the top pick. They're relatively affordable, they have a 1,300mAh capacity, and they're good for up to 2,000 recharge cycles.
If your solar lights take AAAs, Kruta's NiMH batteries boast an 1,100mAh capacity (large for AAA), 1,200 recharge cycle life, and an affordable price. Finally, those who need the best capacity possible should have a look at Powerowl's AA NiMH rechargeables. They have an enormous 2,800mAh capacity, they're good for up to 2,000 charge cycles, and they're not that much more expensive than many other options in this collection.