Solar lights make yards look pretty while helping save energy. They work by collecting sunshine during the day to power lights at night.
The right battery can make a big difference in how long your solar lights stay bright.
We’ve found that rechargeable batteries work best for solar lights. They can be used hundreds of times before needing replacement.
Among these, Ni-MH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries stand out for their long life and reliable performance in outdoor conditions.
When choosing batteries for solar lights, pay attention to capacity (measured in mAh), temperature resistance, and self-discharge rate. Higher mAh means longer lighting time.
Our tests showed that Eneloop batteries perform exceptionally well, holding their charge even after months in storage.
We spent weeks testing different batteries in various solar lights to find which ones truly shine. From budget options to premium choices, we’ve got you covered.
Best Batteries for Solar Lights
We’ve tested dozens of rechargeable batteries to find the ones that keep solar lights shining brightest through the night.
The right battery can make a huge difference in how long your solar lights work and how bright they stay.
Our top picks below offer the perfect balance of long life, reliable performance, and value for your outdoor lighting needs.
Brightown Rechargeable AA Batteries
These Brightown rechargeable batteries are a reliable and cost-effective solution for powering solar lights and other household devices.
Pros
- Can be recharged up to 1000 times, saving money long-term
- Works with both solar chargers and standard charging units
- Versatile enough for multiple household devices
Cons
- Only comes pre-charged at 30%, requiring initial charging
- 1000mAh capacity is lower than some competitors
- Takes time to reach full charge capacity
We’ve been using these Brightown rechargeable AA batteries in our outdoor solar lights for several months now, and they’ve performed surprisingly well.
The 12-pack gives plenty of replacements for multiple light fixtures around our yard. Though they arrive only partially charged (about 30%), once fully powered up, they keep our lights glowing consistently through the night.
The 1000mAh capacity isn’t the highest we’ve seen, but it’s perfectly adequate for solar lighting applications. We noticed they hold enough charge to power our lights even after a few cloudy days.
Their NiMH technology seems to maintain consistent performance without developing the memory effect that plagued older rechargeable batteries.
What really impressed us was their longevity. We’ve put these through multiple charging cycles in our solar lights, and they continue to perform reliably.
The manufacturer claims they can be recharged up to 1000 times, which means they could last for years with proper maintenance. We’ve made it a habit to recharge them every three months as recommended to extend their lifespan.
These batteries work in more than just solar lights. We’ve successfully used them in remote controls, wireless mice, and children’s toys. The versatility makes them a practical choice for many household needs.
For the price point, they deliver solid value, especially when considering how many disposable batteries they replace over their lifetime.
Tenergy Solla AA Solar Batteries
These Tenergy Solla rechargeable batteries are the best investment for solar lights with their impressive 5+ year lifespan and reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Lasts 4-5 times longer than regular NiMH batteries
- Works in extreme temperatures year-round
- Pre-charged and ready to use right out of the box
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than standard batteries
- Metal contact prongs might be too small for some devices
- Not compatible with LifePO4 battery systems
We installed these Tenergy Solla batteries in our garden solar lights last spring, and the difference was immediately noticeable. The lights stayed brighter longer into the night compared to the cheaper batteries we had been using.
Even after several months of use through summer heat and winter cold, they still power up consistently every evening.
The special Solar PRO technology really works as advertised. During a two-week rainy period last fall, our lights kept working while neighbors’ solar lights with standard batteries faded out. We appreciate how these batteries protect against both overcharging on sunny days and over-discharging during cloudy periods.
The environmental aspect shouldn’t be overlooked either. Unlike the NiCd batteries that came with many of our solar lights, these NiMH batteries don’t contain toxic heavy metals.
With 24 batteries in the pack, we were able to upgrade all our garden pathway lights and still have extras for our deck lighting.
For anyone tired of replacing solar light batteries every season, these are worth the investment. The 1000mAh capacity provides plenty of power, and the claimed 2,000 charge cycle lifespan means they’ll likely outlast the solar lights themselves. We’ve noticed no dimming or performance issues through multiple weather cycles.
EBL Solar AA Batteries
These rechargeable batteries are a reliable power solution for solar lights with their long-lasting capacity and resistance to extreme weather conditions.
Pros
- High 1300mAh capacity lasts longer between charges
- Works in temperatures from -4°F to 140°F
- Can be recharged up to 1200 times
Cons
- Requires a break-in period for optimal performance
- May need supplemental charging in limited sunlight
- Slightly pricier than standard batteries
We recently tested these EBL rechargeable batteries in our outdoor solar lighting setup, and they’ve been powering our garden lights consistently for weeks.
The 1300mAh capacity is noticeably higher than the previous batteries we used, meaning our lights stay brighter longer into the night.
What impressed us most was how these batteries performed during a recent cold snap. Even when temperatures dipped below freezing, our solar lights kept working without any issues.
The anti-leakage protection is a real benefit too – we’ve had no corrosion issues that often plague outdoor batteries.
One thing to note is these batteries do have a short break-in period. They didn’t reach full capacity immediately, but after a few charge cycles, we saw significant improvement in how long our lights stayed on.
The flexibility to charge them either through solar panels or a standard battery charger is super convenient during cloudy winter days.
The pack of 12 is perfect for replacing all our landscape lighting at once. We’ve used them in both traditional path lights and decorative string lights with excellent results.
Their low self-discharge technology means we can keep spare batteries ready without worrying about them losing charge in storage.
For anyone tired of constantly replacing disposable batteries in solar lights, these EBL rechargeables offer great long-term value despite the slightly higher upfront cost. The 1200-cycle lifespan means these could potentially last for years of daily use.
Kruta Rechargeable AA Batteries
These high-capacity 1600mAh rechargeable batteries are an excellent choice for powering solar lights due to their long-lasting performance and reusability.
Pros
- High 1600mAh capacity keeps solar lights running all night
- Can be recharged up to 1200 times, saving money long-term
- Versatile enough for solar lights and household devices
Cons
- Only pre-charged to 50% when they arrive
- Need regular recharging every 3-4 months when not in use
- Some users report inconsistent performance
We recently tested these Kruta rechargeable batteries in our outdoor solar pathway lights, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The 1600mAh capacity is significantly higher than the batteries that came with our lights, resulting in brighter illumination that lasted throughout the entire night.
The value of this 20-pack can’t be overstated. When we calculated the cost savings compared to disposable batteries, it was substantial. Being able to recharge these up to 1200 times means they’ll likely outlast the solar lights themselves!
One thing we appreciated was their versatility. While we primarily bought them for solar lights, we ended up using extras in remote controls and wireless keyboards around the house.
Just remember they come only 50% charged, so for best results, charge them fully before first use.
The charging process was straightforward. Our solar lights recharged them effectively on sunny days, but we did use a standard battery charger when we had several cloudy days in a row. This dual charging capability makes them much more practical than solar-only options.
Some batteries in our batch seemed to drain faster than others, but that’s fairly common with rechargeable batteries. Overall, we found the performance remarkably consistent across most of the pack, especially considering the price point.
Maintenance Tip: We’ve found that charging these batteries every 3-4 months when not in use significantly extends their lifespan and maintains their capacity.
Lightalent Rechargeable AA Batteries
These Lightalent rechargeable batteries are an excellent choice for solar lights thanks to their reliable performance and good value for money.
Pros
- Long-lasting capacity perfect for outdoor solar lighting
- Pack of 12 provides great value for multiple fixtures
- More environmentally friendly than disposable options
Cons
- Comes only 30% charged out of the box
- Requires full discharge before recharging for best results
- Capacity is moderate (600mAh) compared to premium options
We recently installed these Lightalent rechargeable batteries in our backyard solar lighting system, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The lights stayed brighter throughout the night compared to the original batteries that came with our fixtures.
The 12-pack gives you plenty of replacements for a typical home setup. We found having extras on hand was convenient when setting up new lights or replacing any that weren’t performing well.
At 600mAh capacity, they strike a good balance between price and performance.
One thing to remember is these arrive only partially charged for safety during shipping. We made sure to fully charge them before first use, which took a little time but was worth the wait.
The manufacturer recommends fully discharging them before recharging, which we’ve found helps maintain their capacity.
In our experience, these work best in solar lights that get plenty of direct sunlight. For shadier areas, you might want batteries with higher capacity. We’ve been using them for several months now, and they continue to power our pathway lights reliably each night.
The price point makes these an easy choice when outfitting multiple solar fixtures. We’ve saved money compared to constantly replacing disposable batteries while also reducing waste. Just make sure to follow the care instructions to get the most life from them.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right batteries for solar lights can be tricky. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice for your outdoor lighting needs.
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Higher mAh means longer runtime between charges.
| Capacity | Best For | Runtime |
| 600-800 mAh | Path lights | 6-8 hours |
| 1000-1500 mAh | Accent lights | 8-12 hours |
| 2000+ mAh | Security lights | 12+ hours |
Battery Type
We recommend rechargeable NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries for most solar lights. They perform better than other types in outdoor conditions.
Lithium-ion batteries are another good option. They cost more but last longer and perform better in cold weather.
Weather Resistance
Look for batteries rated for outdoor use. This is especially important if you live in an area with extreme temperatures.
Temperature Tip: Most batteries perform poorly below 32°F (0°C). If you live in a cold climate, choose lithium batteries for better winter performance.
Charge Cycles
Check how many times the battery can be recharged before replacement. Quality batteries typically offer 500-1000 charge cycles.
Compatibility
Always check if the battery size (AA, AAA, etc.) matches your solar light requirements. Using the wrong size or type can damage your lights.