Rechargeable batteries come in several different forms, the most popular of which are nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), nickle zinc, lithium ion, lithium ion polymer and lead acid. Batteries that recharge via solar energy typically use nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad) or nickle metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. These batteries will work in your solar lights even if they don't advertise being exclusively for solar recharge.

On the Other: Not Every Rechargeable Battery Will Work

Nickel cadmium and nickle metal hydride batteries work with solar recharging systems because their chemical composition allows them to recharge effectively on the relatively low amount of energy provided by solar panels. Other kinds of batteries will have shorter lifespans in solar devices.

Bottom Line

Frequently, a company will advertise a product for a specific purpose and increase the price of that item, banking on the idea that you'll buy special "solar light" batteries for your solar light instead of other, cheaper batteries. Basically they're just repackaging another product. Shop smart, and you won't pay for buzzwords on your batteries.

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Solar Illuminations

Green Batteries

Rechargeable Batteries Chemical Comparisons