NiCd vs NiMH For Solar Lights

NiCd vs NiMH for solar lights is a worthy question as it could determine if your solar lights last longer. The better the rechargeable battery, the less maintenance it will require.

With that in mind, we will make a comparison of NiCd vs NiMH for solar lights to see which is better or if it doesn’t matter.

What Are Solar Lights?

Solar lights are devices that carry a bulb to light up their location. The device receives its power from a battery located within its shell. 

The battery gets charged by solar when the sun’s rays are collected and turned into energy by the small solar panel on top and the system within. The setup works similar to a solar array with a controller and battery, but on a tiny scale.

What Are NiCd Batteries?

NiCd batteries are great for holding electrical charges to power devices. NiCd stands for nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium, elements that make the battery very dependable.

These elements are the electrodes that hold the charge created by the solar input. The nickel oxide hydroxide and metallic cadmium allow that battery to charge and discharge well and have an excellent life cycle.

What Are NiMH Batteries?

NiMH batteries are another incredible component that allows an electric charge to be collected and distributed. NiMH stands for nickel oxide hydroxide, which uses a hydrogen component instead of cadmium like the NiCd battery.

This element combination allows NiMH batteries to function well. These batteries are excellent for charging and discharging electrical current. You can find them in many devices as a reliable power source.

NiCd vs NiMH For Solar Lights-The Facts

NiCd vs NiMH for solar lights is a no-brainer, as it depends on what you prefer and your budget. Everything will have a cost, but some products work better than others like anything else.

One of the benefits of NiMH over NiCd is that they have more power due to the elements used to produce them. As mentioned earlier, the main difference between them is replacing cadmium with a hydrogen alloy.

The difference between them is two to three times more power capacity for the same size cells. This reality makes NiMH more desirable if you are looking for more power. They will give you a full charge more often than a NiCd cell.

However, because NiMH last longer and charge better, they are more expensive than NiCd batteries, so one should factor in these things when choosing batteries for your solar lights.

Is It Worth Replacing Solar Light Batteries?

Yes, it is good to replace your batteries every year or two. However, replacing your batteries may depend on their performance.

If you notice that your solar lights are getting dimmer after a year or so, it may be time to change those batteries. It could be something else too, but you won’t know for sure until you replace the older batteries.

It is possible for the batteries in your solar lights to last three to four years, but it will depend on the type of battery your lights have installed.

Can I Replace NiCd With NiMH In Solar Lights?

Yes, you can replace NiCd with NiMH in solar lights. NiMh is the newer product on the market, so older versions of solar lights may have NiCd installed.

Changing to NiMH will guarantee that your solar light remains fully charged longer without the need to replace them as quickly. When looking to replace your batteries, remember that NiMH is more expensive.

Can Any Rechargeable Battery Be Used In Solar Lights?

Generally, you can put any rechargeable battery in solar lights, but it is best to check with the model to see if they have a specific type. Once the battery you use can recharge, you shouldn’t have an issue.

If you use regular rechargeable batteries, they may die faster than NiMH and NiCd batteries. One of the general components of rechargeable batteries is Nickel. 

You can find a variety of batteries using Nickel and other elements to create electrodes.

Does mAh Matter In Solar Lights?

The mAH of a battery can matter significantly depending on the type of solar light you choose. Some lights may require more battery storage to run well at night; a more extensive energy bank makes for a better output.

This answer doesn’t mean that a smaller mAH amount won’t work; you have to do the homework and know what your solar lights require to function efficiently.

NiCd vs NiMH For Solar Lights-Conclusion

NiCd vs NiMH for solar lights is a simple matter; you choose the one you can afford and work best for you. The difference is clear either way, but NiMH is better, hands down.