How To Use Cheap Solar Garden Lights As Solar Battery Chargers
Are You Prepared For When The Electrical Grid Goes Out?
Do you realize that you can charge your “AA” rechargeable batteries with those eerie solar lights alongside your driveway? You sure can! What does it take? Hardly anything – they are already designed for charging batteries.
Solar garden or landscape lights provide little real light; however, they do have two very prominent features:
1. They won’t break your budget
2. They perform magnificently as simple solar charging units for AA size NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) or NiMH (Nickel Metal Halide) rechargeable batteries.
At this writing, Amazon.com sells Moonrays 91225 Solar Powered Plastic Path Lights in a pack of 10 for about $30. I haven’t used this specific model but most are basically the same.
Most of these solar garden lights are powered by one or more replaceable “AA” sized NiCad batteries – which obviously means it can also charge them.
That gives me a charger for at least 10 “AA” batteries for $30. Not bad at all.
These solar garden lights may not be an important part of your property lighting; but if your normal battery charger is missing or broken, they might save the day and more than justify their cost. These battery-charging solar lights could prove an important part of your survival gear; if you get power outages, your usual battery charger will be useless. Using that solar light to charge batteries may be your only option. You might view it as the smallest possible solar backup emergency system.
If you are actually using them as garden path lights when they are not needed, that’s fine but keep in mind that they will keep on cycling every day and even the best rechargeable battery wears out in a year or two at this rate.
I prefer to keep a backup set and not use them at all until needed. Of course the batteries still need to be tested and charged every so often and not left to sit for long periods uncharged.
You’ll also have to check to see which kind of batteries are recommended for your specific model of solar patio light. Most recommend NiCad but some will take either.
There is a difference between how NiCad and NiMH batteries are charged and it should be okay to charge NiMH batteries in any of these solar light chargers because they charge so gradually. These are essentially “trickler chargers” and seem unlikely to be able to damage any battery.
Depending on light conditions, it could take a few days to completely charge NiMH batteries due to their extremely high capacity. But I still have not tried it.
Another important point: Most, if not all, of these lights have a photo-sensitive switch to turn the light on and off at dusk and dawn. If you buy your solar garden lights just for producing light, it’s not a problem. But if you are going to use them exclusively as emergency chargers, you should avoid discharging the battery by disconnecting the bulb.
This is an easy way to be sure you can always recharge small batteries.
To do the more serious work of recharging my back-breaking 90-pound lead-acid batteries, I built two 65 watt solar panels out of inexpensive grade “B” solar cells, plywood and some acrylic sheeting. I used the design from the GreenDIYEnergy instructional videos.
It was easy to make and works very well. You may want to read the Guidelines for Sizing a Solar System for your own project needs.
Solar Landscape Lighting
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36 Solar Garden Path Lighting LED Lights Landscape Bright Lamp Outdoor Stake $89.95 |
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24 x LED Stainless Steel Outdoor Stake Solar Lights Lawn Garden Landscape Lamp $59.95 |
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36 x LED Stainless Steel Outdoor Stake Solar Lights Lawn Garden Landscape Lamp $99.95 |
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36 LED Solar Powered Path Outdoor Lights Lighting Lamp Lawn Garden Landscape New $82.95 |
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1 PC Outdoor Garden 3-LED Solar Spot Flood Landscape Light led spotlight lamp $0.90 |
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24 Solar Garden Path Lighting LED Lights Landscape Bright Lamp Outdoor Stake $64.95 |
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Decorative Cherub Solar Landscape Outdoor Path Light $16.67 |
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12 x LED Stainless Steel Outdoor Stake Solar Lights Lawn Garden Landscape Lamp $39.95 |
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12 Solar Garden Path Lighting LED Lights Landscape Bright Lamp Outdoor Stake $33.95 |
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1 PC Outdoor Garden 3-LED Solar Spot Flood Landscape Light led spotlight lamp $0.90 |
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48 LED Solar Powered Outdoor Lights Path Lighting Lamp Lawn Garden Landscape New $99.95 |
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12 x LED Stainless Steel Outdoor Stake Solar Lights Lawn Garden Landscape Lamp $39.95 |
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Outdoor 3-LED powered spotlight Solar Garden Light Lawn Lamp Landscape Path 8Pcs $9.99 |
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24 LED Solar Garden Path Lighting Lights Landscape Bright Lamp Outdoor Stake $67.95 |
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New 8x Outdoor Garden Solar 3-LED Spotlight Lamp Floor Landscape Spot Light $19.99 |
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Outdoor High Intensity Solar LED Garden Wall light for pond landscape x 8pcs $0.99 |
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12 LED Solar Powered Path Outdoor Lights Lighting Lamp Lawn Garden Landscape New $26.95 |
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LED Outdoor Solar Garden Light Landscape Yard Path Lamp Lighting Garage Driveway $0.99 |
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1 PC Outdoor Garden 3-LED Solar Spot Flood Landscape Light led spotlight lamp $0.90 |
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36 LED Solar Powered Outdoor Lights Path Lighting Lamp Lawn Garden Landscape New $79.95 |
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New Outdoor Garden 3-LED Solar Spot Flood Landscape LED Lights $9.99 |
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24 Solar Powered LED Path Lights Outdoor Lighting Lamp Lawn Garden Landscape New $57.95 |
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1 PC Outdoor Garden 3-LED Solar Spot Flood Landscape Light led spotlight lamp $0.90 |
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24 LED Solar Powered Outdoor Lights Path Lighting Lamp Lawn Garden Landscape New $54.95 |
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One Swimming Pool Ball Solar Powered Floating LED Landscape Light Multi Color $14.89 |
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36 x LED Stainless Steel Outdoor Stake Solar Lights Lawn Garden Landscape Lamp $99.95 |
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24 x LED Stainless Steel Outdoor Stake Solar Lights Lawn Garden Landscape Lamp $69.95 |
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24 Solar Garden LED Lights Path Lighting Landscape Bright Lamp Outdoor Stake $67.95 |
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12 LED Solar Powered Outdoor Lights Path Lighting Lamp Lawn Garden Landscape New $25.95 |
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Image of a distorted Sun seen at sunset Photo Mugs A distorted Sun seen at sunset. The bottom of thesolar disc is a mirage, an optical phenomenon inwhich distant objects may be seen inverted andsuspended in mid air. Mirages of this type occurat high latitudes when a warm layer of air restson a cold layer. The light rays coming from anobject (here the Sun) are bent down from the warmlayer producing the inverted image. The reddeningof the solar radi… |
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Sunset Photo Mugs Sunset over coastal waters….. |
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Rite Lite LPL1040BX Wireless 40 LED Umbrella Light $15.00 Ideal for summer parties that go late into the night, the Rite Lite LPL1040BX Wireless 40-LED Umbrella Light attaches to your outdoor umbrella to provide convenient illumination. Featuring 40 bright LEDs, dual-light output, one-touch operation, and battery power, the LPL1040BX lets the fun continue even after the sun goes down.LPL1040BX Wireless 40-LED Umbrella LightAt a Glance:Battery-powered lig… |
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Moonrays 91515 Turtles on a Log Solar-Powered Outdoor LED Light $11.51 Polyresin construction. 3 turtles rest on a log, shells glow at night with 3 amber LEDs. Rechargeable battery included…. |
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Westinghouse Set of 12 Premium LED Solar Lights w/ 3 Settings, Bronze $78.99 Westinghouse Set of 12 Premium LED Solar Lights w/ 3 Settings (Amber, White, and Color Change) Over 100,000 sets sold. This is one of the highest quality solar stakes on the market. It is made of Metal and Glass. Create an inviting outdoor ambience. A switch on each of these 12 solar lights lets you choose between white, amber, and color-changing illuminating effects. The integrated solar panels s… |
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4pk Tenergy Solar Tech 3.2V AA LiFePO4 Rechargeable Batteries PLEASE CHECK THE DIMENSIONS OF YOUR BATTERY BEFORE PURCHASING! ***NOTE: This is not a 4/5 AA (14430) size battery and will not fit in place of 4/5 AA (14430) rechargeable batteries, this is a AA size battery*** CAUTION: when working with LiFePO4 cells, they are very sensitive to charging characteristics and may explode if mis-handled. User should have enough knowledge on LiFePO4 rechargeable bat… |
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Moonrays 97143 AA NiMh Pre-charged 1500mAh Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights, 4-Pack $11.76 … |
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Moonrays Rechargeable NiCd Batteries for Solar Powered Units, 4 Pack … |
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Ultra Bright Garden Dragonflies 5 Blinking LEDs Solar Lights $20.92 Add these energy-efficent flashing solar powered dragonflies to your garden decor or favorite outdoor setting. These Solar Powered Dragonflies are designed to flash continuously in a set pattern, the stems are adjustable and arrangable making them idea to fit any garden setting. A complete charge will provide hours of illumination as a sensor automatically turns on the light at dusk and off at daw… |
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2PC Solar Power Waterproof LED 7 Colors Changing Floating Globe Swimming Pool Bathtub Party Lantern $24.99 This listing is for 2 Brand new Environment friendly Solar floating LED light.Package includes: two pcs Solar rechargeable floating rainbown pool LED light.Size: Diameter 4 3/8″ x H 4 3/4″ (11.2cm x 12cm)Completely waterproof, Made of High quality anti-heat plastic.Built in Solar Panel to absorb the sunlight to power the LEDs.Easy to light up, just push the middle bottonFree energy, no electricity… |
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2-Pack Solar Landscape Lights $29.99 Two pack Pagoda style 3 tier solar set features bright white LED’s and glass lens. Aluminum construction for long life and durability. High efficiency solar panel provide maximum energy transfer for 10 plus hours operation when fully charged. Rechargeable batteries included. |
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4-PK Solar Landscape Light $54.99 The Hampton Bay 4-Pack Solar Landscape Lights is ideal for your home’s outdoor lighting applications. This landscaping light is made of durable plastic with an antique copper finish to match or complement your outdoor decor. The weather-resistant stake design easily installs into the ground to help illuminate pathways, driveways, walkways and low-lying ground cover. These lights are solar powered for an energy-efficient and economical lighting solution for your home. |
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New Grand Garden Solar Landscape Lights Lamp 2 LED $29.99 Description:Solar Garden Lights turns ON at night automaticallySunlight charges batteries during the dayBright light – Garden Lights with 2 superbright white LEDsIllumination time of the LED Garden Lights up to 10 hours after fully chargedGarden Lamp easy to install, no wiring neededGarden stake mountSolar Lights powered by 2 AA batteries (batteries included)Solar Garden Lights is ideal for areas where conventional electrical supply is not availableDimendion: Height: 5 inch, Diameter of the solar panel: 6 inch |
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10- PK Solar LED Landscape Lighting $79.99 The Hampton Bay 10-Pack Outdoor Solar LED Landscape Lights features a durable plastic construction in black finish for an elegant look and LEDs for high efficiency. The lights are weather resistant to help provide long-lasting use, and easily installs into the ground to illuminate pathways, driveways, walkways and low-lying ground cover. These lights are solar powered for an energy-efficient and economical lighting solution for your home. |
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Homebrite Plastic Solar Garden Landscape Lights, 33833/12 Blanca, Set of 12,Black $59.99 Our Blanca Super Bright Solar Light offers an amazing value and exceptionally brightness. Engineered with our exclusive super bright technology, it is powered by a wide angle super bright LED. The light brightens up through a magnifying lens for 12 hours at night when fully charged. Constructed with durable and UV protected plastic housing. Measures 12″ high and 4.50″ in diameter. Auto Dusk-To-Dawn mode and rechargeable AA battery included. |
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1pc Dragonflies Solar Garden Lights $21.99 1pc Dragonflies Solar Garden Lights |
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Brinkmann / EMPEROR SOLAR LIGHTS / 822-0420-3 $47.57 Brinkmann – EMPEROR SOLAR LIGHTS – 822-0420-3 |
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Smart Solar Solar String Lights $26.99 Ideal for decorating shrubs, parasols and doorways, these string lights are solar-powered for eco-friendly operation and feature a crystal ball design for distinctive style. |
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SOLAR STRING LIGHTS FOR WREATH $14.98 Solar-powered lights (no outlet needed!). Two dozen twinkling bulbs on an easy-wrap light strand are ideal for decorating and illuminating outdoor wreaths, bushes, mailboxes that are not convenient to outlets. Solar power requires no cords, outlets o |
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Solar Lights: 13 Solar Lights 4 pack $19.95 “The Solar Garden Lights provide a green and environmentally friendly lighting option for your landscaping. The set includes 4 energy saving LED solar powered lights. The LED light source is super bright, which can work up to 8 hours at night after a full sunny day of charging. Each light has a built in ground stake for easy installation. Measurements: Overall height 17?÷ (including ground stake), 13?÷ T (above ground), light 3.5?÷H x 5?÷W.” |
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Homebrite Plastic Garden Landscape Solar Lights, 30830, Carriage, Set of 6, B… $29.99 Our western style ?Carriage? Solar Light is incorporated with our exclusive super bright technology. The lamp brightens up any yard or pathway for 12 hours when fully charged. With a wide angle warm color LED and special optically designed lens, our ?Carriage? emits magically super bright light. Constructed with durable and UV protected plastic housing. Measures 15? high and 5.5? in diameter. Auto Dusk ?to-Dawn mode and rechargeable AA battery included. |
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Magic Fish Solar Lights $45.95 Brighten up your garden, deck or pond with this?solar powered magic fish light. This great solar light will continuously change colors or can be frozen on a specific color.? These floating solar light |
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SOLAR COLOR CHANGING LIGHTS $14.98 Solar-powered color changing lights illuminate your garden or walkway with a rainbow of colors! Lights charge during the day, continuously morph from blue to green, red and yellow at night. On/off sensors automatically turn lights on at dusk, off at dawn. |
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Solar Color Changing Lights $14.98 Solar-powered color changing lights illuminate your garden or walkway with a rainbow of colors! Lights charge during the day, continuously morph from blue to green, red and yellow at night. On/off sensors automatically turn lights on at dusk, off at dawn. |
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6-PK Solar Stake Light $69.99 The Hampton Bay 6-Pack Solar Landscape Lights features a textured glass lens textured glass lens giving you a rugged illumination to your pathways, walkways, gardens and driveways. This landscaping light is made of aluminum with a torino bronze finish making it flexible to match your outdoor decor. The lights are powered with LED bulbs and give your landscaping dusk-to-dawn illumination. |
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SOLAR POWERED CHRISTMAS LIGHTS $19.98 Solar-powered decorating lights – no outlet needed! Now decorate anywhere without dangerous extension cords or need for an outlet. Sun charges string of 50 lights by day, turn on automatically at dusk and run for about eight hours! No energy cost! Great n |
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Solar Powered Christmas Lights $19.98 Multi colored Solar-powered decorating lights – no outlet needed! Now decorate anywhere without dangerous extension cords or need for an outlet. Sun charges string of 50 lights by day, turn on automatically at dusk and run for about e |
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Smart Solar Solar Wall Lights (2-Pack) – Gray $26.99 Brighten an outdoor area with these wall lights that feature integral solar panels that provide up to 6 hours of illumination and a compact design for a sleek look. |
