While some solar light rechargeable batteries last longer than others, you’ll still need to replace them at some point as all batteries wear down with regular use.
With that in mind, what battery specifications matter when choosing a replacement?
The voltage of the original batteries has to match the replacements for the solar light to work.
What about the battery capacity (mAh)? Can you use a higher mAH battery and still have the solar lights working reliably?
Read on to find out if you should consider higher or lower mAH batteries for your solar lights.
Does Battery Capacity mAh Matter in Solar Lights?
Yes, the battery capacity (mAh) matters. It is a measure of how much energy can be stored in the battery.
The higher the mAh, the longer (time duration) you can expect the solar light or any other appliance to run before the solar light dies down.
The Truth About Using Higher mAh Batteries in Solar Lights
You may be able to use higher mah batteries as a replacement in a solar light provided it is not considerably higher than the original battery (Refer to the user manual).
For example, I would consider replacing a 1,000 mAh battery with a 1,200 mAh or 400 mAh with a 600 mAh provided the battery chemistry -NiMh, NiCd, or Lithium and voltage of both the original and the replacement match.
In my opinion, doubling the capacity – replacing a 1,200 mAh with a 2,400 mAh or larger is a step too far and risks shortening the battery life!
Go for the original capacity or slightly larger, up to 20%.
The Disadvantages of Using a Large Capacity Battery
A higher-capacity battery takes longer to charge and therefore stores more energy.
If it is considerably larger, for example, replacing a 2,400 mAh NiMH battery with a 1,200 mAh battery then there is a risk that the larger capacity battery may not be fully charged during the day using the installed solar panel battery.
Note, several solar light battery manufacturers also recommend that batteries are discharged completely and then fully recharged for them to maintain their capacity.
Using large capacity batteries for the same solar panel affects the battery’s ability to discharge and recharge fully on a daily basis which shortens their lifespan.
Larger-capacity batteries may be physically larger and may not fit the solar light battery compartment.
Always compare the physical battery dimensions before buying!
Can You Use a 1,000 mAh Battery Instead of 900 mAh?
In my opinion, this is only about 10% larger and should be fine as a replacement battery in a solar light provided the chemistry and voltage of the replacement match those of the original.
Can You Use a 600 mAh Battery Instead of 400 mAh?
In my opinion, this is bout 50% larger.
I wouldn’t advise it as a replacement for a solar light as it will not charge fully within the day which in turn shortens the lifespan.
Do Higher mAh Batteries Last Longer?
Yes, a fully charged higher mAh battery lasts for a longer time compared with one with a longer mAh.
A higher mAh stores more energy.
For example, a 600 mAh stores 30% more energy than a 400 mAh battery of the same chemistry and voltage!
Is it Advisable to Use a Lower mAh Battery?
I do not advise that you use a lower mAh battery than is specified by the manufacturer.
Using a lower mAh can result in overcharging and premature failure of the replacement battery.
This is because the internal battery circuitry may be set by the manufacturer to switch off the charging after a set duration that is based on the recommended battery capacity!
Make sure to replace the original battery with another with the same chemistry,i.e. NiCD with NiCD, NiMH with NiMH, and LiFePO4 with LiFePO4 for the best lighting performance and longevity of the battery.
Related questions
1. Is It Better to Use a Higher mAh Battery?
No, a higher mAh battery is not necessarily better. Only use it if you cannot find the battery that has the same mAh as the original.
It is best to replace a solar light battery with the original mAh capacity for the best light performance and cost.
2. What Is the Difference Between 1,000 mAh, 1300 mAh, and 2,400 mAh Battery?
mAh numbers indicate how much energy can be stored by the battery.
The larger the number, the higher the amount of energy the battery holds and the longer it will take to charge.
So, a 2,400 mAh holds nearly double the energy of a fully charged 1,300 mAh. A 1,300 mAh stores about 30% more energy than a 1,000 mAh battery.
Comparing Battery Capacities mAh
Battery mAh is a measure of the amount of energy that can be stored by the battery.
The larger the mAh the more the amount of energy the battery stores.
The Calculation
Using the formula, ((replacement battery capacity, mAh – original battery capacity, mAh )/ replacement battery capacity, mAh ) x 100% = how much more energy the replacement battery stores than the original.
For example, comparing 1,000 mAh with a 600 mAh battery – chemistry, the voltage being the same.
((1000 mAh – 600mAh)/1000mAh)x 100% = 40% more energy!
3. What is the Best mAh for Solar lights?
I’d advise you to maintain the original capacity (mAh) of the battery as a first-choice replacement and only consider a higher mAh as a last resort and even then keep it up to 20% of the original mAh.
Tips for Replacing solar light batteries without Affecting the solar light performance and battery lifespan
- Maintain the original capacity (mAh) of the battery as a first choice replacement and only consider a higher mAh as a last resort and even then keep it up to 20% of the original mAH.
- Make sure the battery chemistry -NiMh, NiCd, or Lithium and voltage of both the original and the replacement match.
- Doublecheck that the physical size of the replacement matches that of the original
Closing Thoughts
The best battery mAh is the original mAh battery capacity – the solar light charging system is optimized to fully charge that battery.
In my opinion, if you must use a higher capacity maH as a replacement, keep it to no more than 20% of the original battery capacity.
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