Solar Lights (sale, buy, winter, cover)

[SportFury59]

Saw a tip the other day on solar lights.
Take the top section off a pathway solar light and put it on a (cover less) empty jar.
I tried it and it really works good. You can take a solar light that was made for sticking in the ground and use it on any flat surface like a deck or picnic table.
If you're "green" you can take that "jar" solar light and put it inside your house at night and it makes a nice night light. Just remember to put it back outside in the morning to recharge.
I buy the inexpensive ones....I think they're still on sale at Menards - 8 for $10.

[kinkytoes]

The problem I have with "solar" lights is that they all use a battery. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure all batteries die after a while...and I think the batteries that come with those lights are not rechargeable...so when it's done you have to chuck the whole thing...and where do you recycle the battery?

I have a couple of "solar" lights for my shed, but I decided to buy wireless LED battery powered lights for my other outdoor needs. They're not solar, but I can change the batteries as needed, and my office recycles regular batteries, so I can just bring the used ones to work.

I'm sure this is a good idea, but I'm not really sold on solar lights. I wonder if they have some with rechargeable batteries that are replaceable as well... BTW I found the outdoor regular old battery powered LEDs work great.

[linicx]

My solar lights use batteries but they are replaceable. I take mine in for the winter and remove the batteries. I have had the same ones for several years now.

[kayo_michael]

Originally Posted by kinkytoes

The problem I have with "solar" lights is that they all use a battery. I'm no expert, but I'm pretty sure all batteries die after a while...and I think the batteries that come with those lights are not rechargeable...so when it's done you have to chuck the whole thing...and where do you recycle the battery?

I have a couple of "solar" lights for my shed, but I decided to buy wireless LED battery powered lights for my other outdoor needs. They're not solar, but I can change the batteries as needed, and my office recycles regular batteries, so I can just bring the used ones to work.

I'm sure this is a good idea, but I'm not really sold on solar lights. I wonder if they have some with rechargeable batteries that are replaceable as well... BTW I found the outdoor regular old battery powered LEDs work great.

I'm not sure if I follow... So there are solar lights that have non-rechargeable batteries in them? So, what's the purpose of the solar panel then?

Check the battery, it will most likely be Lithium Ion. They are rechargeable.

Here's a tip: Buy solar lights with replaceable batteries. If you Lithium Ion battery won't hold a charge like it used to, or you're looking for better performance out of your solar lights, you can replace the Lithium Ion batteries with brand names like Duracell or Energizer.

[kinkytoes]

Originally Posted by kayo_michael

I'm not sure if I follow... So there are solar lights that have non-rechargeable batteries in them? So, what's the purpose of the solar panel then?

Check the battery, it will most likely be Lithium Ion. They are rechargeable.

Here's a tip: Buy solar lights with replaceable batteries. If you Lithium Ion battery won't hold a charge like it used to, or you're looking for better performance out of your solar lights, you can replace the Lithium Ion batteries with brand names like Duracell or Energizer.

Yes mine are rechargeable batteries...but based on my ohter rechargeable batteries, they do die at some point... Let me know if I'm wrong guys...I assumed rechargeable batteries aren't rechargeable forever.

I thought they were like programmable memory...yes you can overwrite...but only a finite number of times. OK, a HUGE finite number...but you get my point.

Also, pls let me know which solar lights have batteries you can replace! The lights I have a cool and work great, but the "battery" part is an integral part of the unit. I guess I could wire in a new battery myself...but I still sort of suck at hardware...