should i buy Tenergy TN141 2 Bay 9V Smart Charger reviews

Charger Features * Rapid charging * Worldwide voltage 100V ~ 240VAC * Automatically detect-Delta V * Microprocessor controlled to ensure charger safety * LED indicator for each individual bay Features * Applicable for 9V rechargeable Ni-MH batteries * Worldwide voltage 100V ~ 240VAC * Built-in micro-controller to ensure full charge * 5hr safety timer * Circuit / polarity protection * Automatically detect - delta V * LED indicator for each individual bay * Indicator status: Charging: RED, Fully charged: GREEN Battery Type Capacity Charging time 1~2pcs Ni-MH 9V 160mAh 1.8 hrs 180mAh 2.0 hrs 200mAh 2.2 hrs 220mAh 2.5 hrs Specifications * Outlet input voltage: 11.4V * Charge current: 100mA x2 * Operating Temp: 0 ~ 40°C * Weight: 83g Download product manual here. Tenergy 9V 250mAh Features and Benefits * High quality 9V rectangular size rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery Ultra high capacity of 250mAh * Exact replacement for standard 9V rectangular size battery * Provides very long use time per charge with this high 250 mAh capacity * Advanced Ni-MH technology means much longer use life per charge than other rechargeables * Designed for enhanced performance for high drain applications such as: R/C controller, detector, transmitter, and other portable high drain digital electronics * Can be recharged for up to 1000 times, providing big savings by replacing hundreds of expensive throw away 9V rectangular size batteries. * Convenient operation without memory effect. * Can be rapidly charged with our chargers model TN141, TN136, TN137, T9688, BC1HU, V1199B, T2299 V3969A1, T228. * Dimensions: (H x L x W): 48mm x 26mm x 16mm. * Weight: 1.6oz per cell * 6 months warranty. * Battery tested based on International Electronic Commission (IEC) standard to ensure capacity, quality and life time This charger is actually constant-current, in the literal sense - it always charges at ~200mA. That said, it charges by "pulsing" - turning full bulk charge on/off depending on battery charge level. When empty, the charge pulses are nearly continuous, when full - just once every 8 seconds.

This approach seems well-suited for NiMh batteries as it allows them to cool down between pulses, preventing venting/overheating, and also makes for a compromise between a trickle overcharge and self-discharge after charging is complete. I've had cheap 20mA trickle chargers "pop" 9V NiMh batteries (cells physically swelled and popped the casing), and I don't think that will happen here. That said, it does tell you to remove batteries after they are full, but so does every other charger.

It makes a bit of a hissing noise (in between pulses) but it's not too bad unless you plan to keep it right next to you.I needed 9v batteries for my tens unit. The disposable batteries lasted about 6 hours and cost about $2 each. I bought these hoping they would last longer. They last roughly 18 hours in my unit with 1 lead, and about 14 with two. They charge quickly, and hold it longer. Will recommend this brand to everyone I know!

Everyone has some sort of device around the house that uses 9v batteries. Smoke alarms, automatic irrigation systems, some toys. And when they go dead then you have to remember to buy one at the store and how happy are you about the prices set by the insidious battery cartel?

This is a good and simple charger. The batteries are that new already charged technology made famous by the Enloop brand as endorsed by the foremost expert Engineer Lee. I believe everything he says.

Now I no longer fear the 9v demons, more than ready for them and will never to have to walk up to one of those battery displays in a store again, ever.

The charger plugs into an outlet so no transformers and wires and stuff. Even the plug folds up into the unit so it is nice and tidy to use and store. It seems like good quality stuff. A red light when you put in the batteries (either one or two at a time work and charge independently, so that is a nice touch. A green light when done. And since these batteries hold their charge for months, you don't have to leave it plugged in all the time.

Looking through Amazon, this seemed like the best choice and I am happy that I got it.

the build quality is good.
the battery unit is a little longer than the non rechargeables: specifically I compared to Duracell. although this is not a critical for my use, most battery compartments have a little extra space so this shouldn't be an issue.
the charger has different light colors to indicate charge and full charged battery status.

I use this in my headphone amplifiers. one of the amps does not work well with this battery. it has a constant noise when used with this battery. it might be the cap that is inside the amp.
However, my other amp works just fine. no noise while the charge is good. once the battery runs out of juice, i can tell my the sound (it brings along a lot of static)
at first i tried to return these because of the incompatibility with my first amp. but since the second one works fine, I kept them.Wonderful product and price. Compact. I use this for a medical device. So far one battery has held a charge through a few days of 8 hours of use. One battery claims 1000 recharges. I'm sure to get my moneys worth. I use these in my baby's white noise machine. The white-noise machine is a teddy bear, circa 30+ years ago, so it probably isn't as efficient at power usage as newer machine. The sound machine would last about a week on a non-rechargeable battery, running 12 hours a day (while baby sleeps at night and during nighttime feedings). One of these batteries lasts about 18 hours. Definitely not the longevity per battery as the non-rechargeable; but this is still a better product since the batteries are rechargeable. I can have a backup battery ready to replace the dead one, and still have 2 spare batteries. In the long run, it is a much better value than buying a 9-volt battery every week. Ordered four 9V rechargable batteies. One of the batteries swelled up and stopped working the first day. Returned damaged battery to vendor for replacement per vendors request. After one month and eight e-mails, have yet to receive replacement battery. Got both of my tazers back in business with this setup. Thinking about ordering more of these batteries because they work great and came fully charged. 2 tazers works better then 1 and these batteries make them pop loud :-) The number one problem that I have with these batteries is the power output. I only use these batteries for my portable amp, which is quiet power demanding. Being a $200 dollar portable amp, it is also very sensitive. When the output of the battery drops below 9V to a certain point, the hissing in the background becomes extremely loud. The standard 9V 400mah retail non-rechargeable batteries keep my device running with out a hiss for 8~9 hours. And for a 250 mah battery, I'd expect any where from 5~6 hours, but I'd be lucky if it kept my device running for 4 hours. Either the battery does not have the advertised capacity or the voltage output is just too unstable when the battery runs low.

The number two problem that I have is the fact that the charger broke! only after 2 months of usage, the device broke! My guess is that there was certain short on the board that resulted the charger's inability to recognize the batteries.

The reason I gave it two stars is simply because it worked.. although not that greatly.

I will be keep looking until I find the suitable batteries for my portable amp, or I may just solder a rechargeable module onto the amp... who knows.. it's quiet annoy to change the battery at

should i buy Paradise BA25115 Rechargeable Solar AA 900mAH reviews

Many folks who are bashing these and other rechargeable AA batteries, because they didn't work well in their solar yard lights, need to get smart and look at what you're replacing.

The vast majority of batteries that come with your solar yard lights are the same physical SHAPE as a AA, but they are NOT AA batteries. They are typically 3.2V Lithium Ion Phosphate, not 1.2V Ni-Cd or Lithium Ion batteries.

So when you buy your yard lights, look at the battery type, its voltage, and its storage rating (most come with 300 to 400mAh batteries). There ARE Lithium Ion Phosphate batteries out there, in the AA form-factor, that are up to 600mAh, which will give you longer run time assuming you have long enough (and intense enough) daylight hours to fully charge them. Also, don't go cheap on your lights... Westinghouse and other name brands will probably charge 600mAh batteries efficiently (due to having a well-made solar cell), while the garbage you buy at places like Harbor Freight (for under $15 per light) is never going to fully charge the batteries they come with, much less higher-capacity batteries.

So remember to do your homework. If you don't know much about basic electricity, ask a friend who does. Don't bash products that you bought to replace a completely different item.

After reading the reviews, I decided to take a chance on these batteries for my solar path lighting. I installed them and absolutely nothing happened. They did not charge up at all. I tried to contact the manufacturer to see if there was anything I was missing that might affect charging them, but the website only dealt with the electronics part of the company. The original batteries in my solar lights worked fine, (Seattle area weather not withstanding) so I don't know why these batteries wouldn't charge. After contacting Amazon about it, I decided to return themSo far so good with these batteries. I have a 8' patio umbrella with a solar powered lights inside. The batteries were about 5 years old and were shot. I ordered 2 sets of these 900mAH to replace the 6 700mAH batteries. When they arrived all 8 batteries were fully charged. They have been working great with no issues so I'll go with 5 stars on this one. Price is a little steap at $9 for 4 but figured I'd go with a name brand and something I can return easily if they don't work. Will update later if I experience any issues. I bought 16 of these to replace the batteries in my Malibu Solar lights. All the lights were located in complete sun for at least 10 hours a day. 4 of the batteries would not charge up. I traded batteries that were working in other lights and the lights worked fine, so it was not the fixture but the batteries. After 3 days of attempting to recharge these 4 batteries I gave up and returned half of the batteries to Amazon for a full refund. 25% failure rate is too high for me. I've had the hardest time finding 900 mAh 1.2V replacement batteries for my Westinghouse Solar Lights and to my disappointment Westinghouse.com was absolutely no help. I agree with Mr. Pittman you have to be mindful of your battery needs. I knew exactly what I needed because I got the information from the original batteries. I could easily find 900 mAh in 3.5V, at least I think it was, they looked the part but the information was wrong.

My outcome - I had three (3) lights which needed replacement batteries and to my delight when I looked out last night my yard was complete again (no more dark blank spaces). Needless to say I am very pleased. I did a search on Lithium Phosphate AA 3.2 solar batteries and this came up. They only satisfy solar keyword. They are Nickel Cadmium, not advertised, and they are 1.2 v, also not advertised. This is not worth shipping back so I'm stuck with them. Don't let this happen to you. After looking through and reading some of the reviews I purchased the batteries hoping they would work in my solar lights. When I put the batteries in the lights nothing happen. I let them charge for a couple of days and still nothing happen. So to be sure it wasn't the light itself I put the batteries in a working light and still nothing. We have solar lights in our front drive and walk - we also have them along the back wall. We go through a lot of solar batteries for these. Exactly what I expected and fast delivery too. It recharged accurately and holds it for a long time. These batteries I ordered were suppose to replace the ones that came with my solar outdoor yard lights, I put them in as per the directions and still nothing is working, they have been in sunlight as stated needed (I live in Texas so plenty of sunshine), just can't seem to get them to work. After doing a lot of research, I decided to purchase quite a few of these to replace the batteries on ageing solar lights. Some of them have worked fine a year later and some only lasted a few months. I was hoping to get a couple of years out of them but I don't see that happening. With the spotty reliability of solar rechargeables, I am ready to move to low voltage lights which I think might have a lower cost in the long run when you figure in the manufacture, transportation and disposal of the batteries for the solar products. In the first shipment, the batteries were missing. Maybe that should have told me something. However, Amazon took care of the problem. When the batteries arrived, I tried every means possible to charge these...no charge...no way...I didn't even want to give them 1 star, but the rating system MADE me.
Horrible...horrible purchase...and that's all I have to say about that.

should i buy Moonrays 97143 AA NiMh Pre-charged 1500mAh reviews

Moonrays 97143 4-Pack AA NiMh Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights, 1500mAh. Designed especially for solar lights. This pack included 4-Piece of 1500 mAh AA NiMh batteries. mAh stands for milli Ampere hour or milli Amp hour. It is a measure of a battery's energy storage capacity. If you think of a battery as a small fuel storage tank, which in a sense it is, mAh a measure of how much "fuel" the battery holds. (This is roughly comparable to using gallons to measure how much fuel a gas tank can hold. The more gallons of capacity, the more fuel the tank can hold.) With a battery the higher the mAh rating the more electrical energy it can store. These are the right voltage for my solar lamps..1500mAh 1.2 v. They take 2-3 days to charge bu the light output is the same as when I bought the solar lights. If you buy a lesser mAh than what is called for, then the lights will not work and or the output will be dimmer. Nice to find them in bulk, as many of my mights use 3 and 4 batteries. Traditionally, most solar lights sold in the US contain rechargeable NiCd batteries. But that's only for cost reason and not because NiCd is inherently more suitable for such applications. In fact, NiMH cell is better because:
- It offers 2-3x higher capacity than NiCd cell of the same size, and
- It does not contain toxic heavy metal (cadmium) like NiCd cellAs of this writing, those Moonray NiMH cells are priced even higher than Sanyo eneloop cells. So it is just not a good value.

Additional Notes:
1. Using higher capacity battery does not automatically guarantee your solar lights will remain lit longer each night. If the charging current from solar cells is inadequate (not enough sunlight), your solar lights will not stay on throughout the night, regardless of battery capacity. But if there is sufficient sunlight, higher capacity battery can store more energy during daytime, and offer longer runtime at night.

2. In winter time where daylight is much short than night time, all solar lights will perform poorly. One solution is to remove those batteries and fully recharge them in any NiMH charger, then return them back to the solar lights. The extra stored energy will be sufficient to run your solar lights for several weeks.

6 Comments | 

Good batteries, work fine from the first day I installed them, no problems, thanks! The lights recharge them during sunny day, you don't have to charge them at all.

Traditionally, most solar lights sold in the US contain rechargeable NiCd batteries. But that's only for cost reason and not because NiCd is inherently more suitable for such applications. In fact, NiMH cell is better because:
- It offers 2-3x higher capacity than NiCd cell of the same size, and
- It does not contain toxic heavy metal (cadmium) like NiCd cell

NiCd batteries are already banned in Europe as of 2008, yet they are still being sold and dumped into landfills in the US. It is good to see solar light manufacturers finally starting to offer NiMH replacement batteries, such as this productAA cells have a higher capacity of 2000mAh (actually measured capacity is closer to 2100mAh), and offer longer lifespan of 1500 cycle.

As of this writing, those Moonray NiMH cells are priced even higher than Sanyo eneloop cells. So it is just not a good value.

Additional Notes:
1. Using higher capacity battery does not automatically guarantee your solar lights will remain lit longer each night. If the charging current from solar cells is inadequate (not enough sunlight), your solar lights will not stay on throughout the night, regardless of battery capacity. But if there is sufficient sunlight, higher capacity battery can store more energy during daytime, and offer longer runtime at night.

2. In winter time where daylight is much short than night time, all solar lights will perform poorly. One solution is to remove those batteries and fully recharge them in any NiMH charger, then return them back to the solar lights. The extra stored energy will be sufficient to run your solar lights for several weeks. Good batteries, work fine from the first day I installed them, no problems, thanks! The lights recharge them during sunny day, you don't have to charge them at all. I don't know if it is the batteries or the lights themselves. I have tried several brands and none stay charged in the Westinghouse solar lights I bought. I can't blame it on the batteries.These are the right voltage for my solar lamps..1500mAh 1.2 v. They take 2-3 days to charge bu the light output is the same as when I bought the solar lights. If you buy a lesser mAh than what is called for, then the lights will not work and or the output will be dimmer. Nice to find them in bulk, as many of my mights use 3 and 4 batteries.

should i buy Moonrays 47740SP Rechargeable NiCd AA Batteries reviews

 for some other solar lights, and decided this time to go with the 8-pack. My dad gave one of these to my mom last year and it came time for ME to replace the battery. to be honest, i don't live with my mom, so I don't see her solar light EVERYDAY, but i can assure you I have seen it numerous times lit up leaving dinner. After replacing, I honestly found these work better through the night over a longer period of time.

I decided to do a little research on Wikipedia to find the reason.
These Moonrays batteries are Nicd, on the page it says: "The primary trade-off with NiCd batteries is their higher cost"

But the advantage it says is: "the NiCd battery has a lower self-discharge rate (for example, 10% per month for a NiCd, versus 30% per month for a traditional NiMH under identical conditions"

that means that over time, these batteries will hold their charge longer than others.

The other type of rechargeable batteries are the NiMH batteries, and their page also says: "NiMH cells historically had a somewhat higher self-discharge rate (equivalent to internal leakage) than NiCd cells. This is not a problem in the short term, but makes them unsuitable for many light-duty uses where the battery would normally be expected to last many months or years."

Either way, Moonrays DOES sell NiMh batteries, they're just a bit more expensive than these. These are all the moonrays batteries i've found on amazon.
NiMh instead of NiCd I can't give this excellent rating since i haven't had them long enough. Just purchased a week ago and put into solar lights. i did have expensive solar lights that the batteries died after a couple of years. I replaced with these new batteries and within a couple of hours they were working. The first battery I inserted in the solar light did not work at all. The second and third batteries lit the solar lights...for one day. Neither would recharge despite bright, sunny days. Haven't tried the other five yet, but I don't hold out much hope for them. Even if they work the value against the price isn't worth it. They won't fit into the containment area for the battery. They are at least 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch longer than the original battery. Beware!!!It's been 2 and half months since I bought and placed these batteries in my solar lamps. They are burning as bright and as long each night as they did the first night I put them in........so I'm pleased. All work and if they keep going the way they are, I'll be back to purchase more of them. I am de'light'ed with the Moon Ray Batteries. I will definitely purchase more when needed. I was ready to throw away our solar lights until I realized they took replaceable batteries such as these. I recommend these when you need to replace your solar batteries. replaced the batteries in solar lights that i bought from Target last year. so far so good. they hold a nice charge at this point although i've only had them a few daI orderedt these a year and half ago for my solar powered lights in my backyard and finally just reordered more to replace some of the ones that are dying out. These little babies really do last. I was suprised too. Very reliable and given they kept recharging every day for over a year and kept going rain or shine, that says a lot about the product. I've used other brands and these seem to be very reliable so far and they last a good lengtth of time as far as recharging is concerned. I have only been using the batteries for about 4 weeks but so far, so good. My solar lights stay lit longer then they did with the original batteries. I purchased an 8 pack and all of them worked. I need more batteries and will purchase the same kind. 4 of the 20 batteries I ordered were bad. I put all of them on my charger/tester to have them completely discharged, then completely recharged. 4 of the batteries tested bad, won't charge. I bought 16 of these batteries and 2 of them didn't work out of the package. And now about a month later 3 more have stopped working. What a waste of money. I even wrote to the manufacturer and have never received a reply. Tells you something about this rip-off company. Perhaps if more people didn't purchase these items the company would do something about their defective merchandise. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!! Amazon should stop selling these batteries!! Turns out that a couple of my outdoor lights didn't have a battery issue but instead had a problem most likely with the solar charging cell. I replaced the others, which still worked but ran out of power early on, and the new batteries seemed to make the light brighter and last hours longer. Overall I am pleased and the price isn't bad either. I recommend these as replacements and they are 600Mah so that's sufficient enough. I also live in a climate where it snows and these lights have been in the ground for 3 years so take some advice and put them away in the early winter before the snow starts falling. Probably get years more out of them. and it came time for ME to replace the battery. to be honest, i don't live with my mom, so I don't see her solar light EVERYDAY, but i can assure you I have seen it numerous times lit up leaving dinner. After replacing, I honestly found these work better through the night over a longer period of time.

I decided to do a little research on Wikipedia to find the reason.
These Moonrays batteries are Nicd, on the page it says: "The primary trade-off with NiCd batteries is their higher cost"

But the advantage it says is: "the NiCd battery has a lower self-discharge rate (for example, 10% per month for a NiCd, versus 30% per month for a traditional NiMH under identical conditions"

that means that over time, these batteries will hold their charge longer than others.

The other type of rechargeable batteries are the NiMH batteries, and their page also says: "NiMH cells historically had a somewhat higher self-discharge rate (equivalent to internal leakage) than NiCd cells. This is not a problem in the short term, but makes them unsuitable for many light-duty uses where the battery would normally be expected to last many months or years."

should i buy Moonrays 97126 350mAh NiCd AAA Rechargeable Solar Batteries, reviews

Keep Moonrays' solar-powered lights (and any other device that uses AAA batteries) in top-notch working order with help from this 97126 four-pack of AAA batteries. High-capacity, long-lasting, and reliable, the 350mAh nickel-cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable batteries are designed specifically for use with solar-powered lights as they can handle the constant charging and discharging typical of solar lamps. Quick to recharge, the batteries also offer low internal resistance, long circulation life, and steadfast stamina.
A subsidiary of the powerhouse duo of Coleman Cable and Woods Industries, Moonrays offers a wide range of products including attractive landscape and home lighting sources, which combine a modern aesthetic with advanced technology to beautify and simplify the lighting of homes, cabins, condos, vacation residences, and more. A line of intricate, nature-inspired garden accents also sets Moonrays apart from its competition, with everything from simple path lamps to ornate stake lights creating enchanting focal points in gardens small and large alike. The solar-powered products offer energy-efficient and cost-saving alternatives to traditional lighting sources, making them smart and savvy choices for earth-conscious consumers.There is simply no reason why anyone should buy those NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) rechargeable cells for solar rechargeable light applications. For similar price, you can find NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) cells such as the Rayovac Rechargeable AAA, which offer the following advantages:

- Higher capacity: NiMH AAA cells are typically 800-1000mAh, compared of just 350mAh for those NiCd cells.
- No memory effect: NiMH cells are less likely to suffer from reduced capacity when they are partially charged and discharged (such as in a solar light application).
- Environmentally Friendly: NiMH cells do not contain Cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal. Expired NiCd cells must be disposed in special battery recycle bins, but most people don't bother to do that. So those cells end up buried in landfill or, worse yet, incinerated. (*)

The only advantage NiCd cell has over NiMH is lower internal resistance, which allows it to provide very high peak current in short bursts. That's why NiCd cells are still used in cordless power tools and RC race cars. But in the case of solar rechargeable lights, the battery current is delievered slowly over 8-12 hours. So NiMH cells, with much higher capacity, are far superior as replacement batteries.

(*)FOOTNOTE:
As of Sep 2008, imports of NiCd rechargeable batteries were banned for all EU countries (thanks to a 2006 Battery Directive). Prices of NiCd cells plummeted as a result. It is sad to see that the U.S. is now being used as the largest dumping ground (literally) for those outdated products.

The batteries themselves are probably fine. The problem is that the ones I received had already expired and didn't work. I bought 6 packs of batteries and Amazon replaced them for free, but those, too, had already expired. The end result for me was a lot of hassle and I still don't have any usable solar batteries. Anybody know where I can get some? The AAA NiCd seems particularly hard to find compared to the AA size.

I recieved my solar batteries quickly but they were dead as a doorknob. Never charged up at all. Worthless. Very unhappy with product. Not worth returning buy the time i pay for shipping! I have several solar powered lanterns at my house that either would not light or were dim. I ordered the solar batteries from Amazon and the lanterns are again working like new. Bought this product to replace rechargeable NiCd batteries in an emergency light (the ones that come on when the power goes out). The light uses LED bulbs so they were still good but the battery was failing. I thought about buying a new light but couldn't find them at the local store so I bought these batteries to try it out. It has worked very well so far (about 1 month), the light now shines quite brightly, so I'm quite happy with the purchase. I know these batteries were intended for solar lights, but they had the exact same specs as the existing batteries (350mah / 1.2v), so I was confident it would work. The batteries themselves are probably fine. The problem is that the ones I received had already expired and didn't work. I bought 6 packs of batteries and Amazon replaced them for free, but those, too, had already expired. The end result for me was a lot of hassle and I still don't have any usable solar batteries. Anybody know where I can get some? The AAA NiCd seems particularly hard to find compared to the AA size. There is simply no reason why anyone should buy those NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) rechargeable cells for solar rechargeable light applications. For similar price, you can find NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) cells such as the  which offer the following advantages:

- Higher capacity: NiMH AAA cells are typically 800-1000mAh, compared of just 350mAh for those NiCd cells.
- No memory effect: NiMH cells are less likely to suffer from reduced capacity when they are partially charged and discharged (such as in a solar light application).
- Environmentally Friendly: NiMH cells do not contain Cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal. Expired NiCd cells must be disposed in special battery recycle bins, but most people don't bother to do that. So those cells end up buried in landfill or, worse yet, incinerated. (*)

The only advantage NiCd cell has over NiMH is lower internal resistance, which allows it to provide very high peak current in short bursts. That's why NiCd cells are still used in cordless power tools and RC race cars. But in the case of solar rechargeable lights, the battery current is delievered slowly over 8-12 hours. So NiMH cells, with much higher capacity, are far superior as replacement batteries.

(*)FOOTNOTE:
As of Sep 2008, imports of NiCd rechargeable batteries were banned for all EU countries (thanks to a 2006 Battery Directive). Prices of NiCd cells plummeted as a result. It is sad to see that the U.S. is now being used as the largest dumping ground (literally) for those outdated products.The batteries came quickly, that is within the time frame projected, and they work and are still working with the solar powered units we bought them for. The originals, that came with the solar powered units either didn't work from the start or within a week they no longer would work, not holding a charge. These batteries have now been in a month and they are still working, working, and working! Thanks!

should i buy Moonrays 97125 Rechargeable NiCd AA Batteries reviews

Enjoy an uninterrupted glow from solar-powered motion lights, lawn ornaments, pathway lamps, and other fixtures with help from Moonrays' 97125 set of four rechargeable 600 mAh NiCd AA batteries. Because the batteries harness their power from the sun, they provide a long-lasting, exceptionally efficient source of energy--one that reduces costs and eliminates both the hassles and hazards of electric cords and cumbersome wiring. Furthermore, the compact batteries store easily in a drawer for use as needed, and they can be used to power many of Moonrays' beautiful lawn, garden, and home lighting fixtures (sold separately).
With more than 75 years of experience by parent companies in the wire and cable products field, Moonrays' extensive line of outdoor lighting carries a fine tradition of excellence, skill, and know-how. The company's solar-powered products require no wiring or electricity, making them energy-efficient and cost-saving alternatives to traditional lighting sources. From enchanting and whimsical garden accents to attractive landscape and home lighting options, Moonrays strives to provide their customers with visually pleasing and socially responsible ways to customize, secure, and invest in their outdoor spaces. Furthermore, they combine a modern aesthetic with advanced technology to beautify and simplify the lighting of residences, cabins, outbuildings, and vacation homes.the beginning to switch out batteries in half of the lamps with the other battery types because I had read the other review for this battery pack.

Honestly, I found these work better through the night over a longer period of time. Sometimes I wake up very early in the morning for work, and have noticed that the lamps with these batteries have lasted longer and brighter into the morning. It has been a couple months since i got the lamps and will definitely purchase these batteries again.

I decided to do a little research on Wikipedia to find the reason.

These Moonrays batteries are Nicd, on the page it says "The primary trade-off with NiCd batteries is their higher cost"
But the advantage it says is

"the NiCd battery has a lower self-discharge rate (for example, 10% per month for a NiCd, versus 30% per month for a traditional NiMH under identical conditions"

that means that over time, these batteries will hold their charge longer than others.

The other type of rechargeable batteries are the NiMH batteries, and their page also says
"NiMH cells historically had a somewhat higher self-discharge rate (equivalent to internal leakage) than NiCd cells. This is not a problem in the short term, but makes them unsuitable for many light-duty uses where the battery would normally be expected to last many months or years."NLee the Engineer: I'm an ELECTRICAL Engineer. You missed the most important consideration: NiMH batteries should only be recharged in a highly controlled environment such as in your iPod, digital camera with a NiMH charger, NOT DIRECTLY BY A SOLAR PANEL ! Solar panels should either have their own charge controller or use batteries that withstand routine overcharging. NiMH BATTERIES WILL *EASILY* BE DESTROYED BY OVERCHARGING. NiCd batteries fair somewhat better.

ALL RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES SHOULD BE RECHARGED WITH A RECHARGER whether it's powered by a solar panel or from an AC wall jack.

There is simply no reason why anyone should buy those NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) rechargeable cells for solar rechargeable light applications. For about the same price, you can easily find NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) cells which offer the following advantages:

- Higher capacity: NiMH AA cells are typically 2000-2700mAh, compared of just 600mAh for those NiCd cells.
- No memory effect: NiMH cells are less likely to suffer from reduced capacity when they are partially charged and discharged.
- Environmentally Friendly: NiMH cells do not contain Cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal. Expired NiCd cells must be disposed in special battery recycle bins, but most people don't bother to do that. So those cells end up buried in landfill or, worse yet, incinerated. (*)

The only advantage NiCd cell has over NiMH is lower internal resistance, which allows it to provide very high peak current in short bursts. That's why NiCd cells are still used in cordless power tools and RC race cars. But in the case of solar rechargeable lights, the battery current is delievered slowly over 8-12 hours. So NiMH cells, with much higher capacity, are far superior as replacement batteries.

(*)UPDATE:
As of Sep 2008, imports of NiCd rechargeable batteries were banned for all EU countries (thanks to a 2006 Battery Directive). Prices of NiCd cells plummeted as a result. It is sad to see that the U.S. is now being used as the largest dumping ground (literally) for those outdated products.

[Update#2 on Nov 29, 2010]
Some people claim that NiMH cell cannot be used in Solar charger because it needs higher voltage to recharge. This is COMPLETELY FALSE based on my own measured data, shown in the Customer Images section. Note that both NiCd and NiMH cells have nearly identical voltage profiles (adjusted for time scale) during slow-charging.

[Update#3 on May 17, 2012]
It should be noted that the same company is now selling Moonrays 97143 AA NiMh Pre-charged 1500mAh Rechargeable Batteries for Solar Lights. So there goes the claim that "you can only use NiCd for solar lights"!