- The NiCad Rechargeable battery comes individual or in a package of four.
- These AA batteries have a 1.2 voltage @800mAH.
- They are replacement solar batteries and contains Nickel-Cadmium.
- Expected Lifetime: 500 charge & discharge cycles. (Appox 2 years in Solar Post Caps)
- Install batteries in the morning and allow them to charge throughout the day.
- For non-solar applications, the batteries should be charged using a standard NiCad AA battery charger. Standard charge time: 15 hours max @60mA.
- If you require a Solar battery with a longer lifespan or duration of output, use our 1500mAH Solar Nickel-Metal Hydride Rechargeable Batteries. (see related products below)
Ni-Cad – Nickel Cadmium batteries are an older technology; however they have some very good characteristics. These batteries have a longer shelf life as they do not discharge as quickly as NiMH batteries after being charged. Using today’s battery charger technology these batteries are quicker to charge as they have a lower capacity. These batteries typically will give you around 500 life cycles. The price is very attractive and they are perfect for low drainage devices. The down side to these batteries is that they have a “Memory Effect”. This effect will occur if you partially use the battery and then charge it. This will cause the battery to have fewer life cycles. If you discharge the battery before using it, then this problem will not occur. Nicad batteries are still very popular in cordless phones, RC vehicles, solar lights, remote controls, clocks, hand held radios and much more.
Milliamp Hours (mAh) – Applies to how much energy the battery can store (capacity of the battery). The higher the mAh, the longer the battery will last before needing to be charged. One mAh is the equivalent to 1/1000 Amps. IE: 2.5 Ah = 2500 mAh.
INSTALLATION & TROUBLE SHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS: SOLAR POST CAPS
- Remove the metal top by pressing inward on the side of the clear lens with holes, grasping the edge of the metal top and lifting it off.
- Remove the 2 exsisting batteries.
- Make sure the metal contacts are free of rust or corrosion. If you need to clean the, you can use a nail file or sand-paper. Clean till shiny.
- Install replacement batteries
- Turn the on/off switch to the OFF position to fully charge the batteries. Your solar post cap light will need 24-48 hours of sunlight to fully charge.
- Replace the metal top by snapping it back onto the clear lens. (Be sure that the holes in the lens line up with the stubs on the metal top.)
- Place your solar post cap light in direct sunlight for 24-48 hours with the switch in the OFF position to fully charge.
- Once the batteries are fully charged, you can leave the switch in the ON position. The solar collector will charge the batteries during the daylight hours and power the light during darkness. Your solar post cap light will stay lit for an average of 6 to 8 hours during the night and turn off during the day, allowing the solar collector to re-charge the batteries.
If your solar post cap light becomes dim or does not light, simply turn the switch to the OFF position for 48 hours and allow the solar collector to fully re-charge the batteries.
If your solar post cap does not light or stops working, try these steps:
1. Remove the metal top by pressing in on the side of the plastic lens.
2. Turn the metal top upside-down and place it on a table so that the solar collector is covered (not exposed to the light). A light sensor inside will prevent it from lighting during the day.
3. Make sure the protective plastic tab between the batteries and the terminals has been removed.
4. Make sure the batteries are making contact with the terminals and the contacts are clean..
5. Make sure the on/off switch is in the ON position.
6. If your solar post cap light still does not light, place it in direct sunlight with the switch in the OFF position for 48 hours to fully recharge the batteries.
7. If your solar post caps light still does not light, replace the batteries with AA rechargable solar batteries