Energizer vs. Ni-Cd Rechargeable batters in Solar Lighting - Can I use them?

I just bought an inexpensive (used) pack of 8 solar lighting walkway lights but now see that they come with Ni-Cd Rechargeable batteries! Can't I just good-ole Everready or some-such disposable batteries?? I don't have a battery charger and I'm afraid the cost of the 8 Ni-Cd's will be more than what I paid for the pack of lights! What's the Worst thing that would happen if I did?? Thanks for this.

Public Comments

1. At worst, nonrecharagebale batteries could explode though this is not likely with the trickle charge of a solar cell. They will not hold a charge though and likely they will get very hot, the seam will split and they will corode and destroy your solar lighting.
2. I presume by "solar lighting" you mean that the lights include solar panels which are used to charge the Ni-Cd batteries. Ni-Cd's have some poor performance characteristics compared to newer battery technologies (such as NiMH). Sure you can use any kind of batteries with your lighting, but the recharge system may have been specifically designed for the characteristics of Ni-Cd's
3. Unfortunately you have to use the ni-Cd batteries so that they can charge during the day. Using plain akaline batteries never charge and therefore your lights won't work. You don't have to go with a name brand rechargable batteries. Do a search on ebay or anywhere online for generic Ni-Cd batteries that don't have labels on them. They are much cheaper than buying name brand Ni-Cd.
4. regular batteries produce 1.5 volts per cell. Nicads produce 1.25. the over voltage could damage the lamps and circuitry. Also they wont recharge, and will probably leak and corrode the fixtures. The price of Nicads have dropped a bit, since the higher capacity lithium Ion and nimh batteries have hit the market.