Batteries power nearly everything we use. From cell phones to cars, there are plenty of different uses for batteries. Many of these devices have a way to recharge batteries, which definitely helps the environment, and your sanity. After all, having to replace batteries at the rate that most devices lose power would make most of us go crazy.
It is evident that we need rechargeable batteries to help power our daily lives and conveniences. The question is whether solar rechargeable batteries or traditional rechargeable batteries are better for your current situation.
Here are the pros and cons of solar rechargeable batteries and traditional rechargeable batteries:
Solar rechargeable batteries have a lot of excellent potential with many advantages to humanity and the environment. The only issue is that solar rechargeable batteries are still in their infancy. That means that our technology is not up to par on what it could be. Nevertheless, solar rechargeable batteries do exist and they can be useful, for the right applications.
Here are the pros and cons of solar rechargeable batteries as they are known and used today:
Pros of Solar Rechargeable Batteries
Solar rechargeable batteries can be very versatile and offer plenty of positive advancements.
Here are the pros of solar rechargeable batteries, just waiting to be realized and expanded upon:
Free Energy: Once you have the batteries and the charger, the energy that you garner from solar rechargeable batteries is free. There is nothing more that is needed, or due. As long as the batteries and the charger work, you are good to go; free to charge and use the items the battery is for to your heart’s content.
Portable Energy: The cost of the average solar tube is up to 50% cheaper than installing a skylight. The main reason for this cost difference, though, is that skylights always require a professional, while the installation of solar tubes do not. A rechargeable battery means you have power on the go, without having to rely on one of these permanent installations.
Helps You to Be More Self-Reliant: Figuring things out and providing for yourself is something that makes us, as humans feel secure. Knowing that we can withstand anything that life throws at you gives you a sense of peace that is unmatched. Using solar energy, especially for batteries that are versatile in their use, definitely helps you be more self-reliant. It gives you the confidence to know that even if the electricity goes out, you have another way to communicate with the outside world; you just need a sunny day!
Cons of Solar Rechargeable Batteries
All of the possibilities that solar rechargeable batteries offer are hampered by the logistics of the current solar rechargeable battery technology. While solar technology is growing and expanding, there are fundamental issues that solar industries have yet to fix. This puts solar rechargeable batteries at a great disadvantage.
Here are the cons of using solar rechargeable batteries:
Expensive: Solar rechargeable battery chargers are around three times the price of regular rechargeable battery chargers. While the average rechargeable battery charger costs about $20, a solar rechargeable battery charger will run you around $75. Plus, when it comes to recharging bigger solar rechargeable batteries, the price doesn’t get any more affordable. In fact, it often gets much higher and harder to justify.
Limited in its Capabilities: Solar rechargeable batteries are extremely limited in their capabilities, starting with the fact that there are four main types of solar rechargeable batteries. All of these batteries have different charging methods and are designed to charge different items. So, not only would you have to purchase all these charging stations but you would also need to bring all of these chargers (and batteries) around with you.
Additionally, solar rechargeable batteries do not last as long as other batteries and they take a long time to charge what limited power they possess. Unfortunately, in many cases, solar rechargeable batteries are not yet practical due to the lack of sufficient technology.
Can Only Charge During the Day: Once the battery is charged you can use it like any other battery but when it comes to actually charging solar rechargeable batteries, this needs to be done during the day. This might seem obvious but when you are living off-grid or even using it on a daily basis, this might not be practical. You are on the go and your charger needs to be outside in sunny weather. This could be very difficult to manage every day, especially considering it takes a long time to charge a solar rechargeable battery.
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are everywhere in our lives. These types of batteries charge much more than we likely even realize. They are a vital part of our existence, but should we continue to use them over solar rechargeable batteries?
Here are the pros and cons of traditional rechargeable batteries to help you decide for yourself:
Pros of Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are not new. They have been around for decades and they have only gotten more efficient with the years.
Here are the pros of using rechargeable batteries:
Environmentally Friendly: While rechargeable batteries might not be as environmentally friendly as solar rechargeable batteries, they are more environmentally friendly than one-use batteries. The battery cells in rechargeable batteries contain much less toxic waste than one-use batteries. Plus, if cared for properly, the average rechargeable battery can last for 500 charges. That means if nothing else, that is at least 500 single-use batteries that will not be putting their waste into the environment, due to your devices.
Easily Reusable and Rechargeable: Rechargeable batteries are easy to reuse since they just need a charger. As long as you have access to a plug, you can recharge traditional rechargeable batteries. Plus, it doesn’t matter what time of day your battery runs out. There will always be an opportunity to charge your rechargeable batteries.
Cons of Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are better for the environment and they definitely have their advantages. However, there are a few issues with rechargeable batteries that the industry still has been unable to figure out, even after all these years.
Here are the cons of rechargeable batteries:
Need to Charge Before Use: When you are replacing batteries you want them to work right away. However, when you use rechargeable batteries because of the nature of the batteries themselves they cannot be pre-charged. Rather, rechargeable batteries need to be charged before you can use them at all.
Long Periods Between Uses Lessen Number of Recharge Cycles: If you charge your rechargeable batteries but do not use them right away the number of recharge cycles will deplete rapidly. Every time this happens, your investment in rechargeable batteries, and the positive impact on the environment is also depleted.
Do Not Last as Long as One-Use Batteries: The charge on rechargeable batteries do not last as long as one-use batteries. This, along with the other inconveniences that come along with rechargeable batteries makes the investment in them seem less and less useful.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use solar rechargeable batteries or traditional rechargeable batteries comes down to convenience, price, and availability. However, if everyone starts harnessing the power of solar rechargeable batteries, advancement in that technology will be in-demand. For now, though, use solar rechargeable batteries if and when you can to help make the move until a widespread change is possible.
