Can I use a Portfolio or Hampton Bay transformer with Moonrays 12V fixtures?

Yes. All Moonrays 12V low-voltage fixtures are fully cross-compatible with any 12V AC landscape lighting transformer, including Portfolio, Malibu, Hampton Bay, Paradise, and generic consumer transformers. The 12V AC standard is universal across all consumer landscape lighting brands. Only the wire termination at the transformer screw-terminal block needs to match — all Moonrays fixtures use standard 14AWG or 16AWG landscape wire that connects to any consumer transformer terminal.

What is the lumen output of the Moonrays 29018 path light?

The Moonrays model 29018 path light is rated at 3.3W at 12V with a light output of 100 lumens. It is a low-wattage path fixture suitable for definition and ambiance rather than task lighting. For brighter path lighting, the Moonrays 29065 spotlight produces 250 lumens at 3.5W. The 95557 integrated LED bullet spotlight is rated at 1W with a manufacturer-stated lifespan of 100,000 hours.

Moonrays Landscape Lighting Replacement Parts: Complete Guide by Model

Q: What battery does the Moonrays 91381 Payton solar path light use?

The Moonrays 91381 Payton solar path light uses a standard NiMH AA rechargeable battery. This is the most common Moonrays solar repair — the NiMH AA battery typically degrades within 12 to 24 months of outdoor use and costs approximately $2 per fixture to replace. Use a 1.2V NiMH AA rated 600mAh or higher. Standard alkaline AA batteries are not compatible and will not work in solar fixtures.

Q: My Moonrays integrated LED fixture stopped working — can I replace the LED board?

No. Moonrays integrated LED fixture heads, including the 95557 bullet spotlight, contain non-replaceable LED boards. The LED driver and board are sealed into the fixture housing and cannot be serviced at home. When an integrated LED Moonrays fixture fails, the entire fixture head must be replaced. Because Moonrays was divested from Southwire to Fusion Products LTD in February 2021 and exact-match parts are scarce, any 12V MR16 or PAR36 equivalent spotlight from Hampton Bay, Malibu, or a third-party supplier will serve as a cross-compatible replacement.

Moonrays Brand History: Southwire, Fusion Products, and What It Means for Parts

Moonrays was founded in 1986 and operated for decades as a consumer landscape lighting brand. Southwire Company acquired Moonrays as part of its portfolio of outdoor lighting brands, which also included Paradise Garden Lighting. In February 2021, Southwire divested both the Moonrays and Paradise brands to Fusion Products LTD, a company headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario. The two brands transferred in the same transaction and are now managed under the same corporate umbrella.

This ownership history has direct consequences for replacement parts sourcing. Parts ordered through the original Southwire channel are no longer available at that source. Fusion Products continues to support the Moonrays line and maintains a customer service line at 1-800-561-4321. Product manuals for many Moonrays models remain available on ManualsLib for download. However, exact-match OEM replacement parts — particularly for discontinued fixture models — can be difficult to source through the manufacturer channel alone.

The practical implication: because all Moonrays 12V low-voltage fixtures use the universal 12V AC standard, cross-brand replacements from Portfolio, Malibu, Hampton Bay, and other consumer landscape lighting lines are fully compatible. A homeowner with Moonrays path lights that need replacing is not limited to Moonrays-branded parts. For the full picture of how brands compare and which alternatives are available, see the low-voltage landscape lighting brand comparison and the Portfolio alternatives hub.

✓ Parts Sourcing Strategy for Moonrays Fixtures For solar battery replacement: any 1.2V NiMH AA 600mAh+ battery works. For 12V fixture replacement: any consumer 12V landscape light from Hampton Bay, Malibu, or Portfolio-compatible brands is cross-compatible. For transformer replacement: any 12V AC transformer works. For exact-model Moonrays fixtures: check Fusion Products support at 1-800-561-4321 and ManualsLib for your model number documentation.

The complete ownership chain has one more layer that is critical for parts sourcing: before Southwire, Moonrays was a brand under Coleman Cable, Inc. (CCI, Nasdaq: CCIX), headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois. Coleman Cable was a leading wire and cable manufacturer that owned Moonrays as part of a consumer lighting product group that also included the Woods, Yellow Jacket, and Designers Edge brands. Coleman Cable was acquired by Southwire in 2014. This is why older Moonrays product documentation, warranty cards, and part number references cite "Coleman Cable, Inc." or "CCI" rather than Southwire — the underlying manufacturer at time of production was Coleman. When you search a Moonrays part number and see "Coleman Cable" in the product description, you have found the correct original part. The full chain: Coleman Cable (original manufacturer) → Southwire (acquired CCI in 2014) → Fusion Products LTD (acquired Moonrays and Paradise brands February 2021).

Moonrays 12V Low-Voltage Models: Confirmed Specifications and Parts

The following specifications are drawn from confirmed Moonrays model documentation. These are the most commonly encountered Moonrays 12V fixtures in consumer landscape installations. All operate on 12V AC and are compatible with any standard low-voltage landscape transformer.

Model	Type	Wattage	Lumens	LED Config	Dimensions	Fixture Material	Shade Material	Color Temp
29018	Path Light	3.3W · 12V	100lm	4-lamp SMD array	5.91 in. dia × 20 in. H total; ~16.5 in. above ground; 12 in. AWG18 lead wire	Metal (black)	Plastic (hammered look)	Warm white
29065	Spotlight	3.5W · 12V	250lm	4-lamp SMD array	4.13 in. L × 1.77 in. W × 11.02 in. H	Metal (black)	Clear glass	Warm white
95557	Bullet Spotlight (2-pack)	1W · 12V	Not published	Integrated LED	~7 in. H total	Metal	Sealed lens	Warm white
29068	Mini Spotlight Kit	Not published · 12V	60lm	1-lamp SMD	1.77 in. L × 1.18 in. W × 7.87 in. H	Metal/Plastic (black)	Clear glass	Warm white
91381 Payton	Solar Path Light	Solar, 1 LED	2.4lm (LUX-optimized)	1-lamp warm white	12 in. area of illumination; plastic housing	Plastic (black)	Hammered glass look plastic	Warm white ~3000K
25680	Solar Spotlight	Solar	Not published	8-lamp SMD array	Plastic/polycrystalline panel	Plastic (black)	Sealed	Warm white

Model 29018 lead wire is AWG18 SPTW1W (12 inches), with quick-connect included. The 4-lamp SMD configuration on 29018 and 29065 means four separate SMD chips illuminate the fixture — not a single LED point source. Scroll right on smaller screens.

Model 29018 — Path Light

12V · 3.3W · 100 Lumens Standard low-voltage path light. Designed for definition and ambiance along walkways and garden borders rather than task illumination. The 100-lumen output places this in the low end of path light brightness — suitable for spaced placement at 6–8 feet between fixtures.

Output: 12V AC
Wattage: 3.3W
Lumens: 100lm
Bulb type: Integrated LED (non-replaceable board)
Replacement path: Full fixture or cross-brand equivalent

Model 29065 — Spotlight

12V · 3.5W · 250 Lumens Low-voltage spotlight for tree uplighting and accent applications. The 250-lumen output represents a meaningful step up from path light brightness and is suitable for accent uplighting of small trees and shrubs.

Output: 12V AC
Wattage: 3.5W
Lumens: 250lm
Bulb type: Integrated LED (non-replaceable board)
Replacement path: Full fixture or cross-brand equivalent

Model 95557 — Bullet Spotlight (2-Pack)

12V · 1W · Integrated LED · ~7" tall Low-profile bullet-style spotlight, sold as a 2-pack. Notable for the 100,000-hour manufacturer-stated LED lifespan rating. At approximately 7 inches tall, this is a compact, ground-level accent fixture.

Output: 12V AC
Wattage: 1W
Height: approx. 7 inches
Sold as: 2-pack
LED lifespan: 100,000 hours (manufacturer-stated)
Bulb type: Integrated LED (non-replaceable board)

12V Wiring and Connector Notes

Universal 12V AC — Standard Wire Connections All Moonrays 12V fixtures use standard landscape wire connections compatible with any consumer low-voltage system. Wire connections are made via the direct-burial connector system standard to all consumer landscape lighting brands — no proprietary connectors.

Wire gauge: 14AWG or 16AWG landscape wire
Connector type: Standard low-voltage quick-connect
Compatible with: all consumer 12V transformers
See: landscape lighting connectors guide

Integrated LED Fixtures: The Non-Replaceable Board Reality

All three primary Moonrays 12V fixture models — 29018, 29065, and 95557 — use integrated LED boards that are sealed into the fixture housing. This is a cost-reduction design common across the consumer landscape lighting segment. The LED driver and emitter are not separate, socketed components that can be swapped out at home. When an integrated LED Moonrays fixture fails electrically, the entire fixture head requires replacement.

The practical consequence: because the LED board itself is rated for 50,000 to 100,000 hours of operation, most integrated LED Moonrays fixtures will outlast the housing, stake, or connector before the LED fails. Physical damage, corrosion, or water ingress is a more common failure path than LED burnout. For housing and hardware replacement options, see the landscape lighting replacement parts guide.

⚠ Do Not Attempt to Replace Integrated LED Boards Moonrays 95557, 29018, and 29065 fixture heads are not designed to be opened for LED board replacement. Attempting to pry open sealed LED fixtures typically destroys the weatherproofing gasket and renders the fixture non-waterproof. If the LED assembly has failed, replace the entire fixture head. Cross-brand 12V equivalents from Malibu, Hampton Bay, or similar consumer brands are fully compatible and widely available.

Official Moonrays Replacement Parts: Confirmed Part Numbers and Specs

Moonrays manufactured its own line of replacement consumables under Coleman Cable's ownership. These part numbers remain in circulation through Amazon, Home Depot, and independent hardware retailers. Knowing the correct part number prevents buying a physically incompatible substitute.

Part Number	Part Type	Specs	Compatible With	Notes
95527	T5 Wedge Base Bulb (4-pack)	11W · 12V · 150 lumens · 500-hr avg. life · 1.5 in. (38mm) length · Clear glass	12V low-voltage path lights and tier lights with T5 wedge sockets	Incandescent halogen — NOT LED. 500-hour lifespan means 40–50 days if run 12 hrs/night. Upgrade to T5 LED wedge for 10,000+ hour life.
95507	MR16 Halogen Bulb	35W · 12V · GU5.3 base · Clear glass · 5,000-hr lifespan · 1.75 in. (45mm) length	12V spotlights and flood fixtures with MR16 GU5.3 socket	5,000-hour lifespan is notably longer than the T5 wedge. MR16 LEDs now available at same socket for 25,000+ hours and 80% wattage savings.
95518	MR16 Halogen Bulb (lower wattage)	20W · 12V · GU5.3 base · Clear · Soft white · 3,000-hr lifespan · 1.75 in. MOL	12V spotlight fixtures with MR16 GU5.3 socket — lower wattage option	Use when 35W (95507) overdrives the fixture or produces too much heat on foliage. 20W output still delivers adequate accent illumination.
97125	NiCd AA Solar Battery (4-pack)	1.2V · 600mAh · NiCd chemistry · Designed for solar-powered outdoor fixtures	All Moonrays solar fixtures originally shipped with NiCd AA battery	NiCd has lower self-discharge than NiMH (~10%/month vs ~30%/month). Original OEM spec. Annual replacement recommended by manufacturer.
97126	NiCd AAA Solar Battery (4-pack)	1.2V · 350mAh · NiCd chemistry · Smaller AAA form factor	Moonrays solar fixtures using AAA rather than AA cells — check fixture compartment before ordering	Smaller capacity than 97125. Do not substitute AAA for AA — they are physically different sizes.
11604	Low-Voltage Cable Connector (2-pack, also sold as 12- and 20-pack)	Plastic body · Brass contacts · Waterproof · Fits 12, 14, and 16 AWG wire · 5.5 in. L × 1 in. W × 4 in. H	All Moonrays 12V fixtures and any other low-voltage landscape system	Coleman Cable manufactured. Identical in function to Malibu and Hampton Bay quick-connects. 1-year limited warranty. Cannot create a T-junction of two 12AWG "through" wires — use a wire nut or terminal block for that application.

Part number 95527 is an incandescent halogen bulb with only 500-hour life. Any 12V T5 wedge LED replacement extends life to 10,000+ hours at 1/3 the wattage. Scroll right on smaller screens.

⚠ The 95527 Bulb Lifespan Problem — Upgrade to LED The Moonrays 95527 T5 wedge bulb is rated for 500 hours average. At 10 hours per night of operation, that is 50 nights — approximately 7 weeks. Homeowners running Moonrays path lights on 12-hour winter schedules report bulb burnout in 5–6 weeks, which matches the specification. The solution is not to keep buying 95527 four-packs. Any 12V T5 wedge-base LED replacement bulb extends life to 10,000+ hours (roughly 3–5 years at typical runtime) at 1–2W versus 11W. Verify the socket type in your fixture before ordering: T5 wedge, MR16 GU5.3, or integrated LED.

Moonrays Solar Models: Battery Specs, Replacement, and Known Failure Modes

Solar landscape fixtures have a fundamentally different failure profile from 12V wired fixtures. The solar panel itself is typically the most durable component — solar cells in consumer landscape fixtures routinely last 8 to 12 years. The battery, by contrast, degrades continuously from the moment it is first charged and typically reaches end of life within 12 to 24 months of outdoor use. Understanding which battery each Moonrays solar model uses is the single most important piece of information for solar fixture repair.

⚠ Battery Chemistry Correction for Model 91381 Payton The Moonrays 91381 Payton was originally shipped with a NiCd AA 400mAh battery — not NiMH as commonly stated online. The Walmart product listing (the retailer that carried this fixture most widely) confirms "AA 400mAh NiCD rechargeable batteries." Moonrays' official replacement battery (part number 97125) is also NiCd at 600mAh — a higher-capacity NiCd cell than the one originally included. The upgrade from the included 400mAh NiCd to the 97125 600mAh NiCd (or to a 600–800mAh NiMH) explains why many owners report improved brightness and run time after their first battery replacement — they are replacing a 400mAh cell with a 50–100% higher capacity cell, not just replacing a dead battery with an identical one. Field testing by multiple Amazon reviewers confirms replacing original equipment batteries with Amazon Basics AA Rechargeable NiMH cells produces noticeably longer and brighter operation than the original included batteries.

Model	Fixture Name	Battery Type	Battery Spec	Notes
91381	Payton Solar Path Light	NiMH AA	1.2V NiMH AA, 600mAh+	Most common Moonrays solar model. Battery access panel typically on underside of solar cap.
91754	Richmond Solar Path Light	NiMH AA	1.2V NiMH AA, 600mAh+	Same battery type as 91381. Same replacement procedure applies.
25680	Solar Spotlight	18650 Li-ion	3.7V 18650 Li-ion	Larger solar spotlight requiring Li-ion cell. Different replacement procedure from AA-battery models. Higher-capacity cells (2600mAh+) extend run time.

Scroll right on smaller screens if columns are cut off. Battery specifications sourced from model documentation and field verification.

Why NiMH AA Batteries Fail in 12–24 Months

NiMH AA batteries used in outdoor solar fixtures undergo a continuous charge-discharge cycle every day of operation. Summer heat accelerates self-discharge and shortens capacity. Winter cold reduces available capacity and can cause cell damage if the battery is fully discharged below freezing. The combination of daily cycling and environmental extremes degrades NiMH cell chemistry faster than the manufacturer-stated cycle ratings suggest under laboratory conditions. A battery rated for 500 charge cycles in a lab environment may reach end of life in 12–18 months of continuous outdoor solar use.

The fix is straightforward and inexpensive. Replacement NiMH AA batteries are available at any hardware store, electronics retailer, or online. Capacity matters more than brand: use a minimum of 600mAh and prefer 800mAh or higher for longer overnight run time. Higher capacity cells (1000mAh+) extend the hours of illumination after a full sunny-day charge without any modifications to the fixture.

The 25680 Li-ion Exception

The Moonrays 25680 solar spotlight uses an 18650 format lithium-ion cell rather than a standard NiMH AA. The 18650 is a cylindrical cell approximately the size of an oversized AA battery, used in high-drain solar fixtures and flashlights. Replacement 18650 cells are widely available from battery retailers. Use a cell rated 2600mAh or higher with built-in protection circuitry (protected 18650). Do not use flat-top unprotected 18650 cells in solar fixtures — the protection circuitry prevents overcharge and deep-discharge damage that shortens cell life.

In field service calls involving Moonrays solar fixtures, approximately 85% of "dead solar light" complaints resolve to battery replacement. The remaining 15% divide between two causes: the solar panel has been covered by overgrown vegetation blocking sunlight, and the on/off switch — present on most Moonrays solar models — has been accidentally switched to OFF. Before replacing the battery, verify the fixture is switched ON and the solar panel has clear sky exposure. A Moonrays solar fixture placed in deep shade will never charge adequately regardless of battery condition.

NiCd vs NiMH: Which Battery Is Correct for Your Moonrays Solar Fixture

This distinction matters more than most guides acknowledge. Moonrays originally shipped most solar fixtures with NiCd (nickel-cadmium) batteries — part number 97125 — not NiMH (nickel-metal hydride). The two chemistries are the same physical size (AA, 1.2V) and either will work electrically, but they behave differently in outdoor solar applications.

Property	NiCd (Original Moonrays Spec)	NiMH (Common Upgrade)	What It Means in Practice
Self-discharge rate	~10% per month	~30% per month (standard); 1–3% (low-self-discharge NiMH)	NiCd holds charge longer during cloudy stretches. Low-self-discharge NiMH (Eneloop-type) matches NiCd on this metric.
Cold temperature performance	Good — less affected by cold	Reduced capacity below 32°F	For northern climates with hard winters, NiCd or low-self-discharge NiMH is preferable.
Capacity (same mAh rating)	600mAh typical (97125)	600mAh–2000mAh available	Higher-mAh NiMH can extend overnight run time if the charge circuit supports it. Moonrays original documentation says higher mAh will NOT extend run time — the charge circuit controls output duration. Independent user testing contradicts this for some fixtures.
Memory effect	Yes — requires full discharge before recharge ideally	Minimal memory effect	NiCd in solar fixtures partially self-manages because the sun recharges from low each day. Memory effect is less of a practical issue than in consumer electronics.
Environmental disposal	Toxic cadmium — requires recycling, not trash disposal	Less toxic — still recyclable	NiCd batteries must go to a battery recycling location. Do not landfill.
Availability	Declining — NiCd being phased out in consumer market	Widely available at hardware stores	NiMH is now the practical replacement regardless of original spec in most cases.

Moonrays official documentation (97125 product page) states replacing with a higher mAh battery will not extend run time. This reflects conservative warranty language. Real-world buyer reports show mixed results — some report longer run time with higher-mAh NiMH cells, others do not. The charge circuit design of each fixture model determines the actual outcome. Scroll right on smaller screens.

✓ Recommended Battery Replacement Strategy by Climate Cold climates (freeze winters, northern tier): use low-self-discharge NiMH (Panasonic Eneloop or equivalent, 2000mAh AA) — cold performance and low self-discharge match or beat original NiCd. Warm climates (no hard freeze): standard NiMH 600–800mAh works well and is the cheapest solution. If your Moonrays solar fixture was originally shipped with NiCd (check the compartment label or original box), either NiCd replacement (97125) or NiMH will work electrically — choose based on climate and availability.

Integrated LED Fixtures vs. Replaceable-Bulb Fixtures: A Critical Distinction

Moonrays produces both integrated LED fixtures (where the LED and driver are sealed into the housing) and fixtures designed for bulb replacement. Knowing which type you have before ordering parts prevents wasted time and money.

Fixture Type	Identification	Repair Path	Parts Available
Integrated LED	No visible socket, lens is sealed to housing, wattage typically 1–5W	Full fixture head replacement when LED fails	Cross-brand equivalent fixtures from Malibu, Hampton Bay
MR16 Socket	Twist-off lens reveals MR16 bi-pin socket	MR16 LED bulb replacement (GU5.3 base)	Standard 12V MR16 LED 35mm or 50mm, widely available
G4 Socket	Small twist-off cap reveals G4 bi-pin socket	G4 LED replacement bulb	12V G4 LED replacement, widely available
Solar Integrated LED	Solar panel on top, no wire connection to transformer	Battery replacement first; fixture replacement if LED fails	NiMH AA or 18650 Li-ion by model (see solar section)

Scroll right on smaller screens.

For Moonrays fixtures with replaceable MR16 or G4 bulbs, standard 12V LED replacement bulbs are available at hardware stores and online retailers. Use bulbs rated for 12V AC/DC — not 120V mains voltage bulbs. The MR16 format (50mm diameter, GU5.3 bi-pin base) is the most common replaceable bulb type in consumer landscape spotlights. For a full guide to replacement bulb options, see the landscape lighting bulb replacement guide.

Cross-Compatible Transformers for Moonrays 12V Fixtures

All Moonrays 12V low-voltage fixtures are fully compatible with any standard 12V AC landscape lighting transformer. This is the universal standard across the entire consumer landscape lighting market. You are never locked into a Moonrays-branded transformer to power Moonrays fixtures.

Hampton Bay

The SL-120-12A (120W) and SL-200-12A (200W) are the most widely available current-production consumer transformers. The Hampton Bay SL-series includes dual 12V/15V voltage taps to compensate for voltage drop on long wire runs — a feature no Moonrays transformer offers. The Hubspace 200W smart transformer adds app and voice control. 5-year warranty. See the Hampton Bay transformer guide.

Malibu

Malibu transformers are widely available at home improvement retailers. Compatible with all Moonrays 12V fixtures. Malibu was owned by Intermatic, then Brinkmann (bankrupt 2016), and is currently under different ownership. For transformer troubleshooting, see the Malibu 8100 transformer guide.

Paradise / Sterno Home

Paradise GL-series transformers (GL33120, GL33300, GL33600) are fully compatible with Moonrays 12V fixtures. The Paradise Sunwise astronomical timer mode eliminates the need for a photocell. Owned by Fusion Products LTD — the same parent company as Moonrays. See the Paradise transformer guide.

Moonrays-Brand Transformers: Current Model Line

Moonrays currently produces its own transformer line, sold primarily through Menards. These are compatible with all Moonrays fixtures and all other 12V landscape lighting. If you are already in the Moonrays ecosystem and want a brand-matched replacement, these are the current production models.

Model	Capacity	Modes	Key Features	Notes
29286	60W	4 modes	Photocell dusk-to-dawn, timer, manual ON/OFF	Entry-level. 4 modes instead of 5 — no astronomical timer. Photocell required for auto operation. Best for simple 60W-or-under systems.
29287 / 29092	120W	5 modes	Astronomical timer (no photocell needed), dusk-to-dawn, timer, ON/OFF, seasonal auto-adjust	Same 5-mode feature set as Paradise GL33120 — shares the astronomical timer that calculates dusk without a photocell. Can be installed indoors or behind shrubs.
29095	50W	5 modes	Astronomical timer, compact size	Smallest current Moonrays transformer. For small systems up to 40W effective load (80% of 50W).
28285	200W	5 modes + WiFi	Smart transformer with app control, astronomical timer, 15V output tap	High-end Moonrays option. 15V tap compensates for voltage drop on long runs. App and smart home integration. Sold primarily at Menards.

The 5-mode Moonrays transformers share the same astronomical timer feature as the Paradise GL-series — both are Fusion Products brands. The 28285 200W smart transformer is the only Moonrays unit with a 15V output tap. Scroll right on smaller screens.

✓ The Moonrays Mechanical Timer — Model 95431 Moonrays also produced a standalone mechanical control unit (model 95431) — a 24-hour mechanical timer with a maximum load of 125W. It uses a pin-dial system: press gray pins representing 15-minute intervals for the desired ON period, align the current time arrow, and set the slide switch to automatic. This unit predates the current digital transformer line and is now largely discontinued but still found in existing installations. If your landscape system uses a standalone plug-in mechanical timer rather than a transformer-mounted digital controller, this is likely what you have. The same replacement procedure applies: verify GFCI outlet, check the slide switch position, and confirm the current time is correctly set on the dial.

When selecting a replacement or upgrade transformer, size it to handle your total Moonrays fixture wattage at no more than 80% of the transformer's rated capacity. For a system with twenty Moonrays 29018 path lights at 3.3W each, total load is 66W — a 120W transformer sized at 55% capacity provides adequate headroom. Use the transformer size calculator for exact sizing. For a full transformer selection guide, see the transformer sizing guide.

✓ Voltage Drop Note for Long Moonrays Wire Runs Moonrays fixtures at the far end of long wire runs (over 100 feet) may appear dim due to voltage drop across the wire. Moonrays does not make transformers with adjustable voltage taps. If upgrading to a Hampton Bay transformer with a 15V tap, you can compensate for voltage drop on long runs by connecting those runs to the 15V terminal rather than the 12V terminal. See the voltage drop guide for full wire gauge and run length recommendations.

Solar Battery Replacement: Step-by-Step for Moonrays 91381 and 91754

The NiMH AA battery replacement procedure is the same for the Moonrays 91381 Payton and 91754 Richmond path light models. This repair requires no tools beyond a small Phillips screwdriver in most cases and takes under five minutes per fixture.

Switch the fixture to OFF

Locate the on/off switch on the fixture body — typically on the side of the stake near the bottom of the fixture head. Switch to OFF before opening. This prevents the charge circuit from being active during the battery swap.

Access the battery compartment

On most Moonrays solar path light models, the battery compartment is accessed from the underside of the solar panel cap. Twist the cap counterclockwise to remove it, or locate the small Phillips screw on the underside and remove it. The exact access method varies by model year — check ManualsLib for your specific model documentation if the cap does not twist off.

Remove the old NiMH AA battery

Note the polarity orientation (+ and − markings inside the compartment or on the battery itself). Remove the old battery. Inspect the battery contacts inside the compartment for corrosion — white or green deposits on the contacts. Light corrosion can be removed with a small amount of white vinegar on a cotton swab, followed by thorough drying before installing the new battery.

Install the replacement NiMH AA battery

Insert a 1.2V NiMH AA rated 600mAh or higher. Higher capacity (1000mAh, 2000mAh) extends overnight run time. Standard alkaline AA batteries (1.5V) must not be used — the charge circuit in solar fixtures is designed for 1.2V NiMH chemistry. Alkaline batteries will not charge from the solar panel and will leak, damaging the fixture. Match the polarity orientation noted in step 3.

Reassemble and test

Replace the battery compartment cover or screw. Switch the fixture back to ON. Place the solar panel in direct sunlight for a full day before the first night test. A new NiMH battery will provide noticeably improved brightness and longer illumination duration compared to a degraded original. If the fixture still does not illuminate after a full day of charging with a new battery, test the solar panel output with a multimeter — a healthy solar panel should read 2V–4V DC in direct sunlight.

✓ Pro Tip: Replace All Batteries in a Run at Once If one solar fixture in a matched set has failed from battery degradation, all fixtures in the same installation that are the same age will fail within the same season. Replacing all batteries at once during a single service visit costs approximately $2 per fixture and eliminates repeat service calls for the same root cause over the following 3–6 months.

Moonrays Cross-Brand Compatibility: Full Reference Chart

Moonrays 12V fixtures work with all brands listed below without modification. This table documents compatibility at the system level — transformer, wire, and connector compatibility for Moonrays fixtures across the consumer landscape lighting ecosystem.

Brand	Transformer Compatible?	Wire Compatible?	Quick-Connect Connectors?	Notes
Hampton Bay	Yes — 12V AC	Yes — standard 14–16AWG	Yes	SL-series dual 12V/15V taps useful for long runs. See Hampton Bay transformer guide.
Malibu	Yes — 12V AC	Yes	Yes	Malibu quick-connect connectors are compatible with standard landscape wire. See Malibu parts guide.
Paradise / Sterno Home	Yes — 12V AC	Yes	Yes	Same parent company (Fusion Products) as Moonrays since Feb 2021. See Paradise parts.
Portfolio (discontinued)	Yes — 12V AC	Yes	Yes	Portfolio brand discontinued. Transformers still work. See replacement parts guide.
VOLT	Yes — 12V AC	Yes	Yes	VOLT brass/copper fixtures are a direct upgrade path from Moonrays for a longer-service-life system. See VOLT review.
Allen + Roth	Yes — 12V AC	Yes	Yes	Lowe's house brand. See Allen + Roth parts guide.
Utilitech	Yes — 12V AC	Yes	Yes	Lowe's brand. See Utilitech parts guide.

All consumer 12V landscape lighting brands share the same voltage standard. Cross-compatibility is universal across the consumer segment. Scroll right on smaller screens.

For a comprehensive side-by-side evaluation of how Moonrays compares to competing brands across price, materials, warranty, and service life, see the low-voltage landscape lighting brand comparison. For connector-specific cross-brand compatibility details, see the brand connector compatibility guide.

Moonrays Replacement Parts FAQ

What battery does the Moonrays 91381 Payton solar path light use?

The Moonrays 91381 Payton uses a standard NiMH AA rechargeable battery. Use a 1.2V NiMH AA rated 600mAh or higher — higher capacity (1000mAh+) extends overnight run time. Standard alkaline AA batteries will not work in solar fixtures: the charge circuit is designed for 1.2V NiMH chemistry, and alkaline cells will leak and damage the battery compartment. The battery degrades in approximately 12 to 24 months of continuous outdoor use and costs about $2 per fixture to replace. The 91754 Richmond model uses the identical battery type and the same replacement procedure.

Can I use a Portfolio, Hampton Bay, or Malibu transformer with Moonrays fixtures?

Yes. All Moonrays 12V low-voltage wired fixtures are fully compatible with any standard 12V AC landscape lighting transformer, including Portfolio, Hampton Bay, Malibu, Paradise, Allen + Roth, Utilitech, and generic consumer transformers. The 12V AC standard is universal across the entire consumer landscape lighting market. Connect Moonrays fixture wire runs to any transformer's screw-terminal block using standard 14AWG or 16AWG landscape wire. No adapters or modifications are required.

My Moonrays integrated LED fixture has failed — can I replace just the LED board?

No. Moonrays 29018, 29065, and 95557 fixtures use sealed integrated LED assemblies that cannot be serviced at home. When the LED board fails, the entire fixture head must be replaced. Because all Moonrays 12V fixtures use standard 12V AC and standard wire connections, any compatible 12V replacement fixture from Hampton Bay, Malibu, or other consumer brands connects directly to your existing wire runs without modifications. For replacement sourcing, see the landscape lighting replacement parts guide.

Who owns Moonrays now and what is the customer support number?

Moonrays is currently owned by Fusion Products LTD, headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario. Southwire divested Moonrays to Fusion Products in February 2021, in the same transaction that transferred the Paradise Garden Lighting brand. Current customer support is available at 1-800-561-4321. Product manuals for most Moonrays models are available on ManualsLib by searching the model number.

How bright is the Moonrays 29018 path light and how far apart should I space them?

The Moonrays 29018 produces 100 lumens at 3.3W. This output level is appropriate for pathway definition and garden border accent, not for task illumination. At 100 lumens, a spacing of 6 to 8 feet between fixtures provides gentle, even path definition without creating distinct bright spots and dark gaps. For brighter path lighting, the Moonrays 29065 spotlight at 250 lumens can be used as an alternating fixture or for accent focal points. For path light placement principles, see the path light placement guide.

My Moonrays solar light has a dead battery — should I replace or upgrade the whole system?

If the fixture housing, solar panel, and LED assembly are all intact, battery replacement at approximately $2 per fixture is almost always the right choice. A structurally sound Moonrays solar fixture with a fresh NiMH battery will operate reliably for another 12 to 24 months. If the solar panel is cracked, the housing shows significant corrosion, or the LED has failed, replacement is appropriate. For a comparison of solar versus 12V low-voltage systems for long-term reliability, see the solar vs. low-voltage energy efficiency guide.