Portfolio SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1: Every Character of the Model Number Decoded
Portfolio's solar lighting model numbers follow a consistent naming convention that encodes the product's key characteristics directly into the SKU. Understanding this convention is the fastest way to confirm you have the right model and to find related fixtures in the same product family. The SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 breaks down as follows:
This naming system is consistent across Portfolio's entire solar landscape product line. Cross-referencing: SS39CA-M35-BKT-CPK1 is a 39-lumen solar spotlight with a remote solar panel (the "A" and "M35" designations) and T-stake, consumer pack. SS87P-F25C-BK-PK3 is a 25-lumen premium spotlight (P), flood-style head (F), compact (C), black, 3-pack. Understanding the convention allows identification of sibling models when shopping for replacements. For the complete Portfolio model number system, see the Portfolio model number lookup guide.
Confirmed Specifications: Portfolio SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1
The following specifications are confirmed from Portfolio product documentation, Lowe's product listings, and cross-reference with the identical platform used in related SS-series compact solar spotlights. Where SS9C-specific data is confirmed, it is noted. Where specs are confirmed via the SS-series platform shared across compact Portfolio solar spotlights, that is noted.
| Specification | Value | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 | Lowe's SKU / ManualsLib catalog |
| Product Type | Solar LED Spotlight | Confirmed |
| Pack Quantity | 5 fixtures | P5 designator confirms 5-pack |
| Lumen Output | 9 lumens per fixture | 9C designator; confirmed via SS-series naming convention |
| Color Temperature | 3000K–3500K warm white | Consistent across all compact Portfolio SS-series spotlights (confirmed 3000K on model 00992; 3500K on path models) |
| Beam Angle | Approx. 36° | Confirmed for compact SS-series; 36° is the standard focused spotlight beam across this fixture family |
| Power Source | Integrated solar panel | Self-contained; no transformer or wiring required |
| Battery Type | LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) 18500 | Confirmed across all compact Portfolio SS-series solar spotlights |
| Battery Voltage | 3.2V | Standard LiFePO4 nominal voltage |
| LED Type | Integrated LED (non-replaceable) | Sealed LED assembly; no user-serviceable bulb |
| Fixture Material | Plastic housing, clear lens | Confirmed; black UV-stabilized plastic body |
| Finish Color | Black | BK designator |
| Stake Type | T-style ground stake | T designator; removable from fixture body |
| Dusk-to-Dawn Sensor | Yes — integrated photocell | Standard on all Portfolio solar spotlights; activates at dusk, deactivates at dawn |
| Run Time (Full Charge) | Up to 8 hours | Confirmed across compact SS-series on full sunny day charge |
| Weather Resistance | IPX4 (splashing water from any direction) | Confirmed on model 00992; consistent across compact SS-series |
| Adjustable Head | Yes | Swivel knuckle allows angle adjustment without tools |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | Standard Portfolio warranty; note: Portfolio brand discontinued, no active warranty support |
| UPC | 7259161053xx series | Portfolio/Lowe's exclusive UPC range |
| Country of Origin | China | Confirmed on all Portfolio solar landscape products |
Complete Parts List: What Is Included in Each SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 Kit
Each SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 package contains five identical fixture assemblies. The parts list below reflects what is included per fixture, confirmed from the SS-series quick installation manual published on ManualsLib and cross-referenced with the Hampton Bay SS23C-M8-BKT-CPK1 manual (an identical platform with different luminosity). Five of each item below are included in the full 5-pack kit.
What Is NOT Included and Cannot Be Added
The SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 is a self-contained solar system. The following are explicitly not included and are not required for operation: transformer, wire, wire connectors, outlet, conduit, or photocell sensor (the dusk-to-dawn sensor is integrated into each fixture). Additionally, the following components cannot be added to this fixture after purchase: a remote solar panel (the solar panel is permanently integrated), a motion sensor (not compatible with this model), a dimmer (no dimming capability in this product), or a timer override (the dusk-to-dawn sensor cannot be bypassed).
LiFePO4 18500 Battery: Specifications, Why It Matters, and Replacement Guide
The 18500 LiFePO4 battery is the single most important fact to know about the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1. Getting this wrong — substituting a different chemistry or the wrong size — either prevents the fixture from working or damages the charging circuit. This section covers everything about this specific battery.
What Is an 18500 LiFePO4 Cell?
The 18500 is a cylindrical rechargeable battery cell measuring 18mm in diameter and 50mm in length — physically between an AA battery (14.5mm × 50.5mm) and an 18650 cell (18.65mm × 65.2mm). The "LiFePO4" designation (also written as LFP or lithium iron phosphate) specifies the cathode chemistry. LiFePO4 is a specific subtype of lithium battery distinct from standard lithium-ion (Li-ion): it operates at 3.2V nominal (versus 3.7V for Li-ion), has inherently better thermal stability (lower risk of thermal runaway), handles more charge cycles (typically 1,000–2,000 versus 300–500 for Li-ion), and is specifically designed for solar charging applications where charge current varies continuously throughout the day.
| Specification | Required for SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 | What Happens If Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Format | 18500 (18mm diameter × 50mm length) | 18650 is too long (65mm) — will not fit. Standard AA is too narrow (14.5mm) — will not make contact. |
| Chemistry | LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) — 3.2V nominal | Standard Li-ion 18500 cells operate at 3.7V — may overstress charging circuit. NiMH AA cells are wrong format and voltage. |
| Voltage | 3.2V nominal (LiFePO4) | Higher-voltage cells will overcharge and may damage circuit board. |
| Capacity | 400–600 mAh typical for compact SS-series | Higher capacity (800mAh+) usually works but may not fully charge on short winter days. Lower capacity reduces run time. |
| Protection Circuit | Protected cell strongly recommended | Unprotected cells risk deep discharge damage on cloudy multi-day periods without a protection circuit. |
Why LiFePO4 Outperforms NiMH and Li-ion in Solar Fixtures
Many consumers assume they can substitute any rechargeable battery in a solar fixture. For the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 specifically, this is incorrect. LiFePO4 chemistry was chosen by the design team because solar charging is a highly variable charge source: on a clear summer day the panel may deliver maximum current for 8 hours; on an overcast winter day it may deliver a fraction of that. LiFePO4 handles partial-state charging gracefully — it does not need full charge cycles to maintain capacity, unlike NiMH cells which suffer memory effect from repeated partial charging. LiFePO4 also has a wider operating temperature range than standard Li-ion, which is important for outdoor year-round installations in northern climates. The charging circuit in the SS9C is designed and calibrated specifically for 3.2V LiFePO4 chemistry. Substituting a 3.7V Li-ion 18500 cell could result in overcharge, shortened cell life, and in the worst case, circuit board damage.
Battery Replacement Procedure
Replacing the 18500 LiFePO4 battery in an SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 fixture requires no tools in most cases. The battery access panel is typically located on the underside of the fixture head, accessible by sliding or twisting the panel in the direction indicated by an arrow embossed on the housing. On some production runs of the compact SS-series, a single small Phillips screw secures the battery door — have a #1 Phillips screwdriver on hand. Remove the depleted cell noting the polarity orientation (+ and − markings inside the compartment). Insert the replacement 18500 LiFePO4 cell matching the polarity exactly. Do not force the cell — it should insert smoothly. Replace the battery door. Place the fixture in direct sunlight for a full day before the first overnight test with the new battery. For the complete solar battery service guide, see the landscape lighting replacement parts guide.
Installation: Step-by-Step for the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1
Installation of the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 requires no tools, no wiring, and no transformer. The entire process for all five fixtures takes under 15 minutes. The installation sequence follows the order given in the Portfolio quick installation manual.
Complete Troubleshooting Sequence: SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 Not Working
Work through these steps in order. The vast majority of SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 failures resolve at steps 1 through 4. Do not skip to battery replacement before completing step 3.
In field service of Portfolio compact solar spotlight kits, roughly 60% of failures are battery-related (degradation after 2–3 years), 25% are solar panel positioning issues (inadequate sun, dirty panel), and 10% are photocell interference from nearby light sources. The remaining 5% are genuine component failures — circuit board, LED, or panel — that require fixture replacement. Start with the pull tab check on new fixtures and the battery check on older ones, and you will resolve the overwhelming majority of SS9C issues without needing to buy anything other than a $5 replacement cell.
Solar Panel Performance, Care, and Seasonal Behavior
The integrated solar panel on the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 is a monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon cell laminated behind a clear UV-stabilized plastic lens. Its output is directly proportional to sunlight intensity — performance degrades on overcast days, in partial shade, and during winter when the sun is lower in the sky.
Seasonal Performance Expectations by Region
| Climate Zone | Summer Performance | Winter Performance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern US (FL, TX, AZ, CA) | Full 8-hr run time, consistent nightly | 6–8 hr run time; occasional reduction on cloudy periods | Optimal year-round. Clean panel seasonally. |
| Central US (KS, MO, TN, NC) | Full 8-hr run time on clear days | 4–6 hr run time; reduced on overcast days; may not activate after 3+ cloudy days | Consider moving fixture to full-south exposure for winter. |
| Northern US (MN, MI, NY, PNW) | Full 8-hr run time on clear days | 2–4 hr run time; frequent non-activation December–February | 9-lumen compact spotlight may not be adequate for year-round northern use. Consider wired 12V alternative for dependable winter operation. |
| Northern climates (Canada) | Full run time June–August | Inconsistent or non-functional October–March | Solar landscape lights are largely seasonal products at these latitudes. Store indoors October–March to extend battery life. |
Storing Solar Fixtures for Winter
In northern climates where winter temperatures regularly fall below 14°F (−10°C), LiFePO4 cells can lose significant capacity from repeated deep-freeze cycling. If your SS9C fixtures will not be used from November through March, remove them from the ground, remove the batteries and store them separately at room temperature, and store the fixture bodies in a garage or basement. This extends both battery life and UV-stabilized plastic housing life significantly. Do not store LiFePO4 cells fully discharged — charge them to approximately 50% before storage (2–3 hours of sunlight on a clear day achieves this). Reinstall in spring after one full-day recharge before first use. For more on landscape lighting maintenance schedules, see the landscape lighting maintenance guide.
The SS9C Family: Portfolio Solar Spotlight Models That Share This Platform
The SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 is part of Portfolio's compact SS-series solar spotlight platform — a family of fixtures sharing the same circuit board, battery format, installation system, and basic housing design. Understanding the siblings helps identify alternative replacement parts and cross-compatible accessories.
The consistent use of the 18500 LiFePO4 battery format across this entire product family — from the 9-lumen SS9C through the 90-lumen SS39CA — means a single replacement battery type serves all compact Portfolio solar spotlights and their current Harbor Breeze equivalents. If you maintain multiple models from this family, buying a multi-pack of 18500 LiFePO4 cells covers all of them. For the full Portfolio model reference, see the Portfolio model library and the Portfolio model parts directory.
Current Replacement Options for the Discontinued SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1
Portfolio is discontinued. No new SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 units are available through official retail channels. The following current-production options provide equivalent or better performance and use the same T-stake installation format, making them drop-in replacements at existing SS9C installation locations.
| Model | Brand | Lumens | Battery | Pack | Where to Buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS76PB-F30C-BK-T24 | Harbor Breeze (Lowe's) | 30lm | 18500 LiFePO4 | Singles / 24-pack | Lowe's | 3× brighter than SS9C. Same battery. Same T-stake installation. Direct drop-in at existing holes. |
| SS86P-F60C-BK-T15 | Harbor Breeze (Lowe's) | 60lm | 18500 LiFePO4 | Singles / 15-pack | Lowe's | 7× brighter than SS9C. Same platform. Good for trees, flags, and architectural features the SS9C was marginal for. |
| SS87P-F25C-BK-PK3 | Harbor Breeze (Lowe's) | 25lm each | 1000mAh 18500 LiFePO4 (2 batteries) | 3-pack | Lowe's | 3-fixture set with one remote solar panel. Useful where one location has good sun but fixtures need to be installed in shaded areas nearby. |
| Various models | Hampton Bay (Home Depot) | 20–90lm | 18500 LiFePO4 typically | Singles / multi-packs | Home Depot | Hampton Bay solar spotlights use the same overall design. Verify "18500 LiFePO4" in the product specs before purchasing — some models use different battery formats. |
For a permanent upgrade that eliminates battery replacement and solar charging variability entirely, consider converting to a 12V wired low-voltage system at existing fixture locations. This requires a 12V transformer, landscape wire, and replacement 12V fixtures. The investment is higher upfront but eliminates all solar maintenance and provides consistent nightly operation regardless of weather or season. For guidance on the upgrade path, see the solar vs. low-voltage energy efficiency guide, the landscape lighting wiring guide, and the best Portfolio replacement guide. For a full comparison of brands available at the replacement tier, see the brand comparison guide.
Portfolio SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 FAQ
What battery does the Portfolio SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 use?
A 3.2V LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) 18500-format rechargeable cell. The 18500 measures 18mm in diameter and 50mm in length — smaller than an 18650. The LiFePO4 chemistry is mandatory: do not substitute standard Li-ion (3.7V) or NiMH cells. LiFePO4 18500 cells are available from Battery Mart, Amazon, and solar lighting specialty retailers. Capacity of 400–600mAh is appropriate for this fixture. Protected cells are strongly recommended for outdoor solar use.
What does each part of the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 model number mean?
SS = Solar Spotlight; 9C = 9-lumen compact form factor; P5 = pack of 5 fixtures; BKT = black finish with T-style ground stake; CPK1 = consumer pack kit version 1. The naming follows Portfolio's consistent solar spotlight SKU convention. Related models follow the same structure: SS39CA-M35-BKT-CPK1 is a 90-lumen spotlight with a detachable remote panel (M35 = M-style detachable panel on 35-inch cord); SS87P-F25C-BK-PK3 is a 25-lumen fixture in a 3-pack. For the full Portfolio model number system, see the model number lookup guide.
My new SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 won't turn on. What's wrong?
First: check that the battery pull tab has been fully removed from each fixture. This insulating strip prevents discharge during storage and ships installed in every unit — it is easy to miss. After removing the tab, place the fixture in direct sunlight for a full day before testing. Second: verify the fixture is not installed near an existing light source (porch light, garage light) that keeps the photocell from reading darkness. Cover the top of the fixture with your hand — the LED should activate within 3–5 seconds if the fixture is functional. If it activates when covered, the photocell is being triggered by a nearby light. For the complete troubleshooting sequence, see the troubleshooting section above and the Portfolio landscape troubleshooting guide.
Can I still buy the Portfolio SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1?
Not through official retail. Portfolio is a discontinued Lowe's house brand. New-old-stock occasionally appears on eBay and closeout channels, but there is no warranty support and no official parts availability. The closest current-production equivalents are Harbor Breeze solar spotlights sold at Lowe's — models SS76PB-F30C-BK-T24 (30lm) and SS86P-F60C-BK-T15 (60lm) use the same T-stake installation format and LiFePO4 18500 battery, making them direct drop-in replacements at existing SS9C installation locations. For a full overview of Portfolio's discontinued status, see the why Portfolio lighting was discontinued guide.
How long does the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 battery last?
The LiFePO4 18500 battery in the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 typically lasts 2–3 years of daily outdoor cycling before capacity degrades enough to reduce overnight run time noticeably. This is consistent with LiFePO4 cells in consumer solar lighting applications across all brands — the daily charge-discharge cycle in outdoor conditions is more demanding than lab-condition cycle life ratings suggest. Symptoms of a degrading battery: shorter run time (2–4 hours instead of the rated 8), reduced brightness, and failure to activate after consecutive cloudy days. Replace all five batteries in the kit at the same time to maintain consistent output across the fixture set.
Is the LED in the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 replaceable?
No. The LED assembly in the SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 is permanently integrated into the lamp head housing. There is no socket, no user-replaceable LED module, and no way to service the LED at home. If the LED fails while the battery and solar panel are functional, the entire fixture head requires replacement. Given that LED assemblies in this product family are rated for 25,000–50,000 hours of operation, LED failure before battery or solar panel failure is uncommon in practice.
Where can I find the official Portfolio SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 manual?
The Portfolio SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1 Quick Installation Manual is listed on ManualsLib under "Portfolio" brand and model "SS9C-P5-BKT-CPK1." It is a multilingual quick-install guide covering assembly, placement, first use, and basic troubleshooting. Lowe's previously hosted a PDF installation guide for this model at their productdocuments CDN — this PDF may or may not still be accessible via the Lowe's document server. For all Portfolio manuals currently available online, see the Portfolio lighting manuals page and the Portfolio outdoor manuals guide.