> Note of caution:
> Normal silicon solar cells (panels) CANNOT be connected directly to a
battery
> without diode isolation, preferably a schottky diode for lower voltage
drop. In
> darkness they will suck the life out of the battery.

Yes, sorry I forgot to mention that in my post.

> Even though the output
> of small panels won't necessarily "cook" the battery, some sort of
regulation
> should be designed into the circuit as just plain good engineering.

I don't see the point if the solar cells can't produce more current at full
battery level in full sunlight than the batteries can withstand
indefinitely.


********************************************************************
Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Littleton Massachusetts
(978) 742-9014, olin@embedinc.com, http://www.embedinc.com

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