I have been reading some webpages about solar charging NiMH batteries to run uC circuits from. Some of these simply feed the output of a solar cell through a diode and into the batteries, which I figure is bad.
Total current for circuits will be fairly small, a 3.3v PIC, a 3.3v radio module and a number of sensors. I figure 3 AAA batteries will probably do it (unless I can find a single specialised battery at the right voltage) with a LDO regulator.
I have come across the DS2715 which looks like it might work to regulate the charge.
Can anybody recommend any other charge controllers? Also, what voltage/amperage panel would be best? Futurlec sell 3V 45mA panels which look promising.