Ok, so I was reading an electronics magazine and one article was about using local pound stores as a source of photovoltaic cells. Everything is cheap (obviously) and there are a whole host of solar-powered stuff (radios..etc, depending on which store you visit).
Before I spend any money, I have already searched the forum, and found many who want to use large solar panels for houses with large lead-acid batteries.
I just want to explore these panels, and will only build a small, low power astable to flash an LED or something. So, I want to ask:
How do I store the charge without a massive battery?
I don't know anything about photovoltaic cells, but ideally, I would have a bunch of small panels which constantly charge a 'battery' (?) or equivalent, while the astable circuit is connected to the battery.
Am I being too optimistic about the world of solar panels? Like I said before, I am new to electronics and don't know anything about photovoltaic cells.
Thanks in advance
EDIT: After reading up some more, Li-pol and Li-ion batteries seem to be in good supply and are small and light. Has anyone had any experience with these types of batteries? IMO the simpler the better. Thanks