I’m trying to find/build a small solar panel that will charge 8 AA batteries (12v) during daylight then at dusk the batteries would then power an LED light. The LED is an ember flicker type to simulate a candle flame. This is for an outdoor display but I need 12-20 units.
Ideally I would prefer to purchase something but I can assemble it if I know what to get. Everything I’ve seen is for lower voltage setups.
I could use a lower voltage setup but I haven’t found bright enough LEDs.
Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciate.

 

Individual LEDs operate at a max of under 4V. You can get any brightness you want from a low voltage, it is the current that you need to increase for higher brightness.

 

I would not use AA batteries. I would use a 12 V SLAB (sealed lead acid battery) instead. They are more robust and can take a lot of abuse. Small solar panels are readily available that will charge 12 V batteries.

 

Don't get a cheap 12V SLA specified for UPS/Alarm system duty as they are designed (lead, tin calcium alloy grid/plated) for long life with limited cycles (once in a while power failures).
You need the deep cycle (50% DoD) version.
https://www.expertpower.us/products...KNhKr1r3O12-9szTvEXJlR-8NBF2_JCBMugq7Za2QBpYs

 

I made my own solar garden lights with boards like these; been working for 3 years now :

Pick your flavor of features, lithium, NiM... ----> https://www.aliexpress.us/w/wholesale-solar-light-breakout-board.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.search.0

----> https://www.aliexpress.us/w/wholesale-solar-panel.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.search.0