Just to give an update, I think I've decided to try and imitate the circuit
here. However, I still have a while to complete the project and would welcome other ideas. I also assume that a typical perf/breadboard would be best to construct something like this on? In the end, I think I'll have a contained system in a briefcase, with the panel on one side and a circuit (or more) on the other, for charging the battery(s).
Also, with respect to those things to think about:
(1) I will probably not need to charge the battery while moving (which certainly eliminates some of the design problems...)
(2) It is possible that I will want to, say, have the panel be able to charge simple 1.5v AA's, but that should be pretty easy to do.
(3) There is no way that I'll be able to bring a typical, bulky, 12v battery (unless it is in an odd form which can fit in the case--I hope to have everything self-contained)
(4) Frankly, I don't know how this really relates to anything, so I must be missing something.
(5) As with anything, yes, but I don't think it's significant -- I'll usually have any valuables close to my person.
Have you thought about another solution? You can email me [geoffgalgon at earthlink dot net]