I'm currently working on a project in which a Atmega328 is powered by 6AA NiMH batteries in series (7.5v, 2000MaH). It is in sleep mode most of the time, except to turn a servo a couple times a day, for a couple of seconds (Hence the need for the high voltage).
I have a solar panel at 12V and 1.8W, so maximum of 150mA. After doing a lot of research, and looking at this post: Charging NiMH batteries with 1W solar panel, charge controller needed? . The maximum output for my solar panel is within the c/10 -> c/40 range that is safe for the NiMH batteries to be charged at.
My question is, none of the resources I could find explicitly say if what I am attempting is OK for multiple cells like I have.. Due to the remote nature of my device, charging each cell individually, or using a LiPo, is not an option.
Thank you very much.
EDIT: Below is a PCB design for this circuit. According to @BruceAbbott The voltage of the panel would be fine, but since my servo can only handle a max of 8v, would the batteries still be able to lower to voltage to not damage my servo?
I believe the reason it is safe is due to how the current and voltage is controlled from a solar panel, for example, this IV curve (NOT the panel i'm using, just an example.)
This should ensure that the voltage never exceeds the dangerous limit?