Solar Flashlight Help

[danielb]

I need some serious help on this. The circuit layout is this: A 4.5 volt 0.5 watt solar panel is directly connected to a 1N914 Switching Diode which is connected to the positive wire of the solar panel. The positive and negative wires or the solar panel are connected to a single AA battery holder which houses a Ni-MH Enercell Rechargeable battery (2500mAh). The battery holder connects the positive wire to two resistors each on the positive wires of the 5mm White LEDs. The negative battery holder wire connects to the tied negative ends of the LEDs. Their is about 40 m of volatge in battery wires connected with the Solar Panel but not connected with the LEDs. There is about the same voltage when connected with the LEDs. Lights don't light up though... HELP.

[inetdog]

I need some serious help on this. The circuit layout is this: A 4.5 volt 0.5 watt solar panel is directly connected to a 1N914 Switching Diode which is connected to the positive wire of the solar panel. The positive and negative wires or the solar panel are connected to a single AA battery holder which houses a Ni-MH Enercell Rechargeable battery (2500mAh). The battery holder connects the positive wire to two resistors each on the positive wires of the 5mm White LEDs. The negative battery holder wire connects to the tied negative ends of the LEDs. Their is about 40 m of volatge in battery wires connected with the Solar Panel but not connected with the LEDs. There is about the same voltage when connected with the LEDs. Lights don't light up though... HELP.

The battery (assuming you have only one) will limit the panel voltage to no more than about 1.6 volts. If that is too low to light the LED, then the open circuit voltage of the panel (4.5 volts) will not mean anything.
I do not know what you mean by "40 m of voltage". Probably 40 ma of current. But the battery voltage will not be 4.5 volts and the panel voltage will be pulled down to the battery voltage (plus the diode drop, which is no help in powering the LED).
Try a two battery holder and you might have something.