@RWB, I claimed 50% total efficiency for Solar Recharging to account for the additional losses:
- Dirty panels in the future from Pollen, Dust, etc
- Regulator Losses while Recharging the Li-Po
- Regulator Losses when the Energy is later removed from Li-Po later for 3.3v supply
That's why I mentioned to use a "nice-round-even" 50% of the Labeled Rating for quick Power Budget Calcs.
Naturally, we would perform a full Power Budget for any production device (the reason I hinted at Self-Discharge, temperature profile, etc).
You made a Great comment about the cycle ratings. People sometimes don't understand how much longer a Li-Po will last when treated properly (don't charge to 4.24V just because you can, and don't discharge below 3.7V ). Those, and managing the enclosure temperature are easy ways to protect and prolong a Li-Po's life.
@derchris :
Rikkas7 has a great post Here that's very useful for designing Solar Powered Electrons.
I've confirmed many of his current measurements with my own equipment.