to be honest, i really dont know that much about electronics in general.. i learn by seeing what other people have done, and putting stuff together and trying it till it works..

that switch mode regulator, cost almost 20 times as much, and i dont really have much room on my board for it, (it looks like its about 5 times the size).

we have lots of floor area that gets sun most of the day, so its not entirely out of the question for solar panels.