Light-rechargeable battery

A light-rechargeable battery (10) includes a rechargeable cell (12) having an elongated, tubular case (18, 20, 22) characterized by a longitudinal axis, and a pair of terminals (24, 26) extending therefrom. Two or more thin-film solar cells (28A, 28B, 28C) fabricated on a flexible substrate and interconnected in a series circuit between the terminals (24, 26) are circumferentially positioned around the rechargeable cell (12) on the exterior of the case. A blocking diode (32) is connected in the series circuit with the solar cells (28A, 28B, 28C). The solar cells (28A, 28B, 28C) are coupled to the terminals by bus bars. A transparent shrink wrap cover (30) secures the solar cells (28A, 28B, 28C) to the case (18, 20, 22) of the rechargeable cell (12).