Ian,
I too use rechargeable batteries almost exclusively.
My wife says she can't decide if I have a flashlight fetish or obsession.
AA, C, D, 14500, 18650, 26650, 6V, 12V, 123, I've got them all. Use rechargeable for everything. Mostly Li-Mn.
Got some Ultimate Lithiums for storage, in case the SHTF due to the short shelf life of most rechargables.
Tried solar panels for the deer feeders, but the racoons seem to be able to figure out how to tear up anything I try to build. I can protect the wiring, but they tear up the panels.