[NLRS] Looking for ideas/ help for alkaline aaa rechargeable batteries

[Bill Davis]

  I have a LaCrosse weather station that I purchased 4 years ago. The anemometer failed a couple of nights ago. I climbed the tower today and brought the unit down.
  What I found is that it uses a solar cell charging a pair of AAA ALKALINE rechargeable batteries.  The unit is VERY fussing and needs that 1.5v 
I have only found maybe one source and $$$ and China. Since the thing is at 55ft on the tower, not sure I want to cut the wire to the solar cell and use non-rechargeable battery. NOT easy to get off the tower and down. Maybe have to run on remote power (hardwired) to a battery box at the bottom of the tower!?!
  Grasping for straws ... any similar experiences out there or ideas?
Thanks  73  Bill  K0AWU