Cessna 182 Pilot reported experiencing an alternator failure during cruise. After diverting and recharging the aircraft battery; the pilot continued to destination airport without communication capability and landed without clearance from Tower light gun signals.

Narrative

I had experienced an alternator failure enroute from ZZZ to ZZZ1 and made a precautionary landing at ZZZ2. A local retired A&P assisted in checking the airplane and removing the battery. I had called my local A&P and he flew a C-210 and brought a 24 volt charger and charged the battery. It was expected the battery would have enough charge to make sure that I had lights to land. I took off; with my passenger; a private pilot. We wanted to get as much daylight as possible. We had agreed prior that I would fly at 2;500 ft. and the C-210 would fly at 3;000 ft. The A&P was to call the tower; explain the situation and be on the lookout for me and then follow. While I was flying; the private pilot was trying to contact tower via text and voice messages. About 15 miles out; I activated every light that I had. All along; both the private pilot and myself were monitoring our individual Foreflights on tablets and phones to look out for traffic. As we were approaching ZZZ1; I check the favored runway. I saw both [Runway] XX and YY were indicating 2kt; but XX was favored. It was my plan to enter a 45 for a right downwind to obtain a light gun. As I was monitoring Foreflight; I noticed traffic taking off on YY. At that time; I made the decision to turn wide and enter a left downwind for YY for a light gun. Not receiving any; not observing any traffic; I landed. As I am on short final; I notice that I have a landing light; and flashing strobes reflecting off the ground. As I taxied to the hangars; I noticed that my A&P were landing on [Runway] XX. After I shut down; I called the tower on my cell phone. I explained to the controller what I have shared here. While talking with him; a fireman wanted to obtain my info. The tower controller said; 'I just popped up' when he saw me land. He suggested we could have filed a flight of two; or returned the next morning and that he had 10 minutes before closing to file his report.