PA28 pilot reported loss of the alternator during a night VFR flight. The pilot established communications using a cell phone; continued to destination airport and landed.

Narrative

Experienced an alternator failure on night VFR flight to ZZZ during cruise phase. Initial sign of failure was a crackling sound heard over intercom. Ammeter indicated 0 current. Immediately advised ZZZ Center (was on VFR flight following) that I was having an alternator problem. Then ran checklist to confirm alternator failure. Made the decision that the safest course of action would be to shed all electrical load and proceed to ZZZ. Factors that influenced this decision included familiarity with the field; very strong tailwind; and available airport control facilities. Continued to make position reports on VFR flight following via handheld radio and cell phone. Center called me on my cell phone approximately 15 mins after my initial alternator fail report to advise me they had my aircraft tracked as a paired primary target and to request position reports along the way. Complied as requested and maintained VFR outside the ZZZ1 Bravo airspace. Approximately 10NM from ZZZ I was handed off to Tower and established 2 way radio comms before entering Delta airspace and was cleared to land Runway XX. Made an uneventful landing and was advised of taxi route and clearance.