Everything You Should Know Before Buying Solar Blankets
The gradual rise of solar power use has prompted a lot of solar panel providers to upgrade their offers. Aside from discounts and bundles, several types of solar panels have emerged as well to provide buyers with more options aside from traditional fixed solar panels.
VoltX 12V 130W Fixed Solar Panel
Among these new solar panel technologies are solar blankets. Also referred to as solar mats, these are a type of foldable solar panels that look like a picnic blanket when folded out. They usually have a cord for connecting to the regulator and Outbax batteries but in terms of function, these are pretty much the same as conventional panels.
The question now is which one should you get? Is there a recommended type for certain applications? Read on to find out everything you need to know about solar blankets just before you hit the store and get yourself one.
Solar Panels Vs. Solar Blankets: Which One Is Better?
Solar panels can either be fixed or portable. Solar blankets have their perks in terms of portability as well, which makes it even more confusing to decide which one to get, especially if you've recently switched to solar energy use.
Portable solar panels are most advantageous for those who enjoy the outdoors occasionally. If you're away for the weekend or a day trip only, this and a good battery pack can power most of your needs. The best thing about this is that you can easily transfer it and angle it towards the sun for better charging efficiency.
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Fixed solar panels are better for avid outdoor lovers. Set it up on your RV and forget about it you're pretty much done and the only thing you need to do is make sure you park it somewhere with ample sunlight. This is also where the downside happens since not all campsites have available sunny spots every time.
Frequent travellers with limited space around their vehicles have solar blankets as their best pick. These are very space-savvy and can simply be hung on your awning or draped over your trailer. Fold it up after charging and store it easily anywhere in your RV.
Did You Know?
Solar blankets are commonly associated with swimming pools. This is because they share a name with most solar pool cover rollers and pool blankets. Aside from popular solar mats brands such as the Kings solar blanket and Redarc solar blanket, numerous pool covers will also come up when you search for solar blankets online.
VoltX 12V 200W Folding Solar Mat
What Should You Look For When Buying Solar Blankets?
Material
As much as possible, go for a solar blanket with monocrystalline cells. These are the most efficient type of solar cells and are space-efficient too, perfect for RV owners. There are other types of solar cells that are more affordable such as polycrystalline and thin films, but these are not as efficient, especially in the long term.
Size
Sizing solar blankets is not that much different from sizing a regular solar panel setup. They come in different sizes too, so it's best to calculate your power requirements before deciding whether to go for a 200W solar blanket, a 300W solar blanket, etc. There's no use having the best kind of solar mat if it's not the correct size to be able to run your essential appliances throughout your entire camping duration.
Weight
If you're concerned about lugging a bulky, heavy solar power source, then you're in luck with solar blankets. These are usually on the lighter side but you still want to check their weight to make sure it's well-suited to the type of vehicle and amount of space you have.
Quality
Solar blanket quality is mostly seen in service life and performance. Solar panels have an average lifespan of about 25 years, so see to it that you get something close to this and with a good warranty offer as well. Also, opt for a 15% to 21% efficiency rate to ensure you get the most out of your solar mat especially during off grid camping.
Design
This one's up to your camping preferences. Want something with support legs for easy angling? Or maybe one with multiple ports for convenient connections? You get to decide which extra features you want for your solar mats, so make sure you list down the specs that would be most useful for you.
Ready to go solar blanket shopping? Forget searching for solar blanket camping and head straight to Outbax instead. You'll find a massive range of solar panels here including solar mats and even the popular flexible solar panels!
VoltX 12V 100W Flexible Solar Panel
Outbax solar panels are shade-tolerant. This means they feature bypass diodes which provide a pathway for the current in case one of the solar cells is shaded. It ensures superior efficiency as it allows your solar system to continue generating energy even at a reduced voltage.
If you're looking for batteries to pair your solar blanket with, you can get one from our lithium battery section too. There are even offers for solar panels and battery bundles with included solar charge controllers/solar regulators for huge savings on your next outdoor adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a solar blanket and how does it work?
A solar blanket is a portable power solution made of high-efficiency solar cells sewn into a flexible, foldable fabric canvas. It works by capturing sunlight and converting it into DC electricity, which can then be used to charge a 12V battery system, a portable power station, or run small appliances, making it ideal for camping, 4WD trips, and off-grid adventures.
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What are the key advantages of using a solar blanket over other solar options?
The primary advantages of a solar blanket are its superior portability and compact storage. Because they are flexible and frameless, they can be folded down to a very small size, making them much lighter and easier to store in a vehicle than traditional rigid or folding-frame solar panels.
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What are Grade-A monocrystalline solar cells and why are they important?
Grade-A monocrystalline solar cells are the highest quality and most efficient type of solar cells used in portable panels. They are made from a single, pure silicon crystal, which allows for an efficiency rate of 23-24%. This high efficiency means they generate more power from a smaller surface area, making them perfect for compact and powerful solar blankets.
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What is an MPPT controller and why is it necessary for a solar blanket?
An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller is a smart device that goes between the solar blanket and your battery. It is necessary because it maximizes the amount of power harvested from the panels by constantly adjusting the voltage and current. This results in up to 30% more charging efficiency compared to older PWM controllers, especially in overcast or low-light conditions.
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What is an ETFE coating on a solar blanket?
ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is a premium, high-transparency film laminated onto the surface of the solar cells. This coating is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and self-cleaning. It protects the cells from the elements and physical wear, ensuring maximum light absorption and extending the lifespan and performance of the solar blanket.
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How do I determine the right size solar blanket for my needs?
To choose the right size, you need to calculate your daily power consumption. Add up the wattage of all the appliances you plan to run (e.g., a 40W fridge and 10W lights = 50W) and multiply by the number of hours you'll use them daily. Choose a solar blanket with a wattage that can replenish this energy during available sunlight hours, keeping in mind that you'll get roughly 5-8 peak sun hours per day depending on location and season.
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How do I set up a solar blanket for optimal performance?
For optimal performance, the solar blanket must be positioned to face the sun directly. Lay it out fully, either on the ground, draped over your car's windscreen, or on your awning. It's important to periodically adjust its angle throughout the day to track the sun's movement across the sky, which will maximize its power output.
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What kind of battery should I use with a solar blanket?
Solar blankets are best paired with a deep-cycle battery, which is designed for a slow, steady discharge over a long period. The most recommended type is a LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery, as it is lightweight, has a very long lifespan, is highly efficient, and features a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) for safety.
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Can I connect two solar blankets together?
Yes, you can connect two solar blankets in parallel to increase your total power output. This is useful if you need to charge a larger battery bank or run more appliances. When doing so, ensure both blankets are connected to the same solar charge controller, which should be rated to handle the combined amperage.
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Are solar blankets durable enough for rugged outdoor use?
Yes, high-quality solar blankets are designed for rugged use. They are made from durable canvas and feature protective ETFE coatings that make them weather-resistant and tough. While they are not as physically robust as rigid panels with metal frames, their flexibility allows them to be used in various environments without issue.
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What is the difference between a solar blanket and a folding solar panel?
The main difference is construction and portability. A solar blanket is a flexible, foldable panel sewn into fabric. A folding solar panel consists of two or more rigid panels (usually glass and aluminum) joined by hinges, with a supporting frame and legs. Solar blankets are significantly lighter and more compact when stored, while folding panels are more rigid and robust in structure.
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Why is it important to have a fuse or circuit breaker in the system?
A fuse or circuit breaker, typically installed between the solar controller and the battery, is a critical safety device. It protects your system from over-current situations or short circuits. If too much current flows, the fuse will blow, breaking the circuit and preventing damage to your battery, controller, and appliances.
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How do I maintain my solar blanket?
Maintenance for a solar blanket is minimal. The most important step is to keep the surface of the solar cells clean, as dirt, dust, and grime can block sunlight and reduce efficiency. Simply wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. Always store the blanket in its protective bag when not in use to prevent accidental damage.
