Camping Solar Panels vs. Solar Blankets: Which One Gives More Bang For Your Buck?

Camping is one of the few outdoor activities we can do after the lockdown restrictions have been lifted. As long as you keep your distance from other campers (not your companions, we mean) and wear a face mask if you need to go out of your campsite, you can enjoy spending time outdoors. After all, with all the craziness that's been going on, you certainly deserve some peaceful time, immersing yourself in nature.

So camping. You get all your gear together, and you already have a campsite in mind. One important decision though is what type of backup power you are bringing with you. Do you go with an inverter generator? Not a bad idea those are more portable and quieter than their traditional counterparts. But that means you are going to worry about topping up on petrol, too. And well that is an added cost to your trip any way you look at it.

Still, the most convenient, easiest and environment-friendly way to power up your camping adventure is to use solar panels. And here are a number of reasons why we say that.

 

Why use solar panels for camping?

We are not going into so many intros for this one, as the technology speaks for itself in terms of convenience. Here are the reasons why using solar panels for camping makes sense.

1. Absolutely quiet Does not emit noise at all. You certainly will not disturb other campers.
2. Portable Camping solar panels are easy to bring with you anywhere.
3. Versatile You can use it to trickle charge your car battery. Or if you have one, you can use solar panels to charge a portable power station that you can then use on your camping appliances.
4. Easy to maintain All you need to do is wipe down the glass surface and you are good to go.
5. Lasts for years Yes, like 40 years. And even after that, camping solar panels are known to work up to 85% efficiency. Great investments, really.

So, now that those reasons are made clear, there are actually two types of solar panels that vie for the best camping solar panel title (if we do say so ourselves): Folding Solar Panels and Solar Blankets. And to determine which type is better, we need to look into them individually.

Folding Solar Panels

As the name suggests, these solar panels can fold and pretty much take with you anywhere. It comes in a suitcase-type design, which makes it easy to just set up in your campsite.

VoltX 12V 200W Folding Solar Mat ETFE (Solar Panel Only)

The angle of the panels is adjustable, which means you can maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day. You can also just pick it up and move it to a sunny spot in your campsite.

They are also cheaper than solar blankets. So, if you are trying to stay within a budget and want an easy-to-set-up solar power system, this is a good buy for you.

Solar Blanket

The biggest advantage of solar blankets is they are lightweight and can hold their own when it comes to power output. It can produce the same amount of electricity as a folding solar panel, but it is light enough to carry inside your backpack.

Cleaning is a breeze due to its matte surface and it is pretty much a plug-and-play system. And it has an integrated bag design so you can literally just fold it up and go. The downside is these often cost more than your average folding solar panels, but they do make up for it in convenience.

What to remember when choosing solar panels for camping

It can be a little overwhelming to choose which type of solar panel to invest in. Especially if you are buying one for the first time. There are, however, a few things that you need to remember to make sure that you are making the best choice.

1. You need to determine just how much solar power you actually need for your trip. This means you need to calculate your solar power needs. If you already know how to do that, great. If not, we have previously discussed how to calculate your solar power requirements in this blog.
2. You need to set a budget for this purchase and always remember to choose the best option or brand you can afford. Keep in mind that this solar panel system will help keep your campsite safe and comfortable, so it makes sense to get the best product your budget allows.
3. Take the time to read product reviews and compare them. What do other campers have to say about this solar panel type? Were they happy with their folding solar panels? Were the solar blankets they bought able to power their camping appliances?

 

So, which one is better for camping? Folding solar panels or a solar blanket?

We would have to say that folding solar panels and solar blankets provide pretty much the same benefits. They do however fit best with certain types of campers. For example, folding solar panels are ideal for people who go camping twice a year and are trying to stay within a certain budget.

On the other hand, solar blankets or solar mats would work very well for people who go on camping trips every weekend and are looking for convenient and easy portable power solutions. These are also campers who do not mind paying a little bit extra for convenience.

VoltX 12V 100W Folding Solar Mat ETFE (Solar Panel Only)

The point is, whatever type of solar panel you choose, you can be sure that you are getting the best quality products and the best customer service experience from Outbax. So, are you a first-time buyer or looking for an upgrade to your solar power system? Do let us know by giving us a call or dropping a line in our live chat. Our camping experts are always more than happy to assist you.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the main difference between a portable solar panel and a solar blanket?

  The primary difference lies in their design, portability, and storage. A portable solar panel typically consists of rigid panels hinged together in a folding "briefcase" style with a metal frame and handle. A solar blanket is made of flexible solar cells sewn into a fabric backing that can be folded or rolled into a very compact and lightweight package, making it much easier to store and transport.

• What is a solar blanket?

  A solar blanket is a highly portable and flexible solar charging solution designed for camping and outdoor use. It consists of high-efficiency solar cells, like Grade-A monocrystalline cells, embedded onto a durable fabric canvas. They are lightweight and can be folded down to a small size, making them ideal for travelers with limited storage space.

• Which is more portable and easier to store, a solar panel or a solar blanket?

  Solar blankets are significantly more portable and easier to store. Because they can be folded into a compact, lightweight package, they take up minimal space in a vehicle. Rigid folding solar panels, while portable, are bulkier and heavier due to their aluminium frames and glass construction, making them more cumbersome to transport and store.

• In terms of durability, how do solar panels and solar blankets compare?

  Rigid solar panels are generally considered more durable and robust due to their sturdy aluminium frames and protective tempered glass surface. Solar blankets, while made from heavy-duty canvas, have a flexible design that makes them less resistant to physical impact or being stepped on. However, high-quality blankets use advanced coatings like ETFE, which offer excellent protection against wear and tear.

• Are solar blankets as efficient as rigid solar panels?

  Yes, modern solar blankets can be just as efficient as rigid panels. Efficiency depends on the quality of the solar cells used, not the format. High-quality solar blankets that use Grade-A monocrystalline cells can achieve efficiency rates of over 20%, putting them on par with their rigid counterparts.

• What are Grade-A monocrystalline solar cells?

  Grade-A monocrystalline cells are the highest quality solar cells available for portable solar products. They are made from a single, pure silicon crystal, which results in a higher efficiency rate (often above 20%). This means they can convert more sunlight into electricity compared to lower-grade or polycrystalline cells, making them ideal for compact solar blankets where space is at a premium.

• What is an ETFE coating on a solar blanket?

  ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) is a high-end, durable coating used on premium solar blankets. It provides excellent light transmittance, is weather-resistant, and protects the solar cells from damage, dirt, and degradation over time. This advanced coating contributes to the blanket's efficiency and significantly extends its lifespan.

• When should I choose a rigid solar panel?

  You should choose a rigid solar panel if durability is your top priority and you have adequate storage space. Their robust construction makes them very resilient to the elements and rough handling. They are a great, reliable choice for campers and caravanners who plan to set up their power system in one spot for an extended period.

• When is a solar blanket the better choice?

  A solar blanket is the better choice when portability and storage space are your main concerns. Their lightweight and compact design make them perfect for 4WD enthusiasts, hikers, or anyone with a tightly packed vehicle. They are also versatile in placement, as you can drape them over a car bonnet or rock to catch the sun.

• How does the setup process differ between solar panels and solar blankets?

  Rigid solar panels are typically set up using built-in adjustable legs to angle them towards the sun. Solar blankets are more flexible; they can be laid flat on the ground, draped over a windscreen or tent, or hung from an awning. This versatility can make it easier to find an optimal position for sun exposure, especially in uneven terrain.

• How do the costs of solar panels and solar blankets compare?

  Historically, solar blankets were more expensive than rigid panels due to the advanced technology required for their flexible design. However, as the technology has become more common, the price gap has narrowed significantly. Now, you can often find high-quality solar blankets and rigid panels at very similar price points for the same wattage.

• What type of solar charge controller is recommended?

  An MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller is highly recommended over an older PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controller. MPPT controllers are more efficient at converting the voltage from the solar panel to the battery's voltage, which can result in up to 30% more charging power, especially in low light or cloudy conditions.

• Can both solar panels and solar blankets power the same equipment?

  Yes, as long as they have the same wattage rating, both types of solar chargers can power the same equipment. A 200W solar blanket and a 200W rigid panel will both generate a similar amount of power under the same conditions to charge batteries and run 12V appliances like fridges, lights, and other camping gear.