Thread: Solar Blanket

I have only purchased 2 solar panels, a 120w rich folding and a 125w companion blanket. Both around $150 SMF both with similar output, I would work out what type is more suited to your use. The semi flexible panels are ideal for mounting or hanging off a roofrack and the blankets are easier to store.

If you really do wish to purchase a solar 'blanket' then the BainTech one you link to does not look like a 'blanket'. It's a flexible panel but does not look like it folds to a small packet like the Kings one will.

Originally Posted by Ferret

If you really do wish to purchase a solar 'blanket' then the BainTech one you link to does not look like a 'blanket'. It's a flexible panel but does not look like it folds to a small packet like the Kings one will.

Agree, BainTech is semi flexible and defiantly doesn’t fold.

I am not aware of Any solar blanket on the market (regardless of price) that is fully waterproof.
It isn't the panels that are the problem its the wires/connections that join all the different panels together that corrode and fail when affected by moisture for any length of time.
You can get the blankets wet (the odd rain squall or a dewy morning) occasionally But it is imperative that they are dried out especially for storage.
If you are after something that is better suited to a damp/wet environment the stick to the flexible/ridged panels with waterproof connectors.

I am a fan of the solar blankets myself because they can be stowed away in a small area But only as a backup option on a long trip or as a "weekender" option.
For reliable solar power in pretty much Any weather I personally prefer the ridged panels over the blanket and the flexible panels because the ridged panels allow for a decent air gap between the panel and the mounting surface that helps to prevent the panel from overheating and loosing its output.

I went through a similar process or wondering whether it was worth spending a lot or a little for relatively infrequent use.

I ended up going with a HardKorr 200W blanket, they introduced a 'budget' range a few months back, however the specs etc are the same as their 'premium' range. I've been very impressed, well made and does the job, only criticism is that they don't supply any instructions with the controller to explain it's features. They sent some over after I called, but they aren't much use.

Originally Posted by M005

I went through a similar process or wondering whether it was worth spending a lot or a little for relatively infrequent use.

I ended up going with a HardKorr 200W blanket, they introduced a 'budget' range a few months back, however the specs etc are the same as their 'premium' range. I've been very impressed, well made and does the job, only criticism is that they don't supply any instructions with the controller to explain it's features. They sent some over after I called, but they aren't much use.

Re: controller, some of the lower end ones are not much chip, I removed mine and installed a brand named Bluetooth controller near the battery.

So those with blankets - what is the rating and what have you seen out of them so far?

Originally Posted by Tombie

So those with blankets - what is the rating and what have you seen out of them so far?

I have a small 120w redarc blanket hooked up to a 115AH deep cel battery that i have used over the last couple of years and it can run a 38l engle fridge set at -2C without any dramas whatsoever.
It charges at between 4-6A (depending on the weather) and the fridge only uses about 3.5A about every 20min each hour so it doesn't put any pressure on the battery and in the morning even on a hot night the battery never gets below about 75% SOC.
I did dump the solar controller that came with the blanket and use a MPPT controller instead But otherwise It works as advertised