Camp Smarter, Not Harder: A Guide to Solar Blankets
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Whether you frequently camp, travel, or love some 4WD exploring, you know the advantages of having a renewable, cost-free power source at your fingertips. A green electricity source like this makes it possible to go to isolated, off-grid locations. In addition to saving you money, you won’t have to bother about powering your appliances when you go elsewhere.
If you like this idea, here’s what you need to know before you browse the range of practical solar accessories and buy solar blankets for your next camping trip. Why are solar blankets the best option for supplying electricity to your campsite? How do they operate? And how can you pick the ideal size and kind of blanket for your upcoming trip?
Is a Solar Blanket as Good as a Solar Panel?

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As the need for solar power use is increasing, so is innovation around it, with solar panel providers developing more practical solutions. Three types of solar panels for camping are available, including fixed, portable panels, and solar blankets. And while each variety has pros and cons, the latter is the most convenient for avid campers and outdoor enthusiasts, and here’s why.
Fixed and Portable Solar Panels
Fixed solar panels are rigid, glass-based panels with sturdy frames, typically mounted on the roofs of camping vans or vehicles. They’re similar to fixed solar panels for home use. Once installed, you can’t move them, requiring them to be positioned directly under sunlight for optimal energy collection, which isn’t always practical. Their glass construction makes them prone to damage, adding to their inconvenience for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Portable solar panels, on the other hand, share a similar rigid design but aren’t permanently fixed. Equipped with stands for adjustable positioning and sometimes foldable for easier transport, they offer greater flexibility. However, despite their portability, they remain relatively heavy compared to lightweight solar panel blankets, making them less suitable for those aiming to pack light.
Solar Blankets
As their name suggests, when unfolded, solar blankets resemble blankets. Being extremely flexible and portable, they’re the most practical solar energy solution. You only need to fold and put them in a bag, keep them in your car, and you’re good to go on any adventure. The fact that they are lightweight and have a large storage capacity makes them ideal for regular travellers.
Moreover, solar blankets are ideal for beginner solar energy users and those with little knowledge of solar energy because connecting them to a battery is a breeze. After unpacking, most camping solar blankets come with everything you need. They typically come with stands, allowing you to spread your blanket across any surface and maximise solar exposure. The flexible design is another reason to buy solar blankets, as they’re less delicate and can sustain damage and less careful use.
How Do I Choose a Solar Blanket?
Size, weight, material, and cell type are important factors when choosing the right solar blanket. Considering them in the light of travel frequency and the nature of your outdoor adventures can help you make the right decision.
Cell Type
The cell type is at the heart of solar blanket construction, so choosing between monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells is the first thing to do when you buy a solar blanket.
Monocrystalline Cells
The monocrystalline cells made of the finest silicon, are smaller and compact. They’re more expensive than others because of their effectiveness and tendency to last longer, making them a better option if you’re not on a tight budget. If you get a mono-cell solar blanket from a specialty retailer, you’ll likely receive a warranty and some price points.
The primary drawback of monocrystalline cells is that they’re black, making them operate worse in overcast conditions and at higher temperatures. A solar blanket with a rated output of up to 10.7A per hour is strong enough to power a sizable campsite, demonstrating its continued high efficiency even in such a situation.
Polycrystalline Cells
The polycrystalline cells are equally robust as the monocrystalline ones, but they’re less efficient since they include a lot of melted silicon. They’re cheaper due to their more economical production method. Polycrystalline-cell blankets typically withstand shadow better than monocrystalline panels because of their blue colour as opposed to the black of the mono cells.
Although less expensive, polycrystalline cell blankets are less effective. However, you may still profit from solar energy besides being on a tight budget.
Size
Solar blankets come in various sizes and cell counts. It generates more energy the larger it is. Because they’re foldable, regardless of size, they occupy very little room when not in use. It should only be the quantity of electricity produced that concerns you. Choose the amount of solar power your campsite needs, not its size.
Weight
The weight of solar panel blankets ranges from 2 to 72 kilos. The performance improves with increasing weight. However, excessive weight negates portability as one of the main advantages. Select a solar blanket that strikes a good balance between performance and weight.
Material
The choice of material greatly influences how long you’ll be using a solar blanket. The cost is a reliable gauge of the calibre of the materials used to make the solar blankets, as with many things in life. High-quality materials will last longer and increase the efficiency of your solar panel, even when less-priced ones may be more accessible.
Are Solar Blankets Worth the Money?
Solar blankets have drawbacks; while they’re more practical and helpful, they can cost more than stationary and portable solar panels. Additionally, it can be challenging for some people to hold the blanket at the proper angle.
Nevertheless, they’re still the most suitable choice for many who value the free energy from a 30 x 30-centimetre pack that weighs only a few kilogrammes. So, what should you do? Do the math about how much free energy you’ll be enjoying– you might find out that getting the right solar blanket can be quite profitable for your campground.