One of the most pressing questions every camper asks is: where can I find a power station for my essential appliances and gadgets?
The answer is simple — if you enjoy traveling light, solar power blankets are the best way to get all the power you need.
One of the most pressing questions every camper asks is: where can I find a power station for my essential appliances and gadgets?
The answer is simple — if you enjoy traveling light, solar power blankets are the best way to get all the power you need.
A solar power blanket is a device that consists of attaching solar cells to a flexible cloth backing –so you can easily fold it to its minimum size and pack it away with ease. Unlike traditional solar panels, these are more flexible, lightweight and convenient. They also come with a number of different features like USB ports that let you charge multiple devices at once.
Ready to power up your next camping trip?
Here are our top picks for the 11 best solar power blankets in 2023:
The BAINTECH 180W Foldable Solar Blanket earns a spot on our list because of one important feature: stability. One of the main concerns when it comes to solar power blankets is that since it is powered by sunlight, it may lead to unstable current and voltage that might damage your devices. To combat this problem, this solar blanket is equipped with its own voltage regulator to keep a consistent amount of current running and ensure stability.
Key Features:
- 180W power output
- 12v applications
- Anderson plug and cable
- PWM solar regulator
Verdict: With a portable design equipped with a voltage regulator, the BAINTECH 180W Foldable Solar Blanket is a stable power source coupled with a high efficiency percentage. This solar power blanket comes with weather resistant features, including a durable outer coating and folding canvas. And because it provides up to 180W, this blanket is guaranteed to charge up your accessories faster.
No matter the weather, the Sunman eArc 235W Portable Solar Blanket promises to provide you with a steady supply of power. Its design features 48 solar panels that fold neatly into itself to form a carry bag with a handle, so that its easy to set up and pack away after use. The surface is textured and the top layer features a high strength flourine polymer that is resistant to both rust and stains — ensuring that they last longer through all kinds of weather conditions.
Key Features:
- 235W monocrystaline silicon solar cells
- Anderson controllers
- PWM charge controller with LCD display
- Flourine polymer outer layer
- Anderson connectors
- Alligator clips for easy battery connection
Verdict: Weighing only 7kg, the Sunman eArc 235W Portable Solar Blanket is one of the most lightweight solar blankets on this list. This blanket works even in low light conditions and withstands all kinds of temperature variations. As an added bonus, it comes with a built-in storage pouch so you can neatly store all the cables when not in use.
Hardkorr 200W Heavy Duty Portable Solar Mat is perfect for those who need a reliable and powerful solar power source while on the go. With an output of 200 watts, this mat is guaranteed as the most durable and portable on the market and can charge up your devices quickly and efficiently. The mat is also made with the toughest material to ensure that the canvas of your carry bag won’t be easily ripped and the current and voltage remain stable, preventing damage to your devices. Additionally, the mat is made with weather-resistant materials, making it ideal for use in all conditions.
Key Features:
- 200W power output
- exclusive Crocskin® cell armour
- 1680D Ballistic Nylon
- Weather resistant design
- Portable and compact
Verdict: For a 2 to 4-person camping setup, the HardKorr 200W Heavy Duty Portable Solar Mat is a perfect and great option as it can power up appliances, lighting, showers, and other small devices. This mat is made from heavy-duty and heavy-weight polyurethane-coated synthetic canvas materials, so it can withstand rough use, making it ideal for camping or emergency situations. The mat also comes with a military-grade carrying case, so it’s easy to transport.
The CABLE KT Solar Blanket Kit is a great way to get started with solar power. This kit includes a 300W solar blanket, a regulator, an adapter kit, and accessories. The solar blanket is made of high-quality Monocrystalline solar cells and has a maximum power output of 300 watts. It also comes with a built-in voltage regulator to ensure that your devices are safe from unstable current and voltage. The charge controller included in this kit has an LCD display that shows the charging status and battery level, so you can easily monitor your progress. And finally, the adapter kit includes everything you need to connect the solar blanket to your devices.
Key Features:
- 300W solar blanket
- Built-in PWM 20Amp Solar Charge regulator
- Charge controller with LCD display
- Adapter kit included
- Anti-theft tab
Verdict: The innovative and space-saver CABLE KT Solar Blanket Kit is a great way to get started with solar power. It is suitable for charging WET, Calcium, Lithium Iron Phosphate (LifeP04), Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO), Gel & AGM Batteries. Everything you need is included in the kit, making it easy to set up and use. For your peace of mind, this kit has an anti-theft tab to be locked into a vehicle door. It also guarantees 25-year efficiency and just weighs 8.85Kg including the carry bag.
Looking for a solar power blanket that will let you enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank? Look no further than the HARDKORR Lifestyle 200W Portable Solar Blanket. This blanket is perfect for occasional camping, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. It includes everything you need to set up and get started with your solar blanket. All cables come from Anderson-style plugs for a hassle-free setup and have power when you need it.
Key Features:
- 200W solar panel
- A-grade monocrystalline solar cells
- With 20A solar regulator
- Detachable 5-stage digital controller
Verdict: The HARDKORR Lifestyle 200W Portable Solar Blanket is a great option for campers with a limited budget. But even for an affordable price, quality and efficiency are not compromised. Made from A-grade and durable materials, it is guaranteed that it can give power and is able to run a campsite. This highly-efficient kit is compact and comes with a protective carry bag for easy transport and storage.
The BOAB 150 Watt Portable Solar Blanket is perfect for those who are looking for an easy and efficient way to get solar power while camping in a 4×4 vehicle. This solar blanket is lightweight and compact but can produce 150 watts of power and comes with an LCD display charge controller to show and monitor your charging status and battery level.
Key Features:
- 150-watt solar blanket
- 12x Mono-crystalline solar panels
- 5M power lead
Verdict: The BOAB 150 Watt Portable Solar Blanket is a great choice for those who are looking for an efficient, affordable, super lightweight, and easy-to-use solar power solution. With its high-quality solar cells, built-in charge controller, and included adapter kit, this solar blanket is sure to meet all of your needs.
The Companion 120W Solar Charger/Blanket is the perfect way to keep your 40AH to 120AH battery devices charged for your camping setup. It is a highly efficient solar cell and has a chainable system. The solar blanket is made from durable, weather-resistant materials, and includes a carrying case for easy transport.
Key Features:
- A-grade monocrystalline silicon solar cell
- Maximum output of 6.67A per hour
- Anderson Splitter Cable for linking
Verdict: Whether you’re looking for a way to keep your devices charged while camping or you just want a reliable solar charger for emergencies, the Companion 120W Solar Charger/Blanket is a perfect choice.
With its highly convenient and travel-friendly design, the EVAKOOL 200W EvaPower Ultralight Solar Power Blanket lands on the top of our list. This solar power blanket features a plug-and-play design so you can use it straight out of the box — no tools or complicated instructions required. This blanket is made of ETFE solar panels that features a 7-layer design which means they are more dirt resistant, have better heat transfer, a longer lifespan and better sunlight penetration.
Key Features:
- Shatterproof ETFE solar panel
- 200W power output
- 4-panel configuration
- A-grade solar cells
- LED lights to show charge status
- Anderson extension lead
Price: $740
Verdict: The EVAKOOL 200W EvaPower Ultralight Solar Power Blanket is a combination of the latest solar technology and the highest quality design. It is made even more durable with a construction composed of heavy duty canvas fabric in a 150W or 200W 4-panel configuration. Another standout feature is its flat-folding support legs at the back of each panel so you can easily adjust it to different angles.
If you want to go off-grid, the REDARC 160W Monocrystalline Solar Blanket is the perfect accessory to keep you powered up even in remote areas where they may be little to no electricity or power stations. This blanket has a high power output through its monocystalline cells which are smaller than traditional solar panels but do a better job of absorbing natural sunlight instead of reflecting it — making it a more reliable choice especially for remote travel.
Key Features:
- 160W monocystalline cells
- Anti-reflective and scratch resistant ETFE coating
- Standard Anderson plug connection
- Canvas fabric
Pros
- High power output
- Good light absorption
- Lightweight and highly portable
Cons
- Lacks support legs for adjustability
Verdict: Built for off road conditions, the REDARC 160W Monocrystalline Solar Blanket features a lightweight and rugged design. The construction is composed a heavy duty canvas covered in ETFE coating that not only makes it more durable but also keeps it safe from the elements like rainwater and rust. Lightweight and designed to be travel-friendly, this solar power blanket can be folded into a compact size for easy storage.
With a focus primarily on flexibility and portability, the ENGEL Powerfilm 60W is the perfect travel companion. This solar blanket can work under all kinds of light conditions and can be folded up into any size, so you can choose to drape it over your windscreen, hang it from the side of your awning, or even just lay it on the ground. It comes with a built in USB port so you can charge all your gadgets and electronic accessories.
Key Features:
- 60W PowerFilm solar cells
- Compact fold-up design
- Engel cigar socket for direct charging
- Engel 4.5amp solar charger
Verdict: Purpose built to accompany you on your travels, the ENGEL Powerfilm 60W is perfect for harnessing free power from the sun when you’re out on the road or camping in more remote parts of Australia. Unlike other blankets on the market that need direct sunlight to fully charge, this one provides maximum absorption even in low light conditions. Because it has a wide range of output configurations, this blanket is capable of charging all types of batteries.
Special Mention:
The LV Automotive 100W Mono Crystalline Solar Blanket which includes a 10A solar charger controller is the perfect way to get solar power for your camping, caravanning, and boating needs. This solar blanket is made with 100 Watt Monocrystalline Technology for solar cells and is highly capable of charging.
Key Features:
- A-grade monocrystalline silicon solar cells
- 10A/12V smart PWM controller
- 5M battery clamp cable
- 2 year warranty
RRP: $859 SAVE 17% OFF Now $711.99
Pros
- Foldable and compact
- Best for outdoor activities
- Carrying bag has storage pockets
Cons
- Doesn't have Anderson-style plugs
Verdict: The LV Automotive 100W Mono Crystalline Solar Blanket is the perfect way to access solar power for your camping needs. With its high-quality and high-efficient monocrystalline solar cells, this solar blanket is sure to meet all of your needs.
THE BEST CAMPING SOLAR POWER BLANKETS -- WHY BUY ONE ANYWAY?
Adding a solar power blanket to your camping setup is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to power your appliances and get extra power back into your batteries.
1. They are convenient and easy to use
You no longer have to worry about charging your appliances wherever you go. These blankets are both easy to set up and even easier to pack up and store. Its lightweight design saves space and weight in crowded vehicles.
2. They are eco-friendly
Solar power is a renewable, carbon-neutral source of clean and natural energy, making them 100% environmentally friendly. It’s a great first step for anyone who wants to practice sustainable camping.
3. They are low maintenance
Solar power blankets save you money in the long run since you’re basically getting free power and avoiding fees for using power stations.
4. They allow you to travel to remote areas
If you always need to be near a power station, it limits the places where you can set up camp.
If you always need to be near a power station, it limits the places where you can set up camp. Using a solar power blanket will help you explore more remote areas where electricity isn’t readily available — without having to worry about a power station to charge your equipment.
THE BEST CAMPING SOLAR POWER BLANKETS -- BUYING GUIDE
If you’ve only just started to consider solar power blankets, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, especially now that there are so may size and price options.
To guide you in search, here are a few important factors to consider:
If you’ve only just started to consider solar power blankets, choosing the right one can be overwhelming, especially now that there are so many sizes and price options.
To guide you in your search, here are a few important factors to consider:
1. Technological Features
Look for a solar blanket that uses monocrystalline cells which are smaller in size and don’t take up too much space. Solar blankets are generally considered less efficient than traditional solar panels, so it’s important to look for a model with a high-efficiency percentage — and monocrystalline cells do an excellent job at absorbing natural sunlight.
2. Size of the Blanket
Choose a solar blanket that is big enough to provide enough power to run your appliances and charge your batteries. Start by estimating how much power your appliances will consume over a period of 24 hours (in watts or amp hours).
3. Design Features
Look for additional features like USB ports and in-built chips that prevent your gadgets from overcharging. Some even come with aluminum or stainless steel holes that not only drain water in case of sudden rain but also ensure that the blanket is corrosion-resistant.
4. Additional Accessories
Look for accessories that add convenience, like some solar blankets that come with adjustable legs on the back so it can capture sunlight at different angles. Some even have velcro attachments that make it easier to mount onto your car.
Overall, solar power blankets are an excellent camping accessory for anyone who wants to be eco-friendly and save money on their power consumption. With so many sizes and design options available on the market, there’s definitely a solar blanket out there that will suit your needs. Just remember to consider the factors listed above before making your final decision.
Happy camping!
