Im looking some additional solar input and Im tossing up between a solar blanket and the rigid portable solar panels. I love the idea that the solar blankets dont take up much space,but are they any good?
Hi I bought a 200 watt blanket from Kings and it worked so good I bought a second one. Lightweight and easy to store under the bed or back of tug when not in use. When free camping recharged my battery in 3 - 4 hours. I'm getting rid of the large heavy flat panel.
We have a 250W Maxray blanket that gets the job done. Be aware that just laying it flat on the ground or having it draped over the car will probably result in reduced output. Ours produces the quoted output (250W) when propped up and angled properly but only around 70% (or even less) when laying flat on the ground.
Another thing to be aware of is that the regulator supplied with the blanket is very often complete rubbish. We use a Victron MPPT regulator very close to the battery but any reputable brand properly installed will be OK. Keep the crappy one as a spare in case your good regulator goes belly up.
