Are you looking for a good solar blanket? Campers and Caravanners know how important it is to have a reliable power source for their camper trailer, caravan or 4WD setup.
Key Takeaway
- Devices and accessories that campers can buy to enhance their power sources are available.
- There are several competitors in the solar blanket market.
- Solar blankets are good backup power sources for camper trailers caravan & 4WDs.
Knowing you have electricity to power your vehicle's equipment, various systems, and portable devices is comforting.
The intention is typically to go off the grid and experience the great Outback when you go camping or go for trips in your mobile unit. However, it's still nice to luxuriate in all the modern comforts.
Campervans and other mobile homes come with built-in power sources. You can purchase additional devices and accessories, such as a solar blanket, to supercharge your trip.
Moreover, campervans typically have solar panels that recharge the battery bank when the vehicle isn't connected to an outside power source.
What happens when you're on the road, away from a main power source, and there has been little sunlight for a few days? Perhaps your campervan has been parked in the shade for a while.
The solar panel won't pack much punch. A backup source, such as a solar blanket, will come in handy.
There are several brands of solar blankets on the market. In this Adventure Kings 200W solar blanket review, we will explore the features of this particular solar blanket as well as the benefits of using it as a backup power source.
What Is a Solar Blanket?
Camping is all about having fun and enjoying nature. No one wants to spend time on their trip excessively worrying about the mechanics of keeping their vehicles and other equipment powered up. This is why solar backup power sources have become so popular.
Whether you’re a beginner in the camping world or you've been partaking for years, there's a chance that you know about portable solar panels.
They have come to be considered essential factors in most camping trips. Recently, the popularity of solar blankets has been on the rise.
Basically, a solar blanket does the job of a typical solar panel. However, they aren't as rigid. They are big blankets made of heavy-duty cloth that have solar panels. The flexibility of these blankets allows them to be bent and placed on uneven surfaces.
Therefore, there are more options concerning locations for keeping them charged. Most solar blankets are made from polycrystalline silicon.
Flexibility and portability make this solar panel favored among campers and mobile unit owners.
Folding Solar Panels
Gone are the days when solar panels were only for businesses or homes. With the ever-advancing technology of solar units, they have become smaller, more flexible, and more portable. A folding solar panel is basically one that can be bent or folded for easy transport or storage.
They are easy to handle and lightweight, which makes them the perfect backup source of power for camping trips. A solar blanket, with its flexible material, is considered a foldable solar panel.
These charging systems are changing the way campers travel. They are great ways to enhance power storage capacity for campsites, RVs, and campervans.
Solar Blankets Vs. Solar Panels
Solar panels have been around for a long time. They have the capacity to convert sunlight into electricity.
These panels have a collection of cells over a broad surface area that works together to absorb sunlight. The more light that hits the panel, the more electricity it provides for powering homes, systems, and devices.
Initially, the panel was a hard-framed material. With advancements in technology, the design of these panels now seems inadequate and cumbersome.
Before, carrying solar panels around for camping trips and stashing them in a campervan’s storage unit would have caused some issues.
Solar panels and blankets do the same job. They both keep your vehicle topped up with energy to keep appliances, lighting systems, and water systems running. Both elements perform without needing a conventional power source.
When comparing solar panels and blankets, it simply comes down to a case of new school versus old school.
A solar blanket is made of smaller cell banks and has a durable coating. They are about half the weight of a traditional hard-framed panel, making them easy to carry and set up.
Solar blankets are far more suitable for lengthy camping trips or long distances traveling. The blanket’s glass-free material makes it resistant to damage.
Solar Blanket Buying Guide
With so many solar blankets to choose from, it can be hard to find the best one. You might be searching the internet for a sign on which one to get.
Every explorer, traveler, or camper has specific requirements, so it's best to think about what best fits your situation.
Things to consider before spending money on a solar blanket include the following:
Size and Weight
Fortunately for campers, solar blankets are much easier to carry around compared to the older hard-framed panels.
They are lighter and compact, so they take up less storage space in your vehicle and aren't as prone to damage.
Before spending money on a blanket, consider the amount of space you have in your vehicle or your campsite.
Types of Solar Blankets
The panels that make up the typical solar blanket are called photovoltaic cells. The most common type of blanket is made with polycrystalline silicon.
Polycrystalline cells are the most affordable form of a photovoltaic cell. While it's the best type of blanket if you're on a budget, it's the least efficient.
Another material used to make solar blankets is monocrystalline cells. These blankets cost more money, but they produce more electricity.
The downside of these types of blankets is that they are more delicate than other types.
With these choices, you have to consider your budget as well as what your setup will be during a trip.
Solar Blanket Quality
Quality is a good sign when purchasing anything. Everyone wants products or services that are worth their value. Concerning a solar blanket's quality, it's all about the material that makes it.
As mentioned above, the price for one of these blankets depends on the type of cells it's made of.
Brands, such as Adventure Kings make their products from monocrystalline cells, which makes them more expensive than others.
However, it's top-notch and more efficient, so you get more bang for your buck. Let's take a closer look at the Adventure Kings Solar Blanket to help you decide whether it's the right choice for you.
Adventure Kings 200W Solar Blanket
Solar technology progresses each year. Companies have stepped up their game with provide solar services.
With the rise in popularity of camping activities and the increased interest in campervans, adventurers seek ways and products to make their trips more efficient.
There are several solar blankets available on the market. Some are good, while some aren't up to the task they were purchased for.
The Adventure Kings Solar Blanket is one of the many brands that are available. It has multiple features, making it an incredible choice for campers.
Also see our other Kings product reviews including the Kings battery box, Kings fridge, and Kings generator review.
Key Features of Kings 200W Solar Blanket
- This solar blanket is compact, lightweight, and flexible, which makes it easy to put it anywhere without concern about damage.
- It's easy to set up and use. All you have to do is unfold it, put it under the sun, and it's ready.
- There's a fast-connect plug for easy use.
- Despite its small size, the Adventure Kings blanket provides 200 watts of power.
- The quality monocrystalline panels are coated with durable polyester fabric.
- A solar regulator comes in the kit. The regulator has an LCD screen so you can check your charging voltage at a glance or change the setting to better power up your batteries and devices.
Pros of Adventure Kings Solar Blanket
There are benefits to choosing the Adventure Kings Solar Blanket. The company provides good solar equipment services.
This solar gear facilitates easy storage with its compact, flexible, and lightweight features. Also, it's not as susceptible to damage as other options.
The brand can be used year-round, so users get full use for what they have spent. Additionally, it's the perfect option for charging portable devices such as tablets, smartphones, and laptops.
Cons of Adventure Kings Solar Blanket
Nothing is perfect. Therefore, a product like Adventure Kings solar blanket has a downside. However, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
The drawback of choosing Adventure Kings 200W Solar Blanket is its price. Moreover, the Monocrystalline cells that make up the panel make it more expensive than others on the market.
Check out how to set it up with the video below:
Final Thoughts
Camping is enjoyed by many who love nature. Campervans and RVs have increased in popularity in Australia as more people embrace the idea of enjoying longer trips with family or alone to relax and appreciate nature.
Anyone who loves camping or caravanning realizes the importance of having backup power sources on hand. Solar blankets are becoming must-haves for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
There are many on the market, and it can be hard to choose the best one that fits your needs. However, after reviewing the Adventure Kings 200W Solar Blanket, it's easy to see that this is one of the top choices.
While it's costly, the features it offers make it perfect for camping or for long caravan trips.
Popular Questions
Are Adventure Kings solar blankets waterproof?
While a solar panel is waterproof, a solar blanket is not. It has water-resistant qualities, so a bit of water won't do much harm.
However, heavy water exposure will cause moisture to seep into the fabric and damage the panel. To protect a solar blanket, it's recommended to keep it in a dry area.
How do you use Kings 200W solar blanket?
There isn't much effort needed to use an Adventure Kings blanket. It's a great alternative to directly charge up devices from the electricity provided by the panel.
To use it, just open the blanket and put it in a location with sufficient sunlight. Then, connect the panel's cables to whatever device or battery you need to charge.
How do you clean a solar blanket?
Cleaning a solar blanket is easy. The best way to cleanse it is by using a soft cloth with water and mild soap to wipe both sides.
Keep in mind that harsh chemicals from cleaners will damage the panel. Also, remember not to saturate the blanket too much with soap and water, as it isn't completely waterproof.
What accessories are needed when charging from the solar blanket directly to a deep cycle battery?
To charge from the solar blanket directly onto a deep cycle cell, no additional accessories are needed.
If you have other kinds of batteries, such as a motorcycle or car battery, an adaptor cable is required when attaching them to a solar blanket.
Solar blankets will take a while to charge your batteries. If needed, you can use an inverter to charge appliances in the meantime.
