SOLAR BLANKET vs. FIXED SOLAR PANELS - What's best? Shauno's Ultimate Guide for 4WD Solar Setups!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2024
- All your 12v solar setup questions, ANSWERED BY SHAUNO!
WIN a REDARC portable solar blanket by letting us know why you need one!
Also, let us know in the comments, what solar panel setup Shauno should put on the Dirty 30!
Jump Links:
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - Fixed Solar Panels
2:35 - Portable Solar Panels
3:11 - Amorphous vs Monocrystalline Solar Panels
5:06 - What is best for you?
6:30 - How to win a FREE Solar Blanket
7:12 - How many watts do you need?
7:57 - Calculating Solar Panel Size
9:56 - MPPT vs PWM Regulators
11:44 - Quick Tips & Common Solar Mistakes
Shauno answers all your questions like; what's best for your 4WD setup, how many WATTs do you need, MPPT vs PWM regulators and quick installation tips! PLUS we dive deep into the pros and cons of what's best, FIXED or PORTABLE solar panels and how to choose the right solar panel!
Check out more info on Shauno's solar setups head to: www.redarc.com.au/media/shaun...
#solar #12v #4WD #camping #solarpanel #4Runner #overlanding #offroad 
Авто/Мото
![[TESTED] KINGS vs REDARC solar blankets - shoot-out! 🤠](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/AActNzBZ9FA/mqdefault.jpg)
The solar blanket would work so well with our camping setup in the patrol. We regularly have the roof rack loaded with swag etc (so a fixed won’t suit) and tend to park up at a campsite for a couple of nights. The blanket would work great to keep our deep cycle topped up for a few days running the fridge and camp lights.
Great informative video!
Solar Panel on Roofrack is the way I went, as I have awning for shade, so my vehicle can sit out in the sun with no worries! I do admit that one of them foldable solar blankets would be good if youre camping under trees and if you have a long enough lead with ando plugs you can still locate sun close by! My Solar Panel is connected direct to my Ecoflow, haven't needed a DC/DC charger as yet!
My dad has 10m lead for his folding setup handy for chasing the Sun
How are you finding the EcoFlow? Tossing up between them and Bluetti
Owning a Jimny, space is everything. The portable solar blanket is the perfect low volume solution for my packing room in the back.
Shauno, the hints and tips I get from these vids have finally pushed us to lock in our tour dates for the family and I to do a 6month stint next year. Happy days!! Keep ‘em up!
We’re always limited as to how long we can stay at one spot before we run up of power so this solar blanket would be awesome. Perfect for when you just need a few more nights 👍
worth mentioning the watt density of each of the options, generally the rigid fixed panels have the highest watt density, then portable folding panels, then solar blankets.
Great point mate! 💡
@@4WD247 I do a lot of off grid camp I find the blankets panels are not as effective as the Rigid fixed panels.
Hi Shane. Really live your videos.
I go camping sometimes. I can’t seem to keep my battery charge. The blanket would fix my problem if I could afford it. thanks for the info. Dave.
Also worth mentioning that not all Solar blankets are created equal.
He is demonstrating RedArc blankets which are high end panels.
Lots of people can't afford them, so they will opt for a cheaper one and find out it struggles to reach its rated wattage.
For a low end budget, you are much better off with a fixed panel in my experience
Explained it perfectly Shauno! Me, my wife and 2yr old daughter are doing our first ever big road trip up to the cape this June/July. Many years of dreaming, finally doing it!
I’m a 3rd year chippy and I’m starting to build one of my toolboxes into a charging station for all the gear. One of these solar blankets would just top it off perfectly for work and for keeping the beers cold on the tracks!
I’ve got an Engel battery box at the moment, but I’m working on a more permanent solution.
Watching 4wd24/7 after all these years have really taught me so much about my set up! Thanks legends!
Sorry guys, couldn't finish watching because my battery went flat. Could do with a redarc blanket... :p
First
woo!!
This would be the cherry on top of my new duel battery set-up. The solar part has been confusing the hell out of me, and this video has helped me narrow down the decision on what to get. Our first 4x4 adventure to lawn hill then to the Cape is only a few months away, and this solar panel will definitely be seriously tested for the 8 weeks of camping
I’ve been searching at many different types of solar panels and couldn’t make my mind of what to pick. Now with that information that you shared i can get a better understanding of what I will want. Thanks mate 🍻🍻
Grahams off grid eps have us inspired to take the van further than our usual caravan parks. The PWM controller and 110w fixed panel in the van could do with updating. Great vid as always, guys.
Just when I was looking at what type of solar panel would suite my needs I came across this. Just what I needed. Thank you
Hi Shane, my tiny home was wiped out in Cyclone Gabriella now I'm living out of my vehicle so a portable solar panel would be an absolute lifechanger.
Love all you boys you're bunch of legends.
My partner loves his cruiser and solar is something he has been talking about for some time. I thought it would be a great suprise to sort out a solar solution for him to tackle both his daily use and those trips away. Now, I know zilch about this sort of thing and that's how I found your video! Please help me make my man's cruiser dreams come true haha. Thanks for stellar advice on solar options! Super helpful!
I just bought a battery box for our next camping trip. It's my first time to use this and just planning to charge it at home and bring it to camp. A solar blanket is a good choice for charging my battery box while on the campsite. Your videos helps a lot for me. Cheers.
Thanks for a comprehensive & detailed info about portable solar setups! We just got a 2nd hand suv that came with an auxiliary battery. We got a portable fridge for this & it’s been working well but only for a few nights of camping. A portable solar blanket would definitely help keep our battery charged so we can have longer camping nights.
Have just got our first 4x4 Ute and our new battery set up. Finally starting our off road adventures and haven't got the solar system sussed yet.
Definitely say you guys have motivated us to get out there. Vids are awesomekeep it up.
Just started 4w4 myself and looking to finally travel and complete the big lap. Super keen to see what our beautiful country has to offer
Great video as always guys. A solar blanket would be a perfect addition to my set up. As a pro photographer, I'm always making sure I've got those camera batteries charged to take amazing shots of this incredible country of ours. Cheers!
just started my 4wd and camping build in my landcruiser (go the YOTAS). First was my 12v set up and the solar blanket would complete my 12v system to keep my beers cold and kids happy on our long camping trips. We utilise out roof top for all of our camping gear so no space for a fixed panel. Having this blanket paired with my Redarc DCDC would give me the best peace of mind that my deep cycle is always being topped up. Another great video Shaun thanks for all the info.
Building gear up prior to buying my first 4x4 is my answer to buying something decent, hence why this solar blanket would be amazing! Awesome vid like always!
With a growing family and even more limited space camping for more the 2 or 3 days is becoming harder and harder. A solar blanket would be incredible and would help us stay bush for longer doing what we love. Love the show and love RedArc thanks crew!
Watching your RUclips channel has definitely inspired me to get my first 4wd and get out there and explore our great country. Have recently fitted Ute with 12v and run a fridge on the jobsite. As mentioned in your vid, I have a short commute and struggle to keep battery charged so am definitely in need of solar.
I'm a month away from doing the big lap haven't been able to decide if I wanted fixed panel or a portable panel but after seeing this video I think I'm going to have to get a portable one. Great video, I'm glad I saw this before I headed away.
Another great comparison video guys!
The REDARC SOLAR MONOCRYSTALLINE SOLAR BLANKET would be a great addition to my weekend camper van. It will provide peace of mind that I’ll always have cold beverages and fresh food available, as well as keeping my phone charged to keep my family in the loop and take plenty of action videos.
Honestly the solar blanket will be awesome for my set up, setting up the ranger has been slow going due to funds, but being able to keep my batteries topped up on my solo tours will work a treat. Thanks for the video Shauno, this has definitely helped me when Im finally able to afford solar charging, love your work.
First time 4WDer building my setup as we speak. Will end up going the rigid panel when I get my alloy canopy long way down the track but a cheeky solar blanket would suit my rig nicely 👌.
Keep up the good work lads, been binging your channel, soaking up all the info I can. 👍
As a suzuki driver I dont have much space at all. I just installed a dual battery isolator and looking at getting a solar panel/blanked. This video has helped me a lot to decide on what to get. Thanks Shauno!
My partner and I have just added a new addition to our family he is five months old currently and cant wait to take the family on some good camping trips to make memories and traditions as being new and young parents it’s hard to spend a lot of money on certain items but this would make a great addition to my setup as it’s in its processes, would be awesome for a fridge to keep all kids food and our food nice and cool. Cheers graham , Shauno and the team at 4WD 24/7.
Just bought an offroad camper trailer and I think this would be a perfect solar blanket for our setup with three kids they chew through the battery power when at camp, thank you very informative.
Awesome video that helps figure out what solar setup to choose.
After years of dealing with a major medical condition we are finally able to travel more than an hour from hospital and head out bush. Getting a camper trailer within the month after an almost 18 month wait and finally ready for some incredible trips away. A solar blanket would definitely help us head away more remote and for longer.
I been putting up with my 7 years old Kings 160w blanket for too long and suffering from hot beers since it’s just not keeping up and has faded on efficiency. At first actually it was pretty bloody good for the price and was great. Been looking around and have settled on the Redarc 300w blanket and currently saving up for it and trying to get the ok of the missus 😍.
We have recently purchased a 4x4 and are wanting to get out into nature more. This solar blanket would certainly help us out with keeping things running - perhaps even help us get our 3 month Olds bottles nice and warm 😊
Great video guys & it has come at the right time. My son rang me this morning & asked what type of solar panel would suit his Ute with a rooftop tent, he is just setting up his unit. I forwarded the link to this video so he can make the right choice when purchasing a solar panel. Thanks for a indepth insight into solar & for making my job easier. Cheers.
Cheers for the video as always. We have a 9 month old son that we love to take camping and a new solar blanket would help us keep all his things charged and keep out there making the memories together.
Just picked up a new ute for work and want to slowly set it up to be able to go off grid as well. As solar blanket would be the perfect addition to the start of something great!
Love watching the videos and have done so for many years now
Heading out on our first ‘off grid’ trip in April, definitely need a solar blanket to get me started. Thanks guys great vid 👍
Definitely looking at the folding panel now. Thanks for the detailed Vid Shauno.
Perfect timing mate. I’m just starting my touring journey especially the 12v solar. I’m sold on the blanket based on convenience for example roof rack space and pack away size. I’m gunning for the 59L MyCoolman dual zone fridge. Thanks so much for the info Shauno. Keep up the great work. 🙏 11:39
Definitely in need of a solar blanket to keep charge up to the camper. I always try to park in the shade so a blanket makes perfect sense!
Thanks for this video! Will know which way to go now for new build.
This video was a bloody treat , last weekend i got the boys around built out the back of the 105 with some form ply to make a spot for everything and put in a dual battery and control panel , i’m thinking of going a solar panel to keep the fridge cold and the good times coming cheers for the video legends 🍻🍻
I’ve been working through all the pros and cons of a 12v system and solar is a big part of that. I think you have convinced me that a blanket is the go. To win one would definitely get me on my way big time.
Loving the mullet Shauno! Needing a set up for our fixer upper camper. Would be a perfect set up for what we’re wanting for family trips away! Love how versatile it it can be in both use and storing away.
Taking the fam on a 6 week trip from Perth to the Victorian high country, this video came up just as I was looking for which way to go with solar. Solar blanket looks like the way to go. Cheers lads
I just bought my first 4x4 after being inspired by you guys!
The solar blanket would help me heaps in starting to set up my rig!
So many things to think about to work out what will work. We have a small roof top panel at the moment but it not big enough to last more than two to three days so a solar blanket would be a great addition to our system. Plus it folds into a small package so it is easy to store.
The solar blanket would work so well with our camping setup in the patrol. We regularly have the roof rack loaded with swag etc (so a fixed won’t suit) and tend to park up at a campsite for a couple of nights. The blanket would work great to keep our deep cycle topped up for a few days running the fridge and camp lights.
I recently bought and done up our first camper trailer. Thanks for the video as my next project will be Solar for it
I have just recently bought a second hand Ranger that I want to setup for camping as a first timer your videos are giving ideas of what I need and a Solar Blanket would be great to help me get this 4WD camper setup. Thanks for your help guys
I am new to all this 4x4ing stuff and really appreciate these kinds of videos. I have always wanted a solar blanket as I believe these are the best of both worlds. Charges the Ute when not driving, but pack away nice and small when driving! I just don’t have the $$$ to splash out, but if your keep to help a bloke out, I’d be eternally grateful! Please keep up the awesome work! 👍🏻👊🏻👌🏻
Now with a new addition to our family (baby boy currently 4 weeks old) being a family of 4 (4yo son as well), we are constantly are having to use electrical devices not only to keep the 4yo old entertained but we need to use power to create bottles for our 1 month old and my old Fleabay special 120w solar panel struggle to put the power back into my 12v system to get our power supply topped up and everyone happy and healthy……. So yeah, a better quality higher wattage solar panel would be greatly accepted for our off grid adventures!
I like the look of that blanket. I'd prefer the red one, but the black one will certainly do the job!
Awesome comparison vid guys. I now know a lot more than I did before I started watching. Would absolutely love a portable solar blanket! I’ve got an old fridge that chews the juice like a madman, it’s fine on the road but I’ve got to disconnect her and store some ice in it to keep her cool when we stop for a extended period. I’m always worried I’m going to need a jump start to get going again!!!
Nice work Shauno! Doing my first Cape trip in August this year and have been considering solar to complement my 12v system.
There is a few of us heading to Frazer island at the end of the year and this solar panel will work like a treat. I always enjoy your videos and looking forward to seeing Frazer. Thanks mate. Really appreciate it
Steve
Thanks Shauno! Am learning so much from your channel. I’m just starting to set up my rig and buy some things, so to score some solar right now would be pretty awesome. I’m also learning just how much you boys have to re-adjust your rigs on camera... and I don’t mean your cars! That would be a whole funny video on its own!
Oh boy!!! Perfect timing Shauno, just cracked the old heavy solid panel we have been running for the last 5 years. A compact, light weight blanket is on the wish list 🤞🏻
Good stuff!
@@4WD247 does this mean you need my address to send it out 😜
My partner and I have just started kitting out our Y62, we are currently working on our 12v set up and this solar blanket would be the perfect addition to keep our batteries charged!
New to the 4wd scene and a got plenty of travel planned and a solar blanket will help keep me off grid 🎉
Just started kitting out my Gu patrol and planning on getting a 12v system soon and having a solar blanket would be great for how my setup is and how I use it. Love the channel guys, given me heaps of inspiration and wanting to hit the tracks👍
I recently had the redarc bcdc40 system fitted to my 200, my next move after some handy tips from Shauno is a solar blanket over the hard suit case style. Thanx and keep up the good work. 👍🏼
Even though I have a fixed panel on my 80series, I always try to park in the shade and can't get the most out of it. A portable set up I could put in sun would help me stay longer and enjoy more. Keeping the missus and kids happy. Got a 280ah lithium powering everything including induction cooktop. So need to recharge asap every day.. keep this awesome content coming.
Fantastic source of information. Currently setting up our car and Caravan that a portable solar panel would be a great addition
Hey shauno I love the idea of a solar blanket! I’m an apprentice chippy and think this would be the perfect solution for keeping the drinks cold on these summer days 😅. Video was super helpful also. Absolute legend 🤙🏽 thanks
The redarc solar blanket would be unreal for my 94 hilux surf for the small trips away when I'm not bringing the diy camper trailer. Love your work boys 🍻🤙
I had a portable blanket but my son tripped over and fell on it and cracked all the panels.
He is saving his pocket money to buy me another but at $2 a week it’s going to take a while for him to save up. 😂
Please pick me for the new Redarc blanket. Both my son and I will be thankful.
Cheers , Ben.
I have a basic 12v set up so a solar blanket would be a great addition to my set up, will definitely help keep the boys lunches and drinks cold at work. Luv the vids guys, cheers.
Started looking for solar blankets this past weekend. Perfect timing with the giveaway lads. Nice knowing I don’t have to buy one now.
Being a construction worker on away sites, often camping because of the locations. I can spend over 300 days a yr under canvas. So a bit more power will never go astray to keep everything charged to run anything from lights, fridges, laptops, cameras, phones and even a small TV to keep you entertained at night.. cheers fellas
Thanks for this guide! Why I would love to win this solar blanket: My girlfriend and I just bought our first shared vehicle: A 1986 VW T3. We are so proud of it, even though it is currently in her parents shed being converted into a super cool off-grid long-term cruiser/overlander. However, we are working on a tight budget so we havent really figured out what to do with the electrical system yet. This blanket would definitely run the small electrical ice box I found somewhere for free and provide such a great basis for the rest of the system :)
Great vid Shauno. Going from East to West trip next year. Solar is going to be a big part of the trip. Great info! Thanks.
The good lady is very open to doing more remote camping in the camper trailer and I would really love to make life even more comfortable with solar blanket set up so we can stay that little bit longer. Win win I say 😊
Great video Shauno! A solar blanket would be a great addition to my camping collection helping my family to go camping a few days longer than we’re used to
Just getting set up again after my last set up died this will be great for a new start
Just bought my first lithium batteries and stumped on what to go with for charging them up thanks for the vital information from someone who does this for a living on ya 4wd 24/7 crew hope I'm the lucky one but that's like winning the lotto 🤙🏻 keep up the awesome info for set ups definitely helped me a tonne
Good advice on cleaning the panels. Cleaned dust off min and gained 10w.
I used to get away without a solar blanket to charge my portable battery, but I definitely need one now that the family are coming along more frequently and our power needs are higher.
Solar blanket would be an awesome addition to my setup still letting me have the swags on the roof, another awesome vid guy’s
I’ve seen looking for a decent solar panel for off-roading and camping and that would be perfect to charge our fridge, converter, batteries and so on. This option also looks great for the limited space in our 4wd would love to have it cheers for helping everyone out by showing them the differences👍
Started planning my trip around Australia so this would come in handy.
Thanks for the tips
Great overview of the types of panels available and what may work best for a particular setup. However two points:
1 - All solar panels are negatively affected by heat (i.e. as they get hot, their output is reduced), thus, all panel types need decent airflow to work as effectively as possible (not just the fixed panel as you stated). So this is a rather important consideration when deciding where you will place your solar blanket (if that is what one decides to go for).
2 - The two Redarc blankets discussed in the ‘amorphous Vs monocrystalline’ segment. Pretty much right with your comments; however, you really needed to highlight the difference in output power (i.e. power output/area). Both of those blankets are pretty much the same size (black mono, 1.81 sqm versus red amorphous, 2.20 Sqm), but the mono produces more than twice the output power. This is a huge con, especially when you look at the price difference of the two. Without the ability to do my own testing, given the more than 200% increased power output (per sqm) of the mono, I don’t think that you would see much of a difference in overall power output when both are operating under a relative amount of shade (I’d like to see this tested Shauno to see if I need to update my knowledge… I’d be happy to do that testing for you if you can send me the relevant panels :) ).
Other than that, thanks for the vid, as I’m sure you’ve helped a lot of people out.
Shauno! I have been looking into the solar blanket market for quite some time, currently getting the 12V set-up ready for some more serious touring due to your inspiration @4WD 24-7
Love your work, keep it coming!
Xo
Always stressing that we'll run out of power for the few nights we go away, constantly checking the voltage. Having the blanket would provide peace of mind and allow to actually enjoy the few nights we go away! Also, would suite the quick style of set up we have and the limited roof rack room!
Thank You for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.... Peace.. Shalom.. Salam.. Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮ ❤
Hi, fellas, the reason I would love a solar blanket is, I have an off-road caravan, 2001 Kedron pop top that I’m slowly doing up and recently I’ve had trouble charging the batteries when it’s cloudy, or when the best camp spot is under a bunch of trees. So far, I’ve got a couple of new batteries and a solar controller from Kings. Just by the way, love the show
Have a solid panel now but nowhere to fix. As we don’t go out as often a soar blanket would be perfect! Thanks for all the great advice! Certainly helps when starting out for the first time!
Hey guys love the video! Just finished up at uni and planning to spend the next 6 months doing Oz! Got some great spots planned thanks to Off-Grid. Have looked at solar options and decided on the solar blanket for its ease of portability, and because a fixed one won't work on top on the soft RTT. Cheers guys!
Have a great trip!
Have a camp trailer and would love a solar blanket for space and not fixed!! Keep up the great work guys!!
Shauno. i'm trying to build my first tourer to take the family out on holidays. Like everyone else the cost of living is really killing us, would love a solar blanket and it would definitely help create those great memories. All the best, keep up the good work to all the team!
Great this video pops up right when im lookingvat options . Winning would solve that problem.
We are running a smaller setup and have an cheap old blanket that only puts in an amp or 2 lol. It's good if only at camp for a couple of days. But a redarc one would be insane! Thanks for the opportunity
Hey fellas, love the content as always! The solar blanket would be an absolute treat! Currently doing up our family KZN165 that we've had for 17 years. The missus and myself plan on taking it around Australia for the first time next year, super excited and keen on building a reliable, compact 12V system
I’m sick of doing the mad dash around the campsite to make sure all my devices are running. With this blanket I can kick back and enjoy a cold one while enjoying what this great land has to offer.
Thank you for your advice, I’m
From Tassie with a fully set up Amarok. The blanket would be ideal for our needs. Cheers again and love your channel 👍👍💪
I’d love the solar blanket as I just got myself a new rig and now the build begins. Would be a handy thing to tick off the bucket list for the 12v🤟
Solar blanket would be the ticket for me. Great for overnighters and longer stays in my camper. Help keeps the beers cold longer
Would love one of these blankets! I go away a bit with the family and having a quality item like this will go a long way in keeping off grid, the fridge running and the beer cold! 😁