Solar blanket: flexible and portable
- Folds down small and weighs very little.
- Easy to move into the sun while you park in the shade.
- Great for short trips and 4WDs without roof space.
- Usually lower output and more fragile than rigid panels.
- Higher cost per watt.
Rigid panel: permanent and powerful
- More power for the money, with a lower cost per watt.
- Tough enough for long off-road trips.
- Best mounted permanently on a roof rack or caravan roof.
- Heavier and needs mounting space.
Which should you buy?
Many campers run both: a rigid panel on the roof charging all day, plus a blanket to chase the sun at camp. If you only buy one, choose a blanket for short trips and flexibility, or rigid for long stays and the most power per dollar.
Gear picks
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