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Solar Mat vs Panel: What's The Best Solar Setup for Camping?

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Solar Mat vs Panel: What's The Best Solar Setup for Camping?

Using camping solar panels in your campsite is no doubt one of the most efficient and easiest ways to charge batteries and power up camping appliances. However, choosing the best solar setup for camping can be tricky, especially if you're doing it for the first time. Add the fact that there are two strong contenders: solar mat (solar blanket) and solar blanket and this can make the choices very overwhelming. But worry not fellow adventurer, we've gathered our camping experts and have come up with this quick and easy guide for you.

Portable Folding Solar Panel

A foldable solar panel is ideal if you do not go camping on a regular basis or if you are trying to stay within a set budget. The reason is this panel can be a bit bulkier and heavier than other portable solar panels. So, if you are going to be away for let's say - three days and just taking essentials for the trip, these suitcase type foldable solar panels would work well. Not so much though, if you're going to travel for longer than a week and have to set up camp in different places every time. On the plus side though, folding solar panels can easily be angled and moved around to catch as much direct sunlight throughout the day.

Solar Blanket / Solar Mat

If you are the type that goes camping or goes on a road trip every other weekend, and mostly concerned about the available space in your vehicle, a solar mat or blanket is the best option for you.

Convenience is the biggest reason why this is one of the most popular solar panels for campers. You can take it with you anywhere, and you just roll it out to use it. You can drape it over your vehicle or hang it off an awning - just make sure it gets maximum sunlight exposure. You can even lay them out across your car's windshield to keep the sunlight away. You keep your car's interior cool while your solar panel is charging. Neat, huh? When it's time to leave for your next stop, you just fold the solar blanket into the integrated bag and you're done!

Solar Mat vs Folding Solar Panel : Which One Should You Get?

If you're an occasional camper, a portable folding solar panel is going to be your best buy. These are affordable solar panels and give you flexibility enough to move them around the campsite as needed. While they're going to be a bit heavier and bigger than their portable counterparts, that shouldn't be a problem if you're only going to be away for a few days at a time and just bringing essentials.

On the other hand, regular campers with limited vehicle space will love having a solar blanket for every trip. These lightweight portable solar panel are smaller when folded into their integrated bags, which makes storage easy. They do not take up a lot of your precious vehicle space, and are easy to clean and use.

The best solar setup for camping really depends a lot on what type of camper you are. If you need more information and want to check out more solar mats and folding solar panel options -or just check out other camping solar panels for sale, visit Outbax today.