Description
Drivetech 4x4 DT-SB120-1 120W Foldable Solar Blanket - Compact Portable Solar Panel with PWM 10A Charge Controller, Anderson Connectors, and Complete Wiring Kit for 4WD Camping, Caravan, and Off-Grid Battery Charging
Power your camping adventures with Drivetech 4x4 DT-SB120-1 120W Foldable Solar Blanket—featuring 120W monocrystalline solar panel delivering up to 5.97A charging current for efficient auxiliary battery charging at campsite, ultra-compact portable foldable design packing from 1100mm × 700mm deployed size to exceptionally small 360mm × 360mm × 70mm folded dimensions for easy storage and transport, included PWM 10A solar charge controller regulating charging voltage preventing battery overcharge and providing safe automatic charging for 12V and 24V battery systems, complete wiring kit with 5m heavy-duty 4mm² cable and Anderson-style quick-disconnect plugs enabling convenient setup and connection to auxiliary battery systems, additional 0.5m alligator clip adapter providing direct battery terminal connection without permanent wiring, durable Polish PET (polyethylene terephthalate) construction providing weather resistance, UV protection, and impact resistance for harsh outdoor environments, maximum power voltage 20.2V and open circuit voltage 23.6V suitable for charging 12V lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium batteries through PWM regulation, maximum power current 5.97A providing substantial charging capacity maintaining battery charge during extended camping trips, short circuit current 6.62A with controller protection preventing damage during wiring faults, ultra-thin 5mm thickness when deployed creating minimal storage volume when folded, integrated carry handle and protective storage case simplifying transport and preventing panel damage during transit, quick deployment design enabling setup in minutes without tools or complex installation, Anderson connector compatibility with common auxiliary battery systems and DC-DC chargers, PWM charge controller LCD display showing charging status, battery voltage, charging current, and system diagnostics, automatic multi-stage charging algorithm (bulk, absorption, float) optimizing battery health and charging efficiency, suitable for camping trips supplementing DC-DC charger maintaining auxiliary battery capacity, caravan installations providing solar charging while stationary, weekend camping recovering battery capacity between trips, emergency backup power for small battery systems, and remote locations requiring lightweight mobile solar charging capability, eliminates generator noise and fuel costs providing silent renewable power generation, compact folded dimensions enabling storage in tight spaces under seats and in storage compartments, weatherproof construction withstanding rain, dust, and harsh outdoor conditions, ideal entry-level solar solution for 50-75Ah auxiliary battery systems, includes comprehensive user manual with setup instructions and charging guidelines, Drivetech 4x4 Australian designed for outback touring and remote applications, 12-month or 20,000km warranty covering manufacturing defects, and providing essential compact portable solar charging solution for weekend camping and touring adventures.
Product Overview
Drivetech 4x4 DT-SB120-1 120W Foldable Solar Blanket provides efficient portable solar charging in exceptionally compact package. 120W output delivers 5.97A maximum power current—adequate for maintaining typical 50-75Ah auxiliary battery systems during weekend and extended camping trips. Charging capacity sufficient for offsetting daily consumption from fridge (3-4A continuous), LED lighting (1-2A evening), water pump (occasional use), and USB devices—typical daily consumption 25-35Ah recovered during daylight hours preventing battery depletion. Perfect balance between portability and charging performance for typical camping requirements.
Ultra-compact folded dimensions (360mm × 360mm × 70mm) set this blanket apart from larger solar solutions. Significantly smaller when folded than equivalent 120W rigid panels or larger 200W foldable blankets. Compact size enables storage under rear seats, in small storage compartments, alongside camping gear without consuming excessive space. Particularly valuable for space-constrained vehicles—wagons, smaller SUVs, dual-cab utes with limited storage—where larger solar panels impractical. Lightweight construction enables easy handling and positioning during setup.
Included PWM 10A charge controller provides complete charging solution requiring only battery connection. Controller regulates panel output voltage matching battery chemistry and charge stage preventing overcharging damage. LCD display shows real-time charging status—battery voltage, charging current, daily amp-hours generated—enabling monitoring without separate instrumentation. Automatic multi-stage charging progresses through bulk (maximum current), absorption (tapering current), and float (maintenance) stages optimizing battery health. Controller protects against reverse polarity connection, short circuit, and overload preventing equipment damage from wiring errors.
Optimal for 50-75Ah Battery Systems: 120W output ideally suited for typical auxiliary battery installations—50-75Ah AGM or lithium batteries common in weekend camping and touring setups. 5.97A charging current provides approximately 30-36Ah daily recovery during optimal sunlight conditions (6 hours quality sun exposure)—adequate for typical camping consumption without depleting battery. Larger 100Ah+ battery systems benefit from 200W blanket's higher output, smaller 50-75Ah systems well-served by 120W blanket's efficient charging without excess capacity. Right-sized solution avoiding over-investment in unnecessary solar capacity for typical camping requirements.
Exceptional Portability: 360mm × 360mm × 70mm folded dimensions create truly portable solar solution. Fits standard backpacks, camping storage totes, and vehicle underseat storage. Significantly more portable than 200W foldable blanket (530mm × 385mm × 105mm) or rigid panels requiring dedicated storage mounting. Transport easily between vehicles, take on camping trips, store efficiently during non-camping seasons. Lightweight construction enables carrying to optimal deployment location away from vehicle shade—position in full sun while maintaining connection to vehicle battery through 5m cable.
PWM Charge Controller Performance: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controller included provides reliable economical charging perfect for 120W camping application. PWM matches panel voltage to battery voltage—works efficiently when panel voltage closely matches battery charging voltage. 10A controller rating adequate for 120W panel output with headroom preventing overheating during optimal conditions. LCD display provides essential monitoring—verify charging operation, monitor battery voltage, track daily energy generation. Controller automatic operation requires no adjustment—connect panel, controller manages charging automatically throughout day.
Complete Wiring Kit: Included 5m 4mm² cable with Anderson-style plugs provides heavy-duty connection from panel to battery/controller. 5m length enables flexible panel positioning—place panel in optimal sun exposure (away from vehicle shade, angled toward sun) while maintaining connection to battery system. Anderson quick-disconnect plugs enable rapid setup and breakdown—connect panel arriving at campsite, disconnect when departing—no tools required. Additional 0.5m alligator clip adapter connects directly to battery terminals for installations without permanent Anderson connectors—clip positive to battery positive, negative to battery negative, immediate solar charging without wiring modifications.
Polish PET Construction: Durable PET (polyethylene terephthalate) substrate provides weather resistance, UV protection, and impact resistance. Flexible construction withstands folding and unfolding cycles without cracking or delamination—rigid panels suffer glass breakage and frame damage during rough handling. PET surface resists scratching and cleaning—wipe with damp cloth removing dust and dirt maintaining efficiency. Weatherproof construction withstands rain, dew, and humid conditions—leave deployed overnight or during weather changes without damage. Significantly more durable than budget fabric-backed panels prone to delamination and water ingress.
Rapid Deployment and Storage: Quick-setup design enables full deployment in under 2 minutes without tools. Unfold blanket, position for optimal sun exposure, connect Anderson plug to battery system, verify controller display showing charging—complete setup. Folding reverses process—disconnect Anderson plug, fold panels into compact bundle, secure with integrated straps, store in protective case. Significantly faster than rigid panel setup requiring frame assembly, cable connection, and angling adjustments. Time savings valuable during brief stops or overnight camping requiring quick setup and departure.
Versatile Mounting Options: Foldable design enables ground deployment, vehicle roof draping, or elevated positioning on camp furniture. Ground deployment simplest—unfold on ground facing sun, secure corners with tent pegs or weights preventing wind displacement. Vehicle roof draping (caravans, camper trailers) positions panel elevated preventing shade obstruction while securing against wind. Elevated positioning on camp table or equipment maximizes sun angle avoiding ground shade from surrounding vegetation. Flexible deployment accommodates varied campsite configurations impossible with rigid panels requiring fixed mounting.
Multiple Battery Compatibility: PWM controller supports 12V and 24V battery systems with automatic voltage detection. Charges lead-acid, AGM, gel, and calcium batteries with appropriate charging profiles. For lithium (LiFePO4) batteries, verify controller lithium compatibility or upgrade to lithium-specific controller—standard PWM profiles may not optimally charge lithium chemistry. Most camping applications use AGM auxiliary batteries—controller default AGM profile provides optimal charging without adjustment.
Drivetech 4x4 Quality and Support: Drivetech 4x4 Australian designed for outback touring and remote applications. Components engineered for harsh Australian conditions—extreme heat, dust, and UV exposure. 12-month or 20,000km warranty providing peace of mind. Australian-based technical support assisting with setup and charging questions. Quality assurance for critical power generation equipment.
Technical Specifications
|
|
| SKU |
DT-SB120-1 |
| Product Type |
Foldable Solar Blanket with PWM Controller |
| Brand |
Drivetech 4x4 |
| Maximum Power Output |
120W |
| Maximum Power Voltage |
20.2V |
| Maximum Power Current |
5.97A |
| Open Circuit Voltage |
23.6V |
| Short Circuit Current |
6.62A |
| Charge Controller |
PWM 10A (included) |
| Controller Compatibility |
12V and 24V systems |
| Panel Construction |
Polish PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) |
| Deployed Dimensions |
1100mm (L) × 700mm (W) × 5mm (H) |
| Folded Dimensions |
360mm (L) × 360mm (W) × 70mm (H) |
| Cable Length |
5m (4mm² with Anderson plugs) |
| Alligator Clip Adapter |
0.5m (2.5mm² to Anderson) |
| Connector Type |
Anderson-style quick-disconnect |
| Weight |
Lightweight compact design |
| Battery Compatibility |
12V/24V Lead-Acid, AGM, Gel, Calcium (Lithium with compatible controller) |
| Weather Resistance |
Weatherproof (rain and dust resistant) |
| Ideal Battery Size |
50-75Ah auxiliary batteries |
| Warranty |
12 months or 20,000km |
| Applications |
Weekend Camping, 4WD Touring, Caravan, Off-Grid Power |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to charge a typical auxiliary battery with this panel?
A: Charging time depends on battery capacity, state of charge, and sunlight conditions. Example: 60Ah AGM battery depleted to 50% capacity (30Ah consumed) in optimal conditions (bright sun, panel perpendicular to sun) generates approximately 5-5.5A charging current. Bulk charging phase at 5-5.5A recovers approximately 24-27Ah in 5 hours. Absorption phase tapers current recovering remaining 3-6Ah in 1-2 hours. Total charging time approximately 6-7 hours optimal sunlight. Real-world conditions (morning/afternoon reduced intensity, panel angle compromise) extend time to 7-9 hours. For typical weekend camping with 50-75Ah battery consuming 25-35Ah daily, panel recovers consumption during single day sunlight maintaining battery capacity indefinitely. Larger 100Ah+ batteries benefit from 200W blanket's faster charging.
Q: Is 120W enough solar power for my camping setup?
A: 120W adequate for typical weekend and extended camping with moderate consumption. Calculate daily amp-hour consumption: fridge 3-4A × 24 hours = 72-96Ah (but duty cycle 30-50% = 22-48Ah actual), LED lighting 2-3A × 4 hours evening = 8-12Ah, water pump occasional use = 1-2Ah, USB devices = 2-3Ah. Total typical consumption 33-65Ah daily depending on fridge efficiency and usage patterns. 120W panel generates 30-36Ah daily optimal conditions—adequate for lower consumption setups, marginal for high consumption requiring conservation or supplemental DC-DC charging during driving. If consumption consistently exceeds 40Ah daily, consider 200W blanket providing faster recovery and higher margin. If consumption below 35Ah daily, 120W blanket provides excellent balance between portability and capacity.
Q: How does this compare to the 200W solar blanket (DT-SB200-1)?
A: 120W vs 200W comparison: 120W advantages—more compact folded size (360×360×70mm vs 530×385×105mm), lighter weight, lower cost, adequate for 50-75Ah batteries and moderate consumption. 200W advantages—faster charging (9.81A vs 5.97A), better for 100Ah+ batteries, higher daily generation (60-72Ah vs 36-42Ah optimal), quicker recovery from heavy consumption. Choose 120W for: weekend camping, compact vehicles, 50-75Ah batteries, moderate consumption, budget-conscious buyers. Choose 200W for: extended touring, larger batteries, high consumption (constantly running fridge, multiple devices), faster recovery requirements, comprehensive off-grid capability. Many users find 120W adequate for typical camping needs without excess capacity.
Q: Can I leave this deployed overnight or should I fold it up?
A: Safe to leave deployed overnight—no reverse discharge through PWM controller (controller blocks reverse current flow at night). Leaving deployed eliminates daily folding/unfolding saving time and enabling automatic charging at sunrise without manual intervention. However, consider: weather exposure (pack away during storms preventing wind damage), theft risk (visible expensive equipment when camping in populated areas), ground moisture (morning dew on ground-deployed panel—wipe before folding preventing mold), storage space versus convenience trade-off. Extended camping at single location—leave deployed for convenience. Moving frequently between campsites—fold daily for transport. Many users leave deployed during multi-day stays at established campsites, pack daily during touring with frequent moves.
Q: What accessories do I need for a complete solar charging system?
A: DT-SB120-1 includes everything needed for basic solar charging: panel, PWM controller, 5m Anderson cable, alligator clips adapter. Additional accessories improving installation: permanent Anderson connector on auxiliary battery (eliminates alligator clips for cleaner connection), battery monitor showing state of charge and consumption (helps optimize solar/consumption balance), extension cable if 5m insufficient reaching battery location, spare Anderson connectors for multi-battery installations, mounting brackets for semi-permanent caravan installation, waterproof storage bag protecting panel during non-camping storage. Most users operate successfully with included components—additional accessories enhance convenience but not essential. Consider adding battery monitor (Drivetech DT-17012 or similar) enabling consumption tracking and solar performance assessment.
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