Description
Drivetech 4x4 DT-SB200-1 200W Foldable Solar Blanket - 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 off-grid adventures with Drivetech 4x4 DT-SB200-1 200W Foldable Solar Blanket—featuring high-output 200W monocrystalline solar panel delivering up to 9.81A charging current for rapid auxiliary battery charging at campsite, portable foldable design packing from large 1100mm × 1105mm deployed size to compact 530mm × 385mm × 105mm 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 24.2V suitable for charging 12V lead-acid, AGM, gel, and lithium batteries through PWM regulation, maximum power current 9.81A providing substantial charging capacity recovering battery capacity during daylight hours at campsite, short circuit current 10.82A 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 recovering auxiliary battery capacity between driving days, caravan installations supplementing DC-DC charger with solar charging while stationary, off-grid work sites providing portable power for equipment and tools, emergency backup power for home battery systems during outages, and remote locations requiring mobile solar charging capability, eliminates generator noise and fuel costs providing silent renewable power generation, significantly faster charging than small rigid panels enabling meaningful daily battery recovery, weatherproof construction withstanding rain, dust, and harsh outdoor conditions, 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 portable high-output solar charging solution for extended off-grid camping and touring adventures.
Product Overview
Drivetech 4x4 DT-SB200-1 200W Foldable Solar Blanket provides high-output portable solar charging transforming campsite battery management. 200W output delivers substantial charging current—9.81A maximum power current significantly faster than typical 100-120W portable panels (5-6A output). Rapid charging enables meaningful daily battery recovery during multi-day camping trips without requiring vehicle engine running or generator operation. Example: typical 100Ah auxiliary battery depleted to 50% capacity (50Ah consumed) recovers approximately 40-50Ah during 6 hours optimal sunlight—nearly full recharge from single day solar charging.
Foldable design provides large 1100mm × 1105mm deployed area maximizing solar collection while packing to compact 530mm × 385mm × 105mm folded size. Significantly more portable than equivalent rigid panels (200W rigid panel typically 1600mm × 800mm × 35mm—awkward storage dimensions). Folded blanket stores under rear seat, in storage compartments, or stacked with camping gear without consuming excessive space. Ultra-thin 5mm deployed thickness creates minimal storage volume when folded—multiple blankets stack efficiently for high-capacity solar installations.
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.
High-Output Charging Performance: 200W output and 9.81A maximum current delivers professional-grade charging performance rivaling small fixed installations. Charging rate adequate for recovering heavy daily consumption—running fridge (3-4A continuous), LED lighting (2-3A evening), water pump (5A intermittent), USB devices (1-2A)—total daily consumption 50-70Ah recovered during daylight hours. Enables true off-grid camping sustainability without auxiliary charging from vehicle alternator—camp multiple consecutive days maintaining battery capacity through solar alone. Significantly more capable than 100W panels requiring alternator charging every 2-3 days supplementing inadequate solar capacity.
PWM vs MPPT Technology: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controller included provides reliable economical charging adequate for most camping applications. PWM matches panel voltage to battery voltage—works efficiently when panel voltage closely matches battery charging voltage. Alternative MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controllers extract 15-30% additional power from panels but cost significantly more. For 200W camping application, PWM provides excellent value—9.81A charging current adequate for typical auxiliary battery recovery without premium MPPT cost. Users requiring maximum efficiency or larger multi-panel installations may upgrade to external MPPT controller (sold separately) for enhanced performance.
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. Anderson quick-disconnect plugs enable rapid setup and breakdown—connect panel arriving at campsite, disconnect when departing—no tools or terminal screws 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, no wiring modifications required.
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 cheap 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-SB200-1 |
| Product Type |
Foldable Solar Blanket with PWM Controller |
| Brand |
Drivetech 4x4 |
| Maximum Power Output |
200W |
| Maximum Power Voltage |
20.2V |
| Maximum Power Current |
9.81A |
| Open Circuit Voltage |
24.2V |
| Short Circuit Current |
10.82A |
| Charge Controller |
PWM 10A (included) |
| Controller Compatibility |
12V and 24V systems |
| Panel Construction |
Polish PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) |
| Deployed Dimensions |
1100mm (L) × 1105mm (W) × 5mm (H) |
| Folded Dimensions |
530mm (L) × 385mm (W) × 105mm (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 portable design |
| Battery Compatibility |
12V/24V Lead-Acid, AGM, Gel, Calcium (Lithium with compatible controller) |
| Weather Resistance |
Weatherproof (rain and dust resistant) |
| Warranty |
12 months or 20,000km |
| Applications |
4WD Camping, Caravan, Off-Grid Power, Emergency Backup |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to fully charge a 100Ah auxiliary battery with this panel?
A: Charging time depends on battery state of charge, sunlight conditions, and battery chemistry. Example: 100Ah AGM battery depleted to 50% capacity (50Ah consumed) in optimal conditions (bright sun, panel perpendicular to sun) generates approximately 8-9A charging current. Bulk charging phase (50-80% charge) at 8-9A recovers 24-27Ah in 3 hours. Absorption phase (80-100% charge) tapers current recovering remaining 23-26Ah in 3-4 hours. Total charging time approximately 6-7 hours optimal sunlight conditions. Real-world conditions (morning/afternoon reduced intensity, panel angle compromise) extend time to 7-9 hours. Cloudy conditions reduce output 50-70% significantly extending charging time. For reliable daily recovery, target 40-60% battery discharge overnight—recoverable within typical 6-8 hours daylight at campsite.
Q: Can I connect this directly to my battery or do I need the PWM controller?
A: Always use PWM controller—never connect panel directly to battery. Direct connection risks overcharging damage—24.2V open circuit voltage exceeds safe battery charging voltage (14.4-14.8V). Overcharging causes excessive gassing (water loss in flooded batteries), plate corrosion, and thermal runaway (potential fire risk). PWM controller regulates panel voltage matching battery requirements preventing overcharge. Controller also prevents reverse discharge at night—without controller, battery powers panel during darkness draining battery. PWM controller essential for safe reliable charging protecting battery investment and preventing equipment damage.
Q: How does this compare to installing rigid solar panels on my vehicle roof?
A: Each approach advantages and tradeoffs. Foldable blanket advantages: portable (deploy only when needed, remove for urban driving), positioning flexibility (place in optimal sun angle impossible with fixed roof mounting), easy storage when not camping, simple setup without permanent vehicle modifications, affordable initial investment. Rigid roof panel advantages: automatic charging while driving and stationary (no deployment required), permanent installation eliminating setup time, more durable mounting resisting theft and weather, often higher total capacity (multiple panels possible). Best solution often combines both—small fixed roof panel (100-160W) maintaining battery during travel, deployable blanket supplementing capacity at extended campsites. Fixed panels excel for full-time touring, blankets excel for occasional camping and flexibility.
Q: What happens on cloudy days or in partial shade?
A: Cloudy conditions reduce output 30-70% depending on cloud density—light clouds 30-40% reduction (6-7A output), heavy overcast 60-70% reduction (3-4A output). Partial shade significantly impacts output—single shaded cell reduces entire panel output (series wiring limitation). Position panel avoiding shade from vehicles, trees, and equipment maximizing available sunlight. Morning dew and dust accumulation also reduces output—wipe panel surface daily maintaining efficiency. During extended cloudy periods (multi-day rain), solar output insufficient for meaningful charging—reduce consumption, run vehicle engine periodically charging battery through DC-DC charger, or run generator if available. Monitor battery voltage preventing excessive discharge—below 12.2V (50% charge) risks battery damage if discharge continues.
Q: Can I use multiple solar blankets together for higher output?
A: Yes, multiple blankets connect parallel increasing total current output. Example: two 200W blankets parallel-connected generate approximately 18-20A combined charging current (double single blanket). Requires solar panels with identical voltage specifications and parallel connection adapter cables (MC4 Y-branch connectors or Anderson parallel harnesses). Total current must not exceed charge controller rating—included 10A PWM controller inadequate for multi-blanket setup requiring upgraded 20-30A controller. Many users start single 200W blanket, add second blanket later for higher-capacity installations requiring faster charging. Professional multi-panel installations benefit from MPPT controller maximizing efficiency from larger panel arrays. Ensure battery bank capacity adequate for higher charging current—small batteries (50-75Ah) may not safely accept 18-20A charging current.
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