200W & 120W Solar Blanket Group Buy

[Swede71]

I am interested in this package. What can I use this set up for? Other than using a laptop, what can this set up power? I like to have a fridge, charge my phone, use my laptop and maybe LED lights? Excuse me for all the questions but this is all new to me. If I am going to spend this much money, I like to know what it can do for me. I like your products because it's the best set up. If I get this set up, do I need anything else or is this pretty much ready to use?

Basically this will charge everything you want for camping/overlanding and it can be used for emergency preparedness to power full size fridges and freezers in the event of a power outage. There is no other Solar Powered generator on the market with specs like these. Only other option available with this type of power is a gas generator.

Plus it conveniently has
6 110V standard wall charging ports
2 CLA charging ports
4 USB charging ports

 

[Swede71]

A few pictures of them together

 

[Swede71]

4wDrive Article on our Solar Blankets

Another great article just came out in 4wDrive magazine on our Solar Blankets and theri charging capabilities, worth checking out.

4WDrive 21.1 - March/April - SunCruiser

 

[Swede71]

Inergy just sold out of their Pre-Sale priced Kodiak Power Stations yesterday, and they are doing one more round with shipping starting mid June. If anyone wants to take advantage of this savings either on its own or bundled with one of our 120W or 200W Solar Blankets let me know ASAP. They sold out last round in less than a month.

 

[Swede71]

 

[Swede71]

 

[Swede71]

200W Solar Blanket for this bundle has now been updated to a 215W Solar Blanket.
Offering
Same size/weight, 13.6lbs
Sunpower gen 3 instead of gen 2 cells
11.7A instead of 10A for output current

Here is the link for those interested.
Kodiak Apex Portable Solar Generator & 215W Solar Blanket Bundle, Presale Available While Supplies Last - Off Grid Trek - Products designed to go further, longer.

 

[bnorton00]

[MENTION=138160]Swede71[/MENTION], website says currency is US. First post says Canadian, adjust as appropriate. Can you clarify? I’ll apologize if it is obvious ahead of time. I’m a little dense.

 

[Swede71]

Website Pricing is in US Dollars

[MENTION=138160]Swede71[/MENTION], website says currency is US. First post says Canadian, adjust as appropriate. Can you clarify? I’ll apologize if it is obvious ahead of time. I’m a little dense.

We just updated the website not that long ago to US Dollars being most of our customers are in the US, and it was confusing to people when they saw CDN currency. Also if you are looking to purchase best to give me a call or send me an email, the shopping cart is being updated this week and will not be working.

Rene
[email protected]
(403)461-7173

 

[Swede71]

We have booked our spot at Overland Expo West and will be there with the 1st Chobe Caravan in N America from S Africa that is only 1672lbs along with our Solar Blanket line-up for those that would like to see them.

 

[TRDOFFRD]

We have booked our spot at Overland Expo West and will be there with the 1st Chobe Caravan in N America from S Africa that is only 1672lbs along with our Solar Blanket line-up for those that would like to see them.

That's great news! I'm heading out there as well next month. The Specs on the Solar Blankets and Kodiak are impressive. I'm looking forward to picking up a set in the near future.

Safe travels to Flagstaff! See you next month!

 

[Swede71]

That's great news! I'm heading out there as well next month. The Specs on the Solar Blankets and Kodiak are impressive. I'm looking forward to picking up a set in the near future.

Safe travels to Flagstaff! See you next month!

Sounds good, also, we updated the package and replaced the 200W with a 215W, it is the same weight/size, and now offers up to 11.7A instead of 10A being we have updated it to Gen3 Sunpower solar cells, 1st shipment arrives tomorrow, looking forward to getting them.

Also we were contacted by the one running the solar classes at Overland Expo West, and they will have our 215W in the class. We will also have 2 info classes/day at our booth showing these along with the 1st Chobe 1672lb Caravan in N America from S Africa.

 

[Tuc4R]

Sounds good, also, we updated the package and replaced the 200W with a 215W, it is the same weight/size, and now offers up to 11.7A instead of 10A being we have updated it to Gen3 Sunpower solar cells, 1st shipment arrives tomorrow, looking forward to getting them.

Also we were contacted by the one running the solar classes at Overland Expo West, and they will have our 215W in the class. We will also have 2 info classes/day at our booth showing these along with the 1st Chobe 1672lb Caravan in N America from S Africa.

I'm heading there myself. I purchases a Extreme Off Road trailer from Hiker Trailer and I'm looking for a good solar setup. I will definitely stop by.

 

[Swede71]

I'm heading there myself. I purchases a Extreme Off Road trailer from Hiker Trailer and I'm looking for a good solar setup. I will definitely stop by.

Sounds good see you there

 

[Swede71]

Scott Brady from Expedition Portal just posted his review on the site on our 215W Solar Blanket Bug Out kit, it is a good read. Here is the link Solar Bugout Kit for the Overland Camp - Expedition Portal

 

[Agent_Outside]

I’ve been eye balling your solar blanket for a long long time now. Now that I have my dual battery setup, a fridge, and a RedArc installed I’m doing more research because I’m going to buy next spring once ski season ends and camping season starts.

My question for you guys is what would be the justification for buying your 120w blanket for $200 more than the Overland Solar Bug Out 120 blanket? They seem very comparable in everything except price.

 

[Swede71]

I’ve been eye balling your solar blanket for a long long time now. Now that I have my dual battery setup, a fridge, and a RedArc installed I’m doing more research because I’m going to buy next spring once ski season ends and camping season starts.

My question for you guys is what would be the justification for buying your 120w blanket for $200 more than the Overland Solar Bug Out 120 blanket? They seem very comparable in everything except price.

Just checked out their product and here are a few things I note, and at the end of the day you go with your gut feeling on what is best for yourself, gut feeling is always right, I am just giving you the facts that google can easily show you:

They state their efficiency rating yet they say it produces 7-10amp/hr, if they know their efficiency rating how do they not know what amps they will produce, meaning they are using cheap solar cells and, this tells me their internal VOC is going to be high which means they are going to fry any of the portable solar generators on the market ie Goal Zero, Dometic PLB40, Apex, Renogy etc?


We were considering offering a 128W solar blanket in the same configuration using the Gen 3 solar cells which would give 6.3Amp, how are they able to offer more amperage at 7-10 amp with a 120W and we were considering a 128W with the same solar cells, does not make sense. We did not go this route being the internal VOC would be to high for Solar Generators and would fry the internal batteries.
They use SAE connectors, they are the cheapest on the market to use and we will not use them. being they fall apart.
They state extend 40' and park in the shade with minimal electrical loss, we called it attenuation in the army sigs, what is minimal in their eyes 1 amp-2 amp, based on the inexpensive cabling they are using?
When I state you will see a certain amperage, you will see this in the best light conditions, ie I tested my 215W solar blankets rated for 11.7amp 2 weekends ago and I saw a total of 24.8amp when they were daisy chained together with a 30amp solar charge controller, meaning I saw 1.4amp more than they were rated for, that is Awesome.
Their cabling where it attaches to the Anderson SB connector, why is it bare, why did they leave it this way.
They do not have reinforced grommets for attach points on their Solar Blanket.
They do not have 2 high speed USB charging ports on the back of the Solar Blanket.
The material they use is water resistant not water proof, we use an EFTE coating that can only be brought in from Japan or Germany, meaning it has thousands of concave pockets that help with absorbing more sunlight and create a waterproof/scratchproof, UV fading surface. Ours comes from Japan.

I designed these so they would be similar yet better when compared with Powerfilm which is about double the price and physical size and Redarc. Both are great products and I just wanted to offer something even better and more affordable.

Hope that answers your questions for you, if not feel free to call tomorrow during working hours (403)461-7173

 

[Swede71]

I try to do my best to be politically correct when I compare my products to others, and I am not always so, at the end of the day, I only produce what I would want to use, being time is more valuable than money. I will always offer the best product at the best price, and never the lowest quality product at a reduced rate, like what is available on Amazon and the likes, ironically that is where the best profit margins are. We will be at Overland Expo East and would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

[Agent_Outside]

I asked them for some more information regarding what you perceived as shortcomings and this is the response I got back:

"I try not to make personal digs against any other company out there and will let his comments go about our quality and engineering. We are pretty proud of our equipment. Its a small world and there is plenty of room for everyone. Our Bugout is made here in Boise, not overseas. I am not sure where those are made, if we did outsource these for wiring/soldering/sewing the price would be probably 30% less but we would lose quality control and unable to see to out military. The Bugout is berry complaint and is in use with special forces units and intelligence agencies in Afghanistan. Our smaller versions (26 watt) have been the sole power source for the last two record solo 45+ day expeditions to the south pole and ran sat phones along with gps in a very harsh environment. Four Wheel Camper chose this as the portable option for all campers along with our roof panels after the engineers there did a month side by side with monitoring equipment. Some of the best overland outfitters including AT Overland and Mainline Overland sell this and our other products. We have been around designing and changing year after year, we are all also big into overloading ourselves and know what works best. Our wiring and circuit board designer is here in Boise, he has 30+ years in electrical engineering (PhD).

The Bugout is actually over 130 watts with the Sunpower Maxeon gen III cells. The PVC labels are all still 120 and when we run out we will make the change but if you get a Bugout it is 130+ watts. These are not “cheap solar cells”, if fact they are some of the most expensive commercially available. The gen III Maxeon is well known, you will see it on most commercial and residential roofs in the US.

I do not understand at all what he means by high VOC frying internal batteries. All solar panels need a charge controller between the panel and a battery. Even the cheaply made Chinese blankets are 18-20 volts open. Our open voltage is 23 volts, this is specifically done so you get enough volts to start the controller even when the sun is behind could cover, early morning, and late evening. This provides more hours of power when low voltage panels are not close to providing enough voltage to run the MPPT efficiently. Anyone can make a solar panel work in mid day sun. We make these so you get full days of power in realistic conditions.

We mold our own SAE connections, Our main buyers install SAE outlets so we make what they want. It is also the standard solar connection in most of the major RV manufacturers. They do not “fall apart” and are rated for more than double the amps we use them for. We put on multiple connector types on the end going to the controller or battery. The Bugout has the Anderson SB50 on the end because Dometic specifically worked with us when designing the PLB40 battery pack and they recommend the Bugout for the PLB40 as they have used it for a long time with solid performance, it has the Anderson input just like National Luna and RedArc. We have the Anderson to SAE adapter along with the Anderson to Furion. Our inline charge controller uses the Anderson so thats why the Bugout ends with a “bare” Anderson.

Our MPPT is a 10 amp fully sealed waterproof metal controller. We would not have USB ports in it considering it needs to be waterproof. If we put USB ports on the panel itself it would lower the power ability. The Bugout is made to put out a lot of power to a 12 volt battery. From the battery (assuming in a camper or vehicle) you have USB ports wired to the battery or at least 12 volt outlets you can plug a dual USB into. Our 26 and 40 watt have our own designed and made in Boise LK101 voltage regulator with USB, USB C, and 18 volt open voltage to 11 amp but using this inline with the Bugout would not make any sense. I want full open voltage going to a controller near the battery, no reason to regulate voltage pre controller just to give USB ports when again the purpose of the Bugout this size is to quickly and efficiency bulk charge a large 12 volt battery that can power as many outlets as you want.

The wires we use with the open voltage are designed with voltage drop in mind, at 20 feet the voltage is 22. The extra 20 foot extension to make 40 feet brings it to 21 volts. The best biking and fishing spots we camp at are always under trees so I like the option to go 40 feet if it means a better camp spot next to a river. The MPPT controller sweet spot wants 18.1 volts so this is more than fine for voltage drop. We used to make larger portable glass panels with the controller on the panel, in that case we needed thick 10 AWG wire just to get a 20 foot reach post controller. We designed these units to be very light and portable so using heavy 10 awg wire extensions would defeat the purpose and not do anything more for the controller. Its a couple more cents a foot for 10 AWG, its not about being cheap. Like I said, we could have these all made in Asia and make a lot more profit but I want full control from cell to final stitch and we cannot sell to the military making them in China.

As far as waterproof, he has either never seen the Bugout or is missing something. The cells are all sealed in thick laminate, all wiring is coated and these are very much waterproof electrically, they can sit out in the rain for days. The material is 1050D ballistic nylon and water will bead up. If the material feels damp in the stitching it will dry out in the sun or hung up like a thick canvas tent after a trip. Ours folds up more compact as well. There is another reason we did not want USB outlets on the panel or in a controller. It all has to be able to stay out in all conditions without shorting out. What happens on the other panel if water drips into the USB port? On our circuit boards we use parylene conformal coating so the circuit is waterproof as well but a USB cannot be coated or it won’t work. Parylene is expensive, if the voltage regulator is made in China its not coated at all. Water in the USB ports is an easy and quick short circuit.

The grommets are oversized and pressed into 1050 D so I don’t know how much more reinforcement we should consider. Also, the grommets are mainly there for a lightweight folding frame we are developing for the Bugout. The metal D rings around the panel are there to lash it up if needed and are very reinforced. The military units spec’d out 25 pound pull strength so we more than doubled that. We don’t use ETFE on the portables, to use ETFE we would have to glue or use another adhesive vs seeing through laminate lips we designed. Like every other aspect of the Bugout, we made these to take the abuse of harsh environments and the young soldier who is issued this equipment. Our sewers are very good in Boise, sewing through the laminate lips makes sure these units will take intentional or unintentional abuse.

Like I said there are plenty of companies out there, we have been doing this a while and have developed methods that hold up and work. I don’t want to get into a back and forth with any company, its a big market and we try and play well with everyone out there. We make these right here in the USA for rugged dependable performance and we do it at a better price. I know everyone who puts a hand on these in the manufacturing process and I think thats important."





Like I said earlier you guys have been on my radar for a couple of years now, the biggest hold-up is that you guys seem to be your own biggest cheerleaders. I've looked for reviews from first hand customers not associated with a publication of some kind and they just don't seem to be out there. I've never seen an unsolicited recommendation for your solar blanket just because someone was happy with it and wanted to spread the word. The only time I've ever come across someone talking about actually owning and using your products it ends up being you guys talking about your company in the 3rd person, to be fair whoever was doing it didn't deny it when I asked, but referring to their own company in the 3rd person as if you're an outside neutral party is a little dishonest in my opinion. That actually happened on here a long back as well, you posted up some info about solar and I PM'd you some questions, the response was a sales pitch... whatever I had read to begin with had no indication you were involved in the company.

The other thing I don't like that had me looking at competitors products to begin with is the camo color and the USB chargers on it. I'm not a fan of camo but the USB plugs are a waste in my opinion. I don't want to set my phone out to bake in the sun next to the panel to charge it and waste power when I don't want to charge it. I want the most power possible delivered to my red arc and I can choose what to do with the power once it's in the battery.

All in all, dollar per dollar, I personally don't see the value in paying $200 extra for the Off Grid Trek blanket and I'm fairly sure I'll be going with the Overland Solar BugOut 120 blanket. Luckily I'm not in a big hurry so I'll probably wait for Black Friday and try to find a deal to save even more money.

Either way thank you for your input, I appreciate the response.

 

[Swede71]

No worries, go with what works best for yourself and your budget, there are lots of options available and as I stated ours our comparable with Powerfilm and Redarc, just at a better price point, reviews are coming, once people have time to be at a computer and are done enjoying this summer season, we had amazing feedback at all of the shows we attended and were asked to teach the solar class at 2 of the shows. We will be offering one possibly 2 more color options within 6 weeks, which will be advertised then.