AllSpark 250W Solar Blanket - 5 x 50W

3 YEAR MANUFACTURERS REPLACEMENT WARRANTY
30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

• Next-Generation Shingle Cell Technology: Delivers superior efficiency and shade tolerance compared to traditional panels
• Premium Japanese ETFE Laminate: UV-resistant for 25+ years, water, dirt, and salt-resistant for exceptional durability
• Advanced Polymer Backing Panels: Provides next-level protection against cell damage
• Integrated Legs with Tie-Down Eyelets: Enables freestanding setup with the option to secure in high winds
• Heavy-Gauge 5m Cable: Prevents voltage drop for reliable power delivery
• Compact and Lightweight Design: Easy to transport and store, ideal for mobile setups
• Tiedowns on each panel: Allows versatile mounting options for optimal sun exposure in windy conditions

Q: How many amps per hour will this blanket produce?

A: In good solar conditions with a quality MPPT controller, expect 15-18A. Like any solar panel, real-world output varies with sun angle, shade, and temperature. The AllSpark's shingle cell design and ETFE laminate are engineered to minimise those losses - but pairing it with a quality MPPT controller (not PWM) makes the single biggest difference to what you actually see on your charge controller display.

Q: Why doesn't it come with a charger as standard?

A: Many people are now choosing to use DCDC chargers in lieu of the standard solar controller so their batteries remain topped up whilst driving. Because of this, we have chosen not to include a charger as standard because it is an unnecessary additional built-in cost for those who do not require one.

Most blankets on the market that come standard with a solar controller are using a cheap, throw away, PWM unit that can limit the output of the panels. A good quality solar controller is essential to get the most our of solar cells.

Q: Is the solar blanket regulated or unregulated?

A: Our AllSpark 250W Solar Blanket is unregulated, meaning it doesn't come with a controller. The reason being is outlined above. 

Q: What Solar Controller can I use with this blanket?

A: If you're looking for a "plug and play", portable option, we recommend the EP Ever Tracer 20A (or the EP Ever 30A version if you want built-in bluetooth). The Tracer models come pre-terminated with Anderson Plugs so can simply Alternatively, if you are looking for something to be permanently mounted internally (as it is not waterproof) the Victron Smart Solar 20A is another great option that comes with built-in Bluetooth.

Q: What happens if some of the panel is in shade?

A: The individual panels are connected in parallel. Because of this, shade on each panel will reduce the performance of that panel only - how much of an affect will depend on the level of shade, and where the shade is on the panel.

Q: Is 5m of cable long enough? What if I wanted a longer cable?

A: 5m is generally enough for most people to run from their van/tent/vehicle (which may be in the shade) out to the sun. However, if you believe you will need a longer cable we have the AllSpark 5M Extension Cables available over here.

Q: Can I mount this to my roof whilst driving?

A: No. Blankets are built to be lightweight, therefore the fibreglass backing board is not sufficient to support the cells in the extreme wind conditions created by a vehicle going at speed. The cells will vibrate in the wind, creating micro-cracks, which can reduce the efficiency (and therefore output) of the panel.

Q: Can I combine this panel with another panel into the same controller?

A: In almost every case, no. When connecting panels together into the same controller, the panels need to be within 1 volt of each other in order to avoid performance issues. This is because your solar controller will treat the panels as a single array, and will reduce all voltages to the lowest voltage panel. So even in full sun, in the middle of the day, your solar harvest will be significantly reduced.

Furthermore, you should never combine portable and fixed panels into the same controller, even if they are within 1 volt of each other. As, again, the controller views both the fixed and portable panels as a single solar array, and this whole array is limited by whatever panel is producing the lowest amount of voltage, so if a roof panel is shaded, or simply significantly reduced if the angle of the sun is such that roof panels are not producing efficiently (as they cannot be angled like a portable panel) your overall solar harvest will be significantly reduced (at best) or even zero (if your roof top panels are in full shade, despite your portable panels being in full sun and angled correctly towards the sun).

Short answer is = each solar array needs its own controller for the best charging performance and longevity of each array.

Q: WIll I get full wattage from my panel at all times?

A: The wattage on solar panels is measured in lab conditions on a light table which produces 1000 watts/m2 at 25oC (these are global standard testing conditions (STC)). The amount of power produced by your solar panel in real-life conditions will be dependent on the amount of solar radiation being received by the panel at any given time, the temperature, air quality, angle of sun etc.

You can check your location's solar radiation values online on a number of websites, one example is over here. In general terms, the amount of solar radiation you are receiving at any given time (as a ratio) is an approximation of how much power you should be receiving from your panel. For example, if the radiation is 750 watts/m2 (which is 3/4 of the light table at 1000watts/m2), then you potentially can receive approximately approximately 101.25W out of a 135W panel (3/4 x 135W) at that particular time of the day (assuming your angle to the sun is correct and enivornmental conditions are optimal, ie. there is no shade/cloud, no smoke/haze/pollution, temperature isn't too high (as solar output reduces at higher temperatures) etc).