Hardkorr Lifestyle 200W Portable Solar Blanket

G'day Tom,

If you battery system already has a charge regulator built in, you can absolutely just plug the panels straight in.  Just double check the panel output specifications are compatible with your charge regulator specs.
I'm assuming they'll be fine, the 200W panels are a common size/output.

G'day Sam,

According to Hard Korrs website the Voc for these Lifestyle Panels is 22.8V.
Hope that helps.

G'day John,

These are definitely not a permanent mount solar option, you'd need to be looking for what's called a 'fixed' solar panel.
We stock these 170W Hard Korr panels, depending on how much roof space you have 1 or 2 would be a great option - alternatively, you may be able to track down a fixed panel option with a larger output elsewhere.

G'day Steve,

Yes it will. Gel batteries are part of the AGM classification, and are different to Lithium batteries.
Hope that helps!

G'day Boyd,

Yes, the Lifestyle 200W panels will still work if some of the cells are in the shade, they feature the same bypass diodes as the Crocskin panels.

G'day Pacita,

I can't see why you wouldn't be able to, as most people use solar blankets across the roof or the bonnet of their cars.
Use your common sense though, and if you have any concerns put a soft blanket underneath.

G'day Murray,

Yes, this blanket should fully charge an AGM battery in the right light conditions.

G'day Nic,

The issue isnt with the battery box, is with the solar charge controller on the panels, which are not Lithium compatible.
You can swap this out for the 15 Amp Waterproof PWM Smart Solar Regulator and you'll be good to go!

G'day Paul,

Yes, you can use the Lifestyle 200W Portable Solar Blanket to charge the Rover Lithium 70Ah. You won't need any extra cables, as the Rover it supplied with an Anderson, to mini-Anderson cable for Solar charging. When using these panels with the Rover you won't need to use the Solar Controller that comes with the panels, just plug the Anderson output lead on the panels into the cable adapter and she'll be good to go.

G'day Annie,

The Lifestyle 200W Panels are really designed for portable use, rather than connection to a caravan battery. They connect to the battery via an Anderson plug, so it would be worth chatting to a caravan power supplier regarding your setup as it may or may not have an internal regulator too.

G'day Sarah,

These panels will suit the Goal Zero Yeti 200X, as the MPPT regulator will regulate the current up to the maximum input amount for the battery. I've not heard of the Jackery 240 Explorer Power Station, but a quick google search shows that they are similar capacity to the Yeti 200X, so it should work. You will need an Anderson to 8mm cable to plug these panels into the Yeti 200X

G'day Jarath,

Yes you can charge your Hard Korr Battery Box with the Lifestyle 200W Solar Blanket, the supplied PWM regulator will do the job if you have an AGM, Gel or Wet battery. If your battery is calcium, lithium or nickel metal hydride then you'd need an MPPT controller, which comes standard with the 200W Crocskin Solar Panels.

G'day Andrew,

If your BCDC charger has a built in solar regulator, then yes you can bypass the Korr Regulator and feed into the BCDC charger with the Anderson cable.

G'day David,

Yes, these panels will suit the Dometic PLB battery. The inbuilt MPPT regulator will regulate the current up to the maximum input amount of the connected battery.

G'day Trish,

The Regulator on the panels has built-in short circuit protection, open circuit protection, overload protection and reverse charge protection, so you won't need to worry about damaging your battery with the solar panel.

G'day Grant,

The link will only come up if you're watching it directly through youtube, but the article Ben refers to can be found here: Understanding 12V Battery & Solar Setups for your 4WD

G'day Jake,

Yes, the panels can be used with a lithium battery if you bypass the supplied regulator. Just be sure to check that the regulator on your battery will do the trick.

G'day James,

Yes the Anderson connectors will connect to a standard Anderson connector plug.

G'day Ross,

The Lifestyle panels have been designed as a budget-friendly option, and are on a canvas backing, with no water resistance. The Crocskin Panels offer protection against rain, however, they do recommend bringing them inside out of any inclement weather.

Hi Ben,

Unfortunately not, the 5-stage PWM controller is only designed to work with AGM, Gel, Calcium and Wet Cell Batteries.

G'day David,

Thanks so much for your follow up question!  As it comes this solar blanket is not compatible with Lithium, but if you are handy or have a good understanding of your electrics/12v set up you are correct that you can make it work with additional lithium compatible components and bypass the existing PWM contoller.
Alternatively the Hard Korr 200W Portable Solar Panels with Crocskin Cell Armour is both Lithium and AGM, etc compatible.

G'day Lee,

They're designed for 12V systems only, so unfortunately no, you won't be able to use these panels.

Hi Peter,

Yes sorry, my mistake, they are 24V compatible, these were brand new two weeks ago when I answered the last question and I had my information mixed up.

G'day Simon,

The Lifestyle Solar Panels are entry-level panels, they have a 1-year warranty, and a polycotton canvas backing. The Crocskin panels have a heavier duty packing, Crocskin® Cell Armour, a 3-year warranty, and a 5-stage digital controller. They both have the same output, so will do a similar job, with the Crocskin® being a higher quality item.