RV FEATURE
These days, it’s not enough to roll the rig under a
sheltering paperbark somewhere. No, we need to
rest in 21st century comfort.
And there’s the problem. The portable fridge,
the on-board entertainment system, our mobile
phones, the eco-friendly touch-panel LED mood
lighting, not to mention the tablet and laptop, all
need power. And worse still, what if the battery-
powered portable coffee machine’s rechargeable
battery runs flat?
Of course, one of the most common answers to
our power woes is solar, and solar blankets are
becoming more popular among RVers. Let’s take
a look at two new products on the market…
DOMETIC PSB150
There was a time when the solar blanket was that
comfy picnic blanket on which we’d recline in the
sun after a satisfying lunch. But not now.
Dometic has released a new, compact solar blanket,
the PSB150, which provides campers with six
different battery charge types, including LiFePo4.
This 150W solar blanket is made from
monocrystalline cells, has a built-in LCD voltage
display, a copper backing, and comes with a 5m
lead with Anderson plug enabling it to easily
integrate with your existing solar or battery
management system. Alternatively, it can connect
straight to the battery via alligator clips.
Weighing 5.2kg, it tips the scales between one
half and one third of the weight of an equivalent
glass solar panel – Dometic’s 150W RTS150
glass panel, for example, weighs 12kg. For most
vanners, every kilo counts, so this is a significant
weight saving.
Dometic said the PSB150 is equipped with several
built-in systems designed to protect the blanket
from reverse-polarity, overheating and over-
voltage. It is also dust-resistant and won’t short
circuit if splashed with water.
FAST FACTS
Weight: 5.2kg
Capacity: 150W
Price: $1990
www.dometic.com
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