Off Grid Trek’s Solar Products
Canadian company Off Grid Trek makes solar products designed for you to go further, longer. Based in Calgary, Alberta, they believe in building affordable, high
quality, lightweight, and extremely efficient solar products. I spent a few weeks with their 120W solar blanket and 28W foldable solar panel. Off Grid Trek’s Philosophy and Goals: Off Grid Trek’s solar products have the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously in various
weather conditions. His solar products are waterproof, rugged, efficient, lightweight, and lower cost. The 28W foldable solar panel fits nicely into a medium-sized bag, whereas the 120W/200W solar blankets fold up to a laptop size.
These products are designed for overlanding, camping, and emergency preparedness markets, similar to the Powerfilm and Redarc solar blankets but are a quality product with top-notch efficiency, at a better price. Rene partnered with 5.11 Tactical for their overland Jeep build at 2018 SEMA show.
Devices are easily charged with high speed USB charging ports on the back of the 200W and 120W solar blankets. Anderson connectors link other cabling options and rarely break when dropped or stepped on. You can charge directly from the unit or via 12/24 volt applications too. Two additional high-speed USB ports are located on the solar charge controller (120W or 200W models). They were easy to use and connected tightly when USB cords were used.
Off Grid Trek’s 120W Solar Blanket:
Along with the 200W, the 120W unit boasts the highest efficiency rating available on the market (23.5%). The lightweight unit takes up little space, and can be deployed quickly and charge multiple devices at once (even in low light conditions and rain). The 120W blanket powered our off-road fridge and smart phones easily, as the blanket hung from our Mitsubishi Delica.
Both 200W and 120W blankets have two 2.4 amp high-speed USB charging ports and one Anderson connection. This simplifies charging so users don’t need additional battery packs. These blankets boast SunPower Gen 2 Maxeon solar cells. Off Grid Trek’s products capture energy, even when cloudy or raining (while other low efficient
panels may stop working). They keep working if the unit is 30% covered. This was evident when using the 120W blanket while remote camping near Bend, Oregon. It was charging under tall Ponderosa pines with muddled sunshine. Most solar products in the marketplace are 15% to 18% efficient, even if they claim they are 23.5%. Rene says “It is just like the auto manufacturers claiming you will get up to 50 miles per gallon, then you read the fine print and that’s if you’re going downhill on a Monday with a full moon and both Garth Brooks and Enya singing together on their new record.” All joking aside, it’s evident he takes his testing, ratings, and efficiencies seriously.
The products are waterproof and made from a durable rubberized material. I didn’t test either unit in wet weather but did dump water on both 120W and 28W demo units; the liquid beaded up and rolled off. The material Off Grid Trek uses is a Japanese-made ETFE coating (fluorine based polymer). It allows for better sunlight absorption, is weather and scratch resistant, and has a longer lifespan (more than 10 years compared with other coatings). How will this material withstand years of bending, positioning, and stowing? Will it peel, tear, or become brittle? Both units are hefty in feel and are well-made. Time will tell if customers have issues.
The 200W and 120W solar blankets include reinforced grommets along the edges and can hang via provided aircraft grade load bearing aluminum carabiners. Multiple positions can make for optimum sun-catching opportunities. PCB fibreglass backings make them stronger and lighter weight.
While at the BC Overland Rally, Rene lent 120W blankets to vendors who had issues keeping their equipment charged. One was charging a 12V battery running their fridge; the battery wouldn’t keep a full charge and was almost dead. Not only did the 120W solar blanket charge the battery and fridge, it also charged three to four phones simultaneously. Considering this was a 120W blanket and not the 200W—Rene and I were impressed.
Off Grid Trek’s 28W Movable Solar Charger:
The 28W mini solar panel includes attachment points for a backpack, etc. to capture the sun’s rays. This unit is one of the smallest on the market, smaller size-wise and weighing half the weight of the Goal Zero Nomad 28. It offers 3.1 amp, 2.4 amp, and 9V charging ports, along with a digital display showing voltage and amperage readings. This model is constructed from the same material as the solar blankets and is compatible with Android, Apple, and Windows phones, and most GPS, GoPro, and USB devices.
Off Grid Trek Solar Products vs. the Competition:
Off Grid Trek’s solar products are waterproof while most are water resistant. Their products are made from a rubberized material while most competitors are fabric.
Their goal is to sell longlasting products that balance the highest efficiency rating and rugged portability in a lightweight package. They offer a two year warranty on their solar blankets/ panel and one year warranty on accessories.
Cheaper alternatives may stop working when partially covered by clouds, or boast top-notch efficiency ratings when testing shows otherwise. This is not the market Off Grid Trek is pursuing. They are offering competitively priced products that will last. This Canadian-based company’s goal is to provide premium solar products, giving users the freedom to venture anywhere while having quick and reliable access to power.