Hardkorr MKII 200W 12V Portable Solar Mat with Croc Skin (No Solar Regulator)

The primary difference lies in the construction of the backing and the resulting rigidity. A solar mat features a stiffer, more reinforced backing that provides enough structure to be propped up against gear or laid flat on the ground without folding over on itself.

Solar blankets use a softer, fabric based backing that allows them to be folded into a much smaller footprint and draped over curved surfaces like a vehicle windscreen or bonnet. Mats are generally preferred for stationary ground setups where durability and structure are priorities, whereas blankets are the choice for travelers prioritizing compact storage and weight.

See our full range of Portable Solar Panels to find the right style, or explore our compact Solar Blankets for more flexible options.

Solar mats cannot work in isolation and must be connected to a solar regulator and a battery to function. The solar mat generates raw DC voltage that is too high and unstable for most appliances or accessories to handle directly.

A regulator acts as the brain between your mat and your power storage. It stabilizes the voltage to a safe level and manages the flow of electricity to prevent your battery from overcharging. Without a battery to store the energy, you would have no power available as soon as a cloud passes or the sun goes down. Using these components together creates a stable off grid setup that can run your fridge and lights.

Find the right charge management in our Solar Controllers collection, or explore our 12V Batteries collection to build your storage.

A 160W or 200W solar mat is generally the right size for running a typical 12V camping fridge. This capacity generates enough daily charge to cover the 30 to 40 amp hours most fridges consume while providing a buffer for less sunny days.

The total daily draw varies with ambient temperature and fridge efficiency. If you travel through hotter northern parts of Australia, your fridge cycles more often and pulls more from your batteries. In these conditions, a 200W or 250W mat helps maintain a full state of charge. Using a portable mat lets you chase the best light while keeping your vehicle and fridge in the shade.

Check out our range of Portable Fridge Freezers for efficient cooling, or see our Battery Monitors to track your power levels.

In strong sun a 200W solar mat puts roughly 8 to 11 amps into your battery, depending on the regulator, the temperature and how squarely the mat faces the sun. At that rate it replaces 50Ah, about what a camping fridge and lights use in a day, in around 5 to 6 hours of good sun. Refilling a flat 100Ah lithium battery takes 10 to 12 hours of strong sun, about two good days with nothing else running. Angle the mat at the sun and move it as the day goes on. Most of our mats come with a 15A solar regulator; for the one that doesn't, find a regulator in our Solar Controllers range.