Companion 125w solar mat at Bunnings

[rockrat]

Just wondering if anyone has got one of the Companion 125w solar mats from Bunnings?

Saw them today and thought they were a good buy for $199. Still deciding whether to get one or save up for a bigger one.


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[hardroad]

Check out the unit at Anaconda. Seems to be the same at $799. https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/power-cooling/solar/companion-120w-solar-panel-kit/BP90133500
Go figure! At $199 might just get myself one.

[rockrat]

I saw the one at Anaconda when I did a search on them. Bunnings quotes 125w, so not really what the difference is.


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[tryagain]

I saw the one at Anaconda when I did a search on them. Bunnings quotes 125w, so not really what the difference is.

My guess is that the 125w is exactly the same but labelled slightly differently for Bunnings to be exclusive to them, otherwise, you could go to Anaconda and use their 10% price beat policy and get there $799 panels for $179 

[tryagain]

It does seem like VERY good value, you could probably buy one and if it's not big enough buy a second.

[paceman]

It does seem like VERY good value, you could probably buy one and if it's not big enough buy a second.

the no-question return would also be very appealing...

would love to know what type of solar cells they use in these things...

[PWE]

Bunnings companion 125kw solar mat package is 0.1kg heavier than Anaconda

[corndog]

0.1kg heavier. They might use a thicker cardboard on the packaging.

[rockrat]

Looking at the specs on the two, it seems that the Anaconda mat using Sunpower cells with a 22,5% efficiency and the Bunnings version uses cells with 19.5% efficiency. Looks like the Anaconda controller is also better but I will probably change to a MPPT unit anyway as part of 12v dual battery install in the Ute in due course.


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[Bird]

My guess is that the 125w is exactly the same but labelled slightly differently for Bunnings to be exclusive to them, otherwise, you could go to Anaconda and use there 10% price beat policy and get there $799 panels for $179 

try it

[paceman]

Looking at the specs on the two, it seems that the Anaconda mat using Sunpower cells with a 22,5% efficiency and the Bunnings version uses cells with 19.5% efficiency.

where are you seeing those specs and cell info?

[rockrat]

Oops just realised I quoted the specs from the Bunnings mat and the Roman mat (also made/distributed by Companion) from Snowys. Anaconda ones look like same controller as Bunnings but no other info.

I have emailed Companion to see if they can tell me the difference.

Here is a link to Bunnings:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/companion-125w-solar-mat-kit_p0078047

And here is the one from Snowy’s (Roman made by Companion), $669:
https://www.snowys.com.au/portable-120w-solar-mat-kit

Might give a Bunnings unit a go, can always return it if it is crap.


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[tryagain]

I have emailed Companion to see if they can tell me the difference.

Just did the same not really expecting too much of a substantive answer but will wait and see.

[sharkcaver]

Any idea of the Voc specs on the bunnings panel?

[tryagain]

Any idea of the Voc specs on the bunnings panel?

25V
https://2ecffd01e1ab3e9383f0-07db7b9624bbdf022e3b5395236d5cf8.ssl.cf4.rackcdn.com/Product/ec37ac02-9f9b-4d3f-96b2-2c45f0b8eb86.pdf

[WilSurf]

Must be an East Coast thing as no store in my area are stocking those mats.

[paceman]

Oops just realised I quoted the specs from the Bunnings mat and the Roman mat (also made/distributed by Companion) from Snowys. Anaconda ones look like same controller as Bunnings but no other info.

I have emailed Companion to see if they can tell me the difference.

Here is a link to Bunnings:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/companion-125w-solar-mat-kit_p0078047

And here is the one from Snowy’s (Roman made by Companion), $669:
https://www.snowys.com.au/portable-120w-solar-mat-kit

Might give a Bunnings unit a go, can always return it if it is crap.


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the Roman unit appears to have a better quality charger/controller:

"12V DC, 5 stage smart charger, 15A inline weatherproof digital controller"

the Companion controller/charger seems to have the same specs, but the Roman one looks more substantial...

still, for the price, the Companion one looks like pretty good value...

[sharkcaver]

Must be an East Coast thing as no store in my area are stocking those mats.

I've seen that a few times over here  Oh well, saves me a trip to bunnings to find out. Cheers.

Thanks tryagain. I found the manual too and note  Voc - which is what I am assuming is their Vmp value is 17.6V.

Be aware some dc/dc chargers require a higher voltage input than this panel produces to switch into MPPT mode - older redarcs for example.

I like that this mat has a stand feature, most mats do not.

[Fizzie]

Wonder how they compare with the 4wd Supa ones: https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/products/solar/120w-solar-blanket-combo-deals/adventure-kings-portable-solar-blanket-120w.html

Also $199 for 120w, with what appears to be lower voltage but higher amps

[BBull]

So I just bought one. Upon inspection it looks pretty good. I have a Projecta 180w that I use on the camper so I wanted this for the Car.
All looks ok to me for the money. I have a regulator already in the car so I will be connecting straight into that, so i'm not concerned about the regulator but the panels look fine.

[paceman]

I've seen that a few times over here  Oh well, saves me a trip to bunnings to find out. Cheers.

Thanks tryagain. I found the manual too and note  Voc - which is what I am assuming is their Vmp value is 17.6V.

Be aware some dc/dc chargers require a higher voltage input than this panel produces to switch into MPPT mode - older redarcs for example.

I like that this mat has a stand feature, most mats do not.

i can get you one and mail it across, if you want...

[McGirr]

i can get you one and mail it across, if you want...

Since your offering I will have 2 free ones also please. That’s so kind of you 

Mark

[paceman]

Maybe some clarification is in order...


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[sharkcaver]

i can get you one and mail it across, if you want...

Interesting......thanks.

I'm thinking freight may be a killer though. 4wdss with free freight is about the same??

Had a look at their panels today too.

volt max 17.6V.

but they also show Voc around 21V. So the companion panel may well be ok with those higher threshold DCDC's??

[PWE]

I thought one can order any Bunnings items from any Bunnings, at no extra charges.