COMPANION 10000068 User manual

SOLAR
CHARGERS
120W & 200W
OWNERS MANUAL
Part No. 10000068 / 10000069

2
IMPORTANT: Read these instructions for use carefully before operating the unit.
Keep these instructions for future reference.
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Follow the instructions within this manual carefully
as to not cause harm to yourself or others
• Do not charge a damaged battery
• Do not charge a frozen battery
• Do not disassemble the solar panel or controller
• Do not use this solar kit if it is damaged in any way
– contact Customer Service for advice if necessary
• To be repaired by qualified persons only
– contact Customer Service on 1300 555 197
• This product must not be used by persons
(including children) with reduced physical or
mental capabilities. Also, this product is not to
be used by a person who has a lack of knowledge
or experience with this type of product, unless they
are being supervised by a person who is competent
in the safe use of this type of product
• Do not connect the solar mat output wire
directly to the battery being charged unless
the battery has a built-in controller. A controller/
regulator must be used inline. Failure to do so,
could cause permanent damage to the battery and
or personal injury if the battery ruptures
• Ensure that the battery being charged is in a
well ventilated area as poisonous gases may be
emitted during the charging process
• Ensure that appropriate personal protective
equipment (PPE) is worn while in close proximity to
the battery being charged; safety glasses, gloves,
protective clothing as a minimum
• Ensure that no metal objects or jewellery
contacts the battery terminals. It is recommended
to remove rings, bracelets, etc when working
with lead-acid batteries. A lead-acid battery can
produce a short-circuit current high enough to
melt metallic materials possibly causing
severe burns
• Do not smoke or have the battery in the vicinity
of sparks, open flame, fuel or solvents while the
battery is being charged.
Gases emitted could be EXPLOSIVE
• Battery acid is highly corrosive. Avoid CHEMICAL
BURNS by washing the affected area immediately
with clean running water if contact is made with your
skin or eyes and seek medical advice
• Ensure correct DC clamp connection ‘sequence’ when
‘connecting’ and ‘disconnecting’ the DC clamps
to or from the battery being charged. A simple way to
remember is; the negative ‘-‘ DC clamp is ‘Last’
on and ‘First’ off (the negative ‘-‘ battery terminal). This
will reduce the dangers of a potential short circuit and
excessive sparking of the battery terminals
• Ensure correct DC clamp connection ‘polarity’ when
‘connecting’ to the battery being charged. Connect
the Red coloured DC clamp to the positive ‘+’ battery
terminal. Then connect the Black coloured DC
clamp to the negative ‘-‘ battery terminal
• Immediately cease charging if the battery being
charged is found to be excessively hot, leaks or
appears to be taking a long time to charge
• NOT for long term permanent installation
• Make sure the battery has enough voltage for the
controller to recognize the battery type before first
installation
• The controller is suitable for Lithium batteries and
lead-acid batteries (OPEN, AGM, GEL)
• The controller will be hot when running. Please note
that the controller needs to be installed on a flat,
well ventilated surface

3
SOLAR CHARGERS
UNDERSTANDING YOUR APPLIANCE
120W SOLAR CHARGER
1. SOLAR PANEL
2. REINFORCED EYELETS
3. STAND WITH PEG DOWN POINT
4. ACCESSORY POCKET
5. 20A PWM CONTROLLER WITH 2 X ANDERSON CONNECTORS
6. 5M ANDERSON CABLE
7. 0.5M ANDERSON TO BATTERY CLAMP CABLE
8. 2M ANDERSON SPLITTER CABLE (FOR USE WHEN CHAINING 2 X 120W SOLAR PANELS TOGETHER)
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR APPLIANCE
200W SOLAR CHARGER
1. SOLAR PANEL
2. REINFORCED EYELETS
3. STAND WITH PEG DOWN POINT
4. ACCESSORY POCKET
5. 20A PWM CONTROLLER WITH 2 X ANDERSON CONNECTORS
6. 5M ANDERSON CABLE
7. 0.5M ANDERSON TO BATTERY CLAMP CABLE
1
2
5
6
7
3
4

5
SOLAR CHARGERS
OPERATION SETUP
Step 1. Remove the solar mat and accessory
leads from the original packaging. Check the
solar mat, leads and connectors for any damage
before use.
Step 2. Select a suitably cleared area to unfold the solar
mat. The position should allow the solar mat
to have a clear view of the sun and face as close
as possible to ‘NORTH’. The adjustable stand
allows you to adjust the solar panel to the
optimal angle.
WARNING
Cells (panels) will start producing electricity as soon as
they are exposed to the sun. Care must be taken when
connecting the DC clamps to the battery and joining the
extension leads. To reduce the possibility of an electric
shock or short-circuit, it is recommended to place a
blanket or tarp over the panels to block out any sunlight
temporarily while all connections are made.
Step 3. Refer to the specification label on your battery or
consult the battery manufacturer to establish the
type of battery being charged.
Step 4. When connecting the controller, ensure
the positive (+) and negative (-) wires are
attached to the appropriate terminals. Incorrect
connection may cause damage to the controller.
The following connection order must be followed
to avoid damage to the controller.
1. Connect the battery to the controller
2. Connect the solar mat to the controller
3. Connect the load you want to provide power to
(if applicable)
4. To uninstall, reverse the above order
.
Step 5. Once connected the controller will receive power
and the settings can be adjusted. The controllers
default battery setting is BaT (AGM).
There are 3 battery types to choose from on the
controller:
• L1: LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC)
• L2: Lithium Ion / LifePO4 (Lithium Phosphate)
• bAt: GEL, AGM, WET
(conventional lead-acid), Calcium
Adjust the battery setting to match your battery.
The controller will automatically resume on the last
settings selected the next time you use it.
Caution: Incorrect battery type setting may damage
your battery.

6
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CONTROLLER
MENU: Long press to switch between different displays or to enter /exit settings
UP: Press to increase value
DOWN: Press to decrease value

7
SOLAR CHARGERS
MAIN DISPLAY
Displays voltage information of the battery and connections to the controller
If the battery shows empty check the connections and battery
EQUALIZATION (FLOAT)
Charges the battery from the solar panel until the battery’s voltage reaches
the set value
DISCHARGE RECONNECT
Charges the load when the battery’s voltage reaches the set value
UNDERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
Disconnects the load when the battery’s voltage reaches the set value
WORK MODE
Controls when the battery provides power to the load
OH: supply power when the solar panel is not receiving sunlight
1-23H: supply power for a set number of hours when the solar panel is not receiving
sunlight
24H: supply power from the battery to the load
BATTERY TYPE
Displays the type of battery attached to the controller
L1: Tenary Lithium battery (NMC)
L2: Lithium Ion / LifePO4 battery
bAt: GEL, AGM, WET (conventional lead-acid), Calcium
MENU & FUNCTIONS
Step 1. Press “MENU” to browse the different settings
Step 2. For screens 2 to 5, press and hold for up to 5 seconds to change the settings on the screen.
When the numbers flash, press the “UP” and “DOWN” buttons to adjust the values
Step 3. Press and hold “MENU” for 5 seconds to set the values and exit
Step 4. To restore default settings, press and hold “UP” for 5 seconds

8
Q: How does the solar mat work?
A: The solar mat converts sunlight energy into DC (direct current) electric power to charge rechargeable batteries.
The batteries are then used to run your lights, fridge or power an inverter
Q: Can I bypass the controller to charge my battery?
A: If your battery has built in MMPT controller then you can go direct from solar to battery. Products with built in
MMPT are usually items such as lithium power stations, be sure to check the battery specifications.
For products without a built in MMPT controller, you cannot bypass the controller. The controller automatically
regulates the voltage output to suit the battery size and type being charged.
Q: Will the solar mat overcharge my battery?
A: The controller (regulator) ensures that a steady charge is supplied and will not over charge the battery. The
controller has up to 3 levels of charging and will automatically evaluate the battery’s condition
Q: Why is it when it is a clear or slightly overcast day and the solar controller amperage output is a lot less
than the rated specication?
A: The solar controller is smart enough to know what the battery actually needs in regard to amperage input. If the
battery is almost fully discharged the solar controller will allow maximum amperage to flow through to the battery.
If the battery is almost or fully charged the solar controller will automatically reduce the amperage input to the
required level. Amperage output from the solar controller is also affected by shade or intermittent cloud cover.
Q: How many Amps do I get out of my 120W Solar Mat and what can I run?
A: A 120W solar charger can supply between 5 and 6 Amps in optimal conditions on a sunny day or for most of the
sunlight hours of the day. There are many variables, but let’s assume that we can achieve 6 to 7 sunlight hours in a
day, anymore sunlight hours would be considered a bonus.
Provided it is not too cloudy, the solar mat is moved every now and again to best track the suns path and the
solar mat is kept out of the shade, it is safe to assume that the solar mat can supply between 5 and 6 Amps per
charging hour.
So, putting this into perspective, let’s assume that the 120W solar mat is charging a 100Ah AGM battery. You wish
to run a 40L Fridge which draws on average 1.5A over a 24hr period, and 2 x LED camp lightwhich draw 1.0A each
when running.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

9
SOLAR CHARGERS
You want to have the fridge running (cycling) 24 hours a day, and the camp lights on for 3 hours each night.
Fridge: 1.5A x 24h = 36Ah
Lights: 1.0A x 3h = 3Ah x 2 lights = 6Ah
Total: 42Ah per day
Your solar mat can supply:
5.5A x 6h = 33Ah each day
Therefore, the battery is being discharged by:
42Ah – 33Ah = 9Ah each day
Although you have a 100Ah battery, it is recommended when calculating run times to allow yourself a buffer and
calculate using only 50% of the battery specification. So, in this case using 50Ah you could run your fridge and
lights for: 50Ah / 9Ah = 5.5 days or just under a week without any other form of charge.
Q: How many Amps do I get out of my 200W Solar Mat and what can I run?
A: A 200W solar charger can supply between 10 and 11 Amps in optimal conditions on a sunny day or for most of the
sunlight hours of the day. There are many variables, but let’s assume that we can achieve 6 to 7 sunlight hours in a day,
anymore sunlight hours would be considered a bonus.
Provided it is not too cloudy, the solar mat is moved every now and again to best track the suns path and the solar mat is
kept out of the shade, it is safe to assume that the solar mat can supply between 10 and 11 Amps per charging hour.
So, putting this into perspective, let’s assume that the 200W solar mat is charging 2 x 100Ah AGM batteries. You wish
to run a 40L Fridge which draws on average 1.5A over a 24hr period, 2 x LED camp lights which draw 1.0A each when
running and a 1000W inverter with a 600W load.
You want to have the fridge running (cycling) 24 hours a day, the camp lights on for 3 hours each night and the inverter
under load for a total of 2 hours throughout the day
Fridge: 1.5A x 24h = 36Ah
Lights: 1.0A x 3h = 3Ah x 2 lights = 6Ah
Inverter: 60.0A x 2h = 120Ah
Total: 162Ah per day
Your solar mat can supply: 10.5A x 6h = 63Ah each day
Therefore, the battery is being discharged by: 162Ah – 63Ah = 90Ah each day
Although you have a 2 x 100Ah batteries, 200Ah total, it is recommended when calculating run times to allow yourself a
buffer and calculate using only 50% of the battery specification. So, in this case using 100Ah you could run your fridge,
lights and inverter for 100Ah / 93Ah = 1.07 days without any other form of charge.
Note: The above calculations are intended for reference & information only and are based on the cell “peak power” of
the solar mat. It does not take into consideration any expected power losses due to the controller, leads or atmospheric
conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

10
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Periodically, clean the panels with warm water and a soft sponge or cloth to remove any built-up dust or foreign
deposits. Keeping your solar mat clean will ensure optimum performance.
MAINTENANCE
The Solar Mat and Controller are both sealed units and cannot be repaired. If a problem does occur, double check all
connections, including correct polarity of the DC battery clamps and/or disconnect the DC battery clamps from the
battery and wait 30 seconds.
For further information or assistance please contact Customer Service on 1300 555 197 or
email: [e-mail]
Situation Probably Cause Solution
Charge icon not displaying
when solar charger is in the sun
The solar panel is not connected to
the controller
Check all connections, ensure the
positive and negative terminals are
connected correctly
Load icon is off
Incorrect menu setting Set the menu again
Battery is low Recharge the battery
No load is connected Connect the load to the battery
Controller is turned off
Battery is too low Charge the battery
Battery is not connected properly Ensure all connections from
controller to battery are correct
TROUBLE SHOOTING

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SOLAR CHARGERS
120W SOLAR CHARGER SPECIFICATIONS
Part no. 10000068
Product Name Solar Charger 120W
Cell Type A-grade monocrystalline silicon
Cell Efficiency 19.5%
Cell Backing Copper
Cell Encapsulation ETFE Lamination
Wattage 120W
Max Amp Output Per Hour (lmp) 6.67A
Voltage at Max Power (Vmp) 18V
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 21.6V
Short Circuit Current (lsc) 7A
Output Connection 50A Anderson
Case Material 900D Polyester
Size (folded) 525 x 525 x 60mm
Size (unfolded) 1550 x 525 x 30mm
Weight (Panel Only) 5.5kg
Controller Type Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
Controller Stages 3
Controller Amps 20A
Input and Output Connectors 50A Anderson
Pack Contents
1 x Solar Charger 120W
1 x 20A PWM Controller with
2 x Anderson Connectors
1 x 5m Anderson Cable
1 x 0.5m Anderson to Battery Clamp Cable
1 x 2m Anderson Splitter Cable (for use when
chaining 2 x 120W solar panels together)
Types of Batteries it can Charge AGM, Gel, Calcium, Li-Ion, LiFePO4,
LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC)

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200W SOLAR CHARGER SPECIFICATIONS
Part no. 10000069
Product Name Solar Charger 200W
Cell Type A-grade monocrystalline silicon
Cell Efficiency 19.5%
Cell Backing Copper
Cell Encapsulation ETFE Lamination
Wattage 200W
Max Amp Output Per Hour (lmp) 11.1A
Voltage at Max Power (Vmp) 18V
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 21.6V
Short Circuit Current (lsc) 11.65A
Output Connection 50A Anderson
Case Material 900D Polyester
Size (folded) 525 x 525 x 95mm
Size (unfolded) 2610 x 525 x 30mm
Weight (Panel Only) 9kg
Controller Type Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
Controller Stages 3
Controller Amps 20A
Input and Output Connectors 50A Anderson
Pack Contents
1 x Solar Charger 200W
1 x 20A PWM Controller with Anderson Connectors
1 x 5m Anderson Cable
1 x 0.5m Anderson to Battery Clamp Cable
Types of Batteries it can Charge AGM, Gel, Calcium, Li-Ion, LiFePO4,
LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC)

13
SOLAR CHARGERS
CONTROLLER SPECIFICATIONS
Battery Voltage 12V / 24V auto adapt
Charge Current 20A
Discharge Current 10A
Max Solar Input < 41V
Equalization (Float)
Ternary lithium battery(L1): 12.0V (Adjustable range 11V-13.5V)
Lithium iron phosphate battery(L2): 13.8V (Adjustable range 12.5V-15.5V)
Lead acid battery(bat): 13.7V (Adjustable range 13V-15V)
Undervoltage Protection
Ternary lithium battery(L1): 10V (Adjustable range 9.0V-11V)
Lithium iron phosphate battery(L2): 12V (Adjustable range 10.3V-12.8V)
Lead acid battery(bat): 10.7V (Adjustable range 9.5V-11.5V)
Discharge Reconnect
Ternary lithium battery(L1): 11.6V (Adjustable range 11.0V-11.7V)
Lithium iron phosphate battery(L2): 13.5V (Adjustable range 12.8V-13.8V)
Lead acid battery(bat): 12.6V (Adjustable range 11.5V-13.0V)
Standby Current < 10mA
USB Output 5V / 2A Max
Operating Temperature -10 - +50C
Dimensions 133 x 70 x 35mm
Weight 140g

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NOTES

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SOLAR CHARGERS
NOTES

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Designed & Imported by:
Adventure Trading Australia Pty Ltd
71 Charles Ulm Place,
Eagle Farm, QLD 4009
AUSTRALIA
Made in China
WARRANTY - For details see www.companionleisure.com.au/warranty
WARRANTY
Companion®is a registered trademark of
Adventure Trading Australia P/L warrants this product against defects for a period of two years from the
date of purchase. Adventure Trading Australia P/L will repair or replace the product, at its discretion, should
a warrantable defect arise within the warranty period. If the exact model is unavailable a model of equivalent
nature will be substituted at our discretion. This warranty excludes faults and failures caused by improper use
and abuse; fair wear and tear; or failure to follow instructions regarding care and maintenance. Products used for
a commercial nature are not covered by this warranty against defects. A warranty may be claimed by returning
the product to its place of purchase, with a detailed proof-of-purchase clearly showing the date and detail of the
purchase.
You can contact Adventure Trading Australia P/L Customer Service by phone on 1300 555 197,
in writing: PO Box 1110, Eagle Farm QLD 4009. The benefits under Adventure Trading Australia P/L warranty
against defects are in addition to other rights and remedies under law in relation to goods.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled
to a replacement or refund for a major failure and for compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or
damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality
and the failure does not amount to a major failure.