Solar Blanket

Thanks Jim. Can't find anything which says they're Aussie made or what cells they use . Message sent.

Looks like the Dometics are runout. Can't find their warranty either. PDF only says "statutory warranty applies". Have never understood why businesses make it so hard for potential customers to find basic info. Think I'll pass on their blanket.

I should have said Aussie company ......... they are just up the road from me in Beenleigh. I have some of their gear and I am delighted with the quality.
They say "We design, manufacture and supply a range of products that are unrivalled in quality, durability and value for money." but that doesn't mean they make it here ..... I agree.

Cheers
Jim

So like most Aussie companies they import from China and then charge twice the price.

Impossible for most consumers to know Ozzie but I'd guess HK orders to a particular specification - design, solar cell reqts and materials.

Not sure what cells Ridge Ryder uses but saw an ad on Gumtree where the bloke claimed they were Sunpower - doesn't specify the cell type. Probably not super important. The sweetspot for price V quality is very hard to find for some products.

Actually Ozzie, a lot of Australian companies get their product made to their specifications, and have much choice if it doesn't come up to spec.
They do have to keep a very close eye on specs and quality, but the product is good and the price is right.
Made in China isn't necessarily bad ........ although it would be better if we could make it here .......... but world leading wage levels rather puts a spanner in the works. Pity.

Cheers
Jim

Yep, wages, super, worker safety, leave, respect for patents etc all play a part Jim. Energy is one area our lazy b government could assist business with the flick of a switch. We sit on a huge amount of natural gas and allow multinationals to reap huge profits while we have no policy wrt domestic supply/pricing except "the market". No reason we couldn't be right up there with solar power in the right locations either. Fed politicians have been too busy with same sex marriage, "religious freedom", defending banks, shoring up tax entitlements like negative gearing and franking credits etc to worry about REAL economic and manufacturing/supply issues.

My 100w Ridge Ryder blanket from Supacheap is charging the battery fine at Wooramel River as we sit.

Way back when I read somebody say they are rebranded Projectas

Bought on special it’s been great value.

Cheers

Broadly speaking he's correct from what I've read recently Racey - esp compared to the usual alternative AGM. You can run decent LiFePO4s "flat" without doing significant damage - although what constitutes 100% DoD is debatable apparently. The LiFePO4 cycle guarantee suggests it's better not to do that regularly of course. At least some LiFePO4 's being sold with battery management systems actually preserve some capacity so are never fully drained before requiring charging. I have no experience, just passing on what I've read over the last 2 weeks . Hopefully one of our many experts can clarify.

Currenty on special at SCA for $299 Matthew.

Ridge Ryder 150W solar blanket

Hard Korr has just upped prices

Thats the one i have but different controller, it did not work from day one did not wary me as had another. It still works after a mate step on at night, now with a small star in one of the panels. Have converted the cable end to anderson plug to.
Matt

The 150w Ridge Ryder blanket is currently on special for $149.

The 200w Hard Korr blanket is listed at $329 as part of their father's day sale. Shows as being on backorder, due to arrive 12 Aug.

Graeme