Comparison Of Goal Zero Solar Generators Power Stations/Banks
Goal Zero is a top brand known for portable power stations (solar generators) and solar panels.
I own the Yeti 1000 Lithium (click to see latest version), which I use daily for all my power needs while traveling full-time in my trailer. To simplify choosing among the many models, I’ve created a comprehensive list comparing their key differences.
Key Features to Understand:
- Battery Capacity (Watt-Hours):
Watt-hours (Wh) measure how much energy a battery stores. For example:- A 50W device uses 50Wh in 1 hour.
- A 100W device running for 2 hours uses 200Wh.
- The efficiency of the inverter (usually 80-90%) will cause the actual numbers above to be slightly higher.
- Inverter Power (Watts):
Watts (W) indicate the inverter’s power:- Example: 500W/1000W surge means it delivers 500W continuously but can handle up to 1000W briefly (usually under 30 seconds).
Inverters convert 12V DC power to 120V AC for household devices.
- Example: 500W/1000W surge means it delivers 500W continuously but can handle up to 1000W briefly (usually under 30 seconds).
Most power stations also include other output options, like 12V ports or USB ports, with varying specifications.
Related Product: Recharge your power station with a solar panel. The Twelseavan 120W (click to view on Amazon) is compatible right out of the box with all power stations in this article.
Comparing Goal Zero Models:
I’ve split the products into two categories: Yeti Power Stations and Yeti Power Banks.
- Power stations: Include AC outlets and high-capacity inverters.
- Power banks: Typically USB-only, listed with USB port power details.
The information below comes from Goalzero.com.
Goal Zero Power Stations Compared
Product (link to Amazon if available) | Battery Capacity – Watt-Hours | Inverter Rating – Continuous Watts/Surge Watts |
Yeti 150 | 168Wh | 80W/160W |
Goal Zero Yeti 200X Lithium | 187Wh | 120W/200W |
Yeti 300 | 297Wh | 350W/600W |
Yeti 400 | 396Wh | 300W/600W |
Yeti 400 Lithium | 428Wh | 300/1200W |
Yeti 500 | 499Wh | 500W/1000W |
Yeti 500X Lithium | 505Wh | 300W/1200W |
Yeti 700 | 677Wh | 600W/1000W |
Yeti 1000X Lithium | 983Wh | 1500W/3000W |
Yeti 1400 Lithium | 1425Wh | 1500W/3000W |
Yeti 1500X | 1516Wh | 2000W/3500W |
Yeti 3000 Lithium | 3075Wh | 1500W/3000W |
Yeti 3000X | 3032Wh | 2000W/3500W |
Yeti Pro 4000 | 3994Wh | 3600W/7200W |
Yeti 6000X | 6071Wh | 2000W/3500W |
Yeti Pro 8000 | 7988Wh | 3600W/7200W |
Goal Zero Power Banks Compared
Product (link to Amazon if available) | Battery Capacity – Watt-Hours | Output Rating |
Flip 10 Power Bank | 9.4Wh | USB: 5W (5V, 1A) |
Switch 10 Core Power Bank | 9.4Wh | USB: 7.5W (5V, 1.5A) |
Flip 12 Power Bank | 12.06Wh | USB: 5W (5V, 1A) |
Sherpa 15 Micro/Lightning | 14.7Wh | Micro USB: 10W (5V, 2.1A), Lightning port: 10W (5V, 2.1A) |
Sherpa 15 Micro/USB-C | 14.7Wh | Micro USB: 10W (5V, 2.1A), USB C: 10W (5V, 2.1A) |
Outrider 18 | 18.5Wh | USB C input/output: 20W, Wireless charging pad: 5-15W |
Flip 20 | 18.7Wh | USB: 10W (5V, 2.1A) |
Flip 24 | 24.12Wh | USB: 10.5W (5V, 2.1A) |
Venture 30 | 29Wh | USB: 12W (5V, 2.4A) |
Venture 35 | 35.52Wh | USB A: 15W, USB C: 18W |
Flip 36 | 36.18Wh | USB: 10.5W (5V, 2.1A) |
Sherpa 40 | 44.4Wh | USB (2 ports): 12W (5V, 2.4A) |
Sherpa 50 | 50Wh | USB A, 12V |
Venture 70 Micro/Micro | 66.9Wh | USB: 12W (5V, 2.4A) |
Venture 70 Micro/Lightning | 71Wh | USB: 12W (5V, 2.4A) |
Venture 75 | 71Wh | USB A: 15W, USB C PD: 60W |
Sherpa 100PD | 94.7Wh | USB: 12W (5V, 2.4A), USB C PD: 60W, Wireless Qi: 5W |
Sherpa 100AC | 94.7Wh | USB: 12W (5V, 2.4A), USB C PD: 60W, AC port: 100W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Watt-Hours And Watts?
Watt-Hours (Wh)
Watt-hours indicate battery capacity—how much energy a battery can store.
- Usable Capacity: Typically 80–90% of the rated capacity due to efficiency losses, especially with AC outlets.
- Battery Life: Capacity decreases over time. Lithium batteries often last 500 cycles to 80% capacity (500 full discharges).
- Tip: Extend battery life by avoiding full discharges.
Watts (W)
Watts measure power output—how much energy a device or port uses or provides.
- Example: A 10W phone charger draws 10 watts while charging.
- Power Stations: AC outlets are powered by an inverter that converts 12V DC to 120V AC.
- Inverter Rating: Indicates the maximum wattage the AC outlets can handle, combined.
- Surge Rating: Handles brief power spikes (e.g., 500W continuous/1000W surge). Avoid relying on surge watts for regular use.
How Long Will Watt-Hours Last?
To estimate: divide the battery’s watt-hours by your device’s wattage.
- Example: A 29Wh power bank running a 5W charger lasts ~6 hours (29/5).
- Tools like a Kill A Watt energy monitor (click to view on Amazon) help determine exact usage.
Tip: Choose a power station with a continuous watt rating that meets your device’s needs.
Which Yeti or Power Bank Is Best?
The best option depends on your needs, including battery capacity, output ratings, portability, ports, and intended use.
- For High-Power Needs:
I use the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 with a 1500W inverter to power my travel trailer. It handles everything except the air conditioner, including high-wattage devices like a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker. - For Smaller Devices:A smaller option, like the Jackery Explorer 500 with a 500W inverter is perfect for powering essentials like a furnace and small electronics.
- For Portability:
Power banks are ideal for lightweight needs, as they typically lack AC outlets but offer USB ports for charging phones, tablets, and some laptops. - Power Stations vs. Power Banks:
- Power Stations: Larger, less portable, with high capacity and AC outlets for powering bigger devices.
- Power Banks: Compact and portable, best for small devices but limited to USB charging.
Related Post: Which Solar Panels Are Compatible With Goal Zero Yeti?
What About Amp-Hours and Voltages?
Battery capacity is often expressed in amp-hours (Ah), which can be calculated using watt-hours (Wh) and voltage (V):
Amp-Hours = Watt-Hours ÷ Voltage
For example, the Goal Zero Yeti 500X has a capacity of 505Wh at 10.8V:
505 ÷ 10.8 = 46.76Ah
To find detailed specs for a battery, including watt-hours, amp-hours, and voltage, check the “Battery Details” under the “Tech Specs” tab on Goal Zero’s website.
For power banks, capacity is often listed in milliamp-hours (mAh).
1,000mAh = 1Ah.
Please leave a comment down below if you have any questions, or suggestions on how I can make anything more clear or accurate.