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Goal Zero Solar Generators/Power Stations Battery Capacity Comparison

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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-HoursInverter Rating – Continuous Watts/Surge Watts
Yeti 150168Wh80W/160W
Goal Zero Yeti 200X Lithium187Wh120W/200W
Yeti 300297Wh350W/600W
Yeti 400396Wh300W/600W
Yeti 400 Lithium428Wh300/1200W
Yeti 500499Wh500W/1000W
Yeti 500X Lithium505Wh300W/1200W
Yeti 700677Wh600W/1000W
Yeti 1000X Lithium983Wh1500W/3000W
Yeti 1400 Lithium1425Wh1500W/3000W
Yeti 1500X1516Wh2000W/3500W
Yeti 3000 Lithium3075Wh1500W/3000W
Yeti 3000X3032Wh2000W/3500W
Yeti Pro 40003994Wh3600W/7200W
Yeti 6000X6071Wh2000W/3500W
Yeti Pro 80007988Wh3600W/7200W

Goal Zero Power Banks Compared

Product (link to Amazon if available)Battery Capacity – Watt-HoursOutput Rating
Flip 10 Power Bank9.4WhUSB: 5W (5V, 1A)
Switch 10 Core Power Bank9.4WhUSB: 7.5W (5V, 1.5A)
Flip 12 Power Bank12.06WhUSB: 5W (5V, 1A)
Sherpa 15 Micro/Lightning14.7WhMicro USB: 10W (5V, 2.1A), Lightning port: 10W (5V, 2.1A)
Sherpa 15 Micro/USB-C14.7WhMicro USB: 10W (5V, 2.1A), USB C: 10W (5V, 2.1A)
Outrider 1818.5WhUSB C input/output: 20W, Wireless charging pad: 5-15W
Flip 2018.7WhUSB: 10W (5V, 2.1A)
Flip 2424.12WhUSB: 10.5W (5V, 2.1A)
Venture 3029WhUSB: 12W (5V, 2.4A)
Venture 3535.52WhUSB A: 15W, USB C: 18W
Flip 3636.18WhUSB: 10.5W (5V, 2.1A)
Sherpa 4044.4WhUSB (2 ports): 12W (5V, 2.4A)
Sherpa 5050WhUSB A, 12V
Venture 70 Micro/Micro66.9WhUSB: 12W (5V, 2.4A)
Venture 70 Micro/Lightning71WhUSB: 12W (5V, 2.4A)
Venture 7571WhUSB A: 15W, USB C PD: 60W
Sherpa 100PD94.7WhUSB: 12W (5V, 2.4A), USB C PD: 60W, Wireless Qi: 5W
Sherpa 100AC94.7WhUSB: 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.

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.

    (Read my full review of the Explorer 500 here)

  • 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.

by Jesse
Jesse has always had an interest in camping, technology, and the outdoors. Who knew that growing up in a small town in Sweden with endless forests and lakes would do that to you?

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