We need to agree that a generator is handy equipment that we all should have. More and more of us have become dependent on electronics that need power.
Yes, most places have virtually unlimited power access, but now and then there are unforeseen power outages.
Sometimes, you might need a generator because you love camping or your region is prone to storms and power shortages. Whatever your situation, you need a good-quality generator to act as your backup.
Traditional generators might not be the best solution because they are just too heavy, expensive, and large.
If it is necessary to power your fridge, then you have to go for other high ends solar power generators.
Let’s see what Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium can charge and for what time-
| Devices | Back-up Time/Recharges |
| Smartphone | 40 Recharges |
| POV Camera | 70+ Recharges |
| Tablet | 10+ Recharges |
| Laptop | 3-5 Recharges |
| Mini Fridge | 7 hours |
| LCD TV 32” | 3 hours |
| Headlamp | 70+ Recharges |
| Light-a-Life | 130+ hours |
If you just plan on powering all the electronics in your home, you can go for a Goal Zero Yeti 3000 with WiFi.
Goal Zero company specializes in creating energy-efficient generators that use sunlight to produce energy. One of their recent productions is the YETI 400.
It is a standalone battery bank that offers reliable power whenever you need it.
Since it is portable and relies on solar energy, you don’t get all the disadvantages of a traditional generator.
Goal Zeri Yeti 400 Lithium at First Glance
Right from the box, you can see that the Yeti 400 is a device that you can pick up and carry around with ease.
There are so many ports that you could plug different devices in and get power. It stands out as different from other UPS-sty batteries because it uses lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries play a huge role when it comes to smartphones and laptops.
Some might argue that lithium batteries made the invention of such devices possible.
Let’s get down to understanding what the Goal Zero Yeti 400 is all about.
Features of the Yeti 400
Design and Durability
At first glance, the Yeti 400 has a modern appearance with clearly distinct parts that have been outlined by bright yellow lines. It has a black and gray enclose with all the button functions and different plugs well labeled to ensure there is no confusion.
The large curved handles are metallic thus ensuring that you find it easy to move the device around.
All the corners have reinforced ridged plastic construction giving you a long-lasting device.
Since damaging this device is almost impossible, it is ideal for people who love outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
What I found rather interesting in its design is the way the manufacturer blended simplicity and elegance.
Yes, the design is simple, but it has a certain element of elegance that I found intriguing. It may just be the combination of the colors that had me hooked.
Power options
When it comes to power, you have several options when you have this device. The Goal Zero Yeti 400 has three USB ports, two 120V outlets, and 12V connectors in case you need to use it in a vehicle. However, on the far left are connectors that are designed to charge your Yeti 400.
You can plug the Goal Zero Yeti-400 into your car’s cigarette lighter, wall socket, or connect it to solar panels. You get several options when it comes to charging which is just great. However, you want to charge your device will now depend on your preference and convenience.
However, understand that the internal battery runs on Direct Current (DC), while almost all the electronics on your home run on Alternating Current (AC). To transform Direct Current to Alternating Current, you will need what is known as an inverter.
Some manufacturers will equip their devices with cheap inverters which may not work properly on all the different kinds of electronics. A good-quality inverter produces what is known as a pure sine wave. The voltage difference is well compensated since its digitally adjusted, therefore making it suitable for stereo systems, phones, and laptops.
The Goal Zero Yeti-400 is equipped with a top-quality inverter that produces pure sine waves and is guaranteed to give you long-lasting service. This device is considered a good buy since you have high-quality components.
Another fact that I found very practical about this device is that all 4 USB ports are designed to run at 2.4A. you probably have a Smartphone with fast-charge capability, right? Well, these ports make it possible for you to fast-charge your device.
Battery performance
I just had to see how long this device can run, and I have to say that I was impressed by the result.
Now, let us first understand one important factor, since the device is rated at 300 watts, you cannot run any electronic that uses more than that rating.
What this means is that you cannot plug in two devices running at 300 watts at the same time.
However, even when the AC ports are running at the maximum of 300 watts, you could still 12V socket or USB charging ports.
Although some users might find this rather limiting, I found it to be just sufficient for my needs.
The Goal Zero Yeti-400 has a 428 watt-hours battery capacity. This means that you could charge your phone for 35 hours non-stop, but a 300watt desktop would only last for 1.5 hours.
However, when using it to charge your phone or laptop you get several days of use.
The good news is that the LCD lets you know how much power you have and you can monitor your usage easily.
Now, the recharge time for your Yeti-400 is 7 hours, but you could cut down this time by 2 hours with the use of three solar panels.
Battery technology
In the current market, not so many batteries are have adapted to lithium technology.
One advantage of lithium technology is longevity since it can comfortably handle more than 1200 cycles before you even notice a slight capacity diminish.
Even with daily use, the Goal Zero Yeti-400 will last you so many years working at optimum levels.
The lithium batteries equally store power for longer. This means that you can fully charge your device and wait for when you will need it.
Lead-acid batteries are not reliable since they can take about 400 charge cycles only. These batteries self-drain within just 30 days. It is quite obvious that the Yeti-400 will give you much better service for a longer period.
Ease of use
The Yeti-400 was designed with the consumer’s needs in mind. It is an easy-to-use design with all the necessary ports that you might need.
Whatever you think of powering up, the Goal Zero Yeti-400 has a port to plug it into.
Plugging in a solar panel is equally simple and you won’t take more than a few seconds. Some battery designs need a lot of expertise when you need to connect them to the solar panel.
At first glance, the many features and ports may look challenging, yet they make the device easier to use.
Three Way Charging
This is the important feature that I always look out for in a portable solar power station. Charging through sunlight, a wall socket, and even the 12V carport makes a device much more efficient for camping and other outdoor activities.
You can easily connect a compatible solar panel and recharge your Yeti 400 within 6-12 hours. For me, it usually takes 7-8 hours with a Boulder 100 Briefcase.
The other method to charge is by just connecting it with a wall socket. You can use this method to charge when you are at home or planning for going on outdoor adventures.
Sometimes when we are on a trip and all our devices even the solar power station drains out then what to do! Simply use the third method to charge, connect the Yeti 400 lithium to the 12V charging carport, and Voila! your Yeti will get fully charged in just 4-7 hours.
Remember to use the only Goal Zero Yeti Lithium 12V Car Charging Cable as other cables may damage your solar power station.
What I like
I have to admit that I love the Yeti-400 due to so many reasons including the lithium battery, versatile nature, and low weight.
But what stood out the most for me was the different types of inputs in this device.
Don’t get me wrong the outputs are great, but with the inputs, you get several options when it comes to charging. Convenience is a priority for me when buying any equipment.
The Yeti-400 makes recharging quite convenient depending on the circumstance and preference.
Although I have to admit that the cost had me thinking twice about getting this device.
However, considering the features the Goal Zero Yeti-400 is worth the price. To sum it up, this is a great choice that I would recommend.
What I didn’t like
The Yeti-400 is not the best option when you want a battery that you can travel around with.
High capacity lithium batteries are not allowed on several aircraft which makes transportation hard at times.
However, I am hoping this stand-on lithium batteries changes soon so that I can take my Yeti-400 on the next surfing tour. I have to admit that I am not sure whether to blame the Yeti-400 or the airlines for this flaw.
The USB Type-C has not been included in the Yeti-400 which may make this device not suitable for some users.
Type C USB is projected to be the new standard for a while and soon this might become a huge disadvantage.
Pros
- Lightweight considering the battery capacity
- Simple to read LED display with all the information you need
- Versatile given the many types of outputs and inputs
- Easily portable
- Strong and durable construction
Cons
- Cost is relatively high
- IPX7 rating is lacking
Recommended Solar Panel for Yeti 400 Lithium
Goal Zero not just offers solar generators but also offers multiple solar panels to charge Goal Zero power stations.
Mainly, the panels come with two different names having different building materials – Nomad and Boulder.
Nomad is a low fabric-based foldable solar panel whereas Boulder is of high-quality monocrystalline solar panels with a briefcase design for portability.
The compatible solar panels from Nomad and Boulder series are-
- Nomad 20 solar panel which charges Goal Zero 400 Lithium in 31-62 hours. (Fit for light use)
- Boulder 50 solar panel that charges Goal Zeri in 12-24 hours. (Fit for standard use)
- Boulder 100 Briefcase solar panel which charges in just 6-12 hours. (Fit for heavy use)
Conclusion
If you want a versatile battery with reliable power, then the Goal Zero Yeti-400 is a great choice.
It may cost a few extra bucks, but its functionality is just flawless. It is a long;-lasting device that will serve you diligently for several years.
Instead of buying an expensive generator to charge your electronics, the Yeti-400 gives you a much cheaper and better solution.
Ensure you buy the device from a licensed retailer to get the original device.
