The Yeti series of portable power stations from Goal Zero are pretty amazing.
First of all, what are they?
They are portable, off the grid power solutions – for modern times.
These are a far cry from the old school, gas-powered generator.
Goal Zero describes them as generator alternatives.
The Goal Zero Yeti line combines efficient and powerful modern battery technology with innovative charging options.
And they are built to power the devices of today – phones, tablets, computers, and household appliances like microwaves, TVs, refrigerators – and more.
And whether you need an emergency power blackout option, power options for remote recreation, or robust power for the job site – there is a Yeti product that’s right for you.
We’ll look at the whole range of options – from compact to heavy duty.
In this article we’re going to review Goal Zero’s Yeti products that use AGM Lead-Acid battery technology.
Lead-acid batteries are traditional batteries – like that in your car.
They have some drawbacks – they are heavy, they need to stay fully charged when not in use.
BUT, they are significantly cheaper than the more advanced (and lighter) Lithium technology.
Let’s deep dive into these products here.
Lithium or lead-acid – what’s the best battery tech for you?
Lead-acid is the same technology as your car battery – it’s heavy, it involves acid, but it is high capacity and relatively affordable.
You also need to keep them fully charged at all times for best battery life.
Lithium batteries are significantly lighter and hold a charge for a long time. They also last for more recharge cycles (all batteries wear out and will need to be replaced in the future.)
They are more expensive as compared to lead-acid.
Goal Zero Yeti 150
The No products found. power station is the entry level, battery based power solution.
First of all, what is it exactly?
It’s a mega-sized battery (lead-acid type). You charge it up by connecting to a wall outlet (or use solar panels) and it provides lots of power.
Here’s a great overview of this compact, amazing device:
How do you use it?
Assuming it’s charged up – just plug your devices into the built-in power outputs.
There’s two type of 12V outlets – for car accessories, two USB Ports, and an 110V AC outlet – for very small household accessories – like phone chargers and laptop power bricks.
And because it’s a battery – just hit the power button and go – no fumes, no noise – it’s totally silent.
Here’s some more stats:
| Capacity | 150Wh, 14Ah (12V) battery capacity. |
| Cell Type | 12V sealed lead-acid battery (AGM) |
| Charge cycles | |
| Weight | 12 lb (5.4 kg) |
| Dimensions | 7.75 x 5.75 x 6.75 in (19.7 x 14.6 x 17.2 cm) |
| Solar Charge Time | 6-12 hours using the Boulder 50 solar panels |
| Wall Charger (45W) Time | 6 hours |
| 12V Car Adapter (30W) Charge Time | 4-6 hours |
This particular Yeti model uses a lead-acid battery, just like your car.
For best results, when not in use for remote power, you should leave it plugged into the wall – as that will maximize life for this type of battery.
That also means you shouldn’t drain it all the way down – it’ll last longer if you don’t do that.
The Goal Zero Yeti 150’s sweet spot is camping and recreational activities.
Keep phones charged, recharge camera batteries, or charge up your laptop.
The fume free, silent operation means you won’t disturb mother nature.
How much practical power does this provide on a full charge?
- Smartphone 9-12 Recharges
- POV Camera 25 Recharges
- Headlamp 25-50 Recharges
- Tablet 6 Recharges
- Laptop 1-2 Recharges
- Light-a-Life 50 Hours
- Smartphone 20+ Recharges
- POV Camera 70+ Recharges
- Headlamp 70+ Recharges
- Tablet 10+ Recharges
- Laptop 3-5 Recharges
- Light-a-Life 130 Hours
- Mini Fridge 7 Hours
- 32 LCD TV 3 hours
- Kit includes a Yeti 1250 Portable Power Station, Boulder 100 Briefcase solar panel with cord and kickstand, a roll cart and a wall charger
- 1250Wh lead acid battery portable power station can power up to 10 devices at once (100Ah @ 12V) with continuous 1200W (1500W surge) pure-sine wave inverter, 2.1A USB ports (4), 120W 12V ports (2)
- Chainable with other 100Ah lead acid batteries for longer runtimes
- Recharges from AC or pair with a solar panel (sold separately). No noise, no fumes, no maintenance
- Solar panel is a lightweight, 100-watt monocrystalline panel with briefcase folding enclosure, handle and case
- Innovators in portable solar power | For over a decade, Goal Zero has paved a new way forward in portable energy use at home, while traveling, and off grid. Our products are engineered with precision here in the U.S. Every feature has a purpose, designed with a real-life use case in mind. Portable solar gives you the power to stay charged from the sun wherever you go.
- Empower human potential | We are driven by a vision for success defined by our impact on people and the planet. To date, we’ve reached 31,000+ people around the world with our community empowerment and disaster relief projects. Our team is based along the Wasatch front in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Professional grade solar | Field-tested in a wide range of environments, from expeditions in the Arctic to job sites to the backyard. Our Boulder 100 Briefcase is designed to pair with a Goal Zero Yeti power station for a solar charging solution that you can use for camping, work sites, off-grid events, and backup power at home when the grid goes down.
- Durable and dependable | Two 50-watt monocrystalline solar panels combine in a briefcase-style design for ultimate portability. Built to last and survive, the Boulder 100 Briefcase is made with an anodized aluminum frame with added corner protection and tempered glass covering, making it weatherproof. Built-in kickstand lets you position the panels for optimal solar collection and stores away to easily transport from place to place. Chain with multiple Boulder panels for greater solar capacity.
- Safe and user-friendly | We prioritize product safety. Boulder 100 Briefcase comes with a 2-year warranty. All elements of the product from physical construction to added features are designed for ease of use.
- TOP-CAPACITY FOLDABLE SOLAR PANEL: The Boulder 200 Briefcase is rugged and durable with a tempered-glass and aluminum-frame construction. Added corner protection ensures this solar panel holds up to regular use, and two 100-watt flexible solar panels connected by a hinge maximize performance.
- HARNESS THE POWER OF THE SUN: Collect enough solar energy to power your world. If you’re living the van life and working remotely, the Boulder 200 folding solar panel will keep your van or RV, laptop, minifridge, and essentials running.
- CLEAN & QUIET ENERGY: Wherever you wander, and no matter what you need to power, the Boulder 200’s zero-emission, zero-noise solar power helps you live your life while reducing your impact on the planet. Integrate with a Goal Zero portable power station to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
- EASY TO TRANSPORT: Built-in legs pop out to stabilize the panel while it harnesses energy from the sun to power your devices and essential appliances. They fasten in place against the portable solar panels when not in use, and each leg features a stake-down loop for added security.
- THIS IS GOAL ZERO: We promote a bright, safe, connected, and sustainable future by delivering portable power solutions designed for everyone, everywhere. We offset 100% of carbon emissions from our shipping, and we use 100% renewable energy at our corporate headquarters and warehouse.
As you can see, the Yeti 150’s specialty is SMALL devices. You shouldn’t try to run household appliances off this unit.
How much is it? Here’s an up to date price quote, from Amazon:
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The Goal Zero Yeti 150 is a neat solution – for small power needs.
If you need more power – like for light household appliances, let’s look at it’s big brother.
Goal Zero Yeti 400
The next step up in the Yeti line is the No products found..
This model is similar to the 150 – AGM Lead-acid battery, a variety of power outputs, and multiple ways to charge.
The big difference? It’s bigger.
Capacity is 400Wh, 33Ah (12V). That’s significantly more than the 150.
Here’s what you can do with it:
Here’s some more stats:
| Capacity | 400Wh, 33Ah (12V) battery capacity. |
| Cell Type | 12V sealed lead-acid battery (AGM) |
| Weight | 29 lbs (13.2 kg) |
| Dimensions | 10.25 x 8 x 8 in (26 x 20.3 x 20.3 cm) |
| Solar Charge Time | 8-16 hours with the Boulder 100 Briefcase |
| Wall Charger (75W) Time | 5 hours |
| 12V Car Adapter (30W) Charge Time | 13 hours |
Again, this is a lead-acid battery – keep it on the wall charger when not in use – and don’t drain it down all the way.
And, for your viewing pleasure:
No products found.
If the Yeti 400 is not enough power for you, we have one more lead-acid option.
Goal Zero Yeti 1250
The Goal Zero Yeti 1250 (Buy on Amazon) is a portal power solution that you can charge with wall power or with solar panels.
At the core of the solution is an amazing battery.
This is a portable power solution for the year 2019.
It’s got 1200Wh (100Ah) capacity – that’s a lot.
For powering everything from phones, to laptops, to a refrigerator – this is a great emergency power solution.
Or, if you need an outdoor, remote power solution – for camping, working, recreation – or anything else.
We mentioned this isn’t an old fashioned gas powered generator – with all the fumes, noise, and danger of gasoline.
Goal Zero Yeti 1250 – Charging Options
Here’s the real beauty of this solution – the diverse array of charging options.
How do you charge it? From wall power, car charger, or even solar panels.
Doesn’t that take a while? Not as long as you’d think.
Here’s charging options for the 1250, and the time it takes to a full charge.
| Charging Method | Charge Time |
| Wall Charger (72W) | 18 Hours |
| Car Charger (30W) | 44 Hours |
| Boulder 50 Solar Panel | 36-96 Hours |
| Boulder 100 Solar Panel | 18-48 Hours |
| Boulder 200 Solar Panel | 9-24 Hours |
The other beauty of this approach – it’s so easy to use. No engine to start, no gas, just push a button and you have power (assuming you’ve charged the unit.)
Power Devices with the Goal Zero Yeti 1250
What can you power with the Goal Zero Yeti 1250?
Here’s the outputs – plug in any USB device with ease.
It can also power any standard 12V car accessories.
And lastly, it has an inverter built in to give you good ole 110V 60HZ AC power – via 3 separate outlets.
Use that for a microwave, coffee maker, tools, lighting, or even a refrigerator.
| Output | Specs |
| USB port | 5V, up to 2.1A (10.5W max), regulated |
| 6mm port | 12V, up to 6A (72W max) |
| 12V car port | 12V, up to 10A (120W max) |
| 12V power pole port | 12V, up to 33A (400W max) |
| AC inverter (output, pure sine wave) | 110VAC 60Hz, 10A (1200W continuous, 1500W surge max) |
Aren’t lead-acid batteries heavy?
Yep – and this one is no exception – the Yeti 1250 weights about 103 lbs.
Heavy, but not unmanageable. Included in the package is a roll cart.
How long will these appliances last? That will depend, of course. You won’t be able to drive a power draining device as long as a smaller one, of course.
This portable power solution also works best in above-freezing temperatures – battery performance is impacted greatly by temperature.
Can you power a full size refrigerator?
Can you really power a full-size refrigerator with the Yeti 1250?
Yes, you can.
Here’s the facts, straight from the manufacturer:
“Full-size refrigerator runtimes from the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 are dependent on several factors, including the year, make and model of your refrigerator, as well as its volume, fullness and usage.
We actively test a variety of refrigerators to determine an average runtime. For the longest runtimes and to optimize performance, we suggest limiting the opening and closing of refrigerator doors when powering from the Goal Zero Yeti 1250.”
How Could You Use a Yeti 1250?
What are some example uses of the Yeti 1250?
Emergency power for hurricane season, or blackouts and power outages.
Remote power for construction and projects – no more running extension cords.
Plenty of power for camping – be the campsite hero with a coffee maker, a microwave, and more – without disturbing the peace.
Power a tailgate party – and much, much more.
Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Panels
Let’s take a look at my favorite charging solution – Solar Panels. Harness the power of the sun – and get off the grid.
The Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel (Buy on Amazon) is a 100-watt monocrystalline solar panel, that folds into a brief case form factor (with carrying handle) for ease of transport.
The Boulder 100 Solar Panel is built with strong tempered glass and an aluminum frame with added corner protection for temporary or permanent installation.
It also has an integrated kickstand to help get the optimal angle to the sun.
The Boulder 100 solar panels can charge your Yeti 1250 in 18-48 hours – depending on intensity of sunlight.
This might be a surprise – but solar will work without direct sunlight, even in overcast conditions. That’s because solar panels utilize IR, UV, as well as the visible rays from the sun. The IR and UV light can easily penetrate cloud cover. Cloudy conditions will mean less efficient charging – but it doesn’t mean you are dead in the water!
Is it hard to setup? Nope – it includes a 5 foot cable to connect directly to Goal Zero products – like the Yeti 1250.
And, they are easy to transport securely, it folds up like a briefcase, complete with carrying handle.
Step up to the Boulder 200 Watt Briefcase Solar panel (Buy on Amazon) for even quick charging.
Yes, but they will work much better with direct sunlight. The glass pane of a window will significantly reduce recharging efficiency. Solar panels should be placed outside, in direct sunlight – if at all possible. Keeping the solar panel angled directly to the sun is also recommended – that’s when solar panels will work most efficiently.
In Summary
Want an emergency or remote power solution that is clean, easy to use, and powerful?
Then you want the Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Solutions.
Their Yeti products that are based off of lead-acid batteries are heavy, but have high capacity, and are affordable.
Team them up with the Boulder Solar panels for a true off-grid, green, and clean power solution.
Silent, no fumes, and plenty of power.
It’s a winning combination.
You may also be interested in our review of Goal Zero’s Lithium based Yeti Power Stations.
Last update on 2025-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
