Right after I did a thorough review of the the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 lithium, I discovered something that needed my attention: a detailed post on the Yeti 1000 lithium compatible solar panels.
I figured this out because, despite the fact that I clearly mentioned in the review the manner of solar panels this portable solar generator tolerates, I got (and still get) a sizeable amount of mail seeking the answer to this.
As is customary with me, I answered as much as time permitted.
However, beyond a certain point, the requests were more than my single head and two arms could productively accommodate: I simply had to look for an option that would be as close to automation as possible.
Now, what better way is there to fix the challenge once and for all than crafting a separate post detailing all that can be detailed and importantly, publishing it right here?
* * *
I am an active participant in the Amazon Affiliate Program. This means that, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com (or any of its affiliated sites).
* * *
A Brief Overview Of The Yeti 1000 Lithium
Capable of churning out an impressive silent and powerful 1045Wh derivable from an 96.8Ah (10.8V) lithium battery, the Yeti 1000 lithium is pitched between the more powerful Yeti 1400 – which is a WiFi powered option – and the more modest Yeti 400 lithium.
The portable solar generator itself was designed from the ground up to take over the reins the Yeti 1250 once held – ensuring power and portability all in one piece.
With a more modest weight, better shelve life and a price tag that is clearly not reserved for the filthy rich, it is safe to conclude that this solar generator model has succeed in achieving the very point for its conception, design and marketing in the very first place.
Users who buy the portable solar station do so primarily for the following reasons:
- Camping and general outdoor mobile power.
- Emergency power solution should the grid ever fail and power is needed and
- For use in daily applications, requiring small to medium power appliances in places and instances where the grid typically does not serve but there exist enormous amounts of sunlight, practically ‘wasting’ away.
As can be seen from the above, the manner of persons who buy and use the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 lithium are primarily drawn to 2 things:
- The unit’s portability, coupled with its power (which is reasonable, considering its weight-power analysis).
- The fact that the unit can be easily charged by portable solar power, anywhere on the earth’s surface, provided the sun shines there and there are is a compatible solar panel close by.
It is the latter reason for owning the unit that will occupy my time hence.
Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium Compatible Solar Panels: 3 Recommended Options
Ordinarily, any solar panel, 50 Watts (or above), wired in the manner consistent with the plugs of the Yeti 1000 lithium will certainly charge it by means of the sun.
However, to avoid voiding the product’s warranty, ensuring that you remove guess work away from the buying process and importantly, to make certain that your mind actually rests easy when you decide to plug the power of a largely unknown solar panel to your precious Goal Zero, it is actually recommended that you strictly adhere to the options provided here.
Going your own, in this instance (regardless of your experience) means only one thing: you are exactly on your own and importantly, bear all the risk!
Here are the solar panels that are compatible with the Yeti 1000 lithium and importantly, recommended by the its manufacturer, Goal Zero directly.
The Boulder 50 Solar Panel
The joy of the average person who buys anything remotely related to a solar generator is to be able to get a corresponding panel (usually, sold separately) that triples as light, durable and fair in price – the all important ‘trinity’ when the business of solar panels for portable solar generators is considered.
This is usually a herculean task as many solar panels in the market do not posses these three great and very importantly qualities.
A shame. Truly.
Enter the Goal Zero Boulder 50 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel.
At an impressive 12.4 lbs (5.6 kg), this single facing solar panel is one sided, not foldable and is generally light enough to easily move, store and transport.
Rated at 50 Watts. the monocrystalline solar panel comes standard with a removable kickstand that is generally removed for storage and affixed in place when it is important to face the sun directly for best solar charging optimization.
However, what really drew me in to this unit is how well made it is: the solar panel features a strong anodized aluminum frame and is finished with tempered glass to protect it from the elements, handling, storage and anything that reasonably threatens its continued existence as a solar panel capable of powering the Yeti 1000 lithium.
The deal closer, of course, is simple and seductive: the Boulder 50 solar panel is chainable with other Goal Zero solar panels (without the need for extra cables) up to a max of 150 Watts. This you know can only mean one thing: a super fast solar charging reality.
At peak sunlight (tropical standard), the Goal Zero Boulder 50 solar panel recharges the Yeti 1000 lithium (from flat to 100%) in about 30 hours.
You should take a look at the Boulder 50 directly on Amazon and familiarize yourself with one or two features of the solar panel I may have missed.
The Boulder 100 Solar Panel
The Boulder 50 solar panel chronicled above is an impressive and smart ‘starter pack’ that comes in handy when you’re on a tight budget, are looking to charge your generator at your convenience and importantly, are weight conscious – preferring an option that is light and easy to carry around.
However, when these variables change, the smaller unit instantly becomes an option that doesn’t fit in the bill anymore.
For instance, if you desire your Yeti 1000 lithium to charge up faster than what the Boulder 50 can afford, then, looking up is as important as it is necessary.
Enter the Boulder 100 solar panel.
Designed in such a manner as to take a beating but still be able to charge up your Yeti, this solar panel is finished with tempered glass and anodized aluminum, making it super durable – even in the event of a sad fall.
However, despite these plethora of features, the most impressive remain the super reasonable weight of the unit (20.1 lbs – 9.1 kg) and its removable kick-stand design.
Capable of churning out an impressive 100 Watts of power, the solar panel is double the capacity of the other Boulder 50, discussed immediately above.
With added Watts, it flows, more power will trickle and ultimately, ensure that the connected Yeti 1000 lithium recharges itself in a manner faster than what the former affords.
In terms of numbers, this solar panel, with good sunlight, will recharge your Yeti 1000 lithium from a completely flat state to 100% in about 18-20 hours, no more; no less.
If you seek my personal opinion, this is a fair figure – especially when what you can do with a fully charged Yeti 1000 lithium is factored and closely considered.
Kindly take a look at the Boulder 100 directly on Amazon and familiarize yourself with both its features and importantly, the opinions of other users before you. This way, you will know exactly what you’re expecting leaving room for no crude surprises 🙂
The Boulder 200 Solar Panel Portable Briefcase
Sometimes, nothing but the utmost best will do.
In such an instance, managing anything simply does not fly: it is either the best or nothing.
In the automotive world, this would be deemed to have taken place when someone who is shopping up for an SUV insists on purchasing the legendary Land Cruiser – or nothing.
In the world of the Yeti 1000 lithium, the Boulder 200 solar panel briefcase represents all that the Land Cruiser does in the automotive world of SUVs.
For those who want super fast charging with the their new Yeti and would love to do that charging in style, there is nothing that beats the impressive and thoughtfully designed Boulder 200 solar panel briefcase.
Possessing all the good features of the other two solar panels previously discussed – the Boulder 50 and Boulder 100 – the Boulder 200 takes things to a whole new level by sporting a briefcase design that makes both use and storage a breeze (one that certainly defies its 200 Watts power).
All thanks to the thoughtful handle and added carrying case, the weight of the solar panel (25.9 lbs (11.7 kg) conveniently fits into your palm as you explore the great wilds in the most mobile of fashions.
Usually, I do not believe that the very best (and powerful) of things need elaborate talk to either sell them or the idea that powers them.
Or, how else do you wrap up a solar solution that conveniently charges the Yeti 1000 lithium from a flat state to a full and impressive 100% in only about 7 hours?
Take a look at the Boulder 200 on Amazon directly, read what solar enthusiasts who have been privileged to use the unit think and then, make up your mind.
Summary Of Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Lithium Compatible Solar Panels
Solar energy (represented here by the various panel types) remains one of the cleanest – and cheapest power options anywhere in the world.
Sometimes (for instance, when you’re in the wild), it also may be the only power option available, plus or minus.
The good thing is that, with a Yeti – especially the 1000 lithium, 3 awesome choices exist: the Boulder 50, 100 and 200, each charging the unit under different time frames (as suites your reality).
Personally, I love the briefcase design of the Boulder 200 and it is what I currently use. Further, I love it because, it can charge up other bigger and more impressive options in the Yeti lineup too. You never know when you’ll need to upgrade.
Now, let me know via my contact page which of these options you’re in love with and why?
Will you choose the Boulder 200 (like me) or opt for another option?