
Robert Workman founded Goal Zero. His purpose in creating the company was to create products that are accessible and helpful for people from all walks of life.
Workman began with the organization TIFIE Humanitarian. He spent time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, allowing him to see what people needed to get themselves out of poverty. This made him want to help people to empower themselves so that they could achieve their goals in life.
He started Goal Zero with the purpose of creating portable solar products that are the most innovative ones on the market. This was in 2007.
In 2008, the company took their first Goal Zero power station, now referred to as the Goal Zero Yeti 150 to the DRC. This was a solar power back that is portable. It consists of a solar panel, battery and an LED light. The purpose was to bring this system to villagers so that they could have safety and light.
The company officially launched itself as a business in 2009. By 2010, they were selling their Goal Zero power stations, and donating them to areas throughout the world without power, such as parts of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
In 2011 and 2012, the company continued to donate power stations to areas hit by natural disasters, including the tsunami in Japan in 2011 and those affected by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
In 2014, they were acquired by NRG Energy. Workman said that this made it possible for Goal Zero to do more good for people throughout the world with their Goal Zero power stations.
The company continues to do a lot of disaster relief. While researching for this Goal Zero power station’s review, we found that they provide portable power to areas all over the world, including areas hit by natural disasters in the United States.
Goal Zero Products
While this company is known for its Goal Zero power stations, they offer a variety of other items that provide power and light. After finding the best Goal Zero power station, you can also find a variety of adapters, cords and accessories that make using these power stations and other power products easier. The following power products are created by this company:
- USB Power Banks
- Power Stations
- Portable Power Products
- Small Power Kits
- Large Power Kits
- AC Power Banks
- Foldable Power Products
- Semi-Portable Power Products
- Medium Power Kits
You can also find lanterns and lights that are compatible with the Goal Zero power stations and other power products.
Common Features of Goal Zero Power Stations
While working on this Goal Zero power stations review, several features stood out. It is important to explore these because it will make it easier to choose the best Goal Zero power station for your needs.
Multiple Types of Outlets
There are several outlet types on Goal Zero power stations. You will find that these power stations have AC outlets, 12V outlets and USB ports. How many outlets are available will depend on the size of your chosen power station and the model that you get.
Think about the items that you plan on plugging into your power station on a regular basis. Consider the types of cords or chargers that they have. This will make it easier to pick the unit that can accommodate all of these items. Since you can plug in several items at once, you should take into account how many of each cord you have so that you can pick one with the proper number of outlets.
The Yeti App
Several of these power stations are WiFi enabled, allowing you to use them along with the app. This app is available through both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. It is very easy to use and provides a lot of important information about your Yeti.
You can use the app to keep track of several operating features of your power station. For example, use it to keep an eye on the battery level so that you know when it is time to recharge it. This app also provides information about turning the ports off and on. Use it for updating the firmware on your Yeti too.
Several Charging Options
Goal Zero power stations allow you to recharge them in three ways. You can plug the device into a wall outlet in your home. This is often the fastest way to fully recharge the battery. This device also allows you to charge it in your vehicle. To do this, plug it into the cigarette lighter port. Just ensure that you are using the right adapter to prevent causing damage to the Yeti.
You can also use portable solar panels to provide a recharge to your device. Make sure that the panels are in direct sunlight so that you are getting the most solar power possible.
Safe and Silent Operation
When you are using one of these power stations, you never have to worry about fumes that come from fuel. There is no gas needed to power these devices. Instead, you will just charge up the internal battery and the power you get comes from that.
These power stations operate without making any noise. There is no need to worry about causing any noise disruptions to the people around you. This makes these units an especially good idea for places like campsites where there is a lot of people around.
The Power Stations Are Portable
All of these power stations are lightweight. The heaviest one weighs less than 70 pounds. Those that are a little heavier come with a kit that makes them easily portable.
The portability kits have telescopic handles and wheels. You can easily put these kits on and take them off. This make it easy to place and store the power station once you get it in place.
Due to the design of the kits, you can use these when you are out in nature. Pull the power station around trails, for example, when you are hiking to your camping site. This makes it easy to have power everywhere you will need it.
Long-Lasting Battery
These power stations can be recharged hundreds of times due to their lithium ion batteries. No matter which charging option you use, the average recharging time is about six hours. This makes it possible to get your power station ready for its next use in a short period of time.
Wide Temperature Range
These power stations can be used in a wide range of temperature situations. Because of this, you can use them for numerous outdoor activities during a variety of seasons. The average temperature range for these units is 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Several models have a fan built into them. This allows them to keep the battery cool in a variety of conditions. You will not have to deal with the battery overheating even when you are using the power station for a long period of time.
The Following Are Among the Best Goal Zero Power Station Options
As we compiled information for this Goal Zero power station review, we found that some of the Goal Zero power stations may be the best choice. Exploring these options make it simpler to narrow down your choices for the best Goal Zero power station.
Goal Zero Yeti 150
The Goal Zero Yeti 150 runs silently even when you are running it at full capacity. It can accommodate several items with its AC outlet, 12V output and two USB ports.
This unit is very portable since it only weighs 12.5 pounds. You can use it in your vehicle to keep mobile items charged. It is also a good choice for outdoor activities and camping since it works for things like powering camping lanterns.
It takes about six hours to recharge it in your vehicle or a wall outlet in your home. If you opt to use portable solar panels, it will take six to 12 hours, depending on the solar panel size.
This small power station is a good choice when you have small items that you want to provide some power to. For example, charge your headlamp or your cellphone so that these items are always available when you need them.
What We Liked
- You can use it to charge several types of items
- It is easy to carry around
- This unit is reliable
What We Didn’t Like
- Charging items with this power station takes longer than with a wall outlet
Goal Zero Power Station – Yeti 1000
The Goal Zero Yeti 1000 lets you get power right away as soon as you push the button. This device operates silently so that there is no disruption to the people who are around you.
Never worry about things like fumes from gas or needing to find an extension cord. This unit uses a lithium ion battery to provide power to your items.
There are numerous outlets so that you can plug in multiple items. These outlets include two AC outlets, one 12V output and four USB ports.
The display on this device provides you with a lot of important information about the operation of the power station. You can observe the battery level, recharging and run-time estimates and an input/output meter.
Recharge this power station in three different ways. This includes connecting a solar panel so that you can easily charge it when you are out in nature, as long as you have direct access to sunlight.
What We Liked
- This power station is ideal for travel
- It has a fan to cool the battery
- The unit has plenty of power
What We Didn’t Like
- Its performance is sometimes inconsistent
Goal Zero Power Station – Yeti 3000
The Goal Zero Yeti 3000 has 10 ports for you to choose from. This allows you to provide power to numerous items at the same time. Use it for mobile devices, as well as larger things like laptop computers.
This power station is WiFi connected. You can download the Yeti app on your smartphone or tablet. When you use this, you can do things like update firmware and check battery levels remotely.
There is a mobility kit with this power station since it is larger. It includes a telescoping handle and wheels so that you can move the power station around easier. You can choose to remove this kit if you do not want to use it.
The water-tight enclosure on the battery pack offers solid protection. You also do not have to worry about issues, like over-current, overcharging and short circuiting. This helps to ensure that the battery has a long life.
What We Liked
- This unit is easily portable
- You can power small items during an emergency
- It is easy to use this device
What We Didn’t Like
- Similar products have a little more power