The good news is that Yeti plays nicely with almost any solar panel – so feel free to use your existing setup or buy affordable third-party panels. As long as your panel meets the Yeti’s input voltage and has the right connector, you can soak up the sun’s rays and charge your Yeti anywhere..
You can use any solar panel with Goal Zero Yeti, as long as it meets the input voltage and current requirements of your Yeti model. You may also need an adapter to connect the solar panel to the Yeti input port. Goal Zero solar panels are designed to be compatible and convenient with Goal Zero Yeti, but they are not the only option.
How to Choose a Solar Panel for Goal Zero Yeti
Depending on the model and size of your Goal Zero Yeti, you have different options for choosing a solar panel. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a solar panel for Goal Zero Yeti:
Input Voltage and Current
The most important factor to consider is the input voltage and current of your Goal Zero Yeti. You need to choose a solar panel that matches or exceeds the input voltage and current rating of your Yeti model.
The input voltage and current rating of your Yeti can be found on the back of the unit or in the user manual. For example, a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 has an input voltage range of 14-22V and an input current limit of 10A for the 8mm port or 30A for the high-power port1.
You also need to check the output voltage and current of your solar panel. You can find this information on the back of the panel or in the product specifications. For example, a Renogy 100W solar panel has an output voltage of 17.9V and an output current of 5.72A2.
To connect a solar panel to your Goal Zero Yeti, you need to make sure that the output voltage of the panel is within the input voltage range of the Yeti, and that the output current of the panel does not exceed the input current limit of the Yeti.
For example, you can connect a Renogy 100W solar panel to a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 using either the 8mm port or the high-power port, as the output voltage (17.9V) is within the input voltage range (14-22V) and the output current (5.72A) is below the input current limit (10A or 30A).
However, you cannot connect a Renogy 200W solar panel to a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 using either port, as the output voltage (35.8V) is above the input voltage range (14-22V) and the output current (11.44A) is above the input current limit (10A) for the 8mm port.
Connector Type
Another factor to consider is the connector type of your solar panel and your Goal Zero Yeti. You need to choose a solar panel that has a compatible connector type with your Yeti model or use an adapter to connect them.
The connector type of your Goal Zero Yeti can be found on the back of the unit or in the user manual. For example, a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 has two types of input ports: an 8mm port and a high-power port with an Anderson Power Pole connector1.
The connector type of your solar panel can be found on the back of the panel or in the product specifications. For example, a Renogy 100W solar panel has an MC4 connector2.
To connect a solar panel to your Goal Zero Yeti, you need to make sure that the connector type of the panel matches or adapts to the connector type of the Yeti.
For example, you can connect a Renogy 100W solar panel to a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 using an MC4 to 8mm adapter or an MC4 to Anderson Power Pole adapter3. You cannot connect them directly without an adapter.
Solar Panel Type
The last factor to consider is the solar panel type. There are different types of solar panels available on the market, such as monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film, flexible, foldable, etc.
The solar panel type affects various aspects of your solar panel, such as efficiency, durability, weight, size, cost, etc.
For example, monocrystalline solar panels are more efficient, durable, and expensive than polycrystalline solar panels. Flexible solar panels are more lightweight, portable, and adaptable than rigid solar panels. Foldable solar panels are more convenient, compact, and easy to store than fixed solar panels.
To choose a solar panel type for your Goal Zero Yeti, you need to consider your personal preference and situation. You need to balance the pros and cons of each solar panel type and decide what matters most to you.
For example, if you want a high-efficiency and long-lasting solar panel, you may choose a monocrystalline solar panel. If you want a low-cost and easy-to-install solar panel, you may choose a polycrystalline solar panel. If you want a lightweight and flexible solar panel, you may choose a flexible solar panel. If you want a convenient and portable solar panel, you may choose a foldable solar panel.
How to Use a Solar Panel with Goal Zero Yeti
Once you have chosen a solar panel for your Goal Zero Yeti, you need to know how to use it properly. Here are some tips on how to use a solar panel with Goal Zero Yeti:
Connect the Solar Panel to the Goal Zero Yeti
To connect the solar panel to the Goal Zero Yeti, you need to follow these steps:
- Turn off your Goal Zero Yeti and unplug it from any power source.
- Choose an input port on the back of the Yeti that matches or adapts to the connector type of your solar panel.
- Connect the solar panel to the input port using the appropriate connector or adapter.
- Make sure the connection is secure and there are no loose wires or damaged plugs.
Place the Solar Panel in Direct Sunlight
To charge your Goal Zero Yeti with the solar panel, you need to place the solar panel in direct sunlight. You need to follow these steps:
- Find a sunny spot that is free of shade, dust, or debris.
- Angle the solar panel towards the sun for optimal exposure and performance.
- Avoid placing the solar panel on hot surfaces or near flammable materials.
- Check the LCD display on the front of the Yeti to see if it is charging.
Monitor the Charging Status of Your Goal Zero Yeti
To monitor the charging status of your Goal Zero Yeti with the solar panel, you need to follow these steps:
- Turn on your Goal Zero Yeti and check the LCD display on the front panel.
- Look at the input power in watts and the battery level in percentage.
- The input power shows how much power your Yeti is receiving from the solar panel.
- The battery level shows how much charge your Yeti has left in its battery.
- The charging time depends on the input power and the battery capacity of your Yeti.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any solar panel with Goal Zero Yeti?
A: Yes, you can use any solar panel with Goal Zero Yeti, as long as it meets the input voltage and current requirements of your Yeti model. You may also need an adapter to connect the solar panel to the Yeti input port.
Q: What are some compatible solar panels for Goal Zero Yeti?
A: Some compatible solar panels for Goal Zero Yeti are:
- Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase
- Renogy 100W Monocrystalline Solar Panel
- Renogy 100W Flexible Solar Panel
- Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel Charger
- Renogy 100W Suitcase
- Aeiusny 60W Portable Foldable Solar Panel4
Q: How do I connect multiple solar panels to Goal Zero Yeti?
A: To connect multiple solar panels to Goal Zero Yeti, you need to wire them in parallel, not in series. Wiring them in parallel will add up their current and keep their voltage constant. Wiring them in series will add up their voltage and exceed the input voltage range of your Yeti.
To wire multiple solar panels in parallel, you need to use a branch connector or a combiner box that matches or adapts to the connector type of your solar panels and your Yeti.
For example, if you have two Renogy 100W solar panels with MC4 connectors and a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 with an 8mm port, you need to use an MC4 branch connector and an MC4 to 8mm adapter3.
Conclusion
Your Goal Zero Yeti is a versatile and reliable portable power station that can provide you with clean and quiet energy for your devices and appliances. You can use any solar panel with Goal Zero Yeti, as long as it meets the input voltage and current requirements of your Yeti model. You may also need an adapter to connect the solar panel to the Yeti input port.
Goal Zero solar panels are designed to be compatible and convenient with Goal Zero Yeti, but they are not the only option. You can choose from different types of solar panels, such as monocrystalline,
