The Goal Zero does have an inverter built-in. All of their power stations, also known as Yetis, have an AC inverter that can output pure sine wave AC power. The size and capacity of the inverter vary depending on the model of the Yeti, but they can all power AC devices and appliances with ease.
What is an inverter?
An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power. DC power is the type of power that comes from batteries or solar panels. It has a constant voltage and polarity and flows in one direction. AC power is the type of power that comes from wall outlets or generators. It has a varying voltage and polarity and flows back and forth.
Most devices and appliances that we use in our homes or RVs require AC power to operate. However, some devices can also run on DC power, such as phones, tablets, cameras or lights. These devices usually have a USB port or a 12V port that can connect to a DC power source.
An inverter allows you to use AC devices and appliances with a DC power source. It converts the DC power to AC power with the same voltage and frequency as the wall outlet or generator. For example, in the UK, the standard AC voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz.
Why do I need an inverter?
An inverter is useful when you want to use AC devices and appliances with a portable power source, such as a battery or a solar panel. This way, you can have access to AC power even when you’re away from the grid or when there is a power outage.
An inverter is also useful when you want to use AC devices and appliances with a renewable energy source, such as solar or wind. This way, you can reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your electricity bills.
An inverter is also useful when you want to use AC devices and appliances with a more efficient and stable power source, such as a lithium-ion battery. This way, you can avoid the noise, fumes and maintenance of a gas generator.
How does the Goal Zero inverter work?
The Goal Zero inverter is built into their power stations, also known as Yetis. The Yetis are portable battery packs that can store and deliver DC and AC power for your devices and appliances. They can be recharged from various sources, such as wall outlets, car ports or solar panels.
The Goal Zero inverter converts the DC power from the battery to AC power for your AC devices and appliances. It has one or more AC outlets that can output pure sine wave AC power with the same voltage and frequency as the wall outlet or generator.
The size and capacity of the Goal Zero inverter depend on the model of the Yeti. The smallest Yeti, the Yeti 200X, has a 300W inverter that can output up to 1200W surge1. The largest Yeti, the Yeti 6000X, has a 2000W inverter that can output up to 3500W surge2.
The Goal Zero inverter is smart and safe to use. It has an LCD screen that shows the input and output wattage, battery level and status indicators. It also has a management system that protects against overcharging, overloading, short-circuiting and overheating.
FAQs
Q: What kind of devices and appliances can I power with the Goal Zero inverter?
A: You can power almost any kind of device or appliance that requires AC power with the Goal Zero inverter. However, you need to make sure that the wattage of your device or appliance does not exceed the wattage of your Yeti’s inverter. You also need to make sure that your Yeti’s battery has enough charge to run your device or appliance for your desired time.
Some examples of devices and appliances that you can power with the Goal Zero inverter are:
- Laptops
- TVs
- Microwaves
- Fridges
- Fans
- Lights
- Power tools
- Medical devices
Q: How long can I run my devices and appliances with the Goal Zero inverter?
A: The run time of your devices and appliances with the Goal Zero inverter depends on several factors, such as the wattage of your device or appliance, the capacity of your Yeti’s battery, the temperature and the state of charge. Generally, the higher the wattage of your device or appliance, the shorter the run time. The lower the capacity of your Yeti’s battery, the shorter the run time. The colder the temperature, the shorter the run time. The lower the state of charge, the shorter the run time.
You can estimate the run time of your devices and appliances with the Goal Zero inverter by using this formula:
Run time (hours) = Battery capacity (Wh) / Device wattage (W) x 0.8
The 0.8 factor accounts for some power loss during the conversion from DC to AC.
For example, if you have a Yeti 3000X with a battery capacity of 3032Wh and you want to power a microwave with a wattage of 1000W, you can estimate the run time as follows:
Run time (hours) = 3032Wh / 1000W x 0.8 Run time (hours) = 2.43 hours
This is an approximate run time and it may vary depending on the actual conditions.
Q: How do I optimize the performance and lifespan of my Goal Zero inverter?
A: To optimize the performance and lifespan of your Goal Zero inverter, you should follow these tips:
- Keep your Yeti in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Avoid overloading or short-circuiting your Yeti’s inverter by checking the wattage of your devices and appliances before plugging them in.
- Avoid draining your Yeti’s battery below 20% or overcharging it above 80% to extend its lifespan.
- Recharge your Yeti regularly to prevent battery degradation.
- Use compatible solar panels or wall chargers to recharge your Yeti safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
The Goal Zero inverter is a built-in feature of their power stations that allows you to use AC devices and appliances with a portable and renewable power source. It can output pure sine wave AC power with various wattages and surges depending on the model of the Yeti. It can power almost any kind of device or appliance that requires AC power, as long as it does not exceed the wattage of the Yeti’s inverter. It can also run your devices and appliances for different times depending on the capacity of the Yeti’s battery and other factors.
The Goal Zero inverter is smart and safe to use, with an LCD screen, a management system and a protective case. It is also easy to use, with one or more AC outlets that you can plug your devices and appliances into. It is also easy to recharge, with various sources such as wall outlets, car ports or solar panels.
The Goal Zero inverter is a great way to power your devices and appliances in any situation, whether you’re camping, hiking, working or living off the grid. It is also a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your electricity bills. It is a great way to have access to AC power wherever you are.
