Whether you live out in your RV full time and travel the country or like to occasionally disappear from the hustle and the stress of the city by going off the grid, you will need electricity. You still need to use the kitchen and home appliances, and some days, winding down will mean catching up on your favorite TV shows besides reading, and this means that you need to have a reliable power source. So, as you think of greener energy sources like modern power stations, you’d also want to invest in the best solar panel for the selected power station. Notably, there are several options of power stations and solar generators, which would mean that the best solar panel you choose is the one that comes with all the right features you need. In a nutshell, the right solar panel has the settings and functions compatible with your power station.
If you are a Goal Zero Power Station enthusiast, the one thing you need to make sure that you have a solar panel whose elements are compatible with your solar station, especially because you want to be powered through the day and night, and also, your laptops and the rest of your electronic devices must be powered correctly.
So, if you choose the Goal Zero Yeti 400, for example, for your RV, you’d want to find a solar panel to power this power station or solar generator. It should be easy to plug into the adapter easily. Keep in mind that although your Yeti 400 is a solar power generator, it cannot generate the needed power on its own, which is where the solar panels come in. And we are not talking about just any kind of solar panel, but the best, high-quality and high-efficiency solar panels that would do a great job of keeping you powered while you’re off the grid. Goal Zero’s Boulder panels might be a good option, but the panels by Renogy or Rockpals could also be great. So, which one is more appropriate?
And how do you determine what the best solar panel for your Goal Zero Yeti 400 is? And if this is your first time shopping for a solar panel, do you even know what you should be looking out for? Well, we’ve got you – in this buying guide, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about the right options of solar panels for the Yeti 400.
Best Solar Panel for Goal Zero Yeti 400 – Comparison Table
Solar Panel | Need for Additional Adapter | Type of Solar Panel | Watts | Open-Circuit Voltage (VOC) | Maximum Power Voltage (VMP) | Maximum Power Current (Amp) | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel | No | Monocrystalline Cells | 100W | 22.5V | 17.2V | 5.81A | |
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel | No | Monocrystalline Cells | 100W | 22.3V | 18.6V | 5.38A | |
Boulder 50 Solar Panel | No | Monocrystalline Cells | 50W | 20V | 14V | 3.5A |
Best Solar Panel for Goal Zero Yeti 400
The Yeti 400 is one of the older Yeti models of power stations, but it boasts one of the quietest operations for a portable power station. It is a 400Wh power station with a battery capacity of 33Ah and 12V, along with a replaceable and chainable sealed lead-acid AGM battery. It weighs 29lbs and comes with several power output options, including 2 AC outlets, a 12V outlet, and 2 USB ports.
So, what’s the ideal solar panel for this Goal Zero Yeti 400?
Well, the Yeti 400 allows for easy recharging from the sun when you connect it to a compatible solar panel such as the Boulder 100 Briefcase. This solar panel charges it fully in 6-12 hours.
Reviews of Yeti 400’s Ideal Solar Panels
-
Boulder 100 Briefcase Solar Panel
- Innovators in portable solar power | For over a decade, Goal Zero has paved a new way forward in portable...
- Empower human potential | We are driven by a vision for success defined by our impact on people and the...
- Professional grade solar | Field-tested in a wide range of environments, from expeditions in the Arctic to job...
- Durable and dependable | Two 50-watt monocrystalline solar panels combine in a briefcase-style design for...
- Safe and user-friendly | We prioritize product safety. Boulder 100 Briefcase comes with a 2-year warranty. All...
The Boulder 100 Briefcase solar panel is one of the best solar panels for your Yeti 400. It’s compatible, and since it’s also a product of Goal Zero, you don’t have to worry much about its compatibility.
It is durable, rigid, and has a rugged build thanks to the fact that this solar panel is constructed out of the best quality and reliable tempered glass as well as an aluminum frame. The frame gives it an added layer of protection, both during the permanent and temporary installation. The best part is that this solar panel comes equipped with this simple and functional integrated kickstand which ensures that the solar panel is always placed at an optimal angle to the sun for the best performance.
On to its finer details – you have the 100W setup with a voltage range of 14V-22V that matches the solar panel. And to charge the power station, it features a blue 8mm solar port rated 14-22.5V to a maximum of 7A or 100W. Its power is rated 100W and has an open circuit voltage of 22.5V.
It is a monocrystalline solar panel, and this cell type means that the solar panel is quite efficient even in lower light conditions. Since this solar panel doesn’t hold on to charge when exposed to the sun, you need to connect it to the power station.
Pros
- No additional adapter needed.
- Highly efficient thanks to the monocrystalline cells
- Excellent compatibility with the Goal Zero Yeti 400
- Sturdy and durable
- Well protected thanks to the frame
- Professional-grade and tested for use in multiple environments
- Portable thanks to its foldable design
Cons
- The carrying case could be more durable
- The cables are a little too short
-
Renogy 100 Watt 12 Volt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
- Compact and Reliable - The 100W 12V Monocrystalline solar panel delivers a stable output of an average 500Wh...
- Superior Quality and Material - All Renogy solar panels are made from 100% EL-tested Grade A+ solar cells to...
- Advanced Solar Cell Tech and Panel Structure - Renogy solar panels adapted the newest 9 Bus-bars cell tech and...
- Built to Last - This all-weather monocrystalline solar panel can handle snow, rain, and heat for decades with...
- Fast and Easy Installation - 20 pre-drilled holes on the back of the solar panels 100w allow for quick...
Since you are looking for a high-efficiency solar panel that works perfectly with your Yeti 400, this monocrystalline solar panel by Renogy would be an ideal option for you. It is one of the most popular options on the market today, and you may like its single-panel compact design since it enhances its compatibility.
Some of the features that stand out from this solar panel include its monocrystalline cells and the high-efficiency module PV that allows for easy charging of your power station. It’s built for use in some of the most diverse environments thanks to the use of the advanced encapsulation material that features a multi-layered sheet lamination which further boosts the performance of the cells while prolonging the years of service you will get from the panel.
It’s also quite durable with a positive output tolerance of 0-3%, capacity to withstand snow loads of up to 5400Pa, and high winds of 2400Pa, so you can use it at the beach or the wild camping.
It boasts a maximum series fuse rating of 15A and handles maximum power of 100W. Its maximum system voltage allowance is 600V for DC, and it has a VMP of 18.6V, and an open-circuit voltage of 22.3V, as well as an optimum operating current of 5.38A.
Pros
- Versatile and compatible with different ground mounts for use on/off-grid.
- Reliable performance with no hotpot heating
- Power drop minimized by the bypass diodes
- Durable and withstands different environmental conditions, it’s IP65-rated
- Powerful
- Compatible with Yeti 400
- The connectors work great
Cons
- The sharp edges may make you feel a little off.
-
Boulder 50 Solar Panel
- Innovators in portable solar power | For over a decade, Goal Zero has paved a new way forward in portable...
- Empower human potential | We are driven by a vision for success defined by our impact on people and the...
- Professional grade solar | Field-tested in a wide range of environments, from expeditions in the Arctic to job...
- Durable and dependable | Portable 50-watt monocrystalline solar panel built to last and survive. Boulder 50 is...
- Safe and user-friendly | We prioritize product safety. Boulder 50 comes with a 2-year warranty. All elements...
This is a Yeti 400-compatible Goal Zero solar panel that promises great performance for off-road use, especially if you are on a budget and you don’t need too much power since you’ll be away for just a few days.
It’s built for outdoor use and boasts a portable design that is rigid, durable, and rugged. It’s made with durable tempered glass plus an aluminum frame that enhances its use in rough patches and for easy installation.
It is a 50W solar panel that takes a maximum voltage of between 14V and 22V. It also features highly efficient monocrystalline cells, an 18-20V open-circuit voltage, a blue 8MM solar port, and a maximum output of 3.5A or a maximum of 50W. The solar port makes use of input chaining that takes up to 150W of power.
Pros
- Great power source for off-road use
- Highly portable
- Durable
- Easy to setup
- Will keep your appliances and electronic devices powered up
- Easy to use
- Works great with Yeti 400 power stations
- Affordable
Cons
- The carrying case is not the most durable one
- The leg design is not the very best.
Buying Guide for the Best Solar Panel for Goal Zero Yeti 400
There is a lot that goes into determining the right solar panel for a power station, and we’ll highlight some of these features and factors to take into consideration below.
-
Adapter Needed
To be able to use the solar panel and to connect it to the power station, you must have the right adapter, or rather, there should be adapter compatibility. What this means is that you’d have to first check the markings on your Yeti and the solar panel, specifically, the Requires Additional Adapter mark. This is common with most power stations because you’ll have to decide between the use of the Anderson Power Pole Input and the 8mm input. If your Yeti power station has an 8mm input that maxes out at 10A or 120W, you’d want to use the Anderson input. The catch is that not all the Yeti power stations have the Anderson inputs, but most of the Yetis have a minimum of one 8mm input.
-
Compatibility with the Yeti Lithium Battery
The second most important consideration to check is the solar panel and power station’s battery compatibility. For the older Yeti power stations like the Yeti 400, you will notice a sticker that warns against going over the 22V input option, while the newer and larger Yetis feature a sticker that reminds you to keep the voltage below 50V. What do the 22V/50V voltage limits mean? Well, these numbers relate to the VMP rating of the solar panels, also known as the maximum operating voltage, which is often found on the solar panels’ specifications page. The number is considered the voltage at which the power output is at the highest.
With this in mind, it’s noted that the use of the portable and suitcase-style solar panels is more ideal for you if you need an option that allows you to move the panels, for example, when you pack in the shade and if you need this solution for a few days.
-
Compatibility for the Non-Lithium Goal Zero Power Station
When it comes to the non-lithium Yeti power station, the maximum input voltage will be quite different and largely dependent on the model of solar panel and power station you choose. So, for the Goal Zero Yeti 400 with a single 8mm port, you need a solar panel that supports 14V-29V to a maximum of 10A or 120W.
Generally, the non-lithium options record high maximum voltages, which is why you could use more powerful solar panels.
-
Connectors
If you intend to connect two solar panels, you should get the right connectors. There are connectors or adapters specific for 2, 3, or 4 panels in parallel connection, and for series connections, you need to consider the total voltage passed through the VMP rating and the connector or charge controller that will handle all that voltage. For the Yeti power station, you’d need MC4 connectors (male/ female).
-
Type of solar panels
Should you get the monocrystalline or the polycrystalline solar panel? The difference between these two is that the monocrystalline panels tend to cost a lot more since they are a lot more efficient in terms of the space they take up and their power output. But if you need a cheaper option, then the polycrystalline solar panels would be more ideal, although their tolerance for heat is low, meaning that their efficiency is reduced in higher temperatures, and they also take up much more space.
Choosing the right third-party solar panels for Goal Zero Yeti 400
Since you may be considering some of the solar panels from third parties, here are some of the important factors to keep in mind:
Voltage – like the Goal Zero panels, follow the recommended warnings and limits provided. So, don’t exceed the 22V as recommended on your Yeti 400 or 50V for the Yeti models that advise you not to exceed the 50V mark. And as mentioned above, you should always check the requirements recommendations for the model you own.
No Charge controller – all Yeti power stations come with inbuilt charge controllers, and the rule of the thumb is that you cannot connect the solar panel if it lacks a built-in charge controller. The good news is that most portable solar panels come with charge controllers since they are meant to connect to the battery directly.
Adapter – Your Yeti 400 comes with an 8mm input, and you’ll need an MC4-to-8mm cable adapter.
Conclusion
Since you have been looking for the ideal options of solar panels for your Goal Zero Yeti, the recommendations above are among the best as they feature the best 8mm adapters and their power ratings are within the acceptable range for the Yeti 400. They are equally portable, which is a great win in our books.
FAQs
Can solar panels with built-in charge controllers used with your Goal Zero Yeti 400?
No. Because the Goal Zero Yeti 400 power station already features a charge controller built-in, you don’t need the solar panel with a charge controller.
How fast do solar panels charge the Goal Yeti 400 power stations?
Well, how fast the Yeti power station is charged will depend on the size of the Yeti power station and the number of panels, and also how sunny it is. Oftentimes, it takes about 6 hours for the power station to be charged, although it might take up to 12 hours in some cases.
