For a complete off-grid, off-road power solution for your camper or RV, you need not only one of the most reliable power stations but also a highly efficient solar panel. In this article, we’ll share recommendations for the ideal solar panels that you can use for the Goal Zero Yeti 500X power station.
Here, ideal refers to the solar panel that is compatible with the Goal Zero Yeti 500X power station in terms of the maximum voltage, the connectors, and the adapters. The Yeti 500X features a 12V output port that allows you to charge it using the solar panel’s adapter, which means that the solar panel selected for this power station should have an input/output voltage rating that doesn’t exceed the recommended voltage limit. The option of charging the power station means better protection for the battery and the rest of your gear, which is why you could charge this power station from your wall outlet or the car. But in the wild, the only charging system you may have access to would be the solar panel, which is why you must not rush your purchase, or at the very least, make the purchase only after confirming that the solar panel will ensure the charging performance for the power station.
So, which solar panel should you get for your Goal Zero Yeti 500X?
Comparison of the Best Solar Panels for The Goal Zero Yeti 500X
Solar Panel | Watts | Type of solar panels | Voltage at Maximum Power | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Boulder 100 Solar Panel Briefcase | 100W | Monocrystalline Cells | 21.5V | |
Boulder 200 Solar Panel Briefcase | 200W | Monocrystalline Cells | 23.0V | |
Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel | 100W | Monocrystalline Cells | 22.3V | |
BALDR 120W Portable Solar Panel | 120W | Monocrystalline Cells | 18V |
Reviews of the Best Solar Panels for The Goal Zero Yeti 500X
The solar panels that are compatible with your Goal Zero Yeti 500X match the specifications by Goal Zero, and when it comes to the maximum voltage for the Goal Zero Yeti 500X, for example, the maximum voltage that the solar panels cannot exceed is 22V.
So, which are the best solar panels for your Goal Zero Yeti 500X?
-
Boulder 100 Solar Panel Briefcase
- 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 100-watt monocrystalline solar panel built to last and survive. Boulder 100...
- Safe and user-friendly | We prioritize product safety. Boulder 100 comes with a 2-year warranty. All elements...
First on the list of the best solar panels for your Goal Zero Yeti 500X is this Goal Zero Boulder 100 solar panel, which is not only strong, durable, and easy to set up; but also easy to lightweight and strong enough to take you through a good number of camping trips in your RV, cabin, or camper.
It bears a maximum capacity of 100W thanks to the two 50W-panels with a maximum voltage of between 14V and 21.5V – these panels are chained together and connected by a sturdy hinge. The main materials for the solar panel’s solid tempered glass and an aluminum frame. There is also an added corner for extra protection, and they are also designed for easy setup at a 45-degree angle for perfect insolation.
For power transmission, it features a blue 8mm solar port that allows for power voltage in the 14V-21.5V and a total of 7A or 100W for its maximum power rating. It further boasts an open circuit voltage of 21.5V and a maximum power point voltage (VMPP) of 17.2V.
Pros
- The monocrystalline cells enhance the efficiency of the solar panels
- It takes 6-12 hours to charge fully
- Sturdy build
- Durable and easy set up in different areas
- It can withstand harsh weather conditions
Cons
- The tilt angle and the height adjustment could be bigger, especially for users in parts of the world that don’t receive enough sun.
-
Boulder 200 Solar Panel Briefcase
- TOP-CAPACITY FOLDABLE SOLAR PANEL: The Boulder 200 Briefcase is rugged and durable with a tempered-glass and...
- HARNESS THE POWER OF THE SUN: Collect enough solar energy to power your world. If you’re living the van life...
- CLEAN & QUIET ENERGY: Wherever you wander, and no matter what you need to power, the Boulder 200’s...
- EASY TO TRANSPORT: Built-in legs pop out to stabilize the panel while it harnesses energy from the sun to...
- THIS IS GOAL ZERO: We promote a bright, safe, connected, and sustainable future by delivering portable power...
If you don’t mind the extra weight from a bigger and heavier solar panel option for your Yeti 500X power station, then this Boulder 200 by Goal Zero might be the ideal option for you.
This solar panel is made of 4-50W or two-100W solar panels, all made of monocrystalline cells for the panels. They feature a protective case, and the best part is their impressive fold-down design that saves up on space when the solar panel is not in use. The Boulder 200 also features hanging loops which can be strapped to tents or your vehicle for optimal performance. It also allows for maximum solar energy capture thanks to the built-in legs, which pop out easily to stabilize the panels as they charge the power station. The legs all feature stake-down loops that increase their level of security.
For charging, this solar panel’s input system for charging differs from the rest in that it uses an HPP charging system, which would mean that you need an HPP charging cable for easy integration with the Goal Yeti power station. In the right conditions, the Yeti 500X will be fully charged in 3-6 hours.
To more specifics, this solar panel features the HPP (High Power Port PowerPole) with a voltage range of 14V-23V, with a maximum power rating of 14A/ 200W – or 12W maximum and 2.4A if the 5V USB-A port is used. It has an open-circuit voltage of 23.0V (VOC) and a VMPP (maximum power point voltage) of 19.1V.
Pros
- Quite dependable even in extreme weather conditions and challenging environments
- Secure and well-built, and weatherproof
- It is made of 4 efficient solar panels featuring monocrystalline cells.
- Your 500X Yeti power station will be fully charged in 6 hours
- Stable, strong, and durable tempered glass/ aluminum frame construction
- Foldable design
Cons
- You need the High power port cable to connect to the 8mm connector for the Yeti 500X to charge.
- Heavy as it weighs 42lbs
- Expensive
-
Renogy 100W 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel
- 【Portable 】Compact design makes it very portable and versatile
- 【Efficient】 Solar cells performance excellent in weak light environment and yield better energy over the...
- 【Smart】Compatible with gel, sealed, and flooded batteries. Included temperature sensor and battery voltage...
- 【Safe】30A built-in 4-stage solar charge controller provides overcharge protection, reducing fire risk....
- 【Reliable】Adjustable, corrosion-resistant aluminum stand as well as a heavy duty handle and latches for...
Its foldable design enhances its portability. It features two 50W solar panels made of monocrystalline cells that ensure the best level of efficiency while boasting a maximum operating current of 5.38A (Imp), an ideal output of 500Wh daily, and you will be happy to know that these solar cells work remarkably well even in low/ weak light conditions.
It’s weatherproof, and it features some of the most durable components that are also resistant to scratching. These parts include the aluminum stand, as well as the heavy-duty latches and handle that ensures the longevity of the solar panels. It also comes with a protective casing. You will need the MC4 connectors to connect it to your power station.
The solar panel’s maximum operating voltage (VMP) is 18.6V, its open-circuit voltage 22.3V, and a maximum system series fuse rating of 15A.
Pros
- Nice, compact design
- Enhanced cell performance with no hotspot heating and the bypass diodes that reduce power drop from shades
- Durable and sturdy build makes it a worthy purchase
- Versatile and can be used for on-grid and off-grid inverters
- Weatherproof and IP65
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Warranty service could be better
-
BALDR 120W Portable Solar Panel
- 🔆【 𝘿𝙀𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙀𝘿 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙎𝙊𝙇𝘼𝙍...
- 🔆【𝟮-𝙐𝙎𝘽 𝙎𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙏 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙍𝙂𝙄𝙉𝙂】: Built-in smart IC chip,...
- 🔆【𝙃𝙄𝙂𝙃 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙀𝙁𝙁𝙄𝘾𝙄𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙔】:...
- 🔆【𝙄𝙋𝟲𝟱 𝙒𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙊𝙁 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝘿𝙐𝙍𝘼𝘽𝙇𝙀】:...
- 🔆【𝟱 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙍𝙂𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙏𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎】: ⓵ voltage...
This foldable solar panel with USB ports, 120W capacity, and a DC 18V output is one of the best solar panels that you could use with your Goal Zero Yeti 500X. It comes with an 8mm DC adapter and MC4 connector cable, both compatible with your Yeti 500X. Then you have the USB interface, which allows you to connect it to your smartphone and other electronics for charging. The two USB ports feature a built-in smart IC chip that maximizes the devices’ charging speeds. It further boasts an impressively high level of conversion efficiency made possible by the monocrystalline cells for the solar panels.
It’s also waterproof and durable, and you may like the five levels of charging protections incorporated into the solar panel, to protect not only the solar panel but also your solar station. These include voltage control, overcurrent protection, short circuit protection, overload protection, and overcharging protection.
Pros
- Versatile
- Fast and smart charging
- Its USB interface can be used to charge your electronics like smartphones.
- High-efficiency monocrystalline cells ensure the best performance at 23%
- Durable and waterproof
- 5-levels of charge protections
- Portable and foldable
- The bracket design is easy to adjust
- Two USB ports
- Maximum DC output of 18V
Cons
- The 16AWG wire is a bit limiting
Buying Guide for Best Solar Panels for Goal Zero Yeti 500X
The Yeti 500X is one of the best portable power stations for anyone looking for a small or a medium-sized power station that would power their appliances and electronic devices for a few days while they are on the road. Thanks to its design, it packs about 20% more power while being 20% smaller than its predecessor. You could use it in case of emergencies too, and the best part is that it can be powered by a solar panel – you just need to find the right one. To do the latter, you have to take into account some factors.
Keep in mind that the solar panel selected should match the features of the Yeti 500X. Essentially, the Yeti 500X is a power station whose battery has a capacity of 505Wh. It features a number of output and input ports, including two output AC ports. Its input AC charging port is an 8mm port that has a maximum voltage allowance of 22V (13-22V) and a maximum power of 10A or 150W. So, the solar panel should generate just enough power within these limits.
That said, here is exactly what you should be looking out for in your Yeti 500X solar panel.
-
Adapter Needed
The first thing you need to check out is the adapter required for the solar panel, or more specifically, the warning with the adapter limits given. This is often written Requires Additional Adapter, and it is the most important function/ component for your solar panel. Generally, you’d need the 8mm input adapter or the Anderson Power Pole Input Adapter. The Yeti 500X power station features an 8mm input option which maxes out at 10A and 150W, meaning you could still use the 8mm solar panel adapter if it allows. But if it came with the Anderson Power Pole Input, you’d have to use that for your Yeti 500X. The good news is that the 8mm input works great, and it will be your most ideal option.
-
Battery Compatibility
The other thing you need to bear in mind is the compatibility of the devices. With your Yeti 500X, you will notice that there is a warning that requires that you don’t exceed the 22V limit – with the bigger power stations, the voltage limit is 50V.
Note that this maximum voltage limit that you have to adhere to is the VMP or the Maximum Operating Voltage, which represents the voltage into the power station when the power output is at its highest possible level.
-
Connecting 2+ Solar Panels
You also need to take into account the VMP. If 22V is the maximum voltage that the Yeti 500X can handle, you’d want to connect your solar panels in parallel and only connect the panels in series if the power station can take up to 50V.
-
Solar Panel Cell Types
Solar panels have monocrystalline and polycrystalline cells, and the difference between them has to be the fact that the monocrystalline cells are more efficient, albeit at a higher price tag. The polycrystalline cells, on the other hand, are less efficient and cheaper given the low heat tolerance of the cells – they are also bigger and not the ideal portable solutions.
-
How fast the solar panels will charge the Yeti 500X
Well, the charging speed of the solar panels depends on the size of the power station, the number of solar panels used, and sunny conditions.
Conclusion
You could opt for the Goal Zero Boulder solar panels to charge your Goal Zero Yeti 500X. Alternatively, solar panels from a third-party brand like Renogy or Brndr would be ideal if you are looking for more versatility. Whichever brand of solar panels you opt for, make sure that the features of the solar panel are compatible with the features of the power stations.
FAQs
Can you connect your Goal Zero Yeti 500X to a third-party solar panel?
Yes, you could. All you need to do is make sure that the power station and the solar panels are compatible. With regards to the compatibility, we are talking about the adapters and the connectors. Most of these connections call for the use of MC4 female and male connectors, along with an adapter that allows you to connect to the power station.
The other things that need to be considered for compatibility include the voltage specifications and the charge controllers.
Can I charge the Yeti 500X with solar and AC power concurrently?
While this the case with the older Yetis, it is not an option with the 500X and the other Yeti X models because these would only allow you to connect one input at a time. But you can still charge it using the USB-C PD port while it’s connected to the solar panels powering it.
