Yeti’s Durable New Portable Power Station Doubles as an Off-Grid Solar Generator and UPS
A lot of best portable power stations that we tested at CNET include multiple charging options for off-grid uninterrupted power supply capabilities and the ability to operate as a solar generator. All of these things are true for Goal Zero’s new Yeti 1500 6th Gen portable power station.
Goal Zero says the power station is designed for people who need reliable power outdoors, off-road and in emergency situations. The company says it has prioritized physical durability and reliability in outdoor conditions, as well as fast solar charging, for this model. The case itself is made of aluminum, is IPX4 water and dust resistant, and features sealed port covers to keep dirt out. The interior is vibration tested, which means you can take it on bumpy roads and it should withstand extreme temperatures ranging from minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
The power station can work with a variety of demanding devices and provides peak power for high-power devices.
In terms of specifications, the Yeti 1500 has a capacity of 1,505 watt-hours and a 2,000-watt inverter that provides continuous power and 3,600 watts of surge capacity, allowing it to run high-drain appliances and tools. This includes refrigerators, CPAP machines, power tools, air pumps and blenders.
It uses a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery that can charge from 0% to 80% in 1 hour when plugged into a standard AC outlet. Goal Zero says the battery is rated for 4,000 charge cycles or a decade of daily use and recharges 10 times faster than the previous generation.
The 1500 comes with a wide array of ports, including AC outlets, USB-C ports, and a car charger.
Ports are plentiful with: four AC outlets, four 140-watt USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a 12-volt output port, 6mm accessory ports, and a high-power port for integrating Goal Zero accessories.
One of the biggest selling points is its ability to serve as a solar generator. You can contact Goal Zero compatible support solar panels to him, including the Ranger 300 case ($800) and Nomad 400 ($1,000) for up to 900 watts of solar gain. This supports a full recharge in less than 2 hours. It also supports car charging with the included 12-volt cable.
The Yeti 1500 can connect to multiple Goal Zero solar panels and charge off-grid.
The power station comes with an app that lets you monitor power flow, charging profiles (performance/battery saver/balanced), and firmware updates.
Pricing and availability
The Yeti 1500 6G will cost you $1,500 directly from Goal Zero and authorized retailers. We’re currently testing it in the CNET Labs for inclusion in our list of the best portable power stations and we should have the test results soon.
