Goal Zero Yeti 150 Solar Generator: Definitive Review (2024)
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This is the Ultimate TopNotch Goal Zero Yeti 150 Solar Generator Review 2024….
In this comprehensive review we’ll cover:
- Power output
- Best features
- Overall portability
- Lots more…
So if you want an entry-level power station with TopNotch portability, you’ll love this guide.
Let’s get started…
- Dimensions: 7.75 x 5.75 x 6.75 in
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Load Run Time: 6-8Hours
- Wattage: 150 Watt
- Manufacturer: Goal Zero
Bottom Line : Smart-looking equipment – delivers clean and reliable power as an entry-level generator
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Three-way charging
- A user-friendly interface
- The LCD display is useful
- Five different output ports
Cons
- Not for larger appliances
- The price could have been lower
Our Verdict: Goal Zero Yeti 150 Solar Generator
Suppose you’re going to be away from standard AC outlets for a long period. Does that mean powering up personal electronics and other small appliances will be a problem? The Goal Zero Yeti 150 offers a perfect solution for just that. This super small device is specifically designed to supply juice for your essential gadgets.
And here’s the best part…
You can do this without the noise and fumes generated by gas-powered generators.
Now, this may be small but make no mistake about it…
…even within the small frame and with a weight of just 12 pounds, this portable unit packs a lot of features.
It can be charged in three different ways – even from your car battery.
The plug-and-play device comes with four outlets including two USB ports.
Moreover, you have a pure sine wave output that keeps sensitive electronics safe.
The only thing is, the wattage might be on the lower side for some users.
Quite simply, it’s good for smaller equipment. If you stress or overload it, it‘ll be quick to shut down.
Don’t worry. There’s a solution.
Goal Zero has a range of other power stations that give (much) more power.
We have the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 and Goal Zero Yeti 400 as our TopNotch Top Picks to deliver more power.
So it’s time to take a closer look…
Related: 10 Best Solar Generators
Analysis Comparisons and Test Results
You probably already understand the TopNotch convenience that on-the-go sources of power give us outdoor lovers.
The fact is, the Yeti 150 is a perfect example of that.
So if you’re a camper who can’t or won’t do without your electronics, the Yeti 150 is a great choice.
By and large, it has quite a few features the same as its elder siblings like the Goal Zero Yeti 400.
Keep in mind that like all the other devices you’ll need to buy a solar panel separately before you head off-grid.
Still, is it a good value for money choice?
Keep reading to find out.
Value for Money
The Yeti 150 comes packed with quite a few cool features.
In its heart lies an AGM lead-acid battery that scores good marks in terms of performance.
It gives a steady power supply with an effective battery management system for safety.
Value for Money Rating
The overall build quality is good and it feels durable.
However, like the other variants of the Yeti, it’s not water-resistant.
Definitely, its best feature is excellent portability.
A weight of just 12 pounds makes it easy to carry around.
The charging efficiency is good, though not the best. You can also charge it from your car battery using a 12V adapter.
Point to be noted – you’ll need to buy a separate cable for that.
Also, it can easily power up smartphones, tablets, or a digital camera multiple times.
The overall ease of use is something we really liked. The LCD screen is another feature that makes it super user-friendly.
But, here’s the catch…
The price to performance ratio isn’t the best.
It’s not possible to pair it up with a similar generator for more power.
Seeking the best value for money solar power station?
In terms of features and performance, the Jackery 240 is the TopNotch Best Value choice in this category.
Output Power
Let’s not forget the Yeti 150 portable power station doesn’t give a huge output.
But the fact is, it’s not designed for that.
With a peak capacity of 168 Wh, the AGM lead-acid battery isn’t built for power-hungry electronics.
Output Power Rating
However, it does shine within its own limited range and it’s good enough for powering your smaller devices.
As per the specs, it will charge an average smartphone 15 times and a tablet 6 times.
Obviously, that will depend on the specific power requirements of the gadgets, though.
We tested it on three smartphone batteries ranging between 3400 mAh and 400mAh. The power station charged the phones ten times before running out.
When it comes to charging time, things aren’t so great.
The charging time with a 50W solar panel can range anywhere between 15 to 26 hours depending on the intensity of the sun.
For better charging speeds, you’ll need to invest in a 100W solar panel.
AC charging through a wall socket took slightly more than seven hours.
The point is…
…you need to use this power station within its limits.
So make sure you know exactly what you’re powering with it.
Heavy users will find the Goal Zero Yeti 1400, our (TopNotch) Top Pick, is a great choice if you need more output power.
Durability & Workmanship
The overall durability of the Yeti 150 is satisfactory but it’s not good enough to be a chart-topper.
The plastic enclosure feels robust and the edges are protected by special patches. It’ll easily absorb a few knocks but I wouldn’t recommend dropping it from a height.
Durability & Workmanship Rating
On top of that, there’s no waterproof rating and the ports don’t come with any cover of their own either.
Moving on to the battery – it’s been designed to perform for hundreds of cycles. So you can expect about 6-8 years of service.
Now, the compact sizing is a really strong suit of the Goal Zero Yeti 150 Solar Generator.
With dimensions of 7.75 x 5.75 x 6.75 inches, it’s easy to store in your RV or inside a tent.
The integrated carrying handle makes moving it around a breeze.
One more thing we liked…
The fact that this is super easy to use. The sharp LCD display shows the battery levels and the ports come with their own switches.
And remember – there’s the inverter technology that delivers an output power with minimum THD.
In addition, protection from overcharging comes from the battery management system.
Now, apart from the dual USB ports, there is also a 12V DC port and an AC port.
However, we felt that another AC port would have made the unit even more effective.
We also wish we could have paired it – like its older sibling, the Goal Zero Yeti 400. That would definitely have added more value.
In the end, the Goal Zero 150 wasn’t as good a performer as the Jackery 240 for durability.
Dependability & Reliability
In our experience, Goal Zero products are incredibly reliable.
Hence we were a tad disappointed with the Yeti 150.
Why?
Let’s start from the beginning.
Dependability & Reliability Rating
With its lightweight design and compact dimensions, the 150 is perfect for campers.
However, the low power output does limit its overall versatility.
The Yeti 150 portable power station comes with a warranty of 180 days.
That’s as good as the Goal Zero Yeti 400.
What we did notice the unit heated up a bit when stretched to its limits.
Now don’t get me wrong.
It definitely didn’t overheat.
But the performance was not on par with other choices from the same stable.
The overall performance during our tests was consistent with the discharge efficiency well above 90%.
Now, even though it did well in our tests, we take feedback about performance from long term users.
That’s TopNotch standard practice.
A few people mentioned that the battery had problems holding a charge after roughly one year of use.
The silver lining is, the battery is replaceable in a few simple steps.
One more thing…
It comes with 20A fuses. Replacing them was a bit of a hassle.
On the whole, we didn’t rate it as highly as the Goal Zero Yeti 400 or the Jackery 240.
Noise
Noise is one department where all the Goal Zero products excelled. Needless to say, the Yeti 150 was no exception. It was quiet during all our testing.
The fact is, you can easily carry out normal conversations within 20 feet without being aware of any noise at all.
Noise Rating
We stretched it close to peak levels and charged it using all the options available to us.
There was some noise when it was stressed but that was within acceptable limits.
However, there was a beeping noise when it ran out of charge, and the safety kicked in.
If you’re looking for a noise-free power station, the 150 won’t disappoint you.
Still, it’s not in the same league as the Goal Zero Yeti 400 or the Jackery 240.
Looking for ultra-quiet performance with a better output range?
These two products are much better picks.
Our Final Verdict: Goal Zero Yeti 150 Solar Generator
Our Final Verdict Rating
Conclusion: Goal Zero Yeti 150 Solar Generator
It’s time to sum up.
Surprisingly, the Goal Zero Yeti 150 portable generator is the only product from the brand that didn’t get a huge thumbs up from the TopNotch team.
Strictly speaking, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth buying.
It’s simple but effective – and that’s a good choice when you need just enough power for small electronics.
Like all other Yeti models, this one is also pretty well built. The low weight – 12 pounds only – makes it a good choice for short hikes or safaris.
In addition, you get multiple ports, great safety features, and a user-friendly interface.
But when it comes to a price versus performance comparison, it does take a hit. The limited power output can be a turnoff.
Honestly, after testing the top 10 side by side, its overall reliability isn’t as good as the Goal Zero Yeti 1400 and Goal Zero Yeti 400.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a compact generator with good performance it’s definitely worth a look.
But make sure that you know its limits in relation to your needs.
Now it’s over to you to make your choice….
…will it be the Goal Zero Yeti 150 portable generator or our Editor choice below.
