Share This Article
Learn more
You’ll need some portable electricity if you intend to live off the grid. The Yeti 1500X, the newest power plant from Goal Zero, offers an answer to this issue. In comparison to the hundreds of alternative battery backups available on the market, is it any better? Today, we’re going to assist you in determining if the Yeti 1500X is the appropriate bike for you.
Designed for off-grid activities, job sites, tailgating, camping, and pretty much everything else you can think of that requires portable power, the Yeti is Goal Zero’s flagship portable power station.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X Overview
A 1516 watt-hour lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery powers the 1500X. A 2000W pure sine wave inverter with a maximum output power of 3500W AC surge is another feature of the Yeti. It has an extension connector that you may use to add the Yeti Link module, as well as pass-through charging.
In my perspective, the main factor that might persuade someone to pick the Yeti 1500X over rival models is the Yeti Link module. If you’re in the market to purchase a portable power station, you should give this feature some thought because it’s intriguing. Here are the technical specs for the device; we’ll discuss the Link module later.
Description
The Yeti 1500X and other lithium power plants offer off-grid electricity without the noise and pollution associated with gasoline-powered generators, but there are even more benefits to the Yeti 1500X.Positives
- Easy to use
- High-wattage device capable
- Yeti Link allows several expansion possibilities
- 60W PD port is lightning fast
- Goal Zero app connectivity
Negatives
- Heavy
- Lack of AC ports
- Possible quality control issues
Design & Features
This robust, well-made device has an aluminum body and a big 1,500 watt-hour capacity. If you’re looking for a little more power to get you through a power outage or on a camping trip, 1,500 watt-hours could be the perfect capacity for you.
With only 45 pounds of mass, you may get up to 50% greater capacity compared with standard 1,000 watt-hour power stations. Upon reaching the somewhat more expensive 2,000 or 3,000 watt-hour variants, you will need a second person and a cart with wheels in order to carry that “portable” power station.
Key Specification
| Brand | ‎Goal Zero |
| Wattage | ‎100 watts |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Voltage | ‎12 Volts |
| Output Wattage | 1516 Watts |
| Included Components | ‎1 power station, 1 wall charger, and 1 user guide |
| Product Dimensions | ‎31″L x 20″W x 24″H |
| Tank Volume | ‎5 Gallons |
| Runtime | ‎28 hours |
| Current Rating | ‎3 Amps, 10 Amps |
| Starting Wattage | ‎3000 Watts |
| Size | ‎1500x w/ Boulder 100 |
The Yeti 1500X has the standard combination of DC and AC connections that you would expect. A 12-volt “cigarette” power plug, two 6mm DC outputs, and a set of Powerpole connectors capable of handling up to 300 watts of output are included for DC output.
The Yeti 1500X has two USB-A connectors and two USB-C ports for charging your tiny gadgets. There are two USB-C ports; the first can handle up to 20 watts of QuickCharge 3+ and the second up to 60 watts of USB Power Delivery. That works well for the majority of lightweight laptops, such the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook Pro 13, but because the Yeti 1500X isn’t compatible with USB-PD 100-watt charge speeds, heavier computers, like the XPS 15 or MacBook Pro 16, will charge more slowly. The good news is that the AC inverter may be connected directly to the laptop’s AC adapter; nevertheless, 60 watts is insufficient for the class.
A pair of well-known Type A wall plugs powered by a pure sine-wave converter are included for AC power. In terms of plug count, it is likewise a little on the sparse side given that similar rivals usually have more. At least offering a greater standard output of 2,000 watts with a surge rating of 3,500 watts, Yeti somewhat offsets the reduced port count. Typically rated for 1,800 watts, competing versions from EcoFlow, Jackery, and Bluetti provide a combination of three to six AC wall plugs.
Additionally, a few of those rival devices have sophisticated higher-wattage limitations. For instance, by reducing the output voltage, the EcoFlow Delta 2 and Bluetti’s new AC180 have modes that allow for continuous running at 2,700 watts. However, such modes work best with appliances like electric kettles and space heaters that can withstand lower voltage.
The Yeti 1500X has an Anderson Powerpole and two DC in connectors for charging. Actually, every connector may accept numerous inputs for charging from different solar or AC sources.
The Yeti 1500X brings solid performance, a rugged build-quality, some impressive modular features, and the rock-solid reliability of literally the oldest name in portable power stations.
How Does the Yeti 1500X Work?
There are buttons on the device’s face that activate each output group. In addition, the user may cycle through different LCD settings using three buttons. You insert your smartphone and push a button to operate the Yeti 1500X.
The device may be charged using a solar panel, 12V auto charger (not supplied), or an AC wall socket charger. The Anderson Powerpole input, which can handle up to 600W of input power, is the quickest way to charge this device.
The Yeti can be fully charged in around three hours with the 600W. In contrast, it will take over 13 hours to fully charge the device while using the AC wall charger. All things considered, most people will find using the Yeti to be quite intuitive and virtually second nature.
Who Is the Yeti 1500X For?
The Goal Zero 1500X is intended for people who want to travel to places without electricity, much like many of the power stations I’ve examined. This includes campers, van lifers, tailgaters, and off-grid aficionados. However, the Yeti is also excellent for quick weekend vacations or road journeys when you won’t spend the majority of the day near an outlet.
For fume-free power, a gas generator may easily be swapped out for the Yeti 1500X. Additionally, the Yeti may serve as portable power for the job site because to its high surge and continuous watt output. According to Goal Zero, the 1500X is compatible with any device that can be plugged into a power socket at home. In the event of a power outage, you may also purchase a kit that will enable you to connect the gadget to your house’s circuit breakers.
What Makes the Yeti Different?
I’m in love with my Jackery Explorer 1500 unit. However, the MAXOAK and the Jackery lack something that the Yeti possesses. That’s how Yeti Link is. The Yeti power station’s capabilities are increased with the Yeti Link module.
Users may upgrade their Yeti gadget with more lead-acid battery banks by using the Yeti Link. Users may also connect the Yeti 1500X to their car’s electrical system to recharge it thanks to this module. Using mobile power and extended off-gridding is now a real option with the Yeti 1500X and Yeti Link.
Testing
The inverter was overloaded in the Yeti 1500X’s initial stress test to check if it would shut down. I used a 900W clothes steamer and an 1800W hair drier to test the inverter. I selected these components because when combined, their maximum wattage would exceed the Yeti’s 2000W continuous power output barrier but not the 1500X’s surge capacity.
This meant that none of the gadgets would instantly set off the unit’s overload protection. When the clothes steamer was turned on, the AC ports produced an output of 735W. When the hairdryer was added, the power increased to about 2250W. For the whole six minutes of the test, this wattage output was maintained. I turned off the air conditioner when the steamer’s water started to boil. The unit’s overload protection did not activate.
This test suggests that the inverter is marginally undervalued, but that is a good thing. The fact that the Yeti 1500X can easily surpass the 2000W output barrier shows just how far it can be pushed. In addition, the app alerted me via my phone that the Yeti would rapidly drain and that the unit’s output wattage was excessive.
The Yeti alerts you long in advance of its full discharge, making these notifications yet another fantastic feature. This knowledge may help those who use high-capacity appliances, such as refrigerators, avoid waking up to a mess of spoilt food.
Regarding solar electricity, I was able to obtain about 180W of power from the two 100W solar panels while they were in direct sunshine. The one Anderson connector in this instance proved a little problematic, though. An adapter is required to connect several solar panels with Anderson connections if you have any. Nevertheless, I was able to use 8MM connections with the Yeti’s input ports.
In addition, at one point during testing, I used the unit’s 60W PD port to connect my nearly dead iPhone X. My phone was fully charged in less than 30 minutes thanks to this port’s incredibly quick charging speed. Now that I’ve found this 60W port, whenever my phone’s battery is about to run low, I seek for it first. Because of the port’s quickness, I even prefer it over the conventional wall charger.
The Goal Zero App
The Goal Zero app is among the Yeti’s most helpful features. With the help of this software, you can keep an eye on your battery level, choose which output group to use, and track the wattage of both your input and output. An software like this for a power plant is unique, but it’s a useful method to communicate with a unit that might not be easily accessible.
This software is well-designed, in contrast to some others, and the Yeti 1500X connected without any problems. After the device is linked, users may give it a name and configure four distinct charging profiles: performance, battery-saving, balanced, and personalized.
The app also offers output control and temperature monitoring. Additionally, you may couple several Yeti power stations with the app to have total control over your fleet of power stations if you own more than one.
What Do We Love About the Yeti 1500X by Goal Zero?
The key pluses here are the massive battery capacity and high continuous power capabilities. It’s also a blessing that the Yeti 1500X can be used just like a regular wall outlet. With this unit, high-wattage appliances like air conditioners, microwaves, and refrigerators are now accessible.
An additional excellent feature is the expansion module. I appreciate that the Yeti with the module may be used for many purposes, such as connecting to your home’s electrical system or your car. One of my best aspects has to be the module; the functionalities amazed me when I saw what it was capable of. I anticipate myself buying a Yeti Link in the near future.
The Anderson Powerpole outs are also very appealing to me. I haven’t seen those on a lot of the power plants I’ve examined. However, if businesses want to appeal to van lifers or long-term campers, they are something that I believe more businesses should consider. The instructions written on the underside of the magnetic lid are helpful for people who won’t sit down and go through the entire handbook; it’s a great place to keep the unit’s AC adaptor.
The app is a good addition, to sum up. It’s amazing that you can operate your power station remotely just from your phone.
What’s Not to Love?
Not a lot. But when I was doing my investigation, I came across a number of web postings saying that several users of the Yeti series had experienced problems with the MPPT controller. Despite reading a number of concerns, I haven’t personally encountered any issues. I’m unable to verify these claims because our test unit’s MPPT controller isn’t functioning properly.
The weight of the Yeti is the main source of worry. It weighs 45 pounds, which is a lot. In fact, as I was filming and slinging the equipment to and from my car, I tore a muscle in my back. I went to my neighborhood hardware store and bought a hand truck to solve this problem. Moving the Yeti around is a lot simpler when you use the hand truck.
I also believe that the absence of AC outlets will be a source of complaint for certain individuals. Only two are present on the apparatus. Although this has limitations, you can get around them by giving the device an inexpensive power strip. Just take care to avoid overloading the inverter.
Can You Repair the Yeti 1500X?
Never even consider it. The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X should only be serviced by Goal Zero. It might be hazardous to disassemble unless you are skilled at it. Regarding warranty coverage, there is a 24-month warranty on any manufacturing faults for the Yeti. For a power plant like this, a two-year guarantee is rather common, and it gives me more faith in the product.
- Image Credit: Goal Zero
- Image Credit: Goal Zero
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X: Ready to Hit the Road
This small device is very excellent, I must say. In my opinion, the Yeti is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a portable power station that will live up to your expectations.
Goal Zero Yeti 1500X wasn’t on my map when I first started analyzing power plants, but this unit has made me reconsider. I consider it to be a true hidden treasure, and I understand why so many individuals who live in vans and off-grid communities have faith in Goal Zero. I give the Yeti 1500X a well-earned 10 out of since it is well worth the money.
- Power. Anything. Anywhere. This portable backup power supply is versatile enough to keep things...
- 10 Versatile Ports, 1,516 Wh Capacity: Power most small and large appliances and backup home...
- Durable Construction, Safe Electric & Solar Power: With a heavy-duty anodized aluminum...
Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.
Why Trust Factic
Berry Alex has been evaluating, testing, and reviewing tech, Household and travel items for several decades. He compiled all of the testers’ input, conducted extra research to assess each phone mount’s essential features and overall functioning, and reviewed professional profiles and verified customer reviews for each product.
