Did you know there are three ways to charge your Goal Zero Yeti 400? You can charge using an AC outlet at home in about 5 hours, a 12V car outlet in around 13 hours, and a solar panel in anywhere between 8-50 hours, depending on factors, like panel size and weather conditions.
Unless you went through the instruction manual, you may not know that you can do this. While AV and 12V charging are not the most efficient and environment-friendly options, solar panels are, making them the best option for charging your Yeti 400.
The 4 Best Solar Panels for Yeti 400
Let’s discuss the best solar panel for Yeti 400, so you can charge your Yeti in the best, most eco-friendly manner.
1. Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase
What better way to power your Goal Zero Yeti 400 than with one of the most popular Goal Zero solar panels, the Boulder 100 Briefcase.
This solar panel is designed for portability and value. It has two 50W (18-22V) monocrystalline solar panels on each side, which are chained together and connected through a hinge.
The solar panel itself does not hold a charge but, it is perfect for charging up your Yeti 400. It has a strong build, thanks to the aluminum frame and tempered glass panels. It even features corner protection, so your solar panels are safe when folded.
The folded dimensions are 26.75 x 21.75 x 3.75 inches and the Boulder 100 Briefcase weighs 25.9 pounds, making it easy to travel with. It is capable of charging up your Yeti 400 in around 8-16 hours depending on weather conditions, time of year, temperature, elevation and angle, and position to the sun.
Fortunately, it also has built-in kickstands to allow superior sunlight absorption, by positioning it to face the sun. Built to last and survive, Goal Zero offers a two-year warranty with this product. As with all Goal Zero products, this one is also designed in the U.S. and therefore comes at a premium price point.
However, the price is not a major concern when you factor in its built quality, long warranty period, and its ability to chain to more solar panels. We can easily say that this is the best solar panel for Yeti 400 because of its portability, durability, and reliable power output.
Pros:
- Two reliable 50W solar panels for a combined 100W rated power
- Two-year warranty
- Fully charges Yeti 400 in 8-16 hours
- Chainable to more solar panels
- Strong built with portable design
- Kickstands
Cons:
- Not waterproof
2. Goal Zero Nomad 100
The Nomad 100 from Goal Zero is a foldable 100W monocrystalline solar panel that weighs just around 10 lbs. This feature along with its fold-down dimensions of 20 x 15 x 2 inches, makes it an extremely portable and easy-to-carry solar panel.
It has a power rating of 100 Watts and comes with a built-in USB-A port for directly charging essential devices. It can fully charge your Yeti 400 in 8-16 hours, depending on the usual factors like weather condition, time of year, etc.
It is also chainable to more solar panels to allow for faster charging of your Yeti 400. However, its best feature is that it is waterproof. You can use it under slightly wet conditions without worrying about damaging the cells or the panel itself.
It also features multiple small slings to allow for variable hanging positions. The Nomad 100 is built for portability and provides ample power for charging a Yeti 400 but, it is not the sturdiest, there are no kickstands, and it does not come with any warranty.
The higher price tag doesn’t do it any favors either; however, some adventurers may argue that a lightweight, portable design with waterproofing is worth it.
Pros:
- Reliable 100W solar panel
- Fully charges Yeti 400 in 8-16 hours
- Chainable to more solar panels
- Lightweight and highly portable design
- Waterproof
- Built-in USB-A port for directly charging essential devices
Cons:
- Very expensive
- No warranty
- No kickstands
- Not the strongest built
3. Goal Zero Boulder 50
The Goal Zero Boulder 50 is the best budget-friendly option when it comes to solar panels for your Yeti 400. It is a single 50W (18-22V) monocrystalline solar panel with chaining capabilities for more power from multiple solar panels.
It has a similar rugged built and kickstand as the Boulder 100 Briefcase. However, unlike the Briefcase, it isn’t foldable and only has half the power, which means it will take anywhere between 16-32 hours to fully charge your Yeti 400, depending on the usual factors.
On the upside, it weighs half as much as the Briefcase at just 12.4 lbs and has slightly smaller dimensions of 21.75 x 26.75 x 1.75 inches, which makes it more lightweight and portable. To top it off, the Boulder 50 comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Two-year warranty
- Chainable to more solar panels
- Strong built and lightweight
- Kickstand
Cons:
- Only 50W power rating
- Fully charges Yeti 400 in 16-36 hours
- Not waterproof
- Not the most portable design
4. Goal Zero Nomad 50
Very similar to the Goal Zero Nomad 100, the Nomad 50 is a lower-end variant from the Nomad series. It has a lightweight, foldable design and offers a 50W (18-22V) monocrystalline solar panel that can charge your Yeti 400 in 16-36 hours, depending on usual factors.
It has a built-in USB-A port for directly charging essential devices and small sling hooks for various hanging positions. Unfortunately, there is no kickstand. However, the 17 x 11.25 x 2.5 folded dimensions and just 6.85 lbs of weight make it extremely portable.
However, the biggest highlight of the Nomad 50 is that it has a one-year warranty and chaining capabilities for added power from multiple solar panels.
Pros:
- One-year warranty
- Chainable to more solar panels
- Lightweight and highly portable design
- Built-in USB-A port for directly charging essential devices
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only 50W power rating
- Fully charges Yeti 400 in 16-36 hours
- Not waterproof
- No Kickstands
- Not the strongest built
Features to Consider
Here are the features to consider when deciding the best solar panel for Yeti 400.
Wattage
Wattage (W) is the unit of measurement to quantify the rate of energy transfer. In simple words, the more wattage, the faster the charging. While a 50W solar panel will give you good charging for your Yeti 400, a 100W solar panel gives you the best charging.
Design
The design of your solar panel is important. It needs to have a strong build to last longer, it needs to be portable for travel and lightweight for easier mobility. However, for charging a Yeti 400 the most important design elements to look for are durability and portability.
Chaining
Chainable solar panels are a must. This is so you can add more solar panels to your existing ones and create a chain for fast charging speeds. You will not have to buy a bigger, more expensive panel if you can add up smaller chainable panels that cost less.
Added Features
Added features like kickstands, waterproofing, and built-in USB ports are all great for any solar panel. However, for charging up a Yeti 400, the most important feature is kickstands, to get better angles for charging.
Things like waterproofing and built-in USB ports are certainly good for off-grid travelers and emergencies. However, they are not the most important for Yeti 400 users.
Firstly, wet conditions make for poor sunlight, and non-waterproof solar panels can easily be placed on elevations once the rains subside and there is some sunlight. Moreover, Yeti 400 owners do not necessarily need USB ports with their solar panels because the Yeti 400 itself has ample ports.
Warranty
Goal Zero products are all designed and engineered in the U.S. by developers who have decades of experience in solar energy. They create reliable and sturdy products. Still, a warranty for your solar panel is always a plus.
Our Final Thoughts
You may be wondering why we didn’t mention solar panels from other brands. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, Goal Zero solar panels are best suited for Goal Zero Yeti power stations. Secondly, Goal Zero solar panels are some of the best, most reliable solar panels in the market.
You can go for any of the mentioned panels to charge up your Yeti 400, and we stand by them all.
However, if we had to pick one, the Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase is easily the best solar panel for Yeti 400 users. It offers a reliable 100W solar panel, strong build, kickstands, portability, and chaining capability in a fairly priced product with a long-term warranty.
If budget is a concern, the Goal Zero Boulder 50 Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel is the best option because it delivers the essentials at an attractive price and also comes with a long-term warranty.
