New Goal Zero Power Pack for Overlanding

[mattm01]

This seems targeted for the Overlanding segment: Goal0 Yeti 1250
http://www.goalzero.com/blog/2012/01/10/goalzeronewproduct/

Looks nice. That said, I'm pretty sure I can rig together a system for A LOT less than that.

104 Amp- Hour AGM - ~ $350 with shipping
Solar Charger - $50 (SunSaver 10 amp) (Not sure if the Goal0 is MPPT or PWM)
Bat Box - $60 (nice one with some wiring included)
600W Pure Sine Inverter - $200 ($130 for the 300W) - again, not sure if the Yeti is Pure Sine Wave
Misc Cables, Fuses etc $50

So for about $700 give or take I could make something similar. I highly DOUBT you'll see the Yeti at MSRP. I'd guess closer to $1000 online.

There is something to be said for a nice, clean all-in-one build with a warranty but I'm not sure $300 difference is worth it....

 

[Corey]

That is nice, I have several of their products, very well built.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

The best thing about Goal 0 is the plug-and-play nature of all their products. It's easy to start with a basic system, then augment it as you need or can afford. There's absolutely no doubt you could assemble a system for less money if you know what you're doing; you're paying Goal 0 partially for convenience and versatility.

We have a very large system that powers the entire office trailer for the Overland Expo; it takes us about 15 minutes to set up the whole thing.

 

[Dave Bennett]

That is nice, I have several of their products, very well built.

x2

 

[mattm01]

100% agree. I have numerous Goal0 products, from their 3.5W panel up to 2x 27W panels. A few batteries etc etc. Other than needing a bunch of cords to mate different "series" together, I can scale from a 1/2 day hike to a multi day trip VERY easily. That ease of integration with all their systems certainly could make the Yeti system worth the estimated $300 difference. Very interested to see what street pricing looks like...

 

[mattm01]

Anyone have thoughts on using a non-goal zero AGM battery with the Goal0 Extreme 350? It seems like the 350 has a built in charge controller and is setup to chain/charge with other 350s via the auxiliary port (Anderson Plug) which is likely just setup to wire multiple packs in parallel. For the cost of a 350 you could have a 1080W Hr battery with some Anderson plugs ready to add into your system.

 

[mep1811]

I am sure if you can put together a nice neat package at a better prince people will but it . Post of some pictures and that will help.

 

[mattm01]

That is nice, I have several of their products, very well built.

Agreed, other than needing all their "proprietary" connectors, Goal Zero stuff has been very good to me. More Anderson plugs would be nice...

The more I learn about the new Yeti the more I think DIY isn't worth it. I'd have to fudge a lot of the crimping etc as I don't have proper tools and you'll end up over buying on wire etc since theres' a minimum order amount from most places. Not sure it's worth buying them for 1 or 2 projects...

More info:

100AH AGM Bat (User Replaceable)
12V Anderson Output, 1 or 1.5 AMP USB for your iPhone or iPad etc.
1200 Watt PURE SINE AC output (I think, might be 1000 WATT)
Chain-able with other Lead Acid Bats via incl (?) cord and ANDERSON SB High Watt Chaining port.
Digital Info Screen (Tell you Watts going in and Watts going out)
30 AMP Charge Controller (Don't know type yet)

I just want some more details on the charge controller to be sold (MPPT).

UPDATE: Specs listed on one site (pre-order) have the Inverter WATTS at 1500 and the charge controller at 20 AMPS /MPPT . Hope that's true!!

Info found here:

 

[Fireman78]

If that Yeti can power a pellet stove I'm getting one. Last year at Expo Goal Zero got every extra dollar I had! Well, except for a Hydro Flask bottle or three.

 

[mattm01]

If that Yeti can power a pellet stove I'm getting one. Last year at Expo Goal Zero got every extra dollar I had! Well, except for a Hydro Flask bottle or three.

It looks to be be pure sine wave so I think you're good to go (assuming it puts out the WATTS you need).

 

[coachmen96]

Goal zero's 350 watts or 33 Ah but what is discharge rate?

So Goal zero says 350 watts or 33 Ah, so I have been trying to compare this to a sears platinum battery with 135 reserve min.
What I have found so far is that you can't compare unless you have the discharge rate.
So if the reserve mins is at 25amps discharge and (135 * 60)/25amps= 56.25 amps @25amps discharge rate.
What is goal zero's 33 Ah discharge rate?

Need a little help, I am trying to add a ABR 50 quart fridge, how long will each run the fridge?
What would be the price of getting a sears platinum plus a proper charger together compared to the goal zero 350 product?
Thanks in advance,
Travis

 

[coachmen96]

Anybody able to look into this?

 

[Pedro]

If that Yeti can power a pellet stove I'm getting one. Last year at Expo Goal Zero got every extra dollar I had! Well, except for a Hydro Flask bottle or three.

My Quadrafire Mt Vernon has a 400W ignitor and the rest is around or under 100W while running. I am able to run two stoves (ignitors on) and a 500W worklamp at the same time on an 1800W generator. So I would venture to guess you will be fine. My Only concern would be if the recharging capabilities can keep up with use.

 

[coachmen96]

goal zero 350 question / answer

This is the answer I got from Goal Zero about the same question of how a goalzero 350 would compare to a sears platinum deep cycle.


"Here is what our engineer said:

The Sears battery is just a car battery, not a Power pack with integrated charger and controlled output like ours that is used for long duration use.
The Platinum battery they seem to reference is similar in watt hours to that of a Yeti 1250. It would require a charge controller.
An ARB DC fridge would run for about 4 hours cycle time on an Extreme 350.

The Yeti 1250 power pack is one of our new models coming out this Spring. Let me know if you have any questions. "

I am thinking "cycle time" would mean if the fridge never cut off, so maybe you could get 8 hours in normal use. Does anyone here have any info as to how long a goalzero 350 would run a ABR 50 quart fridge?

 

[Corey]

No idea on how long the 350 would power an ARB fridge, but before I got my Powerfilm solar setup to keep the rigs main battery topped off while camping, I have ran my fridge for almost five days straight on the stock Toyota Panasonic battery without starting the rig.

It started up when it was time to go to work, but it was a little sluggish.
On the norm you should be able to run an ARB fridge just fine for four straight days without starting your rig.

I ran it for many a three day weekend camping trip before I went solar, and never had a problem with starting it when the engine was off the entire time.