Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
45 of 46 people found the following review helpful.
good entry into solar power
By J. Rosenberg
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1OHYBL67LEUEV This product is more than you bargained for. I am using it for an off the grid application. I run 750 watt hours of high intensity flourescents and a 300 watt hour kerosene heater. I was using a generator but the noise gets to you. What i didn't realize getting into this is that 12 32 watt fluorescent bulbs can only be run for about an hour + 1/2. So I attached 2 marine deep cycle 100 amp hour battery to the anderson ports on the back and now I can run three hours, But the two solar panels (boulder 30)s are only able to charge the yeti after a good day and you need at least 2 more panels to get both the yeti and the marine batteries charged up. I purchased two other real solar panels (120 watts each) (too bad goal zero doesn't have them)to make charging easier-- but these needed to go into the anderson connectors on the front. So now i can get 360 watts peak input (actually measured 330 yesterday) The tech support at goal zero is good, patient (Jacob kudos to you) and willing to recommend things that they don't sell yet.Video shows my setup and how things are hooked up.I did not know much about solar power to begin, but working with this unit has really forced an education upon me. The power plugs available are good. This unit is heavy, heavy. The capacity of the unit output wise (1250 watt continuous)is usable. The charge controller is also robust. If you are already solar savvy then you know that you can do this cheaper by buying your own high quality battery, charger controller and power inverter. If you are techno capable but not solar savvy, have spare cash to buy other parts and willing to learn new things then buying this is a gateway to solar energy. Be warned that once you get the bug you are going to want solar shingles and a south facing roof clear of obstructions.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
First Solar Power Generator
By happygolucky
After Hurricane Sandy, I decided I wanted to get a generator for future emergencies. I did my research and decided to purchase the Goal Zero Yeti Generator with wheel cart attachments and twin solar panels.I decided on the Yeti for several reasons: One, I live in an apartment and although I have a terrace, I couldn't deal with possible carbon monoxide fumes. Two, gas stations rely on electricity to pump gas in NYC, so a regular gas fuel generator wouldn't be feasible. Three, I wanted a silent generator. Four, simplicity. I'm not an electrical engineer so I didn't want to link marine deep cell batteries in my apartment.I tested the generator out as soon as I received it so I fully charged the battery and plugged in my single door, full sized refrigerator to see how long it would power it. My expectations were probably a little too high so I was a little disappointed with the results. My fridge was only able to be powered by the Yeti for 12 hours. Now...that said, I don't believe an equal sized gas generator would be able to power my fridge for that long without periodic additional gas refills. Also, I probably could have powered my fridge for longer but I didn't' want to drain the battery more than 50%. One of the things that isn't mentioned in a lot of the descriptions of the Yeti online is that the manufacture suggests to maximize the life of the battery; you shouldn't deplete the stored charge by more than 50%. Since everyone who invests in this pricy device wants it to last as long as possible, this is pretty much the most you are going to get from this generator.Another tip: do not purchase this generator without the wheel accessory attachment. This device is HEAVY. I'm an adult male, 6'2" and 220lbs and its tough for me to move. Unless you transport beer kegs or 5 gal. bottled water containers for a living, do yourself a favor and get the wheels if you do decide to purchase. I purchased the generator as winter was approaching so I didn't get a chance to test out the solar power panels yet. I will try them out next summer when the sun output is at its peak for the northeast. Although the handles don't telescope down and collapse into the battery when not in use, they do detach and reattach easily when you need to move it.I have lived in this same apartment for over 20 yrs and have experienced 3 blackouts, including Sandy. Sandy was exceptional since the power was out for several days. I don't know if I would remain sheltered again for that many days if power was expected to be out for that long again, I would probably bug out to a hotel next time. Since the duration of the other two blackouts were less than a day, I think the Yeti would be able to get me through should I expect to be without power for less than 24 hours.All that said I am still glad I purchased the Yeti, although it isn't a perfect solution, it does cover some of the particular issues I was looking to address when purchasing an emergency power generator for emergency power outages.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful.
Hurricane Who?
By Doc
I live in the path of Hurricane Sandy and my local community endured an extensive period without power during the previous storm. I was determined to be prepared.Prior to purchasing this item, I reviewed many generators and didn't want a gas power model. Looking for a renewable and sustainable energy source, I opted for the Goal Zero 31901 Yeti 1250 Silent Generator. Having read reviews about other "silent" generators and knowing from experience that they were all but "silent", I was amazed at this products output and noise level. You literally don't hear the thing.It supplied power to a deep freezer, a 60" television (for checking weather conditions), a laptop, a lamp, and 2 small electric blankets. It supplied enough power to keep these items running for 48 hours on a single charge. Disclaimer: During the storm, the TV, laptop, and lamp were used quite sparingly. They were, however, never unplugged from the unit.I recommend this to anyone desiring a SILENT, renewable energy source for emergencies or for extended outdoor adventures.Cons: This unit is extremely heavy and requires a two man lift. I recommend placing it on a roller system to increase portability.
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Missing info and some minor flaws
Not Worth Buying
