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Goal Zero's Durable New Portable Power Station Doubles as an Off-Grid Solar Generator and UPS

Goal Zero's newest portable power station comes with a more durable build and additional capabilities.

Headshot of Ajay Kumar
Headshot of Ajay Kumar
Ajay Kumar Editor
Ajay has worked in tech journalism for over a decade as a reporter, analyst, product reviewer, and editor. He got his start in consumer tech, breaking Android news at Newsweek before going to PCMag, where he reviewed hundreds of smartphones, battery packs, and chargers as a Mobile Analyst. He also worked at Lifewire, a Dotdash Meredith brand, as a Tech Commerce Editor, putting together tested best-of lists and assigning product reviews across categories including smart home, uninterruptible power supplies, generators, and automotive tech. Most recently, he was Section Editor, Mobile at Digital Trends, spearheading his team's coverage of breaking news, features, reviews, roundups, deals, and more across a variety of mobile products, including phones, wearables, VR headsets, batteries, and chargers. If you want Ajay's advice about anything tech, especially solar panels, UPS, batteries, EVs, and charging technology, you can reach him at ajkumar@cnet.com.
Expertise 13+ years of experience in consumer product reviews, buying guides, best lists, and tech news across a variety of tech categories. As a homeowner, Ajay is also familiar with the unique electrical issues that can crop up in a prewar apartment building.
Ajay Kumar
2 min read
Man carrying the Yeti 1500 power station

The 6th Generation of the Yeti 1500 comes with a more durable build and the ability to double as a solar generator.

 Goal Zero

Many of the best portable power stations that we've tested at CNET include multiple charging options for off-grid, uninterruptible power supply capabilities and the ability to function as a solar generator. All of these things are true for Goal Zero's new Yeti 1500 6th Generation Edition portable power station. 

Goal Zero says the power station is designed for people who need reliable power outdoors, off-road, and in emergency situations. The company says it prioritized physical durability and reliability in outdoor conditions, as well as rapid solar recharging, for this model. The enclosure itself is made of aluminum, is IPX4 water- and dust-resistant, and features sealed port covers to prevent dirt from entering. The interior is vibration-tested, meaning you can take it on bumpy roads and it should withstand extreme temperatures from minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The Yeti 1500 powering a light and electric kettle outdoors

The power station can work with a variety of demanding devices and provides surge wattage for high-power appliances. 

 Goal Zero

In terms of specs, the Yeti 1500 has a 1,505-watt-hour capacity and a 2,000-watt inverter that provides continuous power and 3,600 watts of surge capacity, so it can run high-draw appliances and tools. This includes fridges, CPAP machines, power tools, air pumps and blenders. 

It uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery that can charge from 0% to 80% in 1 hour when plugged into a standard AC outlet. Goal Zero says the battery is rated for 4,000 charge cycles or a decade of daily use and has a 10 times faster recharge than the previous generation.  

Yeti 1500 close up of the AC ports

The 1500 comes with a wide array of ports including AC outlets, USB-C ports and a car charger.

 Goal Zero

Ports are plentiful with: four AC outlets, four 140-watt USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a 12-volt output port, 6mm accessory ports and a High Power Port for integration accessories from Goal Zero. 

One of the big selling points is its ability to double as a solar generator. You can attach Goal Zero's compatible solar panels to it, including the Ranger 300 Briefcase ($800) and Nomad 400 ($1,000) for up to 900 watts of solar input. This supports a full recharge in under 2 hours. It also supports car charging with the included 12-volt cable. 

Yeti charging off-grid with solar panels

The Yeti 1500 can connect to several of Goal Zero's soiar panels and charge off-grid.

 Goal Zero

The power station comes with an app that lets you monitor power flow, charge profiles (performance/battery saver/balanced) and firmware updates. 

Price and availability 

See on Goal Zero

The Yeti 1500 6G will cost you $1,500 directly from Goal Zero and at authorized retailers. We're currently testing it at CNET Labs for consideration on our list of the best portable power stations and should have test results soon.Â