Solar Generator Comparisons – Page 3

Over the years, Goal Zero has created a reputable and trusted brand in the world of sustainable energy. Its products are well known for providing reliable and efficient green power solutions for people all around the world through its solar panels, power stations, and many of their numerous products. Among these numerous top quality products from Goal Zero are the Yeti 200x and Yeti 150 power stations. These are two of the numerous products in the Yeti Series of power stations produced by Goal Zero. The two products are portable and durable power stations. In this review, we're going to compare these products objectively and comprehensively, assessing features and qualities that matter most to the users of these products. Goal Zero YETI 150 vs YETI 200X - Which is better? The Goal Zero Yeti 200X is much better than the Yeti 150 for a few reasons. First, the 200X possesses a lithium battery that is much more efficient and powerful than the Yeti 150's lead-acid battery. The battery is also lighter, allowing the 200X to be only five pounds in weight (the Yeti 150 weighs 12 pounds). Aesthetics and Appearance The Yeti 200X portable power station is built in the conventional rectangular shape that is true of most power stations. Measuring a total of 7.9 by 5.1 by 5.1 inches (20 by 13 by 13 centimeters), it is a portable and suitably-sized gadget. It comes with a comfortable and elegantly designed handle that makes it easier to move around. The major point scored in the build of this device is its weight. This powerful power station weighs an unbelievably 5 lbs., approximately 2.3 kilograms. The Yeti 200X is regarded as the lightest of all the products in the Yeti series made by Goal Zero. Combined with its comfortable handle, it makes a great choice for campers and lovers of outdoor life. The Yeti 150 power station, on the other hand, has mostly similar features with the Yeti 200X. It is also shaped like a rectangular box. It measures out at a total of 7.75 by 6.75 by 5.75 inches (19.7 by 14.6 by 17.2 centimeters). However, the weight of this product is a bit on the higher side. Weighing a total of 12 lbs. (approximately 5.4 kilograms) and coupled with an equally elegant handle, it is still quite portable. It, however, doesn’t compete favorably with the Yeti 200X which weighs a lot less. Aesthetically, the Yeti 200X was built in a beautiful, yet rugged encasement. The body is made of anodized aluminum metal, its top and bottom painted black, and its handle in a fluorescent green color that can easily be seen in the dark. The top and bottom sections are made of rubbered plastic, while the mid-section is made of a metal casing. This encasement is so strong that if the power station is mistakenly dropped within a range of five feet on a relatively hard surface, you can be sure of little or no damage to the body and functionality of the power station. However, there is no indication that the power station is water-resistant. Although not a necessary feature, it would have been a very nice addition to its features. Goal Zero Yeti 200X Comparatively, the Yeti 150 power station shares the same aesthetics with the Yeti 200x. This includes the colors and materials for the top, middle, and bottom sections, the color and effect of the handle, and the strength of the casing. There is also no indication that it has water resistance features. The main advantages that the Yeti 200X has over the Yeti 150 power station are its lightweight capability (which mostly comes from the different batteries) and the size difference. This, however, matters a lot especially for campers and lovers of outdoor life. Similar: 3 Stages of Camping Solar Panels from Goal Zero Features of the Yeti 150 and 200X In terms of ports and output options, the Yeti 200X comes loaded with seven different port options. Out of which three are USB ports, these ports have varying capacity and uses. The Yeti 200X has three USB ports (Type A, Type C and PD) each rated 5V 2.4A (12W max), 5-12V 3A (18W max) and 5-20V 3A (60W max) respectively. Added to this, is a 12V car charging port rated 10A (120W max) and an 8mm charging port. There is also a 12V 6mm port and an AC inverter port. Comparatively, the port options on the Yeti 150 are almost similar in number to that of the Yeti 200X, with only one USB port short. Although, that is where the similarities end. The ports in the Yeti 150 are not as powerfully rated as that of the 200X. This is not only true for the USB ports but all other ports, except for the carport which rates 12V, 10A. The 8mm charging port in the Yeti 150 is rated 14-29V 5A (60W max) as opposed to that of the Yeti 200X which was rated 13-22V 7A (100W max). Another disparity in the features of these two power stations is the battery meter or battery LCD screen. The Yeti 200X has an LCD screen that shows the battery percentage during usage and charging, while the Yeti 150 only has a battery meter instead of an LCD screen. Output Capacity The Yeti 200X power station is a powerful solar station delivering up to 187 Watts hours of electricity. This means that it has a capacity of 37,400 mAh. This is an incredible capacity for a power station of its size and weight. This implies that it can charge your everyday gadgets like phones, cameras, laptop computers, and the likes comfortably for hours. For instance, the power station will fully charge your laptop computer four times, while your tablet phones get five full recharges. You can charge your phones up to 20 times and headlamps up to 35 times. And as if that was not enough, the power station can power a portable 12V fridge for more than 10 hours. Campers are also in luck with the power station as it can charge your camping lamps for several hours. The Light-A-Life lamp produced by Goal Zero for campers and lovers of the outdoor life can be powered for 40 hours non-stop, at the highest setting. The Yeti 150 power station, on the other hand, has an output capacity of 150W. This is not too bad for a portable power station, but it does not measure up to the output of the Yeti 200X. With its output capacity, it works well with light gadgets and devices, charging most of them comfortably. For example, the power station can charge your laptop computer twice, your smartphones twelve times, and headlamps can be charged for up 50 times. Users of cameras and tablet phones are also covered as it charges these devices fully up to 25 times and six times respectively. Comparatively, the Yeti 200X can be said to be more powerful than the Yeti 150, seeing its output capacity and the duration of charging appliances. This stance is more convincing when we consider the AC surge ratings. While the Yeti 200X can boast of a 200W surge provision, Yeti 150 only has a 160W surge provision. This means that the Yeti 200X has a better chance of withstanding power surges and an overload of gadgets than the Yeti 150. Similar: Yeti 500x by Goal Zero – Overview & Stats – Peak Performance Recharging and Battery life Like every power station, these products do not recharge themselves. Provisions are made for their recharging by the producers. The two power stations have three means of recharging each. This is not surprising as they are made by the same manufacturer. These three charging options include solar panels, a wall outlet, and a car charger. The Yeti 200X power station can be charged fully between two to four hours when plugged to a wall outlet. The 8mm charging port is the appropriate port for this function. This seems to be the fastest option for charging the power station. The other options include charging through the cigarette lighter of your car, an endeavor that takes four hours to fully charge, and solar panels, whose duration depends on the capacity of the solar panel. To charge with your carport, the 12V carport is used. The duration it takes to charge with solar panels depends on the capacity of the solar panel. For instance, the Nomad 50 and Boulder 50 solar panels from Goal Zero will charge the power station fully between five and 10 hours, while the Nomad 20 solar panel will take up to 24 hours to fully charge the power station. It should be noted that these durations given are subject to change based on the elevation of the panel, temperature of the region, and the intensity and position of the sun. On the other hand, the Yeti 150 power station can also be charged using the same three options. The wall outlet charging, using the 8mm charging port, takes six hours unlike the four hours taken by Yeti 200X. Car charging, using the 12V carport takes within four to six hours, as opposed to the four hours maximum charging enjoyed by the Yeti 200X. Using solar panels for this power station is also subject to the vagaries of panel capabilities. Nonetheless, the Boulder 50 solar panel by Goal Zero will charge this power station within six to 12 hours - A duration which is more than that of Yeti 200X, which takes within five to 10 hours of charging. However, if you are using the Nomad 20 solar panel, you don’t have to worry about charging time comparison, as it takes an equal 24 hours of charging to fully charge this power station. The evident efficiency and rapid charging ability of the Yeti 200X power station can be attributed to the presence of the MPPT fast charging technology that comes with it. A feature that is missing in the Yeti 150. With regards to battery life and strength, the Yeti 200X is equipped with a lithium battery which is well known for its efficiency in engineering. On the other hand, the Yeti 150 has an AGM lead-acid battery, a battery that is efficient but has a lot of disadvantages. Additionally, the Yeti 150 power station has the advantage of a removable battery. This means that once the battery serves its due time, it can be removed and replaced by another. This feature is not present in the Yeti 200X power station. The batteries of these power stations, however, both have a low-battery protection system, which protects their batteries when it is low, as well as a durable shelf life. The shelf life can be maintained as long as the power station is kept in use or charged every three to six months. In conclusion, it can be said that the Yeti 200X has a more efficient battery and charges faster than Yeti 150 power station, all thanks to its MPPT charging technology that comes with it. This makes the Yeti 200X a better option with campers and people who have to manage their electricity due to shortage or outage. Watch Yeti 200X video review on YouTube Price - 200X vs 150 Price is a very important feature that users consider when comparing two products. While the price of a product sometimes tells on its capabilities, it sometimes is a function of the manufacturer’s decision. At a retail price of $299.95 dollars, the Yeti 200X is not a cheap product at all. It is one of the more expensive power stations in the market for its size. However, that price is in tandem with its features and qualities of the product. The Yeti 150 power station costs only $199.95 dollars, which is a lot cheaper than the Yeti 200X. This is possibly the first area where the Yeti 150 supersedes Yeti 200X, but this can hardly be called a great bargain. This is because the features and qualities of the Yeti 200X greatly supersede that of Yeti 150, so it is expected that its price will be higher than that of the Yeti 150. Certification and Warranty Every electronic gadget requires some level of certification to reassure users that the best practices and professional care has been taken in the design, manufacturing, and assemblage of the components of the product. Most Goal Zero Portable Power Stations also have met some standard in their manufacturing and possess various certifications including FCC, RoHS, UN38.3, and many more. All these certifications are evidence of the quality components and professional expertise put into the manufacture and assemblage of the power station. It is, however, surprising that no information about the certification for the Yeti 200X is given. The website of the company says nothing about the certification of this product. Comparatively, the Yeti 150 power station has its certifications stated. They include CE, FCC, and ROHS. These certifications speak volumes about the professional care that has been put into the manufacture of the product. However, it is also important to note that there is a two-year warranty on the Yeti 200X power station as against that of the Yeti 150 which has only 18 months of warranty. This means that if for any reason, not applicable to the user, the power station develops a mechanical fault or refuses to perform its expected functions, then the user is allowed to return the product to the manufacturer for repair or replacement within those timeframes. Conclusively, the absence of information on the certifications of Yeti 200X power station leaves one in doubt as to the standard met in the design and manufacture of the product. While this doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with the product, it does leave users in limbo. This is one area where the Yeti 150 trumps the 200X power station. However, this seems to be taken care of in the warranty period for each product. A review of Goal Zero products shows that most of their products have 18 months of warranty duration. The fact that Goal Zero is allowing a two-year warranty on Yeti 200X says a lot. Manuals yeti-150-user-guide yeti-200x-user-guide Conclusion Both of these products are outstanding power stations from Goal Zero. They are efficient and reliable with regards to the provision of electrical energy in time of power outages within the home, or while out camping or in the wild. They both have amazing features that make them stand out from their counterparts in the market. You will be hard-pressed trying to find a better power station that these two possess in the market for their size. Having said that, it stands to reason that the Goal Zero Yeti 200X portable power station has more advantages over its counterpart from the same company, the Goal Zero Yeti 150 Portable Power Station. From aesthetics to functionality and output capacity, Yeti 200X has been the more outstanding product with incredible features that surpasses that of Yeti 150 power station. Find the Yeti 200X here on Amazon Find the Yeti 150 here on Amazon