The essence of this review is to provide a thorough comparison between two of the most popular solar generator choices out there:
The Titan solar generator is better than the Yeti 3000 Lithium because its AC inverter is twice as powerful at 3,000W continuous (6,000W surge), its battery’s cycle life is four times longer (2,000 vs. 500 charge cycles), and it can be easily linked to additional battery packs.
However, the Yeti 3000 has the ability to link to WiFi and be controlled via smartphones and tablets via the Goal Zero Yeti app.
This may come in handy for people using their Yeti for home use.
There are several more details that come into play when choosing the best solar generator, and throughout this article, we will go into detail on the attributes of each generator.
Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium – Overview
The Yeti 3000 is the largest solar generator offered from Goal Zero, which boasts of an industry-leading output plus a patented AC and 60W USB-C power delivery port.
It provides a reliable power source for emergencies and outages. It can be used to power lights, TVs, gaming systems, laptops, refrigerators, and some power-hungry devices.
It comes with wireless control via WiFi and can store more than 3,000Wh of electricity. It also features high surge capacities for greater compatibility with a lot of power-demanding equipment.
The Yeti 3000 is perfect for multiple device power needs. Users can monitor the battery capacity and power usage on the Yeti App.
The power station includes a pre-installed solar charging optimization module (MPPT). It is easy to install and offers three fantastic options for re-charging. A complete set for this solar generator features:
- A Goal Zero Yeti 3000 Lithium power station
- Two wall chargers
- A rolling cart for moving it around, and
- A pre-installed MPPT
- Additionally, it can be coupled with the Boulder 200 solar panel briefcase for re-charging
Point Zero Energy Titan – Overview
The Titan is a strong, portable solar generator on the market. It’s a highly reliable solar backup that is uniquely known for its removable lithium-ion battery.
The battery can also be expanded with more batteries to a greater capacity. It has two charge controllers measuring up to 2,000W of total solar input with two batteries attached.
The Titan is a rugged power monster that ranks as a popular choice among many users and enjoys large patronage.
Typically, the Titan is built to power strong appliances and power-consuming devices like refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, phones, tablets, etc. A regular unit will include:
- Titan solar generator
- A cigarette to SAE, for car charging
- MC4 to SAE for jump-starting with a solar panel
- MC4 to Anderson adapter SAE for wall re-charging
- Four 30W USB adapters
- One AC charger
Similar: Top 15 Best Solar Generators for Camping (Small to Large)
Comparing Features – Yeti 3000 vs. Titan
The following features are worth considering when going for any solar generator on the market. We’ll be comparing both solar generators following the criteria below.
- Battery capacity
- Weight and portability
- Lithium battery
- Charging speed
- Durability and longevity
- RV connectivity
- Expandability
- Inverter size
- Ports
- Cost
- Warranty and customer support
Battery Capacity
The Yeti 3000 features a powerful lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 3,075Wh (about 10.95V, 280Ah).
It has a single cell equivalent capacity of 842Ah at 3.65V and a life cycle of 500 cycles to 80% battery capacity.
The charge controller system is PWM, including low battery protection. At this capacity, it is capable of powering any device ranging from phones to refrigerators, even if it isn’t fully charged.
The Titan has a powerful 2,000Wh lithium-ion battery. It is one of the largest in the market and has a life span of about 10 years. It is important to note that the Titan features a dual MPPT charge controller system capable of 1,000W maximum input per port.
Verdict: The Yeti 3000 has a greater battery capacity than the Point Zero Titan. However, the Titan has a rugged battery that can be expanded.
Similar: What Can a Solar Generator Power? (Charging, Capacity, and More)
Weight and Portability
| Model | Titan | Yeti 3000 Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 67 lbs* | 68.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 18.5 x 12 x 12 in* | 10.1 x 15.3 x 13.1 in** |
The Yeti 3000, along with the MPPT charger, weighs 68.6 lbs (about 31.1 kg).
This weight is high compared to a lot of other lightweight systems out there, such as the Inergy Kodiak that weighs only 20 lbs. However, it is easy to move around as it comes with a cart that weighs just 4 kg. You won’t have to worry about lifting it around.
The power module of the Titan weighs 32 lbs while the battery weighs 35 lbs. The Titan is split into two separate pieces, which makes for easy portability. The unit is also very easy to put back together.
Verdict: The Titan weighs slightly less than Yeti 3000 and would easily pass for a preferred choice going by weight, but remember the Yeti comes with a mobility cart!
Lithium Battery
The Yeti portable power station features an ultra-safe lithium-ion battery. It also features a state-of-the-art battery monitoring system that prevents overcharging, short-circuiting, and over-current.
Lithium batteries are the most preferred choice these days. They’re also called “Lithium NMC” and are much lighter in weight than lead-acid batteries.
They are currently the strongest and most durable batteries for solar generators.
The Titan also features a strong lithium-ion battery. When compared to the regular lead-acid batteries, it takes about 12 lead-acid batteries to measure up to one Titan battery.
Even the high-quality Battle Born batteries would require at least two units to come close to the capacity of one Titan Lithium-ion battery.
Verdict: the Titan uses lithium NMC technology, which is the highest quality grade. The Goal Zero series of lithium units only have 500 cycles. The Titan has 2,000 cycles. That’s four times the longevity of the Yeti 3000 battery, and ultimately, a longer power supply.
Charging Speed
Yeti 3000 Lithium – Charging Specs
- Max Solar Input: About 950W (utilizing 2x High Power inputs & 2x 8mm inputs)
- Charge Controllers: 1x PWM, 1x MPPT
- Input Ports:
- (2) High Power charging ports: 14-22V/30A (360W max per port)
- (3) 8mm ports: 14-22V, up to 10A (120W max)
- (1) Expansion Module port: Used with Goal Zero expansion modules only (located under the lid)
The Yeti 3000 features three means of charging:
Recharge from the sun via a compatible solar panel – typically takes about 18-36hrs to fully recharge the Yeti 3000 with a single Boulder 200 briefcase solar panel connected.
Generally, the charge time is dependent on the capacity of the solar panel connected.
Goal Zero has a variety of different solar panels, but even a heavy combination of three Boulder 200 Briefcases will charge within 6-12 hours. This is longer than that of the Titan.
Via AC wall outlet – which fully charges in 10 hours when used with the Yeti fast charge 25 Amp power supply. It takes 25 hours when charged with the two included wall chargers.
Titan Charging Specs
- Max Solar Input:
- 1,000W (w/ one battery)
- 2,000W (w/ 2+ batteries)
- Charge Controller: 2x MPPT
- Input Ports:
- (2) PV (solar) inputs: 35-145V/30A per port (2,000W total)
- (2) AC charging inputs: 600W each
- (1) Car cigarette lighter DC input
- (1) Battery expansion input: For third-party external batteries
The Titan, on the other hand, has a powerful AC wall charger that typically recharges the battery pack within four hours. This is a long shot from the Yeti. Still, the Titan allows double charging with more than one battery, thereby doubling the charge speed.
With about a 500W solar input, one Titan battery will fully recharge in about five hours.
The Titan is also able to run some basic equipment while charging. There’s also a built-in fan to keep the battery cool.
Verdict: The Yeti hardly compares to the Titan in charge speed. Full sunlight is estimated at around five hours per day in the US. This means that the Goal Zero Yeti 3000 will take up to three days or more to recharge, depending on the time of the year. The Titan, on the other hand, will be charged typically within a day or two at most.
Durability and Longevity
| Model | Titan | Yeti 3000 Lithium |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Life | 2,000 cycles to 80% capacity | 500 cycles to 80% capacity |
A cycle is the amount of time it takes to drain a fully charged battery to a certain level and then charge it again.
The Yeti has 500 charge cycles to 80% capacity, meaning that if it is used every day, it will span for about a year and a few months. Average use will mean a life span of about 3-5 years.
The Titan is capable of lasting up to 2,000 cycles to 80% capacity with one of its batteries. Therefore, it can be used daily and last over five years before the battery gets to 80% of its original 2,000Wh capacity.
If the battery is not used daily and is well-maintained, it has a 10+ year life span. The battery also features some safety measures to prevent it from being overworked.
Verdict: If you consider the charge speed and life cycle of both batteries, it’s obvious that the Titan will outlive the Yeti.
Similar: Inergy Apex vs EcoFlow Delta 1300 – Which is the Superior Solar Generator?
RV Connectivity
Although the Yeti does not feature an RV outlet, it can be recharged via an RV input, usually from a 12V DC input.
The Titan includes a 30A RV plug, which is uncommon in most solar generators today.
This allows it to run heavy gadgets that many other solar batteries cannot.
Verdict: Unlike most solar units out there, the Titan allows direct RV connectivity. This is an extra option for folks who need to run high wattage devices without having to use an adapter to power those items.
Expandability
To scale up battery storage capacity, the Yeti 3000 has a superb battery chaining technology that allows users to connect Goal Zero’s Yeti Tank lead-acid batteries to the Yeti Lithium power stations.
The one major issue is that you cannot connect any third-party batteries for extra storage with the Yeti 3000. The Titan is able to do this.
You can also integrate the power station directly into your home’s circuit for a more seamless backup experience.
The Yeti, however, lacks a true 12V outlet and is incompatible with panels other than 12V panels.
The solar panel capacity can also be expanded by connecting more Boulder 200 Briefcases for faster charging.
The Titan’s battery is removable and expandable, offering increased portability. The solar panel capacity can be expanded as well. The Titan can add on as many batteries as desired.
For each of these solar generators, a second charger can be used once an additional panel is introduced.
Verdict: Each generator provides options for easy expansions and more power generation. However, Yeti has a probability of storing up more power than the Titan, assuming both are scaled up by the same proportion. The Titan’s advantage, though, is its faster charging speed.
Inverter Size
| Model | Max AC Inverter Output |
|---|---|
| Yeti 3000 Lithium | 1,500W continuous (3,000W surge) |
| Titan | With one battery: 1,500W continuous (3,000W surge) With 2+ batteries: 3,000W continuous (6,000W surge) |
The Yeti has a sturdy build and is designed with easy portability in mind. The Goal Zero Yeti’s AC port is powered by an inverter that allows for 1,500W of continuous power and 3,000W of surge power for running high-powered gadgets.
So if your device pulls more than 1,500W for an extended period, the inverter will shut off.
The Titan uses a 3,000W continuous inverter with up to 6,000W of surge power. This is a powerful pure sine wave inverter.
This capacity beats the average size of most portable solar generators on the market.
Verdict: The Titan has twice the AC output power as the Yeti 3000 Lithium solar generator.
Output Ports
Titan Output Ports
| AC | (1) RV 30A AC outlet (6) 120V AC outputs: 3,000W (6,000W surge) |
| USB | (8) USB ports total*: 6x USB-A, 2x USB-C |
| DC | (4) DC car cigarette lighter outputs (regulated at 13.8V) |
Yeti 3000 Lithium Outputs
| AC | (2) 120V AC outputs: 1,500W (3,000W surge) |
| USB | (2) USB-A ports (1) USB-C port (1) USB-C PD port (60W max) |
| DC | (2) 6mm ports (120W max) (1) 12V car port (120W max) (1) 12V High Power Port (240W max) |
The Yeti allows multiple connections to it. Smartphones, POV cameras, headlamps, tablets, laptops, fridges, LCD TVs, are all examples of items that are commonly used with a generator like this one.
It has 10 different versatile output ports to pick from:
- Dual AC ports
- One 12V High Power port (240W max)
- Two 12V 6mm ports for Goal Zero accessories
- One 12V car port
- One 60W USB-C PD port
- One standard USB-C port
- Two standard USB-A ports
The Titan also allows a lot of devices/appliances to be plugged into it. The Titan has six 120V 15A outlets, one 120V 30A outlet, six smart USB ports, and two USB-C removable sockets.
It has a unique layout of ports that lets you plug in several items at the same time; without the constraint of spacing.
Verdict: Both solar generators are fairly generous regarding the availability of outlets. With either of them, you should easily have enough power delivery ports to suit your needs. There’s also the chance of using adapters to scale up the number as desired.
Cost
Both the Yeti 3000 Lithium and Titan solar generator cost about $3,000. The Titan comes with one battery pack and the Yeti 3000 comes with an included roll cart.
Verdict: Both products offer real value for money to those who can afford them. However, the Yeti comes in slightly less expensive than the Titan.
Customer Service
You can rest assured about the reliability of the customer service provided by Point Zero Energy and Goal Zero. From the inquiry stage to installation, both companies will promptly serve you.
Goal Zero provides a two-year warranty on its products while Point Zero Energy provides a two-year warranty on the Titan power module and a one-year warranty on the lithium battery packs.
That’s to tell you that the manufacturers have strong confidence in the quality of their product.
Verdict: You can rely on quick help from the manufacturers of both solar generators. But if you want a product with a longer warranty duration, the Titan would be your pick.
Unique Features
There are several unique features of both systems, but I am going to highlight what I deem the most unique feature of each system below.
Yeti 3000 Lithium
The Yeti 3000 can be controlled via an app.
With a direct or established WiFi connection, the Yeti App can be synced to the Yeti power station. With the app, you can check the battery level and turn the ports on and off all from a remote location.
Users are also provided with regular over-the-air firmware updates to keep the Yeti performing at its best capacity.
Titan
A removable and expandable battery is incorporated into the system. This allows for easy and DIY scaling up of the generator’s battery storage capacity.
The battery is stackable and is attached directly beneath the mainframe. It charges faster than any other solar unit on the market of its size, and if need be, it features a car charging option.
The Titan has a 1,500W continuous inverter rating with one battery and a 3,000W continuous rating with two batteries attached. For a reliable high-powered output, the Titan is the best choice of the two.
Conclusion – Yeti 3000 vs Titan – Which is Best?
Overall, the Titan outperforms the Yeti 3000 Lithium in terms of battery expansion, inverter output, solar input, and battery longevity.
If you’re seriously considering buying a system like these ones, get the Titan. It will be a better system.
The only exception is if you really want the WiFi connectivity feature that comes with the Yeti 3000. Besides that, the Titan is better in nearly every other category reviewed today.
If you like the Titan, you can check its price on shopsolarkits.com here. They also have kits that you can purchase with solar panels and necessary cables. I make a small commission on every sale from that link.
For additional information on the Titan, check out my review of the system here.
If the Yeti 3000 Lithium is more fit for your lifestyle, you can check out my review of it right here.
By the way, Goal Zero came out with a new version of the Yeti 3000, and it’s called the Yeti 3000X. It has regulated DC ports and some additional improvements to the 3000 Lithium. Find my review and comparison of the Yeti 3000X here.