Goal Zero

Why Choose Goal Zero?

Goal Zero (GZ) helps people stay safe and connected with portable power stations. They operate quietly and offer a cleaner alternative to gas-powered options. Furthermore, you can use Goal Zero products in the home or outdoors. So, whether you’re living off the grid or preparing for an outage, you can count on Goal Zero to deliver a reliable stream of power.

The power stations come housed in anodized aluminum and rubberized plastic to stand the test of time. Moreover, the devices have multiple charging options. Plug them in a wall outlet or insert them in a car adapter. Also, you can use expansion batteries or solar panels. You can use Goal Zero power stations for camping and tailgating. You’ll appreciate output like USB-C PD ports for phones and computers. And with an integration kit, you can connect Goal Zero equipment to your breaker panel. This keeps the lights on and appliances running during a power outage.

Goal Zero Company History

Photo of Goal Zero founder and CEO Robert Workman.

Philanthropist Robert Workman founded the nonprofit organization TIFIE (Teaching Individuals and Families Independence through Enterprise). In 2007, he traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). During his visit, he came up with an idea to help the villagers become self-sufficient. But first, he had to find a way to deliver a reliable power source.

With the help of engineers and developers, Workman designed the Go-Be (renamed the Yeti 150). The system included a battery, LED light, and solar panel. DRC locals were among the first to test the products. Not only did the Go-Be provide much-needed light, but it also brought economic empowerment to the village, too. The results inspired Workman to explore other areas to put solar power to use.

Workman was determined to provide a reliable source of power to the masses. In June 2009, he launched Goal Zero. The following month, the company introduced the Escape 150 Portable Power Station, the Escape 30 Solar Panel Briefcase, and the Light-A-Life Lantern.

Founding and Milestones

In March 2010, Goal Zero released the Extreme Ranger 350, a bolt-on AC inverter. And by October 2011, the company had added two more items to its portfolio — namely, Nomad portable solar panels and the Torch 250 and Lighthouse 400 with rechargeable, multi-functional lights. To answer the call for a larger portable power source, the company introduced the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 in December 2012. It sold out within two days and won the CES Innovation Award. A year later, Goal Zero used the technology of the Yeti 1250 to give the Escape and Extreme power stations a makeover. They renamed the portable power stations the Yeti 150 and the Yeti 400.

CEO and founder Robert Workman sold Goal Zero to Energy giant NRG in August 2014. According to Workman, NRG and Goal Zero were a perfect fit. He said the acquisition would allow Goal Zero to “put reliable power in the hands of every human on earth.”

In 2015, Goal Zero released the Venture 30, a waterproof power bank. Two years later, the company designed a lithium power station. Up to this point, Goal Zero power stations operated on bulky, lead-acid batteries.

In 2018, the company launched its first Wi-Fi-compatible and remote-controlled system called the Yeti Ecosystem. It also released the Yeti Home Integration Kit, giving homeowners a simple way to incorporate Goal Zero power stations into their homes. In the Fall of 2019, Goal Zero launched the Yeti 200X in REI stores. By the Spring of 2020, the Yeti X line grew to include the Yeti 500X, 1000X, 1500X, 3000X, and 6000X (the most powerful model to date). In August 2022, Utah Business magazine named Goal Zero one of the fastest-growing businesses in Utah.

Production and Manufacturing

The Goal Zero Yeti 1500X features Wi-Fi and a mobile app for remote operations.

Goal Zero’s portfolio includes an assortment of power stations and solar panels. The company also supplies home and vehicle integration kits, expansion tanks, and lighting.

Products

  • Power banks and power stations: The Goal Zero Sherpa power bank comes in handy when you need to power up wearables, smartphones, laptops, and tablets. When you need to charge several devices simultaneously, portable power stations like the Goal Zero Yeti keep your essentials charged for hours. Options run from the Yeti 200X (187 watt-hours) to the Yeti 6000 (6,071 watt-hours).
  • Solar panels and solar chargers: Goal Zero engineers both portable and mountable solar panels. The portable models come with a carrying bag, an amp charge controller, batteries, and a kickstand. Besides strong, tempered glass, the mountable model features an aluminum frame with added corner protection. The portable solar chargers come equipped with a kickstand. Nomad 10 and Nomad 20 models have foldable panels for easy storage.
  • Lights: Light the way with Zero Goal USB rechargeable solar lanterns, flashlights, and string lights. Also, the bulbs provide 20,000 hours of use and can adjust from dim to bright.
  • Solutions: Be prepared for the unexpected with Goal Zero portable power kits. The kits include solar panels and a solar-powered generator.

Manufacturing

Goal Zero doesn’t share much information about its manufacturing process. Nonetheless, the company employs about 140 employees in the United States. It also tests products in Utah and has them assembled in China. The power stations are engineered with five levels of safety, two of which prevent short-circuiting.

Key Facts

Goal Zero does not operate solely for profit. The company believes in giving back. Since launching in 2009, the company has helped cities recover from disasters with portable power solutions.

After the February 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Goal Zero partnered with nonprofit organizations to provide lights and batteries. And when an earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in March 2011, Goal Zero donated solar panels and lights to residents in Japan. Goal Zero provided relief again in November 2012 after Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast.

In 2010, the company donated products to victims of the Haiti earthquake. Also, in 2013, the company provided lights, power, and tents to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in Southeast Asia.

Other humanitarian projects include powering a technology center in Kushea, Ghana and an orphanage in Moshi, Tanzania. Also, the company distributed solar equipment to schools and medical facilities in Khumbu Valley in Nepal.

When a series of catastrophic weather-related events circled the globe, Goal Zero was there to help. The company continues to travel the world to bring power and resources to families suffering from the effects of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. During the pandemic, Goal Zero pressed the pause button to help make face shields for frontline healthcare workers.

When a series of catastrophic weather-related events circled the globe, Goal Zero was there to help. The company continues to travel the world to bring power and resources to families suffering from natural disasters. During the pandemic, Goal Zero pressed the pause button to help make face shields for frontline healthcare workers.

Today, GZ continues to empower underserved communities with reliable power sources. Each year, the company allocates a share of its profits to humanitarian projects. Plus, Goal Zero partners with several organizations to provide disaster relief in areas affected by lasting power outages.

Warranty Information

Goal Zero issues a two-year limited warranty on lithium batteries for Yeti products and Boulder solar panels. The warranty period for open-box merchandise and lead batteries is 180 days. During the warranty period, Goal Zero may opt to repair or exchange the product at no cost to you. For details, review the Goal Zero warranty policy on the company’s website.

You can also purchase an extended protection plan with no coverage limits, claim limitations, or deductibles.

If you are not pleased with a product, you may return it within 30 days for a full refund. This offer only applies to products purchased from Goal Zero. If you purchased equipment from an authorized retailer, contact them to learn the terms of their refund policy.

Check Out More Goal Zero Power Stations

What is a Goal Zero power station? A Goal Zero power station is a portable device that generates days of reliable power with zero emissions. Most importantly, they are durable and charge devices quickly. Some models are great for camping and road trips, while other devices work well in the home. To find out which Power Station is best for you, read our Goal Zero solar generator reviews and roundups.

Goal Zero Product Reviews

If you’re thinking about purchasing a Goal Zero power station, you will want to read our Goal Zero reviews. Although the models appear the same on the face, there are notable differences. To make your search easier, we highlight different models available for home and outdoor use. Plus, we delve into performance, connection options, and estimated charging times. Moreover, we list the pros and cons to help narrow your choices and decide which model is best for you.

Goal Zero Product Roundups

Goal Zero power stations have come a long way since the company launched in 2009. In the past, power banks were limited to lead-acid battery technology. Today, Goal Zero power stations operate on lithium battery technology, a car charger, or solar power. Most importantly, the devices function quietly.

Features include interactive buttons, Wi-Fi compatibility, USB ports, and AC outputs. A few models even provide backup power for appliances during emergencies. With interactive buttons and an LCD screen, you can select charging modes and monitor the time until your device reaches a full charge. Our product roundups list the details of Goal Zero power banks in a straightforward format, so you can compare bells and whistles and review Goal Zero prices.

Goal Zero Press Releases

The Press Release page is a hub of information. Browse consumer data, get details on new products, and learn the benefits of using a Goal Zero power station. You can also read inspiring stories about Goal Zero users and learn how they use different devices to prepare for emergencies and stay off the grid.

Goal Zero Recalls

If there is an issue with a Goal Zero product, you can find the information on the Notices and Recalls page. https://www.goalzero.com/pages/notices-recalls Besides the nature of the problem, you’ll find out what Goal Zero is doing to remedy the situation.

In December 2020, Goal Zero issued a recall for the Yeti 25 AMP Fast Charger due to connection issues that caused overheating. The company issued another recall in April 2021 after discovering deformed pins in the EC28. In each case, Goal Zero urged customers to stop using the products. Customers could submit an online claim or contact customer service by phone.

Where to Buy

You can find Goal Zero portable power stations available at multiple online retailers. To navigate to a reputable store, click the following links.

Deals

If you’re looking for units strong enough to power an air conditioner, consider the Yeti 3000X and the Yeti 6000X. For deals on these models, click on our Amazon affiliate links below.

Similar Brands

Between extreme weather conditions and failed power grids, it’s hard to overlook the need for a backup source. Ultimately, a portable power station makes sense. Not only does it keep essentials running during emergencies, but it is also a clean, energy-efficient option. Still, you may be ready to invest in a power station but may not be convinced that the Goal Zero brand is right for you. Don’t worry. Consider the brands below.

Online Presence

Visit the Goal Zero website to learn more about the company’s humanitarian efforts. Stay in the loop by following Goal Zero’s social media pages. Learn about new products, sales, and contests on Facebook and Twitter. Watch how-to reels on Instagram and TikTok. And get off-the-grid inspiration from Goal Zero’s Pinterest page and YouTube channel.

Contact Information

You can find answers to frequently asked questions on Goal Zero’s FAQ page. https://www.goalzero.com/pages/faq If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact customer service Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Mountain Time.