Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Goal Zero mean?

That's a hard one to answer – so much in two words. When there were five of us sitting around a table, dreaming about what we wanted our company culture and mission to be, we kept coming back to our roots of empowering people and taking a risk in a new industry. What came out of these discussions was our mission statements: ZERO apathy – we take risks, we're passionate about what we do and we are brave. ZERO boundaries – we don't take no for an answer. We find solutions and create products that people didn't even know that they needed. ZERO regrets – we work hard and we play hard. GOAL ZERO isn't just a company, it's a business created by people who live life to its fullest, with a shared vision inspired by the passion for adventure, respect for the planet and a humanitarian heart. We're a company that equips families and individuals seeking to improve the outdoor experience with the most innovative portable power products on the market. Field-proven in some of the most remote places on earth, we are working to continually deliver smart, innovative power solutions that will change the way you adventure.

Is Goal Zero publicly traded?

Our parent company NRG Energy is a Fortune 200 company and is traded publicly under the symbol "NRG".

Why did NRG Energy purchase Goal Zero?

NRG Energy is one of the most forward thinking energy companies in the world. They're leading customer-driven change in the U.S. energy industry by delivering cleaner and smarter energy choices.

How durable are Goal Zero products?

Our gear is meant to power you anywhere you need it. We make sure to test it in some of the toughest environments possible, from Everest basecamp to remote villages in Kenya, so we know it’ll work whenever, wherever you need it. That being said, we recommend checking the details of each product for durability ratings. For example, the Venture Power Banks feature advanced ruggedizing techniques used in manufacturing to withstand the elements; the Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Stations should be kept dry at all times. All of our solar panels are designed to be outside soaking up as much sun as possible, even if that means withstanding a storm (or several). Check the individual product user guides for more information.

What’s the deal with battery lifecycles?

Lifecycles refer to how long batteries maintain their rated capacity. When you completely drain a battery from 100% to 0%, you’ve gone through one cycle, and the lifecycle rating for batteries is dependent on its type, or chemistry. Lead-acid batteries are rated for 200-300 cycles, lithium batteries for 500-800 cycles. Now, at the end of these rated lifecycles, most batteries will continue to function, meaning they’re still usable; however, you will notice a decrease in total capacity due to battery degradation, so your runtimes won’t last as long as they used to. Think of your cellphone after two or three years of use, same idea. Again, battery chemistry will affect the amount of usable capacity after rated lifecycles. It’s always a good idea to maintain the health of the batteries inside your Goal Zero products, check user guides for specifics.

What types of batteries does Goal Zero use?

We use a variety of different battery technologies. We use the following types: Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), Li-NMC and Sealed Lead Acid batteries (AGM Lead-Acid). Check the product technical specifications on the product page to view for a particular product.

Once fully charged, how long will your power packs hold a full charge if unused?

If unused, power packs are typically capable of holding a full charge for 4-6 months. However, we highly recommend charging the battery every 3-4 months for a healthy lifespan and storing the power pack plugged into the wall or solar panel.

How do I know if my device will work with the Yeti?

First, you’ll need to determine the amount of power your device requires. This may require some research on your end, a good online search or examining the user guide for your device should suffice. For example to be compatible with the Yeti 400, you should use devices that require less than 300W. Second, you will need to check the capacity for the individual output ports. For example, the AC port of the Yeti 400 is monitored by an inverter that allows for 300W of continuous power. This means if your device is a pulling more than 300W for an extended period of time, the Yeti’s inverter will shut off. Once you know your device is compatible, you’ll want to determine how long you’ll be able to power your gear from the Yeti.

How long will the YETI run my device?

Here’s a quick and dirty lesson in power: All Goal Zero rechargers have a number in their name, ex. Guide 10 Plus Recharger, Goal Zero Yeti 400 Portable Power Station. These numbers refer to the Watt Hours (Wh), or the amount of energy that can be stored in each battery, and can help estimate how long your gear will run from each recharger. For example, a 400Wh battery should run a 100W light for 4 hours (400/100=4). If your gear falls within the 400Wh capacity of the Yeti, you’ll want to check the restrictions on each of the output ports. When you’re deciding on what to power from your new Goal Zero power bank, do some research into your device’s wattage consumption.

What do the different display options mean?

Your Yeti’s LCD display is an advanced feature designed to help you better understand power and monitor your consumption. The INPUT side reflects the amount of power your Yeti is receiving while it’s charging. The OUTPUT side indicates the amount of power the devices you have plugged in are pulling out of the Yeti. For more specific information on the exact Yeti unit you have refer to the products user guide.

My Yeti is beeping...what does that mean?

Plug your Yeti into a power source, like a solar panel or outlet, as soon as possible. This chirping is to alert you that your Yeti's battery is low and needs to be charged.

Why is the light on the AC button blinking on my Yeti Lithium?

A blinking light on the AC button indicates that at the current load, the AC inverter will be shutting off soon; you should also see RESERVE MODE blinking on the display.

Can I take my YETI on a plane?

No. Under FAA regulations you are not allowed to take any battery exceeding 100Wh on a plane.

Do I need any additional cables in order to use my power pack and solar panel?

While all the cables that are needed for you to use your power pack and/or solar panel are included you may find it more convenient to have additional accessory cables.

I would like to activate my warranty. How do I do this?

You can do this online, visit product registration in our support area to fill out your information.

Where can I find product manuals or user guides?

Visit User Guides online in the support area or visit the product detail page for the product you are interested in.

Where are your products made?

Our products are designed, engineered and tested here in our Utah headquarters and manufactured in our China factory.

I lost my product. Do you replace lost products?

Unfortunately, we don't replace lost products under our warranty.

How do I return a product that I've ordered from Goal Zero.

If you wish to return the item you have ordered for a refund, please ensure that the item is unused and in the original packaging. You must return your order within 30 days of receipt. Please ensure the product(s) is carefully packaged to avoid damage in transit. Items are to be returned via our returns service; refunds/replacements will only be issued upon a safe receipt of the goods. Our returns service is offered through an online returns portal https://www.goalzero.co.uk/a/returns, the subsidised cost of the returns service will be deducted from your refund amount (£5.50). **Due to the weight and size of some products, they are non-returnable via the usual returns portal and instead, it would be required that the customer finds an alternative method of returning the item(s) and bears the cost for returning the item(s). This is the case for all products over 10kg in weight.