Goal Zero Yeti 1500 Power Station Review (2026): More Power, Better Chemistry

Source: Wired

Ports and Outputs

All of the ports are fairly standard for a power station in this class and similar to those on the previous model, with the addition of a new 140 W USB port.
The standout feature is the 12‑V charging options, which include a high‑power 12‑V port capable of 30 A output—enough for most van and overlanding vehicle power systems, allowing a direct connection to a house‑power 12‑V distribution panel. Standard Anderson connector outputs and a cigarette‑lighter‑style outlet are also available.

Charging Options

There are three ways to charge the Yeti 1500:

1. AC wall power – up to 1,800 W, reaching 0 % to 100 % in just over an hour. A switch lets you limit the charge to 1,500 W for campground poles that can’t handle the full draw.
2. Solar panels – up to 900 W. The unit accepts both 8‑mm inputs and HPP inputs for Goal Zero solar panels (see the affiliate link). You don’t need Goal Zero panels; any solar panel can be used with the appropriate adapters, such as the one shown in this adapter example.
3. Rear charging panel – includes a ground lug for semi‑permanent installations in vehicles or off‑grid tiny homes.

Goal Zero Yeti App

The Yeti app lets you control the system from your phone, even remotely if the battery is connected to Wi‑Fi. I use a direct Bluetooth connection to avoid relying on my Starlink network while camping. The app allows you to:

• Toggle all output types on and off
• View basic battery status (charge state, current power draw by type)
• Change the charge profile (four options available)
• Access limited charge and discharge history

The Bluetooth mode provides the essential functions I need, though some history data loads slower compared with a Wi‑Fi connection.

The Only One

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

I’ve relied on a fourth‑gen Yeti 1500 as supplemental power for many years, running everything from power tools to space heaters and full‑size refrigerators, and using it as a backup for my RV (article). It has never let me down and strikes the best balance between portability and power. Although it’s heavy, the dual handles make it fairly easy to carry. I’ve also tested the 1000X and 500X models, which are lighter and smaller but lack some of the features that make the 1500 great.