Goal Zero, innovator of portable solar power systems to fuel everything from cellphones to laptops to refrigerators, grew their product line by two new models at the recent Consumer Electronics Show. Unveiled at the "Unveiled" event were the new Sherpa 50 Portable Recharger and Yeti 1250 Solar Generator. Both will be ideal for gadget-dependent individuals who want the latest technology to keep them going, or even looking to stay charged while staying "off the grid" when using the solar option.
At a mere 14 ounces, the Sherpa 50--a CES Innovation Honoree for Portable Power--is the most compact of the Sherpa line, less than half the weight of its predecessor and yet offering the same 50-watt-hour capacity. It's less than five inches wide and deep and only one-and-a-half inches thick, so it tucks neatly into a briefcase.
But in addition to its full-sized DC and AC (with inverter) outlets, the Sherpa 50 features a unique "Power Port " that will allow laptop computers to charge directly from the device, eliminating the need for an AC inverter and for the computer 's AC power cable, using just one of the included connector cables instead.
The upgraded USB ports now output one amp of power, which is enough to provide two extra hours on an iPad or similar tablet. The Sherpa 50 charges fully via solar panel within five-to-ten hours, or in two-to-three hours via wall outlet. Out in the field, it can then power a smartphone for ten hours, an iPod for 25 hours, or provide what could be a priceless extra hour for a laptop when we really need it.
The Yeti 1250 Solar Generator meanwhile is the company's highest-capacity portable recharger, the easiest to use, and a tempting alternative for emergency-ready folks looking to leave that gas-powered generator behind. It's relatively compact at 16 inches tall but a serious piece of hardware (103 pounds), aptly named for the Abominable Snowman: powerful, but rarely seen or heard.
There are multiple ports to charge several devices simultaneously of course, but also quite a variety, including AC, 1.5-amp USB, 33-amp 12V DC and 6.6-amp 12V DC, compatible with a wide array of electronics from the smallest pocket device to major appliances. All ports are activated with but a flick of the master switch, but can also be managed by power group to protect individual circuits.
The Yeti 1250 charges fully in 20-to-22 hours via Old Mister Sun or in 16-to-20 hours via a wall outlet. It can then power a laptop for more than 30 hours, squeeze some 18,000 pages out of a printer (no mention of how much toner would be required), and keep a full-sized refrigerator (not just a kegerator like I keep under my desk) cold for up to four days straight. Even a chest freezer can be kept at sub-zero temperatures for eight days.
Unlike traditional gas generators, the Yeti 1250 never produces more power than is being drawn from it, so no power is wasted, and maintenance is kept to a minimum. Additional releases later in the year will include Goal Zero's smallest, most affordable portable recharger, The Switch. With a powerful five-inch lithium battery, Switch will crank out 1.5 amps of power, sufficient to juice an iPhone or throw an iPad a lifeline, all without a cord.
The Sherpa 50 portable recharger will be available in June, separately for $249.99 but also bundled into several different full-system kits. The Yeti 1250 solar generator will be available in May as a single unit ($1499.99) and also in the Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit ($1999.99) which is bundled with two Boulder 30 solar panels and a carrying cart for the entire kit.
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