Goal Zero Boulder 30 Solar Panel

I own two of these, I connected them together and then plugged into a Yeti 400. I had to utilize the 8mm to 4.7mm connector cable (purchased separately so I could connect to an Escape 150), then use the 4.7mm connector to 8mm converter cable that comes with the Yeti 400 to get things going. Yes, you read that right - I had to stick two converter cables in the way so that I could plug this into a Goal Zero product. So, minus one star for poor planning on Goal Zero's part. Seriously? I need a separate converter? Perhaps a universal plug across all compatible product lines? Next star loss is for manufacturing quality - boulder clips to hold the panels together - great idea, execution - poor. The clips aren't included with the panels, but they give you 10 of the buggers when you buy their tripod. They do not fit well, waaaay too tight to slide then in and out easily behind the lip of the frame of the solar panel. Oh and one clip split - the actual metal bit just split and the clip came apart.Performance - partly sunny conditions - according to the Yeti 400's display input wattage ranged from 8 - 50 watts from the two solar panels. 8 when a particularly thick cloud blocked the sun and 50 when the sun was nearly free of any cloud interference.I'm happy with the performance, not happy with the nonsense of the connectors and clips being extra bits one needs to purchase. For this price point you can get a much more powerful solar panel with a standard connector. Also for the price I expect better quality. At least let the damn clips slide easily into the frames.

This is a good panel. Is it going to give you the best cost/Watt ratio? No. Is is going to give you the greatest current/sq inch ratio? No. So why the 4 star rating? Because these panels are part of a larger system, one that is easy to assemble, transport and use. Instead of wires with bare ends, you get a connectorized box with status LEDS. The box on the back makes it easy to daisy chain multiple units for higher charge current. What are you going to charge? Well, I'm using 4 of them to charge an Extreme 350 battery pack. Yes, I could buy a charge controller and glassmat battery and cable it all together, but it wouldn't be as convenient and easy to pack. It's all easy to connect, set up and use. I've assembled solar systems for use in ham radio in the past and while I was able to save some money, there was no way it was as convenient to use. Maybe I'm getting old and lazy, but I'm at the point where I'm willing to pay for a well thought out system.

I never got the 30W draw it's rated for, no matter how carefully I aligned it with the sun. Perhaps the air wasn't clear enough. But for ease of use and sturdiness, it's excellent. I with I could afford to chain four of these together to ensure power independence while camping (I have to use a CPAP) as it seems overall the best deal - unless someone can point me to a solar panel that costs less, is as robust, and consistently draws at least 20W.It's a *little* heavier than I would like, but it's not marketed for its weight. It can be handled a little roughly without being too concerned for it, and that matters.I used it at Pennsic to charge my Yeti 400 and peaked at 19W draw, usually getting more like 15. But aside from the first day, I didn't try to keep it aligned well.

Here in So. Cal., Southern California Edison is a disaster. Our last big windstorm, we had no power for a week and NO information. SCE claimed it was working 24/7, but I live right near a substation and every evening on my way home from work, I saw the street blocked off and all of the extra equipment parked for the night. My neighborhood never saw a single repair person until a week into the outage. I am unwilling to endure the incompetence again. I think it wise to be prepared for natural disasters -- look at what's going on in New York after Hurricanr Sandy. This unit is affordable, and will provide me with hot water (Yeah!) and allow me to maintain my refrigerators by cooling them down a couple of hours at a time. I have researched this topic and the cost and power of this unit is excellent.

I'm pleasantly surprised with how well this recharges a Yeti 150. The surprising part is the efficiency in cloudy conditions. Nice reliable power for the 150 in a sturdy relatively small footprint. If I ever need more juice, I will simply buy a second and chain them.I will update the review with images, but I have modified this panel with a homemade handle and legs. This greatly improves ease of carrying the panel, and makes it a snap to angle towards the sun. Mods were less than $20 total and kept the appearance of the panel intact. (youtube has some awful examples of homemade stands... just hideous!) I also made a mount for the roof of a car, which took another $10. This really is a versatile panel.

Bought a couple of these to add to my portable solar set-up. Fit nicely in my windows for winter use, even though I lose efficiency through the glass and angle to the sun. But free power is free power. They can easily be clipped together to use as a single panel, and more can be added in the future. Easy to chain them with other panels I have (Goal Zero Nomad 27 and Nomad 13) so that I can mix and match depending on my needs. If desired, these can be left outside, as they are weather-proof. No problems using this with the new Goal Zero batteries that have a modified input connection, as the company sent out adapters free of charge in order to keep their line-up compatible as they improve their products. Have always gotten great customer service when I have called them with questions.

Seems well built but it didn't seem to harness all the solar power. About the size of an large PC monitor, it can be a bit big to transport. Sent back to Amazon - can't fault their returns service

Ok for small devices, says it will charge laptops, unfortunately it will not, so deceiving in its advertising

En utilisation pro avec le yeti 150  Goal Zero 61208 Yeti 150 Batterie  pour alimenter un ordinateur portable et recharger des camera POV c'est parfait. Durant la journée le boulder 150 est derrière une fenêtre mais garde le yeti 150 chargé. Il nous permets d'augmenter l'autonomie d'au moins la journée.Produit solide, étanche et vous pouvez brancher jusqu'à 4 ensemble pour augmenter la puissance. Goal Zero 61208 Yeti 150 Batterie

Sur les deux panneaux solaires, l'un avait un léger défaut mais le retour étant à mes frais et le panneaux semblant fonctionner correctement, j'ai gardé celui-ci en plus de l'autre en parfait état... livraison soignée...

Produit efficace recharge idéalement mon Goal Zero yéti 400