NOTE: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Learn More.

yeti solar generators

Yeti 6000X Portable Power Station Review

The Goal Zero Yeti 6000X is the best solar generator for home backup. It packs a bigger battery than any other portable power station we’ve seen - a whopping 6000Wh capacity - and the 2000W AC inverter can power any appliance in your home.

While Goal Zero calls it a ‘Portable’ power station, it’s not portable in the sense that you can take it camping (unless you are trailer camping). It weighs 106lbs.

Instead, it’s portable in the sense that you can wheel it around your home on the included roller cart.

The Yeti 6000X is also a great choice for RVs and boats that want an alternative to noisy and polluting gas generators.

And if you spend a lot of time in an off-grid cabin, the Yeti 6000X is an excellent source of off-grid power.   

Read on for our full review of the Goal Zero Yeti 6000X.

If you are looking for a cheaper power station, see our reviews of other high-capacity solar generators for home backup

If you want a versatile power station that you can use for home backup as well as camping and road trips, we recommend the 1500Wh Goal Zero Yeti 1500X or the bigger 2000Wh Bluetti AC200P power station.

And if you prefer a small, ultra-portable power station for camping and keeping your devices and gadgets charged at home, try the Suaoki 150Wh power station.


Pros

  • Massive battery capacity.
  • Powerful AC inverter.
  • Versatile outlets.
  • Multiple recharge options.
  • Optional home integration kit.
  • Remote monitoring via WiFi. 

Cons

  • Expensive & Heavy.
  • Takes longer to charge.
  • Limited AC outlets. 

Unique Features

1. Massive Capacity

The Goal Zero 6000X is one of the highest capacity solar generators you are going to get before you have to switch to a gas generator.

The 6000Wh lithium-ion battery is adequate backup power for most homes. You can power essential appliances for days and keep all your devices charged up.

According to Goal Zero’s estimates, you can run a full-size fridge for about four days, a microwave for 6 hours, a 1500W heater for 4 hours, and a 42” LED TV for about two days.

Of course, that’s assuming you connect only that appliance to the power station.

The actual runtime will depend on how many appliances and devices you’ve plugged in.

What Can The Yeti 6000X Power?

Appliance/Device

Approx Runtime/recharges

Full size refrigerator (200W)

25.8hrs

Mini fridge (40W)

129hrs

CPAP (60W)

86hrs

TV (100W)

51.6hrs

Microwave (1000W)

5.1hrs

Smartphone (12Wh)

430 recharges

Laptop (60Wh)

86 recharges

2. Optional Home Integration Kit

If you want to connect the Yeti 6000X directly to your home circuitry, Goal Zero sells a home integration kit, also known as a transfer switch, at times. 

The kit lets you transfer up to four circuits from your breaker panel to this switch.

So, you can select exactly what the Yeti 6000X powers in case of a blackout.

For example, you can transfer the circuit for lights, the refrigerator, the TV and a couple of wall outlets.

You’ll need to get a licensed electrician to set up the kit for you.

Goal Zero also gives homeowners the option to expand capacity for a longer-lasting power supply during extended blackouts.

You’ll need the Goal Zero Yeti Link Expansion Module and the 1.2KWh lead-acid Yeti Tank Expansion Battery.

You can add as many lead-acid batteries as you want. If you link four expansion batteries to the Yeti 6000X, you’ll have 10,800Wh of total capacity. 

3. Multiple Outlets

If you’d rather plug-in appliances and devices directly into the power station, the Yeti 6000X comes with multiple outlet options so that you can power multiple devices simultaneously.

Let’s start with AC.

The pure sine wave AC inverter has a max continuous output of 2000W, allowing you to power almost any appliance in your home. That includes large appliances like your kitchen refrigerator or a space heater.

It has a surge rating of 3500W.

You can plug appliances into one of the two AC outlets, which we think are too few for a power station this powerful.

You also get plenty of DC power options.

These include a 12V/13A carport, two 6mm 12V/10A ports, and a high power 12V/30A port that lets you power an entire RV or van power system. There’s an additional 12V/30A output port under the lid.

For your gadgets and devices, there are four USB ports.

These include two USB-A ports, a USB-C PD port (60W power delivery), and a USB-C quick charge port.

4. Multiple Ways to Charge

You can charge up the Yeti 6000X in one of three ways.

The primary method is using a regular wall outlet. The power station comes with a 600W AC charger.

You can also hook up the power station to solar panels. Because of the high battery capacity, you’ll need a sizable solar panel kit to get decent charging times.

A 300W kit will add 20-30% of capacity per day. A 600W setup will charge the battery fully in 12-24 hours.

The max input for the Yeti 6000X is 600W. But Goal Zero says you can exceed 600W to improve charging speed in low-light conditions.

The built-in MPPT solar charge controller will step down any excess power to a safe 600W.

Another charging option is the DC socket in your vehicle. This is handy if you are setting up the Yeti 6000X in your truck or trailer. You’ll need to purchase Goal Zero’s car charger.

5. WiFi Connectivity

If you want, you can connect the Yeti 6000X to your home network and then download the Yeti App to monitor the power station remotely.

The app lets you monitor power input, power output, and the remaining charge level.

You can also turn individual power ports on or off and select a charging profile to increase battery life.


Issues & Concerns

Takes Longer to Charge

The downside of having a massive power station like the Yeti 6000X is that it takes longer to fill up the battery.

The fastest the power station charges is 12 hours using the 600W wall charger. Solar will likely take at least two days to fill the battery.

Goal Zero doesn't offer a fast-charging option like Bluetti. The Bluetti AC200P power station can deliver up to 1000W or 1200W of power to the battery using dual AC charging or dual AC and solar charging.

Expensive

yeti 6000x 480

If you are shopping for a budget-friendly home backup power station, the Yeti 6000X may not be what you are looking for.

It’s one of the most expensive solar generators, and that’s before you add the cost of the large solar kit you’ll need for reliable power during blackouts.

Heavy

If you are looking for a lightweight, portable power station, the Yeti 6000X is not it. It weighs 106lbs and comes with a roller cart to move it around.

Though it would be nice to have this much power, especially on a long camping trip, the Yeti 6000X is definitely not the best choice for campers.

The exception is if you do trailer or truck camping. Then, you can set up the 6000X in the trailer or truck where you don't have to move it around.

Low Power Output For Its Size

For a solar generator with a 6071Wh battery, the 2000W output is fairly low. Compare it to other large solar generators. 

The EcoFlow Delta Pro has a 3600Wh capacity and a matching output of 3600W. The Renogy Lycan 5000 has a 4800Wh capacity and an output of 3500W. 

The Yeti 6000X is bigger than either of these, so you’d think it would have more power output. 

The main issue with the 2000W output is that it keeps you from taking full advantage of the massive capacity to power multiple appliances at once. 

You can only connect 2-3 household appliances before you hit the 2000W load limit. This is also a major limitation if you want to link the Yeti 6000X to your home grid. 

The 2000W output limits how many circuits you can use at the same time. 

Limited Lifespan Battery 

The Goal Zero Yeti 6000X uses a Li-ion NMC battery with a cycle life of 500 cycles to 80% capacity. Overall lifespan is about 3-5 years if you use the solar generator regularly. 

In contrast, many large-capacity solar generators these days like the Delta Pro and Renogy Lycan 5000 have lithium phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries that last over 3000 cycles to 80% capacity. These power stations can last up to 10 years with regular use. 


Best Alternatives To The Yeti 6000X

Renogy Lycan 5000 - More Power & Longer Lasting Battery 

ECOFLOW Delta pro

The Lycan 5000 Power Box is a solar generator designed mostly for off-grid applications and home backup. It’s designed to be connected to the fuse box of your home.

In fact, it only has two AC outputs and no other outlet. 

The Lycan 5000 uses long-lasting LiFePO4 batteries with a total capacity of 4800Wh. You can expand this to 19.2kWh using additional Renogy 48V 50Ah LiFePO4 batteries. 

To make sure you can take advantage of the large capacity, max power output is 3500. The Lycan 5000 can run multiple large appliances at the same time. 

The Lycan 5000 Power Box charges surprisingly for a system of its size. When charging from a wall outlet, it takes about two hours to recharge. 

Max solar input is 4400W (more than any other solar generator we have reviewed), allowing the Lycan 5000 to recharge the huge batteries in less than a couple of hours from the sun (assuming you use a 4400W solar panel kit).   

Unlike the Yeti 6000X, the Lycan 5000 has dual AC + Solar charging which brings down charging time to just 1.3 hours. 

If you are getting a solar generator for home backup or off-grid power, the Renogy Lycan 5000 Power Box is a better choice in my opinion. 

It’s cheaper to buy, and since its batteries last longer, it’s also cheaper in the long run. You also get more power and faster charging. 

Bluetti EP500 Pro - Better Value

bluetti ep500 review

Another large capacity solar generator that I think offers better value for your money than the Yeti 6000X is the Bluetti EP500 Pro

Similar to the Lycan 5000, the EP500 is cheaper to buy than the Yeti 6000X. It’s also cheaper in the long run since it uses longer lasting LiFePO4 batteries. 

The Bluetti EP500 has a capacity of 5100Wh, so it’s not too far off from the Yeti 6000X. But it has a higher power output of 3000W, allowing you to run more appliances at the same time. 

The EP500 has 17 outlets, including a NEMA port for electric dryers and an RV port. It also has a couple of wireless charging pads. 

Charging options are plenty and fast. A wall outlet will recharge the EP500 in 3.3 hours and a 2400W solar kit will recharge it in 2.7 hours. There are also dual AC (2.7hrs) and dual AC + solar (1.8hrs) charging options.

If you want a large capacity home backup or off-grid power station that offers a wide range of outlets and charges fast, The Bluetti EP500 Pro is a much better alternative to the Yeti 6000X.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro - More Portable

Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro

These large-capacity solar generators are heavy and bulky. But that’s okay since they are not meant to be moved around much. 

But if you are looking for a unit you can occasionally take with you camping, on road trips or on overlanding adventures, I recommend the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro.

Interestingly, despite having a third (2160Wh) of the capacity of the Yeti 6000X, the Explorer 2000 Pro has a higher power output of 2200W. 

This is why I think the Yeti 6000X is underpowered.  

The 2000 Pro weighs 43lbs, compared to the Yeti’s 106lb hefty weight. While it’s still quite heavy, it’s easier to move it over short distances. 

The Explorer 2000 Pro has the same Li-ion battery as the Yeti 6000X, so they both have limited lifespans. But if you plan to use the Jackery only occasionally, it can last more than five years.  


How is the Yeti 6000X Power Station Different?

Here are the main areas the Goal Zero Yeti 6000X stands out from other portable power stations.

  • It’s large capacity. Some of the largest power stations you’ll come across have a 2000Wh capacity. The Yeti 6000X has triple that. This is what makes it great for home backup.
  • Versatile input & output. Though we would have liked to have more than the two AC outlets, the Yeti 6000X does a great job with the other ports. There are plenty of DC outlets for tools, lights and appliances, and four USB ports for gadgets and devices.
  • Complete home backup system. The Yeti 6000X comes with the option of turning it into a complete fully integrated home power backup system. You just need a few extras, including the expansion module, expansion lead-acid batteries and a transfer switch.
  • Powerful AC inverter. Unlike most portable power stations, you don't have to be wary of plugging in certain power-hungry appliances. The 2000Wh AC inverter can handle any appliance and even power tools.
  • WiFi connectivity. Allows easy monitoring and control wherever you are. 

Care and Maintenance

Lithium-ion batteries need careful maintenance to last long. The most important thing is to keep the battery topped up when you are not using it. Keep it connected to a wall outlet or solar panels exposed to the sun.

If that’s not possible, charge the power station to capacity every three months.


Warranty

The Goal Zero Yeti 6000X comes with a 24-month warranty.    

Specifications

Capacity:

6071Wh

AC Inverter:

2000W continuous, 3500W surge

Ports:

AC (2), USB (4), DC (5)

Charging options:

Solar, AC, vehicle

Battery:

 Li-ion, 10.9V, 556Ah

Charge controller:

Yes, MPPT

Solar panels:

Not included

Weight:

106lbs

Dimensions:

 15.3 x 10.1 x 17 in

Warranty:

2yrs


Where to Buy the Goal Zero Yeti 6000X


About the Author David Roberts

I'm a Mechanical Engineer who's obsessed with solar energy and sustainable living.

follow me on:

Let's Stay In Touch!

Subscribe now to receive more articles, offers and tips like this!

Leave a Comment: