Goal Zero Nomad 200
Pros
- Can deliver maximum charging output to compatible battery power stations
- Quick to set up and put away
- Compact, portable design offers ease of use anywhere
- Stays protected from dust
- Does not occupy much space
Cons
- Feels slightly heavy and takes some time while folding
When it comes to recharging the batteries, solar panels are excellent tools. They can consistently deliver power during emergencies, power outages, or recreational activities. This is why the need for solar panels is escalating in this era. The Goal Zero nomad 200 solar panels prove to be must-haves for road trippers. Whether you are in a car or van and anybody requires some additional power at the campsite. In such cases, these solar panels come handy. You can keep the one in the closet so that you can use it as an emergency backup. Eliminate your confusion on how to pick up Goal Zero nomad solar panels as the following Goal Zero nomad 200 solar panel review helps you pick the right solar panel that meets your needs.
Goal Zero Nomad 200 Solar Panel
Goal Zero nomad 200 solar panel provides efficient charge output flawlessly. Essentially, it is a 200W foldable monocrystalline solar panel with a portable solar panel charger. This charger is useful for a solar power bank. Since it is a monocrystalline solar panel, you can expect the lifespan to be around 25-30 years. The Goal Zero panel was developed by a US-based team that owns 50+ years of experience with solar energy.
The kit includes a 6 feet long charging cable. It perfectly integrates with the majority of the Goal Zero Yeti portable power stations. Moreover, the built-in legs stabilize the panel when charging is going on. With this solar panel, a significant amount of electricity can be generated. So, it can rapidly charge a battery power station. For example, it can charge a Goal Zero Yeti 1500x that needs 600W power. Weighing about 22 lbs, it does seem a hassle during transportation.
Key Features
- The 4 panels built inside easily fold into the case for hassle-free storage. These panels can fold down to 1/4th of their full size.
- All 4 panels are held together with two magnets. These magnets contribute to quick folding and unfolding. You can easily hang loops to fasten the panel anywhere.
- Around the edge of the panel, multiple loops are present. They accommodate a wide range of mounting configurations.
- The incorporated legs incline the panels at a 45° angle.
- A stake-down loop is available for each leg for extra fall protection.
Final Thoughts
Consistent and efficient charging are the key attributes of Goal Zero nomad 200 solar panels. Through the Goal Zero nomad 200 solar panel review, it becomes straightforward to pick the one fulfilling your needs. They are straightforward to install at the desired location. Owing to the rugged construction, they can withstand the rigors of external conditions. They can reliably charge varied types of devices so that you can accomplish your outdoor trip without any worries.
Top Goal Zero Nomad 200 Solar Panel Reviews
1. Portable and a MUST for high-capacity batteries (ie. Yeti 1500x)
The Goal Zero Nomad 200 is a larger-capacity, 4-pane solar panel that folds down to a 1/4 of its full size. This makes it relatively compact, though at 22 lbs is not exactly lightweight. Where it stands out is its 200W of monocrystalline charging capacity, and when used in combination with other Nomads (or the company’s more rigid Boulder panels), quite a large amount of electricity can be produced to quickly charge a battery power station with, such as the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x that can take a whopping 600W!
Like other monocrystalline solar panels by other manufacturers, however, expect to lose about 20-25% of efficiency from its stated 200W due to solar conversion, giving you a maximum output of roughly 160W per Nomad 200 on a perfect, sunny day. With that said, it charged at a surprising 162W – 182W (81-91% efficiency) during a November 2020 boondocking trip! It is priced the same as two Jackery SolarSaga 100W, and one may wonder: should you purchase a single product or two?
– Having two solar panels of 100W each (to get 200W) would allow one to still work if the other fails, though they would require more storage, extra cabling, and twice as long to set up and put away. With the Yeti 1500x battery accepting up to 600W from a maximum of 4 solar panels by default, they would fall short with a 400W (4 x 100W) output limit (or max 320W when taking loss from solar conversion into consideration).
– A single, 200W panel would result in faster setup, less space taken, and fewer of them needing to be connected to gain a larger amount of charging. The Yeti 1500x battery could receive its full 600W of input from the 800W a set of four, 200W panels would produce (max 640W when calculating for solar conversion efficiency). As such, there almost is no choice but to get the larger-capacity solar panel to be able to max out the Yeti X’s peak charging.
Goal Zero Nomad 200 has two output methods: USB and a vertically-arranged, 6′ Anderson Powerpole (APP). The latter allows the product to be used with any APP-compatible power station (such as the Jackery Explorer 1000), though you may need something like the iGreely APP Extension Cable to connect a standard, horizontally-arranged APP to Goal Zero’s vertical one.
Multiple loops can be found around the edges of the solar panel to accommodate a variety of mounting configurations like off the side of a truck or on rope. Built-in legs lean the panels at an optimal, 45-degree angle, though I prefer the more secure (but heavier), metal kickstands of the Suaoki 160W. Goal Zero does provide a stake-down loop for each leg as added fall protection, but I sometimes struggle with the initial unfolding of the Nomad on a sandy beach. Its flexible body would often cause part of the panel to fall over until all legs have been extended out. The legs and hang loops help keep the panels pointed optimally towards the sun.
Goal Zero also has the rigid, briefcase-style Boulder 200 solar panel that weighs 42 lbs. Its aluminum frame and tempered glass protection makes it more suitable for permanent/temporary installations (like on top of an RV or a mobile home) and costs less than the portable Nomad 200.
Overall, the ability to get up to an actual 170W of solar charging from a single product makes it portable and convenient, though its 22lb weight can feel a bit heavy to lug around. It took about the same space as the 100W Jackery SolarSaga 100. For charging a high-capacity battery like the Goal Zero Yeti 1500x, however, the Nomad 200 or Boulder 200 is an absolute must if you want to maximize its 600W input capability. A single Nomad 200 was more than enough to keep my Yeti 1500x fully charged while my wife and I worked from home with two laptops and external monitors.
I was very impressed by the solar charging efficiency the Goal Zero Nomad 200 provided to the Yeti 1500x, and even though most Goal Zero products are on the pricey side, it actually costs the same as two Jackery SolarSaga 100 panels. That’s just icing on the cake!
2. Perfect for camping with my trailer! – Goal Zero Nomad 200
I bought Goal Zero Nomad 200 for camping with my trailer. I like the easy to handle weight and size compared to the larger, heavy case units that weigh a ton. This unit is well made and feels like it will take a beating while camping.
3. Just as advertised – Goal Zero Nomad 200
The Goal Zero Nomad 200 panels are a little heavier than I anticipated but fold up nicely. When folded they’re easy to move around and the pouch is ample room to store extra cable or accessories. Recommended for anyone on the go in a camper or truck.
Enjoyed this Goal Zero nomad 200 solar panel review? Then be sure to check out our other guides of the Best 100W Portable Solar Panels and the Best 200W Portable Solar Panels.
