Goal Zero Yeti 500 Runtime Calculator
499 Wh LiFePO4 · 500 W AC (1,000 W surge) · runs a 34 W CPAP with humidifier about 8–9 h
Specs verified 9 Oct 2026 from goalzero.com
KiloHour is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Goal Zero. Goal Zero and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Images: Goal Zero.
At a glance
What the Yeti 500 runs
From its 500 W AC outlets, 1 of 6 listed devices last their usual hours, the fridge, microwave (1,000 w cooking power), space heater, tv and wi-fi router do not.
- Tight fit
Fridge 123 W
6–8 h
It runs about 7 h 56 min, short of the 24 h you need. Runtime at its 41 W average, as the compressor cycles.
- Can't run it
Microwave (1,000 W cooking power) 1500 W
Not available
Draws 1,500 W; the Yeti 500 is rated 500 W continuous. It will shut off.
- Can't run it
Space heater 1500 W
Not available
Draws 1,500 W; the Yeti 500 is rated 500 W continuous. It will shut off.
- Tight fit
TV 120 W
2–3 h
It runs about 3 h 4 min, short of the 4 h you need.
- Runs it
CPAP with humidifier 34 W
8–9 h
34 W running and a 34 W startup peak fit within the Yeti 500's 500 W continuous and 1,000 W surge ratings.
- Tight fit
Wi-Fi router 10 W
16–21 h
It runs about 21 h 1 min, short of the 24 h you need.
Spec sheet
Yeti 500 verified specs
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Our take
What the Yeti 500 is good at, and what to watch for
KiloHour take Suits wet campsites and tailgates that need a broad port mix in a compact case, but 500W continuous rules out most kitchen appliances and it cannot be expanded.
The Yeti 500 is Goal Zero's compact outdoor unit: 499.2Wh of LiFePO4 at 16.1 lb (7.3 kg), with a 500W pure sine wave inverter and a 1,000W surge. It carries an IPX4 water resistance rating and, per Goal Zero, passes UL 2743 testing, which suits wet campsites and tailgates more than many indoor-first rivals.
Its port mix is broad for the size: a 100W USB-C PD port, two 30W USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, a 162W 12V auxiliary port and a 6mm 12V port. Goal Zero lists 500W AC fast charging for a full charge in about 1.4 hours, up to 200W of solar through an 8mm input, pass-through charging, 4,000 cycles to 80 percent capacity, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth through its app, and a five-year warranty.
The limits are worth knowing. The unit ships in a low AC input mode (240W) to reduce noise and wear, and Goal Zero says to follow the user guide to switch it to high input to reach the advertised charge time. Solar tops out at 200W, and a 200W panel needs Goal Zero's HPP to 8mm adapter. It cannot be chained or expanded, and 500W continuous rules out most kitchen appliances. Discharging is rated down to -4 F, but charging only from 32 F.
Sources: goalzero.com, goalzero.com
Same brand
Other Goal Zero models
| Model | Capacity | AC output | Solar input | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yeti 300Smaller | 297 Wh (−202 Wh) | 350 W | 200 W | 13.7 lb |
| Yeti 700Larger | 677 Wh (+178 Wh) | 600 W | 200 W | 20.3 lb |
| Yeti 1000 (2026)Larger | 998 Wh (+499 Wh) | 2,000 W | 900 W | 35.3 lb |
Alternatives
Other brands near 499 Wh
| Model | Capacity | AC output | Solar input | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Power 500+3% capacity | 512 Wh (+13 Wh) | 1,000 W | Not published | Not published |
FAQ
Yeti 500 questions
Answers use the same published specs and labelled assumptions as the calculator.
How long will the Yeti 500 last?
499 Wh stored, about 449 Wh of it usable at the typical estimate. At its full 500 W rating it empties in about 43–48 min.
What is the Yeti 500 solar input?
Up to 200 W of panels. A single 200 W panel needs about 0.7 sunny days; panels at the full 200 W need about 3.4 peak-sun hours. Panels are assumed to deliver 75% of their rating.
Can the Yeti 500 run a CPAP overnight?
Yes: one 8-hour night from a CPAP drawing 34 W with its heated humidifier and tube on (ResMed's measured figure).
How heavy is the Goal Zero Yeti 500?
16.1 lb (7.3 kg). That is about 31 Wh per pound.
How many watts can the Yeti 500 power?
500 W continuous. Motor starts can briefly pull up to 1,000 W.