Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review (2024)

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Goal Zero Nomad 5

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BigBlue SolarPowa 28

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X-Dragon 20W

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Overall Score

51

86

76

70

46

Star Rating
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Bottom LineThis panel is small and light enough that you'll always want to carry it with youFor an easy-to-use and efficient solar charger, this panel will keep your tech chargedThis panel works well as a portable solar charger and costs less than the competitionThis portable panel is easy to use and works well, but it doesn't have any features that make it stand out in the crowded field of solar panelsThis battery bank with a 4-panel solar array has 38,800 mAh of capacity, but it doesn't function as well as a battery bank as we'd hoped
Rating CategoriesGoal Zero Nomad 5BigBlue SolarPowa 28X-Dragon 20WAnker Solix 30W Fol...QiSa 38800mAh Qi Wi...
Direct Solar Charging Speed (35%)

4.0

9.0

8.0

6.5

4.0

Indirect Solar Charging Speed (35%)

4.0

8.5

7.5

7.5

3.5

Portability (15%)

9.0

7.5

7.5

7.0

9.0

Functionality (15%)

6.0

9.0

7.0

7.0

4.0

SpecsGoal Zero Nomad 5BigBlue SolarPowa 28X-Dragon 20WAnker Solix 30W Fol...QiSa 38800mAh Qi Wi...
Power Output (Watts)5 W28 W20W30 W12 W
Energy Generated in 1 Hour of Direct Sun449 mAh1639 mAh1193 mAh1155 mAh434 mAh
Energy Generated in 1 Hour Indirect Sun303 mAh872 mAh676 mAh630 mAh212 mAh
# of USB A Outlets13212
# of USB C Outlets00011
Max USB Output Current (Amps per Port)1 amp2.4 amp3 amp3 amp3.1 amp
Weight (Measured)12.35 oz20.9 oz21.7 oz33 oz19.5 oz
Size FoldedN/A11 x 6 x 1.5 in12.1 x 7.2 x 0.51 in10.7 x 8.8 x 1.6 in6.4 x 3.5 x 1.4 in
Size Opened9.5 x 7 x 0.8 in31 x 11.5 x 0.2 in23.3 x 12.1 x 0.12 in35.6 x 10.7 x 0.7 in14.25 x 6.25 x 1 in
Battery IncludedNoNoNoNoYes
Battery Capacity (mAh)N/AN/AN/AN/A38800 mAh
Tablet ChargingNoYesYesYesYes
Laptop ChargingNoYesNoYes; with power bankNo
Charge iPhone/SmartphoneYesYesYesYesYes
Panel Exterior MaterialHard plasticPolyester Oxford fabricPTFEPlasticLeather
Panel TypeMonocrystallineMonocrystallineMonocrystallineMonocrystallineMonocrystalline
Battery Input (Volts / Amps)N/AN/AN/AN/A5.5V/1.5A
USB OutputYesYesYesYesYes
Able to Daisy ChainNoNoNoNoNo
12-Volt ConnectionNoNoNoNoNo
DC OutputNoNoNoNoNo

The Goal Zero Nomad 5 is a lightweight 5-watt mono-crystalline solar panel that weighs 12.35 ounces. It measures 9.5 inches long, seven inches wide, and 0.8 inches thick, with a small kickstand to set it at an angle. It has a single USB-A port providing one amp of electrical current to power your device.

Performance Comparison


Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review (10)


Direct Solar Charging Speed


The 5-watt, Nomad 5, is lightweight, portable, and actually works as a solar panel should. It isn't the most powerful, but it's powerful enough, considering its tiny size. There are a lot of lightweight, small solar panels out there — we know because we've tested most of them.


However, most of these panels don't work very well to convert solar energy into electricity and rely on their battery packs to carry you through, making them glorified portable chargers. If this seems antithetical to you, you aren't alone. The Nomad 5 stands apart in a sea of small “solar panels” because it actually works as a solar panel should.


Compared to other 5-watt solar panels, the Nomad 5 is incredibly efficient in direct solar charging. It produces enough power to keep your devices topped off, and while 5 watts of capacity isn't very large, it does a good enough job considering its small size. It's considerably more powerful than all the lower-watt panels we tested. It charged our 10,000 mAh battery almost as much as some panels rated as 20 watts. On a sunny Colorado day at 5,000 feet above sea level, the Nomad 5 generated 318 mAh of charge in our direct side-by-side comparisons. That's twice as much charge as basically every other 5-watt solar panel we tested.

Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review (11)

Indirect Solar Charging Speed


The more powerful, larger panels seem to excel in indirect charging, while smaller panels struggle to produce any power under the clouds. This is the case with the Nomad 5 too. During indirect solar charging, all the small panels saw a massive drop in energy output, including the Nomad 5.


To measure indirect solar charging speed, we suspended a white sheet above all the panels and repeated the direct solar charging speed test in conditions simulating a cloudy day. This test showed a strong correlation between actual panel size and solar charging effectiveness in partial light.


On a hot day in Colorado, 5,000 feet above sea level, under a white sheet, the Nomad 5 generated 65 mAh of charge in its 10,000 mAh test battery in one hour. This wasn't as much charge as during the direct solar charging test, but it's more of a charge than any other smaller panel we tested and over half as much as some 25-watt panels. And considering that a majority of the 5-watt panels we tested failed to register any charge at all in these conditions, we'll take what we can get with the Nomad 5.

Ultimately, if you frequently need to stay charged on a cloudy day, you're better off getting a larger panel that can more effectively convert even the small amounts of sunlight that filters through the gloom. The Nomad 5 would take the better part of a day to recharge a cell phone in cloudy conditions — if it managed it at all.


Portability


The Nomad 5 is one of the most portable panels we tested. It's not the smallest or quite the lightest, but it's definitely light enough to throw in your bag — just in case — or carry on a backpacking trip.


The Nomad 5 weighs just over 12 ounces. This is lighter than all but the smallest panels we tested. It doesn't fold and is super thin. It's possible to slide this panel into even the most jam-packed bag. We carried this while backpacking and often left it strapped to the top of our pack, garnering a little bit of charge even while we walked. It's small and light enough that we didn't notice it strapped on top, and it definitely didn't imbalance our packs.

Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review (12)


The Nomad 5 has a strong plastic backing, so it doesn't bend. It's not quite indestructible, but the build quality inspires confidence, even as we tossed it around a box full of other hard objects, shuffled it around in our tents, and jammed it in our packs.

Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review (13)


There is nothing covering the single USB output, though. We can't help but wonder if this exposed USB port might eventually get enough debris in it that it stops working. For this reason, we preferred to keep a USB cord plugged into the output jack. Of course, then there's a cord dangling off the panel, which isn't ideal for carrying it around, though it does allow you to keep your phone charging all day while you hike.

Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review (14)


Functionality


The Nomad 5 is a highly functional panel overall. There is a leg that folds out so you can prop the panel to angle it towards the sun. This is pretty unique among portable solar chargers, surprisingly. Other than the fold-out leg, though, it's a fairly basic solar panel.


A basic solar panel isn't a bad thing in this case. This model's primary function is to be a highly portable, easy-to-use solar panel. The Nomad 5 achieves this goal.

The fold-out leg is simple and sturdy. It's a hinged metal loop that's more than strong enough to support the low weight of the panel. It didn't tip over in strong gusts of wind, even though the supporting leg is narrow where it contacts the ground. The panel doesn't seem to be heavy enough to tip over in moderately windy conditions, and this kickstand leg definitely helps.

It only has one USB output, so you can't charge multiple devices simultaneously with the Nomad 5. However, this panel isn't powerful enough to charge multiple gadgets, and two USB outputs would take away from the simplicity that makes this panel stand out.

Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review (15)


Should You Buy the Goal Zero Nomad 5?


If you're looking for the lightest possible solar panel that will still effectively charge your devices, you should consider the Nomad 5. It's featherlight, thin, and very durable, so it's well-suited for those often on the go. And it's relatively affordable, too. It's not the most powerful portable solar charger, but that's no surprise considering its small size. If you need a lot of charging capacity or to charge multiple devices, this probably isn't the best option. It will work to keep a single electronic device topped off, but it won't keep an entire mobile office charged.

What Other Portable Solar Chargers Should You Consider?


If you're looking for a higher-watt solar charger that is still pretty portable, check out the BigBlue SolarPowa 28. This panel weighs about twice as much as the Nomad 5 but puts out 6-12 times more power. If you're looking for a small solar panel that's about as light but also has an integrated battery bank, check out the BioLite SolarPanel 5+. It doesn't charge as well in the sun or under the clouds, but the battery backup can keep you covered for light use.

Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review (16)

Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review (2024)

FAQs

Goal Zero Nomad 5 Review? ›

Class-Leading Lifespan

The battery has 4,000+ cycles which means you can use it daily for over 10 years. * *To 80% of original capacity at 75° F with . 5C charge and discharge.

How long do goal zero generators last? ›

Class-Leading Lifespan

The battery has 4,000+ cycles which means you can use it daily for over 10 years. * *To 80% of original capacity at 75° F with . 5C charge and discharge.

Is Goal Zero a Chinese company? ›

Where is Goal Zero manufactured? Goal Zero products are designed and engineered in Utah, USA, and then manufactured in a factory in China.

Where is goal zero based? ›

Goal Zero Corporate Warehouse location 287 W 12300 S, Draper, UT 84020.

How does goal zero generator work? ›

With our solar generators, power is collected through the solar panels and stored in the power station, allowing you to charge your devices and power your appliances. Solar panels absorb the sun's rays and convert that energy into usable electricity that is stored in our Yeti Portable Power Stations.

Should I keep my goal zero plugged in? ›

Batteries. Our batteries require no greasing, tightening, etc. Just use them. If you can store it plugged into the wall, that is best.

Are goal zero generators good? ›

The Goal Zero Yeti 1000 Core comes very close to being a perfect portable solar generator. It's highly reliable, durable, and mobile, making it a great fit for camping and road trips.

Does GOAL ZERO have a lifetime warranty? ›

The warranty period for all GOAL ZERO products commences as of the date of purchase by the original consumer. The warranty period for: GOAL ZERO Yeti Pro 4000, Tank Pro 4000, Yeti 700, Yeti 500, Yeti 300 and Haven 10* is five (5) years.

Can you bring a GOAL ZERO on a plane? ›

A: Goal Zero FAQ's affirm that you can, but suggest taking your user manual to confirm the battery type. Check the TSA site before you travel.

Who bought GOAL ZERO? ›

Goal Zero begins a new era with an acquisition by NRG Energy. Robert Workman, CEO and founder of Goal Zero, states "Our mission is to put reliable power in the hands of every human on earth.

Who is the owner of goal zero? ›

In 2007, Goal Zero founder Robert Workman was in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with his non-profit TIFIE Humanitarian (www.tifie.org) trying to create jobs and businesses to help families become self-sufficient.

Where does Goal Zero ship from? ›

International orders may have limitations and certain products may not be able to ship internationally. This website is controlled and operated by GOAL ZERO from its offices in Draper, Utah, in the United States of America.

What does goal zero mean? ›

Goal Zero means the principle of relentlessly pursuing no harm to people and no significant incidents; Sample 1Sample 2Sample 3. Goal Zero means commitment to an accident free workplace and one free of significant incidents.

Can a goal zero power an air conditioner? ›

Their largest unit (Yeti 6000X) can output 2,000 watts continuously. If you are trying to power something that goes above 2,000 watts it will trip the 120V AC inverter on the Yeti. A central AC unit typically uses between 3,000 and 4,000 watts.

What are the disadvantages of an inverter generator? ›

What Is an Inverter Generator?
ProsCons
Provides clean, stable powerMore expensive
QuieterHard to power large appliances
LightweightProvides lower to mid-range power
Jul 17, 2024

Is it worth getting a solar generator? ›

Initial upfront costs for these generators tend to also be higher than traditional generators. While the lower maintenance costs and free 'fuel' from the sun mean that in the long run they can end up more affordable, purchasing solar generators still requires upfront capital available.

What is the lifespan of a generator? ›

Because power generators are designed for infrequent and intermittent service, backup generators will often last over 30 years. The exact lifespan depends on how often the generator runs, the quality of the generator and whether it receives regular servicing.

How long should my generator last? ›

Generally, they can last up to 10 years with proper maintenance and upkeep. However, it can vary depending on the quality of the generator and how frequently it is used. It's always best to stay on top of maintenance and replacement parts in order to ensure the longest possible lifespan for your portable generator.

How long can a generator sit unused? ›

Gas-powered generators can sit for months or years without being used, and the fuel in their tanks can go bad, Galeotafiore says. Old fuel can clog up the fuel line and parts of the engine.

What generators last the longest? ›

Unlike emergency short-term generators, standby generators are made specifically for use in longer-span emergency situations. Standby generators come in various sizes and types. At its best, this kind of generator can run for up to 3,000 hours powering a medium-sized home.

References

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