The Solar Panel: Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel
Time to bust out the big boys! If you need to charge something a little more serious than a cellphone (like a base camp), you’re going to have to look at something like the Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel.
Best Uses
The Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel is a more serious solar charger that is capable of being used for the bigger stuff. Please note that this is not a device that holds a charge but is a charger itself. You will need other products in order for this to be effective. The Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel is most effective with the Escape 250, Yeti 150, Yeti 400 or Sherpa 50 (you will need the 4.7mm to 8.0mm adapter to make these work).
The Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel is capable of delivering 30 Watts of power in direct sunlight.
The interesting aspect of the Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel is that it comes with an innovative “briefcase” design that makes it easy to carry, protects the solar panels when it is closed and has built in prop stands so it can stabilize on its own.
The Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel can also be “chained” together with other units (adapter also needed) in order to get even more power out.
Again, this device is for the larger needs like RVs and base camps.
Specifications
Features:
- Collect 30 watts of power from the sun to recharge your power packs
- Works with Goal Zero Escape 150 and other power packs (not included)
- Folding briefcase design for easy transport
- Sturdy case protects from the elements
Other Details:
- 16”x22”x1.75”
- 12.2 pounds (It’s a big boy)
- Rated Power: 30W
- Open Circuit Voltage: 18-20V
- Cell Type: Monocystalline
Charging Times:
- Escape 150 Power Pack: 11-22 hours
- Goal Zero Yeti 150: 11-22 hours
- Goal Zero Yeti 400: 25-52 hours
Price
The Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel is a little bit more pricey than some of the other devices on this site; however, this is a serious piece of equipment. It lists for as much as $419.96 but we found it for as low as $239.99 on Amazon.com
Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel Reviews
The Good
Reviewers really seem to love the Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel and I can see why. Strangely, its innovative casing and design is both a strength and a downfall of this unit. On the plus side, it is smaller than others of its kind and it is easily portable. Most people love the fact that it folds in on itself and that it intrinsically protects the solar panels.
You can string many of these units together with the appropriate adapter. This allows for even more power. Again, you need batteries for this unit to do anything and I list the best ones above. The Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel is a great device that makes for base camp or RV use. Many reviewers talk about how great it is to not need a gas powered generator which can be very loud and annoying.
The other major selling point of the Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel is that it is very simple to use. Most people who have purchased the Escape 30 say that it comes right out of the box ready to go with no problems.
Bad
As I said above, its briefcase design is a blessing, but also a little bit of a curse. The idea itself is great and it works mostly perfectly, but there are a few durability concerns. More than one reviewer reported that the handles broke off somewhat easily. They fixed it with duct tape, but if you’re spending several hundred dollars on a unit, that’s not cool.
The weatherproofing of the unit is also a bit questionable. It does work in less than ideal weather, but more than one reviewers has reported that the screws that are visible tend to rust after moderate exposure to moisture. That’s also not good.
Recommendation
The Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel is for people who need a bit of a more serious source of power. If you’re looking for something to charge cellphones, this is overkill. If you’re looking for something to replace a gas generator when camping or parking your RV, then the Goal Zero Escape 30 Solar Panel might be perfect for you.