The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 and the Inergy Kodiak are undoubtably the best portable solar generators on the market right now, but trying to decide between the two can be grueling. Each model is so impressive, and the differences are so subtle, deciding between one or the other seems like a task only suitable for an electrical engineer. It also doesn’t help that they’re comparably priced.
This comparison takes an in-depth look at the Yeti 1400 and the Kodiak, and breaks down all the differences, so you can make a more informed decision and hopeful pick the one that is right for you.
Overview
Goal Zero Yeti 1400
The Yeti 1400 is the second most powerful portable solar generator made by Goal Zero. It has a lithium-ion battery with a maximum capacity of 1425 watts; a built-in AC inverter, as well as 12V plugs for car chargers and mobile devices; and can be charged by solar panels or wall adapter.
Inergy Kodiak
The Kodiak is the most powerful portable solar generator made by Inergy. It has a lithium nickel metal hydride battery with a maximum capacity of 1100 watts; a built-in AC inverter, 12V plugs, and RV plug; and can be charged by solar panels, wall adapter, or 12V car charger. It can also be chained to lead-acid batteries.
Specs Comparison
Yeti 1400
Capacity
1428Wh (10.8V, 132Ah) peak capacity.
Input Wattage and Ports
360W max input. 1 AC power port, 2 Goal Zero solar panel ports, and 1 Anderson Powerpole port.
Output Wattage and Ports
1500W continuous output, 3000W max surge.
Cycles/Lifespan
500 cycles to 80% capacity. Must be charged every 6 to 12 months.
Size
10.1 x 15.3 x 10.4 in (25.7 x 38.6 x 26.4 cm), 45.6 lbs (20.7 kg).
Kodiak
Capacity
1100Wh (12.6V, 90Ah) peak capacity.
Input Wattage and Ports
600W max input. 1 AC power port, 2 Goal Zero solar panel ports, and 1 Anderson Powerpole port.
Output Wattage and Ports
1500W continuous output, 3000W max surge.
Cycles/Lifespan
2000 cycles or 10 years.
Size
14 x 7 x 8 in (35.6 x 17.8 x 20.3 cm), 20 lbs (9.07 kg).
Price Comparison
At the time of writing this, both the Yeti 1400 and the Kodiak typically retail for between $1,800 to $2,000, with the Yeti 1400 usually being the cheaper of the two; though the price of each fluctuates frequently based on sales, promotions, and where the item is being sold. Savvy shoppers should have no problem getting either one for roughly the same price.
Lithium-ion (li-ion) vs. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
It’s worth noting the Yeti 1400 and the Kodiak have different battery technologies they’re operating on. The Yeti uses a series of li-ion cells configured into one battery bank, similar to the Tesla Powerwall. The Kodiak, on the other hand, uses a NiMH battery. While both types of lithium batteries are comparable in overall power and storage, there are some notable differences…
Li-ion batteries are less prone to the “memory effect.” In other words, they’ll maintain their full capacity longer before eventually developing a memory, no longer being able to store a full charge. On the other hand, li-ion batteries charge and discharge faster, and thus tend to have a shorter overall lifespan. In summary, they perform better than NiMH but for a shorter time.
Goal Zero clear states the Yeti 1400’s battery can go through 500 cycles before dropping to 80% capacity. This means once the battery has gone through 500 cycles, it will no longer be able to reach a full charge, but it will still work fine indefinitely.
Inergy boasts a long, 2,000 cycle or 10-year lifespan for the Kodiak, but they do not mention anything about the battery’s capacity over that 10-year or 2,000 cycle period. Based on the known differences between li-ion and NiMH, it seems likely the Kodiak’s battery will live longer overall but develop a memory earlier on.
Pros and Cons
Yeti 1400
Pros
- High efficiency inverter only draws 5 watts while idle. This means if you plan on running the Yeti 1400 all day and all night, you’ll only lose about 120W through the inverter.
- Large battery provides up to 1.4kWh of power – can power a 100W appliance, like an LCD TV, for 14 hours.
- Replaceable battery – as of this time, replacement batteries are not yet available nor has the price been disclosed.
- Modular design allows for expansions and upgrades. At some point, Goal Zero will be releasing a new charge controller module for faster charging times, as well as a 12V charge adapter for recharging from an automobile.
- Intelligent digital display that is easy to read and understand. The display can always tells you exactly how much time is remaining until a full charge or discharge, and can be turned on/off to save power.
Cons
- Low maximum input of 360W. This means no matter how many solar panels you have connected to it, the Yeti 1400 will only take in a max of 360W.
- Inefficient charge controller results in slow recharge times for AC and solar. Whether you’re plugged into the wall, or you have four 100W PVs connected, expect to wait no less than six hours under optimal conditions before the Yeti 1400 is fully recharged.
- Battery stops working at below freezing temperatures. If you plan on using your generator in a cold climate that frequently drops below 32º F, the Yeti 1400 is probably not the right choice. Goal Zero recommends placing the Yeti indoors inside of a cooler box when the temperature drops into the 20s.
- Bulky size and 45 lb weight makes the Yeti 1400 difficult for some individuals to carry around.
Kodiak
Pros
- 600W maximum input makes it easy to recharge using solar panels.
- Fast recharge times. The Kodiak can be fully recharged in under three hours.
- Chainable with lead-acid batteries for increased storage capacity.
- Small size and lightweight structure makes the Kodiak truly portable.
- Operates in temperatures ranging from -15°F to 150°F.
Cons
- Inefficient high-powered inverter draws lots of power from the generator. Even with no load, the Kodiak’s inverter will use 10 to 15 watts while it’s turned on. This means if you plan on running your Kodiak all the time – fixed power – you will lose about 240 to 360 watts per day through the inverter.
- Mixed battery chemistries. When you chain lead-acid batteries to the Kodiak, you are mixing chemistries – lead-acid and lithium NiMH – thus somewhat defeating the purpose of lithium technology. For example, lead-acid batteries should not be discharged more than 50% despite the fact the Kodiak’s lithium battery can be discharged to 80%. The expandability is a nice feature, but it would make more sense for Inergy to make a lithium battery the Kodiak can be chained to.
- Less storage capacity out of the box for the same price as the Yeti. Only 1.1kWh unless you expand.
Conclusion
Yeti 1400
The Goal Zero Yeti 1400 is idea for someone who only needs a small amount of power in a tiny house or cabin; is looking for an all-in-one, plug-n-pay setup; and plans on leaving the generator running in one place most of the time while mounted solar panels charge it steadily throughout the day.
If you live in a sunny, moderate climate, and you only need enough power to charge/run your LED lights, electronic devices, and other standard appliances, the Yeti 1400 is as good as it gets – Note: Goal Zero also makes a 3kWh model, the Yeti 3000, for those who need a lot of power on demand. It is exactly like the 1400 but with greater storage capacity. The 3000 can run a mini fridge for over 50 hours on a single charge.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Kodiak
The Inergy Kodiak is idea for someone who needs fast power on the go. While having the option to expand the generator is nice, it’s not entirely practical. Extra batteries aren’t cheap, they aren’t light, and they require maintenance; not to mention, the inefficient inverter coupled with the fact you will only be able to discharge to 50%, means you’re going to need a lot of extra batteries to truly make expansion worth while.
That said, the Kodiak is light and easy to carry; charges fast by PV panel, AC wall adapter, or 12V car charger; and is powerful enough to run almost any appliance. If you’re someone living in a mobile tiny house, schoolie, or van, the Kodiak is the perfect portable generator for you.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.