GOAL ZERO Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit User Guide

GOAL ZERO Yeti 1250
Solar Generator Kit

User Guide

CHARGE ME NOW

Before reading through the rest of the manual,
plug your Goal Zero Yeti into the wall. You should store your Goal Zero Yeti plugged in, so the battery is always healthy and full.
Goal Zero products are designed to keep you powered while you’re doing what you love. Whether you’re climbing in the Himalaya, living in your van while you travel the
world, or camping in your backyard we will keep you powered.
Welcome to solar life.
Congrats on your new Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator, a plug-and-play generator for emergencies, camping, or wherever you need power. With 1250 watt-hours of power, you can keep laptops, lights, appliances, and refrigerators going for hours longer. Make sure you go online and register your product to activate your warranty. You’ll also be able to sign up to receive notifications and alerts regarding the Goal Zero Yeti. www.GoalZero.com/warranty

Get To Know Your Gear

Chaining Output
Anderson Powerpole chaining port located on the back of Goal Zero Yeti.

Unpacking your Goal Zero Yeti

A AC Wall Charger (2 pieces)
B Roll cart (For assembly, see separate user guide in box)
C Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator

What it Powers

See page 10 for more details

• Full-size refrigerator runtimes from the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 are dependent on several factors, including the year, make and model of your refrigerator, as well as its volume, fullness and usage. We actively test a variety of refrigerators to determine an average runtime. For the longest runtimes and to optimize performance, we suggest limiting the opening and closing of refrigerator doors when powering from the Goal Zero Yeti 1250.

Charging Your YETI

CHARGE ME NOW: Before using or storing, plug your Goal Zero Yeti into the wall until it is fully charged. Keep your Goal Zero Yeti plugged in when not in use. For more tips and tricks on keeping your battery healthy, see the BATTERY 101 section.
LCD Battery Display: The LCD Battery Display indicates the charge level of your Goal Zero Yeti. There are 5 segments to the battery, approximating 20% – 40% – 60% – 80% -100% capacity. As you use your Goal Zero Yeti, segments will disappear from the display, indicating the remaining charge. When charging your Goal Zero Yeti you will notice a battery segment blinking at a 1 second interval. This indicates the current charge status. Once your Goal Zero Yeti is fully charged, all battery segments will be lit and remain solid.

Charging from Solar
There are three different inputs you can use when charging your Goal Zero Yeti from solar, all located in the “INPUT” area in the top left corner of the Goal Zero Yeti faceplate. The two, round 8mm ports are designed to be used with Goal Zero Solar Panels. Each port can handle up to 160W of power – the combined total cannot exceed 240W. The Anderson Powerpole port is designed to be used with third-party solar panels and can handle 240W of power.

1. Place your solar panel where it will get as much direct sunlight as possible. See the graphic in SOLAR 101 for help.
2. Insert the blue-ringed solar panel plug into one of the INPUT ports on the front of the Goal Zero Yeti. You will know the Goal Zero Yeti is charging when the green LED light next to the INPUT port lights up, and the battery segments in the LCD BATTERY DISPLAY are blinking. The Goal Zero Yeti is fully charged when all battery segments stop blinking and remain solid.
3. You can also connect the Goal Zero Yeti to other brands of solar panels using the Anderson Power-Pole port, next to the two charging port.
4. You can chain multiple Goal Zero Solar Panels together to reduce solar recharge times. Your Goal Zero Yeti is capable of taking in 160W of solar per input, no more than 240W combined.
5. You can charge your Goal Zero Yeti with solar panels, and a wall charger at the same time.

Charging from the Wall
Using the included AC Wall Charger, plug your Goal Zero Yeti into any wall outlet. You will know the Goal Zero Yeti is charging when the green LED light next to the INPUT port turns on, and battery segments in the BATTERY DISPLAY are blinking. The Goal Zero Yeti is fully charged when all battery segments stop blinking and remain solid. The Goal Zero Yeti should recharge from the wall in about 18 hours.

1.  The AC wall charger comes in two pieces.
   Connect the two pieces by plugging the cable into the box

Charging from your Car
Although not recommended because of slow charge times, you can charge your Goal Zero Yeti from any 12V source, like your car. To charge your Goal Zero Yeti from a car or 12V source, you will need to purchase an 8.0 mm to 12V charger from GOALZERO.com. Call our Customer Solutions Center at 1-888-7946250 for help identifying the charger. * Full-size refrigerator runtimes from the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 are dependent on several factors, including the year, make and model of your refrigerator, as well as its volume, fullness, and usage. We actively test a variety of refrigerators to determine an average runtime. For the longest runtimes and to optimize performance, we suggest limiting the opening and closing of refrigerator doors when powering from the Goal Zero Yeti 1250.
What to power from your Goal Zero Yeti:
USB: Smartphones, MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, E-readers, Tablets, etc. 12V: Goal Zero Lights, 12V appliances, etc. AC: Laptops, Cameras, CPAP, Display Monitors, Appliances, Fridges, etc.

Using your Goal Zero Yeti

How to use your Goal Zero Yeti:

1. Press the master POWER button to turn on your Goal Zero Yeti.
2. Press the power button located above each port you will be using. When not using certain ports, make sure to turn them off to conserve power.
3.  You’ll know the port is turned on when the green LED light on the button is illuminated.
4. Plug in your gear for power anywhere life takes you.
5.  If possible, keep your Goal Zero Yeti plugged into a power source when not in use.
6.  You can charge your Goal Zero Yeti and charge your gear at the same time.

Best-Use Strategy:
When charging gear with your Goal Zero Yeti, take note of the LCD Battery Display.
If you plug in devices that have a high power requirement (a large refrigerator), the charge level of your Goal Zero Yeti can drop very quickly and you may not get exactly 1250Wh of power. On the flipside, if you’re recharging devices that draw power more slowly (a small TV), you will get closer to 1250Wh from your Goal Zero Yeti. If you’re
experiencing shorter runtimes, you may want to check the device’s power requirements, see TROUBLESHOOTING for help.

Cold Weather Usage:
Cold temperatures (below freezing) can impact the Goal Zero Yeti’s battery capacity. If you’ll be living off-grid in sub-zero conditions, we recommend keeping your Goal Zero
Yeti in an insulated cooler, and connected to a power source (solar panels). The natural heat generated by the Goal Zero Yeti contained in an insulated cooler will keep battery
capacity at its highest.

LCD Display:
You can activate the display backlight by pressing the Display button. The built-in LCD display indicates three important things:

1. INPUT shows the amount of power (watts) going into the Goal Zero Yeti while charging. If charging from solar, you’ll see the watts change as you reposition the
   panels into/out of the sunlight.
   a. LO will be displayed if power flow is below a measureable amount.

2. OUTPUT shows the amount of power (watts) your devices are using while plugged into the Goal Zero Yeti.

3.  Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Warnings:

| Battery Fail: Replace internal battery
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Blown Fuse: Contact Goal Zero Solutions Center
Low Battery: Plug into power source immediately
Temperature Warning; Too Hot: Unplug Goal Zero Yeti and
allow it to cool down
Inverter Fail: Device is pulling too much power. Unplug device and turn AC
inverter off and on. Contact Goal Zero Solutions Center

Storage and Downtime Maintenance:
Having your Goal Zero Yeti connected to a power source, like a solar panel or wall outlet, between adventures or while in storage keeps its battery healthy and topped off. This
prolongs battery life and will ensure your Goal Zero Yeti is charged and ready to go all day, every day.
If you can’t keep your Goal Zero Yeti plugged into a power source during storage, fully-charge your Goal Zero Yeti every 3 months and store it in a cool, dry place. Failure
to maintain your Goal Zero Yeti by following these steps can result in battery damage which will void the product warranty.

Chaining your Goal Zero Yeti:
Looking for more power from your Goal Zero Yeti? You can extend the run time of your Goal Zero Yeti by connecting it to additional 12V, 100Ah batteries. The connector on the back of the Goal Zero Yeti is an Anderson Power SB175

1.  Before chaining batteries to the Goal Zero Yeti 1250, you’ll need to purchase the correct cables and additional batteries: a. Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Battery Clamp Connector Cable (SKU #98003) temporarily connects other 12V batteries. b. Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Ring Terminal Connector Cable (SKU #98001) semi-permanently connects other 12V batteries. c. Connect only 100Ah, 12V lead-acid batteries (or similar, 175Ah MAX) batteries to the Goal Zero Yeti 1250.
2. Locate and remove the plastic cover on the back of the Goal Zero Yeti (near the top, center).
3. Connect the chaining cable to the additional batteries.
4. Connect the chaining cable into the Anderson Powerpole on the back of the Goal Zero Yeti.
   When additional batteries are chained to the Goal Zero Yeti, you will experience increased charge times – this is a result of having to charge up the chained batteries in addition to the Goal Zero Yeti.

Technical Specifications

Charge Times

Wall Charger (72W)| 18 Hrs
Car Charger (30W)| 44 Hrs
2x Goal Zero Boulder 30| 40-80 Hrs
3x Goal Zero Boulder 30| 27-54 Hrs
Goal Zero Nomad 100| 24-48 Hrs
Battery|
---|---
Cell Type| AGM Lead Acid
Pack Capacity| 1200Wh (12V, 100Ah)
Lifecycles| Hundreds of cycles
Shelf-life| Keep plugged in or charge every 3 months
Fuses| 200A (4x 50A fuses in parallel)
Management System| MPPT charge controller, low battery protection
Ports|
---|---
USB Port (output)| 5V, up to 2.1A (10.5W max), regulated
6mm Port (output, 6mm)| 12V, up to 10A (120W max)
12V Car Port (output)| 12V, up to 10A (120W max)
12V Power Pole Port (output)| 12V, up to 33A (400W max)
110V AC Unit Inverter (output, pure sine wave)| 110VAC 60Hz, 10A (1200W continuous, 1500W surge max)
220V AC Unit Inverter
(output, pure sine wave)
UNIVERSAL OR AUSTRALIA (TYPE 1) AC PLUGS| 220VAC 50Hz, 5A (1200W continuous, 1500W surge max)
Charging Port (input, 8mm)| 16-48V, up to 10A (160W max)
Power Pole Charging Port (input)| 16-48V, up to 20A (240W max)
Power Pole Chaining Port| 12V, up to 180A (2100W max)
General|
---|---
Chainable| Ye s
Weight| 103 lbs (46.7 kg)
Dimensions| 11 x  16 x 14.5 in (27.9 x 40.6 x 36.8 cm)
Operating Usage Temp| 32-104 F (0-40 C)
Certs| BC
Warranty| 12 Months

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of battery is in my Goal Zero Yeti?
Your Goal Zero Yeti uses a Group 31, 12V, 100Ah, sealed lead-acid battery (AGM),
similar to what is found in your car. Here are some basic facts about AGM batteries:

1. AGM batteries should be kept full at all times.
   This means you should leave your Goal Zero Yeti plugged into a power sources at all times, especially during storage.

2. AGM batteries last longer if you do not drain them completely.
   This stems from the “battery memory myth” in old rechargeable batteries. You can read more about this in the Battery 101 section.

Can I replace the battery in my Goal Zero Yeti?
Yes, the battery inside the Goal Zero Yeti is extremely easy to replace.

1. Remove the four bolts holding down the top of the Goal Zero Yeti.

2.  Lift the top of the Goal Zero Yeti off and set aside.

3.  Remove the metal battery strap by unscrewing the bolt and lifting the strap off.

4. Remove the two battery terminal bolts.

5. Disconnect the wires on the battery terminals.

6. Lift the old battery out of the body of the Goal Zero Yeti
   **This battery is HEAVY. Use caution and proper technique when lifting.

7. Insert replacement battery and reassemble in reverse order of steps above.

How do I know if my Goal Zero Yeti is charged?
To check the charge level of your Goal Zero Yeti, refer to the LCD Battery Display.
When lit up, you’ll see a battery outline with five segments, indicating the current charge level. You can turn on the Battery Display by pushing the Master POWER
button. It is OK to use your Goal Zero Yeti even when it’s not fully charged.
How do I know if my device will work with the Goal Zero Yeti?
First, you’ll need to determine the amount of power your device requires. This may require some research on your end, a good Google search or examining the user
guide for your device should suffice.
Second, you will need to check the capacity for the individual output ports. For example, the AC port is monitored by an inverter that allows for 1200W of continuous power. This means if your device is a pulling more than 1200W for an extended period of time, the Goal Zero Yeti’s inverter will shut off.
Finally, once you know your device is compatible, you’ll want to determine how long you’ll be able to power your gear from the Goal Zero Yeti. Here’s a quick and dirty lesson in power.
All Goal Zero power packs and solar generators have a number in their name, ex. Guide 10 Plus Power Pack, Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator. These numbers refer to the Watt Hours (Wh), or the amount of energy that can be stored in each recharger, and how you’ll know if your gear is compatible with each recharger. For example, a 200Wh recharger should run a 100W light for 2 hours (200/100=2). If your gear falls within the 1250Wh capacity of the Goal Zero Yeti, you’ll want to check the restrictions on each of the output ports.
Here are some common devices and their watt-hour requirements:

So when you’re deciding on what to power from your new Goal Zero recharger, do some research into your device’s wattage consumption. For more quick tips and learning tools, check out www.GoalZero.com/learn.html

• Full-size refrigerator runtimes from the Goal Zero Yeti 1250 are dependent on several factors, including the year, make and model of your refrigerator, as well as its volume, fullness and usage. We actively test a variety of refrigerators to determine an average runtime. For the longest runtimes and to optimize performance, we suggest limiting the opening and closing of refrigerator doors when powering from the Goal Zero Yeti 1250.

Troubleshooting

If your devices are not recharging from your Goal Zero Yeti, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the Master POWER button is turned on.

2. Ensure the Output Port has been turned on. The green LED light on the power button should be lit up.
   a. If any of the lights have turned red, this indicates a trip. Push the button again
   to reset it. The light will turn green when it is successfully reset.

3. Check the Battery Display. If it is at 20% or below, charge your Goal Zero Yeti.

4. Verify your device is suitable for use with the Goal Zero Yeti:
   a. All of the Goal Zero Yeti output ports have their own max power capacity.
   Check the Goal Zero Yeti’s Tech Specs to ensure your device is compatible.

5. Reset the battery following these steps: **Unplug all charging cables, including device charging cables, from the Goal Zero Yeti before attempting to reset the battery.

a. Remove the four bolts holding the Goal Zero Yeti top in place.

b. Lift top off and set aside.

c. Remove the two battery terminal bolts.

d. Disconnect the wires on the battery terminals. Wait 10 seconds.

e. Reconnect battery wires and reassemble Goal Zero Yeti.

6.  Check the LCD Display for warning icons: (helpful to show icons here)
   a. Battery Failure: Battery needs to be replaced
   b. Blown Fuse: Report to Solutions Center
   c. Low Battery: Plug into a power source
   d. Temperature Warning: Goal Zero Yeti is too hot, unplug and place in a cool, dark place
   e. Inverter Fail: Device is pulling too much power. Unplug device and turn AC inverter off and on. If icon does not turn off, call the Solutions Center
   If you are still experiencing trouble with your Goal Zero Yeti, please call our Customer Solutions Center at 1-888-794-6250 or by email at support@goalzero.com

Education

BATTERIES 101: Goal Zero utilizes the latest and greatest in battery technology to accompany you on all life’s adventures. From the versatile and lightweight Lithuim Ion, to the robust and powerful Lead Acid, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to keep your Goal Zero batteries working their best.

1. Batteries need exercise
   The best thing for any battery is to use it. Don’t leave a charged battery sitting around, unloved and unused for long periods of time.

2. The “Battery Memory” myth
   Thanks to old Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries, there’s a myth running around that you should completely drain your batteries before plugging them in for a recharge, called “deep cycling”. Although true with NiCd batteries, the typical batteries you’ll find in most of your gear today, including the advanced lithium and lead-acid batteries used in your Goal Zero rechargers, require no such draining. In fact, you should avoid deep cycling your batteries – it does more harm than good in most cases.

3. The “Stadium Effect”
   The stadium effect occurs when recharging your batteries. You’ll notice your battery quickly filling up in the beginning, then slowing down noticeably when trying to charge up the last several percentages. Think of how quickly a stadium fills up when the doors first open – there are hundreds of open seats so it’s easy to find the one you want. Eventually, there are only a few open seats here and there and people have to maneuver around to find the spot they want and filling those seats takes longer. The same theory applies to recharging batteries. It’s easy for energy to flow in and take up empty space in the beginning, and as time goes on and there is less space available, it takes longer for the energy to fill in the holes.

4. Read the manual.
   Yeah, it might be a long read, but the manual is the best place to find the dos and don’ts for the battery in your specific device. Reading your manual will ensure you’re taking steps to keep your batteries happy and healthy.

SOLAR 101: Goal Zero makes it easy to recharge your gear from the sun – we didn’t invent solar power, we perfected it. Some things to keep in mind when recharging your gear with solar power:

1. Solar panels don’t store power from the sun, they collect it.
   We teach you to COLLECT – STORE – USE, which is the best way to utilize solar power to recharge your gear. COLLECT the sun’s energy with a solar panel. STORE the power in a recharger. USE the recharger to power your gear, day or night. If you’re really a diehard, you can plug your gear directly into the junction box located on the back of our NOMAD Solar Panels to recharge from the sun.

2. Not all solar charge times are created equal
   Most solar panel manufacturers calculate their recharge times with the following equation: Device Watt Hours/Solar Panel Watts = Solar Recharge Times. So theoretically, a 13-watt solar panel would recharge a 50 watt-hour recharger in 3.84 hours (50/13 = 3.84) – and this is the number you could find in marketing material for a solar panel. However, in order to standardize results across all manufacturers, these tests are completed in laboratory settings.. The truth is, on a good, sunny day, you’ll receive about 50-75% of your solar panel’s rated wattage, and this is how the engineers at Goal Zero calculate the solar recharge times you see on our packaging.

3. Solar works, even in overcast conditions.
   Solar panels utilize IR, UV, and visible rays from the sun that can penetrate through clouds. Although the efficiency of the solar panel will decrease in cloudy conditions, you’ll still be collecting valuable power from the sun.

4. Keep away from shade and windows. Although you should seek out the shade on sunny days, your solar panels will collect more power when fully exposed to the sunlight. Windows also have a habit of decreasing efficiency. So keep those panels outside and in the bright sunlight.

5. Proper alignment works wonders.
   Keeping your solar panel angled toward the sun can dramatically increase solar efficiency. Set it up and let Mother Nature do the rest.

Warranty & Contact

LIMITED WARRANTY
GOAL ZERO LLC warrants to the original consumer purchaser that this GOAL ZERO product will be free from defects in workmanship and material under normal consumer use during the applicable warranty period identified in Paragraph 2, below, subject to the exclusions set forth in Paragraph 5, below. This warranty statement sets forth GOAL ZERO’s total and exclusive warranty obligation. We will not assume, nor authorize any person to assume for us, any other liability in connection with the sales of our products.
WARRANTY PERIOD
The warranty period for GOAL ZERO battery cells (whether purchased on a stand- alone basis or as part of another product) is 180 days. The warranty period for all other  GOAL ZERO products and components is one (1) year. In each case, the warranty period is measured starting on the date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser. The sales receipt from the first consumer purchase, or other reasonable documentary proof, is required in order to establish the start date of the warranty period. If you completed the online GOAL ZERO Product Registration Form within 30 days after purchasing your product, that registration can also establish the start date of the warranty period (but warranty coverage is not conditioned upon such registration).
REMEDY
GOAL ZERO will repair or replace (at GOAL ZERO’s option and expense) any GOAL ZERO product that fails to operate during the applicable warranty period due to a defect in workmanship or material.
LIMITED TO ORIGINAL CONSUMER BUYER
The warranty on GOAL ZERO’s products is limited to the original consumer purchaser and is not transferable to any subsequent owner.
EXCLUSIONS
GOAL ZERO’s warranty does not apply to (i) any product that is misused, abused, modified, damaged by accident, or used for anything other than normal consumer use as authorized in GOAL ZERO’s then-current product literature, or (ii) any product purchased through an online auction house. GOAL ZERO’s warranty does not apply to any battery cell or product containing a battery cell unless the battery cell is fully charged by you within seven (7) days after you purchase the product and at least once every 6  onths thereafter.
HOW TO RECEIVE SERVICE
To obtain warranty service, you must contact our customer service team via telephone at 888-794-6250, or via email at support@goalzero.com. If our customer service team determines that further assistance is required, they will give you a Return Material Authorization (“RMA”) number and will provide you with prepaid return shipping label that you can use to mail back your non-functioning item(s). You must properly package the product, clearly marking the RMA number on the package and including proof of your  purchase date with the product. We will process your return and send your repaired or replacement product to you at our expense for product being shipped to locations in North America. For product purchased or being shipped outside of North America, please contact the local distributor from whom you purchased the product or email support@goalzero.com to obtain further distributor information.
IMPLIED WARRANTIES
THE LIMITED WARRANTY STATED HEREIN IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON- INFRINGEMENT, EXTEND BEYOND THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD IDENTIFIED IN PARAGRAPH 2, ABOVE. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
The foregoing provisions state GOAL ZERO’s entire liability, and your exclusive remedy, for any breach of warranty, express or implied. IN NO EVENT WILL GOAL ZERO BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY USE OR MALFUNCTION OF ANY GOAL ZERO PRODUCT, OR FROM ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY, INCLUDING DAMAGE TO OTHER DEVICES. IN NO EVENT WILL GOAL ZERO’s LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT LIABILITY) OR UNDER ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY,
EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE GOAL ZERO PRODUCT. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

GOAL ZERO HEADQUARTERS
675 West 14600 South
Bluffdale, UT 84065
Designed in the U.S.A.
Made in China
1-888-794-6250
GOALZERO.COM

GOAL ZERO HEADQUARTERS
675 West 14600 South
Bluffdale, UT 84065
1-888-794-6250
Designed in the U.S.A.
Made in China
Goal Zero Yeti is a trademark of Goal Zero.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. CA082316

GOALZERO.COM

Documents / Resources

| GOAL ZERO Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit [pdf] User Guide
Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit, Yeti 1250, Solar Generator Kit
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References

• Portable Power Stations, Solar Generators & Home Backup | Goal Zero
• How Goal Zero Products Work

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