Goal Zero

Goal Zero operates as a manufacturer and retailer of portable solar power and battery storage solutions. The company's origins are deeply rooted in humanitarian work, beginning in 2007 when founder Robert Workman, through his non-profit TIFIE, witnessed the critical need for reliable electricity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This experience led to the development of the first prototype product in 2008—a solar power pack consisting of a battery, solar panel, and an LED light—to bring power and safety to rural communities. Goal Zero officially launched as a business in June 2009, founded on the principle of empowering people by providing access to reliable energy.

The company's business model revolves around the direct sale of its products to consumers through its website and retail partners. The target market is broad, encompassing outdoor adventurers, campers, and the RV and van life community, as well as homeowners seeking emergency backup power. Goal Zero also continues its humanitarian efforts, often in partnership with organizations, to provide power in disaster-stricken areas and underserved communities worldwide. In September 2014, Goal Zero was acquired by NRG Energy, a move intended to expand its reach and align with NRG's mission of providing cleaner and smarter energy choices. More recently, in April 2025, BioLite acquired Goal Zero, uniting two major players in the portable energy sector to enhance innovation and market presence.

Goal Zero’s product portfolio is extensive, featuring portable power stations, solar generators, solar panels, and various accessories. Its flagship products are the Yeti series of portable power stations, which range from compact units for charging personal devices to large-capacity systems capable of running major appliances like refrigerators. These are complemented by a range of Nomad and Boulder solar panels designed for portability and permanent installation. The company offers integrated ecosystems such as the 'Haven' for home backup, which can power up to 10 home circuits during an outage, and the 'Escape' ecosystem, designed to provide off-grid power for RVs and vans. A key feature of their newer products, like the Yeti PRO 4000, is the use of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery technology, which offers a long lifespan of over 4,000 cycles. The products are designed to be user-friendly, quiet, and free of the fumes associated with gas generators.

Keywords: portable power stations, solar generators, home backup systems, off-grid power, solar panels, battery packs, outdoor energy, humanitarian power, Robert Workman, NRG Energy, BioLite, Yeti power stations, emergency power, van life power, RV power solutions, portable solar, battery storage, clean energy solutions, adventure gear, renewable energy products