Goal Zero Sherpa 100 and Nomad 20 solar panel

06/09/15 –Goal Zero Sherpa 100 + Nomad 20 solar panel review

Goal Zero 100 Sherpa + Inverter =GZS100

Goal Zero Nomad 20 solar panel =N20W

Tactical 24W panel =T24W

I purchased the GZS100 and the N20W so that I would have a fast and powerful source of energy for use on expeditions.  I wanted something that I could ‘future proof’ and the GZS100 would be ideal in that it would have the power to charge an Apple MacBook.  I also purchased the inverter to provide flexibility.  The N20W was a decent size that could easily be packed away for transport and yet powerful enough to charge the GZS100.

You will notice that I also have the T24W flexible solar panel (I believe 24W).  This was purchased on sale and it is fantastic in collecting the sun’s power.  Goal Zero Australia was fantastic in helping me out with advice for connecting the T24W to the N20W via a simple cable.  This provided a daisy chain and allows a max of around 44W of panel power collection!

The more the better as it is rarer to get perfect recharging conditions.

For the specifications, best to visit the Goal Zero website and contact them for advice (so that you do not lose your previous solar investment).

I had fully charged the GZS100 before leaving Australia and all my electronic devices were also charged.  I did not actually need to use the GZS100 but due to the poor satphone connection that I was getting from Inmarsat (not actually being able to connect to Inmarsat but still finding many GPS satellites), the satphone was getting low on battery due to the constant searching for an Inmarsat satellite (no reception from Syange-Dharapani-Karche-Bimtang) when I went to use the GZS100 I noticed that it was dead flat!  Then I noticed that the inverter switch was ‘on’.  Somehow it got switched-on either on the plane, or more likely, as the porters were carrying bags on the Manaslu route.  I then hooked up the N20W+T24W and let it recharge in very foggy/overcast weather.  The sun did not break at Bimtang where I left it to charge.

As per the picture it was at 20% after around 1hr of solar charging.  

Once I arrived into Manaslu BC, I hooked the GZS100 onto the generator to top-up.  This was much more faster than hooking up the panels ☺  The GZS100 charged all my satphone, smartphone and my camera batteries with ease.  I then hooked it up to the panels a day later (for play around) and it was very impressive with the N20W and T24W…very fast charging of the GZS100.

Everything is all charged up now and I am ready for my summit push.  I will be carrying lightweight and shall be leaving my solar setup at BC.  The only recommendations for improvement of the GZS100 is to look at limiting accidental switching on of the inverter, and also the onboard light.  These two could see you with a drained battery.

Great device and great setup.