Recharging indefinitely against simply having more stored.
Verdict
More battery is simple and works regardless of weather, but it is still finite. Solar makes the system indefinite as long as the sun comes out, but adds slowly and depends on conditions. Add battery first if your outages are short; add solar once they run long enough that you would otherwise run flat.
| Jackery SolarSaga 100W Panel | Goal Zero Yeti 700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Works at night | No | Yes |
| Works in cloud | Poorly | Yes |
| Supply | Indefinite in sun | Finite |
| Setup | Place and angle each day | Plug in and forget |
| Cost per usable watt-hour | Lower over time | Higher |
| Best for | Multi-day outages | Overnight and short outages |
Your outages last more than a day or two. Without recharging, any battery eventually becomes a heavy box, and mains power is exactly what you do not have. One panel will not run a household, but it will keep phones, lights and a radio going indefinitely.
Check Jackery SolarSaga 100W Panel on Amazon
Your outages are short, or you want power you can count on regardless of weather. A second battery works at 3am in a snowstorm, which is precisely when solar does not.
Check Goal Zero Yeti 700 on Amazon
In good sun, expect roughly 300 to 500 Wh over a day once you account for angle, temperature and cloud, not the 100 W rating times daylight hours. Plan on about half of what the arithmetic suggests.
Repositioning two or three times makes a substantial difference, often 20 to 30 percent. A fixed flat panel is the least efficient way to use one.
Most power stations accept a 12 V input, and it is a useful backup, but it is slow and burns fuel. Treat it as a supplement rather than the plan.
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these units side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
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For informational purposes only. Follow guidance from FEMA and local authorities.