Goal Zero 13002 Sherpa Universal Inverter

Do not buy this if you just need an inverter. Low wattage, poor construction in comparison to other inverters. The output plug is unique in that you can output 220v british or german plugs or 110v american. This inverter comes into its own with the goal zero kit compatible and stackable with the other goal zero batteries. Beware of the other cusotmer reviews for goal zero they have an active social media marketing program.

I bought this inverter as part of a Goal Zero system to use when on camping trips to run a CPAP machine. Since this would be running a medical device, I felt it was important to know I could trust the system. I carefully measured (using a Kill-a-Watt) the power my CPAP was consuming and knew that in good conditions the battery as found in the Sherpa 120 should last nearly 3 nights, so the solar panels wouldn't need to fully charge the system in a single day. I have also measured the CPAP (using a Watts-Up) when running directly from 12v and it consumes about 30 watts a night (vs 37 watts a night on 120v wall power).

I have been happy with the Sherpa 120 battery and the Nomad 27 solar panels. The system is working for me but the weak link in the system is the inverter. The Inverter is inefficient on smaller loads. My CPAP averages only ~5 watts to run at night but consumed nearly 8 watts of power through the inverter. This really consumed my battery capacity. I was shocked to measure and realize that 30% of my consumed power was due to inverter inefficiencies. By running the CPAP directly from 12v, I was able to not only remove the inverter load, but also eliminate the need of the unit to transform from 120v to 12v, providing additional savings. Running the CPAP through the inverter at 120v, it won't quite make 2 nights without a small bump. Running the CPAP directly at 12v, I am able to squeak out 4 nights from a single charge. Of course this will all depend on your device and needs. For my CPAP and pressure settings; I use a lower pressure of 6 and an efficient Resmed Elite S8 system.

4 Stars: yes the inverter works as designed, it provides 120v AC and everything I tested works with it (withing it's stated limits). It has a nice univeral plug that allows use for both US and Eurpoean plugs without the need of an adapter. Unfortunately for lower power loads it's in-efficient and consumes more battery power than desired. If at all possible, convert your loads to 12v direct and your battery power will last longer. If you are in a setup where recharging your main battery isn't an issue then this won't be a problem and the system will function very well for you.

*** Update 26Mar2012 ***

I have purchased an additional 3 different inverters and tested them. The result is that this turns out to be one of the more efficient inverters of the bunch. Perhaps I was expecting too much bcause this inverter does end up being more efficient than the other 3. The main advantage for this inverter is that the fan only goes on if it's necessary, thus saving considerable power. 2 of my other 3 keep the fan on continuously which is terribly annoying and causes them to be unusable in many off the grid situations. I still hope that a more efficient version comes along and this can be improved for low power needs.

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I bought this item to use in conjunction with the Goal0 Adventure 50 kit specifically to charge my Nikon D7000 batteries as at the time I could not find a 12 v charger.

This system is so easy to use. After several years of combing an ugly system of panels and adapters, it is so refreshing to have such a simple system to charge electronics while mountaineering. I used this item on Denali. On occasion the unit was buried in a duffel bug under several feet of snow at our storage caches. The cold did not seem to affect the inverter or the accompanying system of panels and battery (bought separately)

Goal0 just works and so simple to use. Thank you.

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When I saw this, I really wanted it bad. The idea is great, and I can think of tons of things to do with it, but the product stopped working shortly after I got it. Although I did not have the opportunity to use it for an extended period of time, I do think the enclosure lacks the durability for long-term outdoor use.

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The inverter works as stated. I bought the Goal0 Sherapa 50 kit and the inverter back in September of this year. The inverter works great and I have charged my electric razor with it as well as ran my living room lamp for 2 hours. I will be putting it to the ultimate challenge in December of 2011 when I deploy to Afghanistan. Buy it, as it will come in handy.

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