Portable power and solar generators
How Many Watts Actually Reach Your Device From a Goal Zero Nomad 10?
Summary
At most 7.5 W. The Nomad 10 is rated at 10 W, but its only output is a USB port rated 5 V at up to 1.5 A. The Nomad 20's USB port goes to 2.1 A (10.5 W), and it adds an 8 mm port good for up to 20 W.
Nomad 10 and Nomad 20
| Nomad 10 | Nomad 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rated power | 10 W | 20 W |
| USB output | 5 V, up to 1.5 A (7.5 W) | 5 V, up to 2.1 A (10.5 W) |
| 8 mm output | None | 14 to 22 V, up to 1.3 A (20 W) |
| Open-circuit voltage | 6 to 7 V | 18 to 22 V |
| Weight | 1.12 lb | 2.28 lb |
| Price | $99.95 | $149.95 |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
The Nomad 10 has an open-circuit voltage of 6 to 7 V and nothing like the Nomad 20's 14 to 22 V 8 mm output. What it can do is fill small gadgets and power banks over 5 V USB.
Goal Zero's charge-time table
The Nomad 10 page lists 2.5 to 5 hours for the Flip 12, 4 to 8 for the Flip 24, 6 to 12 for the Flip 36, 4.5 to 9 for the Venture 35, 11 to 22 for the Venture 75 and 15 to 30 for the Sherpa 100PD. Every upper figure is exactly double the lower one, and a footnote says solar charge times depend on elevation, temperature, time of year, and angle and position to the sun.
The Venture 35 figure changes from page to page. The Nomad 10 page says 4.5 to 9 hours; the Venture 35's own page says "Nomad 10: 6-12 Hours." Charging the same Venture 35 from a Nomad 20 takes 4 to 8 hours according to the Nomad 20 page.
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Sources
We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.