Goal Zero Guide 12 Plus Solar Kit w/ Nomad 5 Solar Panel
The Goal Zero Guide 12 Plus Solar Kit combines a Guide 12 rechargeable battery pack with a compact Nomad 5 solar panel. It provides a simple way to recharge AA or AAA NiMH batteries and supply USB power to phones, GPS units, headlamps, wearables, and other small electronics.
The Guide 12 can be charged from the Nomad 5 in approximately 4–8 hours under good sunlight or from a USB power source in approximately four hours. Its removable AA batteries can be used directly in compatible equipment, while the regulated USB-A output provides up to 10W for charging portable devices.
Description
Solar Charging for Small Devices
The Nomad 5 uses a 5W monocrystalline solar panel with an integrated kickstand for positioning toward the sun. Its USB output connects to the Guide 12, allowing the included AA batteries to be replenished without access to wall power. Actual solar charging time depends on sunlight intensity, panel angle, temperature, and cloud cover.
Rechargeable AA and AAA Battery Support
The Guide 12 holds four rechargeable AA NiMH batteries. The included tray insert also allows four rechargeable AAA batteries to be charged, although AAA batteries are sold separately. All four installed batteries must be the same size and type.
This removable-battery design is useful for equipment such as:
- Handheld GPS units
- Flashlights and headlamps
- Radios and small electronics
- Cameras and other AA- or AAA-powered devices
USB Power Bank Operation
In addition to charging removable batteries, the Guide 12 works as a compact USB power bank. Its USB-A output supplies up to 5V, 2A for phones, wearables, cameras, and similar low-power devices. The 12Wh battery pack can provide approximately one typical smartphone recharge, although actual results depend on the phone and operating conditions.
Portable Setup
The Nomad 5 weighs 360 g and folds into a compact, rigid enclosure with an adjustable kickstand. The Guide 12 weighs 181 g with its batteries installed, making the complete kit practical for camping, hiking, travel, emergency kits, and remote fieldwork where only modest amounts of power are required.
The Guide 12 is weather-resistant rather than waterproof and should be protected from rain, prolonged direct sunlight, and other harsh exposure while operating.
Built-In Light and Battery Protection
A small 100mW white LED allows the Guide 12 to serve as a basic emergency or task light. Its internal battery-management system provides charging and low-battery protection during normal operation.
Technical Specifications
Efficiency
- Nomad 5 Solar Panel
- Rated Power: 5W
- Open-Circuit Voltage: 6V
- Cell Type: Monocrystalline
- Maximum Kickstand Angle: 180°
Power
- Guide 12
- USB-A Output: 5V, up to 2A / 10W regulated
- USB-C Input: 5V, up to 1A / 5W
- Solar Charging Time with Nomad 5: 4–8 hours
- USB Charging Time: Approximately 4 hours
- Nomad 5
- USB Output: 5V, up to 1A / 5W
Dimensions
- Nomad 5 Dimensions: 24.1 × 17.8 × 2.8 cm / 9.5 × 7 × 1.1 in.
- Guide 12 Dimensions: 10.2 × 6.4 × 1.9 cm / 4 × 2.5 × 0.75 in.
Weight
- Nomad 5 Weight: 360 g / 12.7 oz.
- Guide 12 Weight with Batteries: 181 g / 6.4 oz.
Durability
- Guide 12 Operating Temperature: 0–40°C / 32–104°F
- Certifications: CE, FCC, and RoHS
Included
- Goal Zero Guide 12 rechargeable battery pack
- Goal Zero Nomad 5 solar panel
- Four rechargeable AA NiMH batteries
- AAA battery tray insert
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
Battery
- Battery Chemistry: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
- Battery Configuration: Four rechargeable AA batteries
- Battery Capacity: 12Wh / 4.8V, 2500mAh
- Single-Cell Equivalent Capacity: 10,000mAh at 1.2V
- Battery Life Cycles: Hundreds of cycles
- Recommended Storage Maintenance: Recharge every 3–6 months
- Battery Management: Charging and low-battery protection
Additional
- Guide 12 Light: 100mW white LED
Interfaces
- Guide 12 Input: USB-C
- Guide 12 Output: USB-A
- Nomad 5 Output: USB-A
