Solar FAQs
Do I need to buy any extra cables or adapters?
Nope it's all in the box. The bundle ships with every cable and adapter needed to connect to Backup, so there's nothing else to order and nothing to figure out.
How do I connect the solar panel to Backup?
The included Solar To DC Adapter Cable plugs into your open DC port on the bottom of Backup. If you only have Backup Core then this cable plugs into the DC port on the bottom. If you have one or multiple Backup Extends, this cable plugs into the open DC port on your last Backup Extend unit.
The solar panel needs - you guessed it - sun! The Nomad 400+ is foldable and designed to be stored when not in use. Find a sunny spot in your yard to deploy the Nomad 400+. You will run the 30' extension cable through a door or cracked window to get inside and plug in to Backup.
Can I still use my appliances while Backup is charging from solar?
Yes. Backup keeps powering whatever's plugged into it while it recharges — solar input and appliance output happen at the same time.
Can I leave the Nomad 400+ solar panel outside permanently?
The Nomad 400+ is weatherproof, but it isn't built for permanent installation. It's designed for periodic use. Set it out when you need it, then fold it down and store it in its case. Ground stakes are included if you're leaving it out during the day.
Do I still need to plug Backup into a wall outlet?
For everyday use, yes. The wall outlet is Backup's primary charging source and what lets it switch over automatically when the grid drops. Solar is a second way to charge when the power goes out for multiple days, not a replacement.
Is this a replacement for rooftop solar?
No. This is emergency power, not a home energy system. If you want permanent solar that offsets your everyday electricity bill, that's a different product and a different install. Backup and the Nomad 400+ are built to keep your essentials running when the grid goes down, then get out of the way.
The solar panel says Goal Zero. Who is that?
Goal Zero is an outdoor power company that BioLite acquired in 2025. And they make awesome gear built for this very purpose - charging large batteries using just the sun. So along side Backup, you get a durable, thoughtfully designed solar panel that folds down and stores easily and is durable enough to stand up to years and years of use.
Our support teams are connected so any questions or issues with either Backup or Goal Zero solar panels are handled through the same process.
