With more than a decade of experience manufacturing portable power stations, Jackery holds a commanding position in the industry. The Jackery solar generators fuse advanced technology with easy-to-use systems, allowing nearly anyone to add a burst of sun-powered energy to their home or adventures.
Today’s extensive lineup of Jackery power stations and solar panels include options for every need:
- The cheapest Jackery solar generators easily keep small devices charged anywhere
- The largest and best Jackery solar generators can power an entire home for many days
- A variety of options between to balance budget with needs
And they’re all backed by a knowledgeable company, excellent warranty coverage, and the ability to capture the sun’s energy to power your devices.
Are you ready to unlock a new level of energy independence? This article is a full review of all Jackery solar generators, power stations, solar panels, and accessories.
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| Brand: Jackery | Main Product: Portable solar power stations |
| Founded: 2012 | Location: United States (HQ) / China (Manufacturing) |
Jackery Solar Generators: Quick Summary
This article has a lot of information to help you compare Jackery solar generators. Before we dig deep, let’s scratch the surface with a quick summary of the main Jackery power stations and solar panels.
The Largest Jackery Solar Generators
The largest single power station from Jackery is the Explorer 3000 Pro. This solar generator has the single largest output capability, the largest single battery, and maxes out with enough solar panels to rapidly charge it.
But it is actually not the most impressive Jackery solar generator.
That position goes to the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus. Despite having a small internal battery, the expansion capabilities of this Jackery product can transform it into the solar power system of your dreams, perfect for home backup or a robust off-grid electrical system.
You can pair two 2000 Plus units together, which immediately doubles output and battery capacity beyond that of the 3000 Pro. Perhaps most importantly, it also ramps up to 240V 50A output, which can be critical for specific heavy appliances.
On top of that, you can add up to four external battery packs to each 2000 Plus unit. And each battery includes a solar input so you can ramp up your solar array as your battery capacity grows.
At its maximum, the 2000 Plus can have 6kW AC output, 24.5kWh battery, and up to 17kW solar input.
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Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station |
3000 Pro on Jackery 3000 Pro on Amazon |
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Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station |
2000 Plus on Jackery 2000 Plus on Amazon |
Capable Jackery Solar Generators
The next level of Jackery solar generators remain very impressive, capable units. These can work as a household backup solution, but you’re looking at hours instead of days. These systems can be absolutely perfect for adding solar power to an RV or campervan easily and instantly.
The top model here is the Jackery 2000 Pro. It is very similar to the 2000 Plus, just without the external battery packs and ability to pair it to create a 240V 50A output.
The Jackery 1500 Solar Generator is the next in the lineup, and it remains very similar to the 2000 models. Both of these, the 2000 Pro and 1500, have downright astonishing charging rates. You can plug into a wall outlet and fully recharge in less than two hours. Or connect massive solar panel arrays to get fully charged in about three hours.
The Jackery 1500 is one of the most attractive options, as long as the battery is sufficient. It has a large inverter and incredible charging rates.
Sticking at a similar level of capability, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus has a powerful inverter and a good size battery (1.27kWh). And like the 2000 Plus, you can pair external batteries to reach up to 5kWh of capacity.
The solar input of this unit is the biggest downside of the 1000 Plus, maxing out at 800W. And the external battery packs do not have the same solar input that the 2000 Plus batteries have. So keeping this system fully charged with solar can be quite challenging.
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Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station |
2000 Pro on Jackery 2000 Pro on Amazon |
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Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station |
Buy on Jackery Buy on Amazon |
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Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station |
1000 Plus on Jackery 1000 Plus on Amazon |
Lightweight Jackery Solar Generators
The most affordable, compact, and lightweight Jackery power stations and solar panels start with the 1000 Power Station (not Plus). Although this keeps the 1000 model name, the rest of the specifications start to decrease dramatically, with charging inputs now taking at least six hours to replenish the battery.
That doesn’t mean this is a bad power station. It just means that the battery is massive compared to the charging ability. You can rely on it to power many small devices, recharge your phone literally 100 times, and keep a small fridge cold.
From there, we drop into the 500, 300 Plus, and 240 Jackery Solar Generators. The battery sizes and AC inverter outputs match the model numbers, decreasing in capability along with the price.
These Jackery products are excellent for getting a taste of solar power. They’ll provide a great amount of power for recharging phones and tablets and running LED lights. You can also use them as a backup system for medical devices like a CPAP.
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Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station |
1000 on Jackery 1000 on Amazon |
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Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station |
500 on Jackery 500 on Amazon |
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Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station |
300 Plus on Jackery 300 Plus on Amazon |
Jackery Solar Panels
Jackery offers two solar panels currently, one 100W and one 200W model, both in a portable, foldable design. These are great because they have the same connector that the solar generators use, which is an 8mm DC barrel plug.
We’ll review how to connect solar panels to Jackery solar generators down below. We’ll also discuss how to use different solar panels with a Jackery product.
How Long Will a Jackery Solar Generator Run?
Determining the amount of time that a solar generator will provide power to your devices depends on:
- The amount of energy you want to consume
- The battery capacity and inverter capability
- The recharge rate of any solar panels or other charging source
This is a complicated formula to get precisely correct.
Some very general ideas are:
- Household backup with large appliances will consume many kWh of energy each day (4kWh or more) and require a large inverter that’s 3kW or more to run all devices including large appliances. To recharge with solar, you want to get 1,000W or more.
- Light home backup use (phones and a fridge), small off-grid home, or an RV or campervan can use less energy, perhaps around 2kWh. And since you won’t be running heavy-duty appliances like an air conditioner, the inverter can drop down to 2kW or so. Somewhere around 500W to 800W of solar is a pretty good target.
- For powering small devices only or going for a tent camping trip, you can go with a smaller battery of 1kWh or less. The AC inverter size usually isn’t that important since most devices will charge using the USB outlets (a DC source). 100W to 400W of solar panels is usually sufficient.
Remember that your individual needs can vary greatly. In general, it’s wise to overestimate the size of the battery and solar panels you need.
These introduction articles provide more in-depth information about how long solar generators will last:
Jackery Company Information
Founded in 2012, the first Jackery power station hit the shelves in 2016 after years of development. And forever changed the landscape of portable solar power.
Dubbed the Apple of portable power by Forbes, Jackery brings a high level of design and reliability to its sophisticated electronics. They’re convenient and easy-to-use.
By including everything you need in one sleek device and solar panels that effortlessly pair with it, there’s no barrier to using a Jackery solar generator.
Even the most technologically adverse people can easily add solar power to their home, RV, or camping adventure. Jackery solar generators also work exceptionally well as critical medical device power supplies.
Looking to the future, Jackery has hinted at using other renewable energy sources like wind or other kinetic forces to recharge their power stations.
Jackery has helped millions of people join a more sustainable way to achieve energy independence. One that releases you from the constraints of grid electricity and power outages.
Jackery Solar Generators and Power Stations
Let’s dive into the details for the entire lineup of Jackery Solar Generators, including the Jackery Power Stations and Solar Panels. In this full comparison of Jackery models, you’ll see how their most popular options differ so you can select the one that fits your needs.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Solar Generator
In many ways, this is the best Jackery power station. It has a massive 3kWh internal battery, a powerful 3kW inverter, and a solar charging system that can fully replenish the battery in around four hours.
But there is a catch.
This Jackery power station does not have any external battery bank options, while the Explorer 2000 does. Even though this is the single most powerful Jackery product, it is not the most capable.
Regardless, this is still an incredible Jackery power station that is suitable for:
- Home battery backup power supply
- Adding solar power or more battery backup an RV or campervan
- Bringing a whole bunch of electricity tent camping or on any adventure
If you want to use this Jackery battery as a home backup power supply, you’ll need to get a transfer switch with a subpanel installed. Jackery sells this with the 3000 Pro. Or you can purchase another, as long as it has the same 30-amp input connection.
With a capacity of over 3kWh, the internal battery has enough to charge a phone ~270 times. It can even run a home 500W refrigerator for at least 5 hours. Or it can power things like a 200W television or gaming computer for at least 12 hours. You can calculate a rough idea of how long it will last for any device by finding the Wattage (W) of the device, then dividing 3,000 by that watt number. In real world use, expect about 20% less.
And all of that is without any charging.
If you throw on some solar panels, you’ll be able to replenish the battery fairly quickly. The maximum input for this Jackery Explorer 3000 is 1,400W of solar panels. To charge your Jackery solar generator, you can:
- Use up to six 200W Jackery solar panels to generate up to 1,200W
- Use third-party solar panels up to 1,400W total, running at no more than 60V and 24A
You can also rapidly charge up from a normal 110V outlet in less than two hours. Or you can use a fuel generator (propane, gasoline, diesel) to charge a Jackery power station, as long as it has a pure sine inverter.
Overall, the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is an excellent device with a lot of power. It keeps everything tidy in one system. But if you want even more battery storage, then keep reading to see the 2000 Plus.
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro |
| Battery capacity: | 3,024Wh |
| AC inverter output: | 3,000W with 6,000W surge |
| AC max output: | 110V at 25A |
| AC input: | 1,800W |
| Solar DC input: | 1,400W |
| Solar max voltage: | 60V |
| Solar max current: | 24A |
| Warranty: | 3 years (+2 years if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro |
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Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station |
3000 Pro on Jackery 3000 Pro on Amazon |
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Solar Generator
If you want the best Jackery power station, look no further. Thanks to its ability to expand, this Jackery product is the most capable one available.
The 2000 Plus and 3000 Pro are identical in every way. Same inverter, same charging rates, etc. The only difference is that the 3000 has a larger internal battery. It has 3kWh instead of the 2kWh Jackery battery of the 2000 Plus.
So what makes the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus superior? Its expansion capabilities.
The Jackery 2000 can:
- Add up to five external batteries to one 2000 Plus main unit (12kWh total)
- Pair two 2000 Plus main units together
For a lot of people, the pairing of two 2000 Plus units is the most important feature. This creates 6,000W AC output at 240V, perfect for a home backup system. This can power heavy-duty air conditioners, entertainment systems, and other energy-hungry appliances.
Just have a transfer switch installed then plug in your two 2000 Plus units in a split-phase configuration. Forget about power outages. It can even support Emergency Power System (EPS) switch overs with a 20ms automatic switch to battery power.
Adding extra battery packs also goes a long way.
Maybe start with adding one external Jackery battery to double its capacity to 4kWh. This is already over the maximum of the Jackery 3000 power station (3kWh). Keep adding batteries as you need them, up to five in total for each 2000 Plus unit.
Not only do you get more energy storage, you can also add more solar panels. Each battery has an integrated Jackery charging DC input too.
The maximum system will use two 2000 Plus main units with ten external batteries. This creates:
- 6kW AC output at 240V, sufficient for powering heavy-duty devices
- 24.5kWh of battery storage, enough to run an entire home for multiple days
- 17kW of solar panel charging input, a massive array that can keep your system running indefinitely
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus |
| Battery capacity: | 2,043Wh to 24,516Wh (up to two 2000 Plus units and ten batteries) |
| AC inverter output: | 3,000W to 6,000W (one to two 2000 Plus main units) |
| AC max output: | 240V at 50A |
| AC input: | 1,800W to 3,600W |
| Solar DC input: | 1,400W to 17,000W (1,400W per unit/battery) |
| Solar max voltage: | 60V (per device) |
| Solar max current: | 24A (per device) |
| Warranty: | 3 years (+2 years if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus; Jackery 2000 Plus Battery |
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Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station |
2000 Plus on Jackery 2000 Plus on Amazon |
Jackery 2000 Pro Power Station
The Jackery 2000 Pro and 2000 Plus are two different Jackery solar generators.
The 2000 Pro comes at a slightly lower price. But it loses the expansion abilities, decreases the inverter output, and drops the 30A outlet. This means you can’t get the same 240V 50A output that two 2000 Plus units can create.
Other than that, the Jackery 2000 Pro is basically identical to the 2000 Plus. And both of those are very similar to the 3000 Pro except the battery size.
Who should choose the Jackery 2000 Pro? This is a great solar generator for those that know they are good with the 2,160Wh battery back integrated into the unit. This battery can:
- Charge a phone more than 180 times
- Run a small 60W camping fridge for ~2 days
- Power a small 400W air conditioner at full blast for around 4-5 hours
These figures are all without any recharging. But you can pair this Jackery solar generator with up to 1,400W of solar panels or any AC device (like a home outlet or an inverter fuel generator). This will replenish the battery as you use it.
While you can’t add another battery, this is a lot of charging power. 1,400W of solar would likely be overkill for this size battery. It will charge it fully in 2-3 hours of the right sunlight.
This device is a great choice to power a small RV or campervan. This battery size of 2,100Wh is equal to about 175Ah on a 12V system.
It’s not meant for high-draw devices, like an air conditioner. But if you pair this with appropriate charging, such as around 500W of solar panels, you’ll create a very capable system that could:
- Charge many small devices like phones, tablets, and camera batteries
- Run quite a few LED lights, a vent fan, and a small electric 12V fridge
- Use it for powerful blenders or even limited induction stovetop use
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro |
| Battery capacity: | 2,160Wh |
| AC inverter output: | 2,200W with 4,400W surge |
| AC max output: | 120V at 18.3A |
| AC input: | 1,800W |
| Solar DC input: | 1,400W |
| Solar max voltage: | 60V |
| Solar max current: | 24A |
| Warranty: | 3 years (+2 years if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro |
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Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Portable Power Station |
2000 Pro on Jackery 2000 Pro on Amazon |
Jackery 1500 Solar Generator
As we drop down into this Jackery solar generator, you don’t lose much. The battery shrinks in line with the model number, now to 1,500Wh (1.5kWh), and the inverter max output drops to 1.8kW. For many people, that’s not much of a noticeable difference.
Otherwise, it’s nearly the same specs as the 2000 and 3000 solar generators from Jackery. In fact, these are so similar, it seems as if Jackery is ending the 1500 lineup entirely.
But if you get your hands on one, you’ll have incredibly fast charging capabilities, with more solar input than you’d likely ever need. It’s enough to fully recharge the battery in an hour.
There are a lot of things about this Jackery solar generator. Some other brands really wimp out on the inverter and charging abilities as the battery size gets smaller. Not this Jackery. We really like this matchup, allowing for rapid charging with an oversized input when compared to the battery size.
But this internal 1.5kWh battery can still:
- Charge a phone around 130 times or run an LED light for 130 hours
- Power a small 60W fridge for more than a day
- Run a full-size 500W fridge for ~3 hours from the battery alone
That means that you can still depend on this Jackery power station to serve as a home backup system for essential items, especially when paired with solar panels and/or a fuel generator. Kick on the generator for about 45 minutes and you can power your home, including the fridge, for many hours.
And if you want to use a plug-and-play solar power for your RV or campervan, this still works very well. It can charge and run all of your small devices, and easily keep up with a 60W fridge. It might be somewhat problematic for those with heavy electrical use or that want to rely on solar alone. Stormy days could be a big problem.
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro |
| Battery capacity: | 1,512Wh |
| AC inverter output: | 1,800W with 3,600W surge |
| AC max output: | 120V at 15A |
| AC input: | 1,800W |
| Solar DC input: | 1,400W |
| Solar max voltage: | 60V |
| Solar max current: | 24A |
| Warranty: | 3 years (+2 years if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro |
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Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro Portable Power Station |
Buy on Jackery Buy on Amazon |
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
Now we’re switching back to a Jackery “Plus” product, the 1000 Plus Solar Generator. Like the larger 2000 Plus, one of the best parts about this Jackery product is that it has expansion battery packs.
The internal battery is over 1.2kWh. And each Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus is the same size. You can add on up to 3 extra Jackery batteries, bringing the total capacity to over 5kWh.
The rest of the 1000 Plus Jackery Solar Generator specifications include:
- Powerful 2kW AC inverter output, enough for any fridge, large blenders, and even a small air conditioner
- 1,800W AC charging input, a very impressive figure that can charge the internal battery in less than an hour
- 800W solar panel input, which is adequate for most needs
Out of these figures, the only one that really sticks out is the 800W solar. This is fully adequate for the internal battery and maybe one or two external packs. But if you max out all three external batteries, then it’ll be a little low on solar. These 1000 Plus batteries do NOT have independent solar chargers built in (an incredible feature of the 2000 Plus external Jackery batteries).
Overall, this is still an excellent system. 800W of solar is still a very powerful system. The expandable battery, powerful inverter, and rapid AC charging are all some of the best in the industry.
This will serve any RV or campervan very well still. And is a very serious setup for any tent camper. It’ll handle fans, small fridge, and even a portable air conditioner with ease.
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus |
| Battery capacity: | 1,265Wh to 5kWh (up to 3 external batteries) |
| AC inverter output: | 2,000W with 4,000W surge |
| AC max output: | 120V at 16.7A |
| AC input: | 1,800W |
| Solar DC input: | 800W |
| Solar max voltage: | 60V |
| Solar max current: | 22A |
| Warranty: | 3 years (+2 years if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus; Jackery Battery 1000 Plus |
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Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station |
1000 Plus on Jackery 1000 Plus on Amazon |
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Power Station
We’re staying at the Jackery 1000 level, but now dropping the “Plus” off the name. That means this no longer has the external battery banks available.
But as the “v2” of the 1000 lineup, this has some great upgrades to take note of. These include:
- 1,500W AC inverter
- LiFePO4 battery chemistry
- Super-fast AC charging
This inverter is 50% bigger than the original Explorer 1000 (listed below). By going from 1,000W to 1,500W, you can have a lot more flexibility with the things you want to power from it. And the surge bump to 3,000W makes an even bigger difference.
This power station has just over 1kW of battery storage. And while it’s marginally larger than the original, the size isn’t what’s most impressive.
The move from NMC to LiFePO4 is one of the most important upgrades of this Jackery power station.
They’re both lithium based, so it can be tough to see the difference. But NMC simply does not have the same longevity of LiFePO4. Instead of 500 cycles at 80%, LiFePO4 can do over 3,000 cycles. That turns a device that keeps 80% of its charge for 2 years into one that can last over 10 years!
And if you note the 5 year warranty, Jackery understands this one is going to withstand the test of time much better.
On top of that, this Explorer 1000 v2 has the inputs to go with the new battery and inverter. Right off the bat, we love that they more than doubled the solar input. Now with 400W of solar, you can actually recharge the full battery easily in one day and have some energy leftover for powering device while doing so.
Also in a big move up from the original Explorer 1000, it charges from an normal AC outlet incredibly fast. Jackery stepped up and delivered more than four times the AC charging power. Instead of it taking more than a full afternoon, it’s just a couple hours to get a nearly full charge. Both of these changes make this unit significantly better and more convenient to use.
For more details, check out of article dedicated to the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2.
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Power Station |
| Battery capacity: | 1,070Wh |
| AC inverter output: | 1,500W with 3,000W surge |
| AC input: | ~700W |
| Solar DC input: | 400W |
| Solar max voltage: | 60V |
| Solar max current: | 10.5A |
| Warranty: | 3 years (+2 years if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 |
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Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station |
1000 v2 on Jackery 1000 v2 on Amazon |
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Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 + 1*200W Solar Panels |
Buy on Jackery Buy on Amazon |
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Power Station
This is the original Explorer 1000. While the 1000 v2 is superior, this one was once pretty impressive unit from a longstanding power station brand.
This Jackery Solar Generator sticks to its name with 1,000Wh of battery storage. A very respectable figure, equal to about 83Ah on a 12V system. That’s 100 phone charges and at least 16 hours running a small 60W fridge.
The inverter is still 1,000W and for this size battery, that’s probably all you’d want to use anyway. But make sure that even devices you want to use for short bursts fit under this limit. Powerful blenders and hair dryers will draw too much.
The most noticeable change is the decrease in the charging rates, both for AC sources (like a grid outlet) and DC sources (like solar). Both are under 200W now.
This problem has been fixed with the 1000 v2 (listed above).
But for this original Explorer 1000 power station, to fully recharge its 1kWh battery pack, you’ll need to set aside basically a full day. Even if you have a very powerful AC outlet or fuel generator with an AC inverter, the input is only going to take in about 130W. You can have all the power in the world, but it’ll have to squeeze through this small input. Solar has the same issue at 180W.
Is that really a problem? That depends on your use.
If you are a tent camper who wants to throw in your power station and go off for a weekend trip, this is still a great choice. Pair this Jackery 1000 with one 200W solar panel for a great setup. It’ll keep phones charged and should keep up with a small fridge too, as long as you get good sunlight.
But if you want to use the full battery size (1kWh) each day and recharge that from the sun, you’re unlikely to make that happen. In that case, you should go with a larger Jackery or a Jackery alternative with more solar input, like the 1000 v2.
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station |
| Battery capacity: | 1,002Wh |
| AC inverter output: | 1,000W with 2,000W surge |
| AC max output: | 120V at 9A |
| AC input: | ~130W |
| Solar DC input: | 180W |
| Solar max voltage: | 24V |
| Solar max current: | 7.5A |
| Warranty: | 2 years (+1 year if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 1000 |
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Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station |
1000 on Jackery 1000 on Amazon |
Jackery 500 Solar Generator
The Jackery 500 portable power station brings the price down to an amazingly affordable level for a solar generator. And overall, this little package brings quite a punch.
As the name indicates, it has a 500Wh battery pack. The AC inverter matches this with 500W of maximum output, which is still a pretty good amount that can keep up with most refrigerators.
As expected, the charging inputs also drop down. Now we’re seeing less than 100W input, closer to around 75W maximum for both AC and DC sources (outlets and solar panels). Since the battery is about 500Wh, a 75W charge rate means we’re now looking at around 7 hours to fully recharge.
That’s really not too much of an issue with this Jackery solar generator. This device isn’t one that you want to push to your limits with. What this Jackery 500 Solar Generator does well is bring a little electricity anywhere you need it.
It can:
- Provide more than 10 hours of power for a 40W CPAP device
- Recharge phones around 45 times without any solar input
- Keep a string of LED lights running for an entire evening
Even for home backup power, this can keep your phones and tablets charged for many days. For those looking for an entry-level solar generator, the Jackery Explorer 500 is a great fit. But once you get a taste of sun-powered devices, you’ll probably start shopping for a bigger unit in the near future.
It’s also worth pointing out that the warranty coverage drops to 3 years maximum, if purchased through the Jackery website.
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 500 Power Station |
| Battery capacity: | 518Wh |
| AC inverter output: | 500W with 1,000W surge |
| AC max output: | 120V at 4.5A |
| AC input: | ~75W |
| Solar DC input: | 90W |
| Solar max voltage: | 24V |
| Solar max current: | 3.75A |
| Warranty: | 2 years (+1 year if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 500 |
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Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station |
500 on Jackery 500 on Amazon |
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 Plus
As one of the latest Jackery product releases, the new Explorer 300 Plus power station is an updated solar generator ready for action.
This has replaced the outgoing Explorer 300 power station (without “Plus” in the model name). While you may still get the 300, the superior battery chemistry and warranty coverage of the 300 Plus make it well worth the extra cost.
The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus now features a LiFePO4 battery with 288Wh capacity. It also has an exceptional life span with more than 3,000 cycles. This can:
- Charge a phone ~25 times
- Run a 10W LED light for around 25 hours
- Power a 20W CPAP device for at least 10 hours
For low-powered devices like phones, tablets, camera batteries, and LED lights, this Jackery 300 power station is ideal.
And the charging system matches the battery very well. You can use a 100W solar panel to rapidly charge it up, with only about 3-4 hours of peak sunlight needed to fully replenish the battery. Great solar setup for camping or an event at the beach or park.
The outlets available include two USB-C, one USB-A, one 12V car socket, and one 120V AC household plug.
If you think your power needs may exceed 300Wh in a day, you could bump up to the 500 model. But just remember that the charging limits of the 500 mean that fully recharging 500Wh per day is challenging if you are relying on solar power.
If you really need more than 300Wh, you might want to reach for the 1000 Jackery solar generator. It is significantly more expensive, but it’s also a more robust system that you’ll be happy with for longer. The 1,000 Plus and its expandable battery allow you to grow over time.
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 300 Plus |
| Battery capacity: | 288Wh |
| AC inverter output: | 300W |
| AC max output: | 120V at 2.5A |
| AC input: | 120W |
| Solar DC input: | 100W |
| Solar max voltage: | 27V |
| Solar max current: | 5A |
| Warranty: | 3 years (+2 years if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 300 Plus |
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Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station |
300 Plus on Jackery 300 Plus on Amazon |
Jackery Solar Generator 240
As the cheapest Jackery solar generator, the 240 power station paired with a 100W solar panel provides an entry-level option while you can save some cash for other adventures.
Overall, this is a capable device that can take care of small electronics no problem. The 241Wh battery has enough to charge a phone more than 20 times, recharge a 60Wh laptop battery about 3-4 times, and keep a couple LED lights running for over 10 hours.
The solar input is around 65W, which is still more than enough to charge a couple devices and still have some leftover to replenish the Jackery 240’s internal battery.
This solar generator will struggle with a small fridge or as a CPAP backup.
Another important thing to point out is that this uses a lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. While these are not terrible, they’re not as long-lasting as LiFePO4, which is found in the newer 300 Plus. Because of this, going for the 300 Plus is a good idea if you can swing the extra cost. It’ll last a lot longer.
But if the 240 price matches your budget, you’re still going to get an amazing little piece of gear. This is very similar to the first solar powered device I used and I loved every minute of it. In fact, I still keep this one around to use to power small devices when in a pinch and away from my main off-grid solar generator.
Don’t let perfect get in the way of your solar powered start. This Jackery 240 Power Station and one 100W solar panel will give you an excellent taste of energy independence.
| Product: | Jackery Explorer 240 |
| Battery capacity: | 241Wh |
| AC inverter output: | 200W |
| AC max output: | 120V at 1.8A |
| AC input: | ~45W |
| Solar DC input: | ~65W |
| Solar max voltage: | 19V |
| Solar max current: | 3.4A |
| Warranty: | 2 years (+1 year if purchased from Jackery website) |
| User manual: | Jackery Explorer 240 |
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Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station |
240 on Jackery 240 on Amazon |
Jackery Solar Panels
Let’s quickly take a look at the Jackery solar panel options.
While Jackery products are easiest to use with these inhouse panels, you can use third-party ones as well. The next section reviews how to charge a Jackery power station.
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel
Your starting point is the Jackery 100W Solar Panel. This has a lot of attractive features, including both a USB-A and USB-C output on the panel itself, something the Jackery 200W lacks.
Beyond that, it’s a nice foldable solar panel that can go anywhere you want.
What’s interesting about Jackery Solar Panels and Solar Generators is that they use 8mm barrel plugs. The standard solar panel connector is an MC4 connection, and many other solar generators either use MC4 connectors or another type of similar connector called an XT-60 or XT-90.
Jackery goes its own way and uses the 8mm plugs. They are very easy to use, but not quite so universal. We’ll review more details about how to use them shortly.
| Product: | Jackery 100W Solar Panel |
| Cell type: | Monocrystalline silicon |
| Waterproof: | IP65 |
| USB outlets: | Yes, one USB-A and one USB-C |
| Efficiency: | 23% |
| Open circuit voltage (Voc): | 21.6V |
| Operating voltage: | 18V |
| Operating current: | 5.55A |
| User manual: | Jackery 100W Solar Panel |
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Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel |
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Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel
The only other current option for a Jackery Solar Panel is the 200W. This doubles the generation, but it leaves off the USB-C and USB-A outlets.
Nonetheless, it does ramp up the waterproof rating slightly and a small bump in efficiency too. Overall it’s still a nice company solar panel that will work exceptionally well with Jackery solar panels.
| Product: | Jackery 200W Solar Panel |
| Cell type: | Monocrystalline silicon |
| Waterproof: | IP68 |
| USB outlets: | None |
| Efficiency: | 24.3% |
| Open circuit voltage (Voc): | 24.8V |
| Operating voltage: | 20V |
| Operating current: | 10A |
| User manual: | Jackery 200W Solar Panel |
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Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel |
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How to Charge a Jackery With Solar Panels
There are three very important things to look for to connect any solar panel to any solar generator. These are:
- The type of connector the solar generator uses
- The maximum open circuit voltage (Voc)
- The operating voltage and current
If you understand these three aspects, you can connect any solar panel to any solar generator.
For Jackery solar generators in particular, the type of connector is fairly unique. Jackery power stations have solar inputs that use an 8mm DC barrel plug. You’ve probably seen similar plugs on tons of different devices. They’re nice because they combine both positive and negative into one compact and durable plug.
The Jackery solar panels use the same 8mm plug that the power stations need. In rare cases, you might need to change from one slightly different 8mm plug to another (DC7909 to DC8020). The power stations that need this come with the adapter.
How to Connect Two Jackery Solar Panels or More
If you get a large Jackery solar generator, you may want more than one solar panel to recharge the batteries faster.
To do so, the easiest way is to use the Jackery Solar Panel Connector. This simple device allows you to connect up to three identical Jackery solar panels to a small splitter that will then plug into your power station. The only limit is that the solar panels MUST be identical.
Check the maximum wattage of the solar generator to make sure you stay within that rating.
If you want to place your solar panels far away from your power station, you can get the Jackery solar panel extension cord. Or you can keep reading to see how other solar panel connectors might help.
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Jackery Solar Panel Connector |
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Connecting Other Solar Panels to a Jackery
If you already have solar panels or want to buy ones from another manufacturer, you can use these to charge your Jackery power station. You need to connect the solar panel to the appropriate 8mm barrel plug.
And this is very easy.
Most modern solar panels use MC4 connectors. This is a very simple connection that uses a plug and socket style connector on each polarity. So one connection point will have one MC4 connector for positive and one for the negative.
To use a solar panel with an MC4 connector for a Jackery solar generator, just get a MC4 to 8mm adapter. Plug in your solar panel(s) on one side and your Jackery power station on the other.
What’s really nice is that you can find MC4 cables for lower prices and even make your own quite easily. This is a benefit of using non-Jackery solar panels.
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Jackery DC Extension Cable for Solar Panel |
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JacEnergy MC4 to 8mm Adapter Cable |
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Series vs. Parallel Connections
If you want to connect multiple solar panels that aren’t from Jackery, you’ll need to stay within the maximum solar input wattage of your Jackery power station.
You will also need to decide how to connect the solar panels, in series vs. parallel, in order to stay under the voltage (based on Voc) and current limits of your Jackery too.
Connecting one panel’s negative to the positive of another panel is a series connection that will:
- add up the voltages
- keeps current (amperage) equal to the lowest single-panel amps
If you connect all the positive cables from each panel into an appropriate MC4 parallel splitter, then do the same for every negative cable, this is a parallel connection. The output will:
- add up all the amperages
- keep the voltage equal to the lowest single-panel volts
Make sure to carefully examine the maximum solar input ratings of your Jackery device before connecting solar panels like this to it. If you exceed the limits, you can destroy your Jackery power station.
Head over to this article on connecting solar panels to read more. You may also want to consult with Jackery customer support if you have any questions.
Essential Jackery Accessories
The other available accessories for your Jackery solar generator include sleek carrying cases. They come in a variety of sizes to fit different Jackery solar generators.
Another important Jackery solar generator accessory is the 12V DC cable to charge a car battery. This lets you use your Jackery as a portable jump starting battery pack. It can really come in handy during adventures.
Finally, if you get two of the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, you will need the Jackery Connector to run them in a split phase connection. This provides the incredible 240V power that’s ideal for home backup power.
You may also want to check out the available transfer switches. Many solar generator manufacturers include a Reliance transfer switch with their solar generator home integration kits. Note that professional installation is highly recommended for a transfer switch as it will connect with your home circuits and potentially the grid service as well.
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Jackery Carrying Case for Explorer 2000 Pro/1500 Pro/1000 Plus |
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Jackery 12V Automobile Battery Charging Cable |
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Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Connector |
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Jackery Customer Service
You can connect with Jackery customer service by calling 1-888-502-2236. You can also send text messages to that number. Or you can email them at [email protected].
There is an abundance of helpful information on the Jackery Support page too. Everything from shopping guides to user manuals are available online.
Jackery Warranty Registration
When you receive your Jackery product, immediately head over to the Jackery Warranty Registration page. This will allow you to provide your purchase details to Jackery right away so that they don’t have to request this information if you ever need to make a warranty claim.
Jackery Worldwide Availability
You can find Jackery devices across the globe. Here are some of the most popular Jackery websites:
- Jackery USA
- Jackery Canada
- Jackery Australia
- Jackery UK
- Jackery Germany
- Jackery EU
- Jackery Japan
- Jackery South Africa
Product availability and prices can differ depending on markets.
Wrap Up: Jackery Solar Generators
As one of the leading solar generator brands, Jackery products have a lot to offer. The most robust single unit is the Jackery 3000 Pro. But the Jackery 2000 Plus Solar Generator packs the most power with its ability to use external battery packs and join two 2000 Plus Power Stations together. Many smaller Jackery solar generators can match any budget and more reasonable energy needs.
The only thing you need to do is decide which one to buy and get it delivered before your need it. You can soak up the sun to power your devices. And once you get a taste of solar power, you’ll never go back.
Want to see what the competition has to offer? Head over to the full review of Bluetti products.
