Jackery Explorer 1000/PRO Solar Battery Generator Review
The Jackery Explorer 1000 battery inverter finds itself in an interesting niche. While it doesn’t have the capacity and power output of larger inverters, it’s a nice step up from compact units and still retains a high level of portability. If you’re on the go frequently and are primarily concerned about low-draw devices, this is an excellent solution.
Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1000 PRO Solar Generators Find a Niche Between Compact and High-Capacity Battery Inverters
The age of lithium-ion power is giving us energy options for nearly every aspect of our lives. We’ve tested battery inverters as cleaner options over gas generators for running power tools. The Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1000 PRO solar generators aren’t at that voltage level, but these compact power sources make a solid case to keep them on hand for other applications.
Pros
- Excellent energy capacity in a highly portable package
- Very nice combination of 110V AC, USB-C, USB, and 12V charging ports
- Travel-friendly solar panel design
Jackery Explorer 1000 Solar Generator Portability
Right out of the gate, we fell in love with the Jackery 1000 solar generator’s size. Measuring 13.1 x 9.2 inches and standing 11.1 inches tall, it doesn’t take up a ton of space. Weighing about 22 pounds, it’s easier to carry than higher-capacity options. The more compact 1000 PRO accomplishes a similarly compact size at 13.4 x 10.3 x 10.1 inches (WxDxH). It weighs 25.4 pounds—just a touch more than the Explorer 1000.
Jackery Explorer 1000/PRO Battery Inverter Power
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is capable of 1000 continuous watts and 2000 surge watts. That’s better than most of the compact inverters out there and less than you can get with something like the EGO Nexus Power Station or Goal Zero Yeti 3000. While those are capable of running almost anything you can plug into a standard 110V outlet, the Explorer 1000 is limited to about 9 amps at 120 volts.
The Explorer 1000 PRO also delivers the same continuous and peak wattage. It drops the maximum rated wattage on the 120V outlets to 8.3 watts. Despite the reduced size of the 1000 PRO, it doesn’t reduce the maximum amount of battery capacity: 1002Wh.
Here are a handful of items you can power from our passions for power tools and the outdoors:
- Oscillating multi-tools
- Small angle grinders
- Some sanders
- Jigsaws
- Rotary tools (Dremels)
- Power tool battery chargers
- Laptop, tablet, phone, and camera chargers
- Most LED lights
- Small fans
- Electric grill
- Mini fridge
- Coffee maker
- Slow cooker
- Instapot
Because the Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1000 PRO both produce pure sine wave power, you don’t have to worry about your electronics. Go right ahead and run them to your heart’s content.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Overview
The new Jackery 3000 is the most powerful portable power station that Jackery has released. This unit is quite impressive in terms of output power, charging times, and portability.
In fact, Jackery raised the bar when they released the Explorer 3000, leaving many of their competitors in the dust.
The 3000 Pro was designed to fit the needs of any outdoor enthusiast, including RVers and #Vanlifers.
This solar generator weighs in at just under 64 pounds, but the telescoping handle, rubber wheels, and integrated side handles make moving this beast a breeze.
In addition, at 18.6” X 14.1” X 14.7”, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro is sized to fit into many RV generator or basement storage compartments.
If power, portability, and impressive charge times is what you’re looking for, you’re going to be impressed with the 3024 Watt-Hour capacity and the 3,000-Watt output of this unit.
What about those charging times?
The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro has lightning-fast charging times of just 2.4 hours when plugged into a 120V outlet, and up to 4 hours when using 1200-Watts of solar power. (solar charging times will vary depending on how many panels are in use)
What’s In The Box
When you order the Explorer 3000 Pro you get the portable power station, a car charging cable, an AC charging cable, 2 DC7909 to DC8020 adapters, and two 200W SolarSaga solar panels.
Keep in mind that you have the option to purchase the Jackery 3000 without the solar panels if you wish.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Features
When it comes to features, Jackery went all-in on the Explorer 3000 Pro.
This portable solar generator features IBC technology that maximizes the absorption of light, even on cloudy days. This is a great feature for those days when the weather is less than ideal.
But how well does the Explorer 3000 perform in colder climates? Well, Jackery states that it is very reliable in temperatures as low as 4 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, this solar generator will auto-adjust the output power based on the remaining battery level.
In addition to the above features, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro has a built-in Battery Management System that is designed to protect the unit from scenarios like over-current, short circuit, and over-discharge.
Other key features of the Jackery 3000 are its portability, high-tech cooling system, and a NEMA TT30 outlet. Yes, you read that right. This power station is equipped with an outlet that allows you to plug in your RV using your supplied 30A power cord.
Portability
As we mentioned above, the Explorer 3000 Pro weighs in at just under 64 pounds. While this may seem heavy, it is lighter than other 3000 Kilo-Watt units on the market.
Moving this power station is made easy with the built-in telescoping luggage handle and rubber covered wheels. Plus, it has integrated side handles if you need to pick it up and carry it.
Jackery even went as far as to install rubber pads underneath the unit to help keep it in place and absorb some of the weight when its stored.
30 Amp RV Plug
For those who would rather boondock than stay in an RV park or resort, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro is equipped with a 30 Amp RV outlet.
The overall size of this unit makes it possible to store in the basement storage of your RV or, in some cases, the generator compartment.
And with the solar charging capabilities of the Explorer 3000, you can go as far off-grid as your camper will take you.
Ports
The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro is equipped with several options when it comes to supplying power to your devices and appliances.
This power station comes with 4 – 120V AC outlets, a 12V car-charging port (cigarette lighter port), 2 – 18W USB-A ports, and 2 – 100W USB-C ports.
And because folks just weren’t using the 12V barrel ports found on many other units, Jackery did not include them on this model.
Quiet Canyon Cooling System
To maximize heat dissipation and lower noise levels, the cells and inverters of the Jackery 3000 are equipped with an independent air duct design and variable speed fans. What this means is with this precise temperature monitoring, the fans are adjusted in real-time with fluctuations in temperature.
LED Display
The convenient LED display of the Jackery 3000 Pro allows the user to monitor input wattage, output wattage, total time left to recharge the batteries, and the percentage remaining battery life.
All of the settings can be accessed from the LED display or through the Jackery App.
App
The Jackery App is available for iPhone and Android and allows you to connect to the Explorer 3000 Pro via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
When connected to the unit, you will be able to control many of the critical features of the power station.
You can monitor the input and output power, the remaining battery capacity, have the ability to turn certain outputs on and off, and set the auto-off time.
Power/Batteries
The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro is made for those who need massive amounts of power on-the-go, whether it be at a jobsite, backup power for the home, or taking your RV completely off-grid.
Power
The most impressive part of the Jackery 3000 is the output power. This solar generator is capable of producing a whopping 3,000 Watts of Pure Sine Wave power, with a surge peak of up to 6,000 Watts.
Coupled with an overall battery capacity of 3024 watt-hours, just think about all the things you can operate with power like that.
Looking for backup power at the jobsite or at home? The Explorer 3000 Pro can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
In fact, with numbers like that, you can run a 5-watt light for 220 hours, or a 60-watt television for up to 35 hours, and run major appliances like coffee makers, refrigerators, and even microwaves.
Battery Chemistry
The Explorer 3000 features Lithium-Ion batteries. There has been some buzz online about why Jackery didn’t go with the Lithium-Iron type batteries.
The short explanation is weight. Jackery wanted to keep this unit as lightweight as possible for the portability aspect and had they went with Lithium-Iron batteries, this unit would weigh much more than 64 pounds.
Who Needs a Portable Power Station and Solar Panel?
Those experiencing the effects of a tornado are not likely to fund the portable Power Station industry, but there are many additional reasons for power failure. When the power goes out, the portable Power Station becomes invaluable.
Perhaps even more attractive is the ability to power devices and charge batteries when off the grid, including during remote adventuring and exploration by vehicle or simply camping. While there is no reason that a Jackery Power Station could not be used for remote hiking, its size and weight are not optimal for such use.
Use a Power Station to charge cordless tool batteries on the job site.
Even around home and work, the Power Station invites use at locations where running power and extension cords would be annoying and inconvenient (or a tripping hazard).
Get creative. With a Jackery Power Station in the kit, nearly everything in your house that plugs into the wall (that draws the maximum load or less) suddenly becomes portable. Your computer workstation? Portable. Your studio strobes and LED lights? Portable. Your TV? Portable (perhaps with the help of a friend). Consider powering your backyard movie night with a Jackery. With a Jackery, your inflator works wherever you go.
The Jackery Portable Power Station Meets Needs That Gas-Powered Alternatives Cannot
With no gasoline or exhaust, battery power can be used indoors or in tents. The silent operation (thermostat-controlled cooling fan aside) enables audio recordings on set and does not keep you or the neighbors awake at night.
The Power Station requires no maintenance (aside from charging the battery periodically while not in active use), and it offers instant startup and higher startup reliability vs. a gas generator.
What is the Source of Power?
The Power Station’s stored power must come from somewhere, and Jackery includes AC and 12v car adapters in the box. Simply plug the Power Station into a receptacle before taking it off the grid, or charge it while driving to that location. Additionally, USB PD (Power Delivery) can be used to charge the Power Station’s batteries.
When the Power Station cannot be charged via those methods (or you want free electricity), the SolarSaga Solar Panel gets this job done (when bright sunlight is available)
Specs Price
Below are the main specifications for both the Jackery Explorer 500 and the Jackery Explorer 1000, which are the two batteries we recommend for astrophotography.
Explorer 500 | Explorer 1000
- Wattage Output: 500 | 1000
- Wh: 518Wh | 1002Wh
- Ah: 24Ah | 46.4Ah
- Pure Sin Wave AC Outlets: 1 | 3
- USB-A Ports: 3 | 2
- USB-C Outlets: 0 | 2
- 12V Cigarette Lighter Ports: 1 | 1
- 12V DC ports: 2 | 0
- Weight: 13.32 lbs (6.04 kg) | 22.04 lbs (10 kg)
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 7.6 x 9.2 in | 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 in
And below are some interesting notes showing how long each battery can power common electronic equipment out in the field:
Pricing
The Jackery batteries are available in several different models. The one we recommend getting for most setups is the Jackery Explorer 500. This should power your equipment all night as long as you do not use it to charge your laptop at the same time. Using the ASIAir or Stellarmate is a great option in this case.
The Jackery Solar Generator 500 (Jackery Explorer 500 Jackery SolarSaga 100W) bundle costs 799.98.
The 1000 version. which we recommend for advanced astrophotography rigs that include a mini PC or accessories that draw a lot of power, costs 999.99.
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 (Jackery Explorer 1000 two Jackery SolarSaga 100W) bundle costs 1599.97.
The smallest Jackery battery, the Jackery Explorer 160 only costs 139.99. while the most powerful version, the Jackery Explorer 2000 costs 5000,099.99.
Pros Cons
So, what are the Pros Cons of the Jackery lithium batteries?
The design of the Jackery batteries is really excellent. Plenty of ports for different types of cables, an LCD display that lights up by the click of a button, an integrated flashlight, a built-in handle. Our only wish is that there would be an extra cigarette lighter port, but we’ll go over that in the Negatives section.
Also, we’re very happy that the orange color on the Jackery batteries match the Galactic Hunter orange color we use everywhere
This is for us the main reason why we wanted a lithium battery! The Jackery Explorer 1000 (the biggest of the two we have) weighs just 22 lbs! For comparison, the deep cycle battery we have that has the same capacity as the Explorer 1000 is. 65 lbs! ☠️ As for the Jackery Explorer 500, which we use with our ASIAir rig, only weighs 13 lbs, which is nothing!
Our main concern when switching from a deep cycle battery to a lithium battery was the power. Will the lithium battery last long enough to power our astrophotography equipment all night, like our deep cycle did? Well, the answer is yes! The Jackery Explorer 500 lasts all night powering a mount, an astronomy camera, an electronic focuser, and the ASIAir. As for our advanced rig (which has a larger focuser and most importantly a mini PC), the Jackery Explorer 1000 works fine all night with plenty of power to spare! The only thing we would be careful about is with dew heaters. Here in the desert, we never had any need for a dew heater, but those draw quite a lot of power, so make sure to take that into consideration when choosing a battery.
One downside of lithium batteries, such as the Jackery batteries, is the fact that there isn’t really any way to know when the battery will die in the long run. Unlike a deep cycle battery, there isn’t any way to connect a device to measure the battery‘s remaining life expectancy. This can be a little stressful, especially if the battery you bought is a few years old already and you have no idea when it will stop working.
In both YouTube videos we made about the Jackery batteries, a few people said they were annoyed that the batteries only had one cigarette lighter port. This concern makes sense, as most people power their mount using one port, and the rest of their equipment using a second port. We never had an issue with this though because we never have more than one cable going down to the battery. Every piece of equipment we have is connected to either the ASIAir Pro or our Pegasus Astro Powerbox. Both the ASIAir and the Powerbox get power from the battery from one single cable and divide that power into the rest of the equipment. If you do not own either of these though, you might want to consider getting a cigarette lighter splitter.
Final Verdict
So, in conclusion, what do we think of the Jackery batteries for astrophotography?
We are in love with these! It is frustrating to think that we spent the last 5 years with deep cycle batteries and did not have one of these until now. They truly are life-changing for people who do astrophotography on a regular basis and away from home. Carrying the Jackery battery to the car is a breeze, plugging cables to it couldn’t be easier, and checking on the battery status is just one button away!
- We recommend the Jackery Explorer 500 for most beginner setups or any setup that do not use a laptop/mini PC or dew heaters.
- We recommend the Jackery Explorer 1000 for all advanced setups.
We will be using the Jackery batteries for all our astrophotography content from now on, and are happy to say that we will never be lifting our deep cycle batteries ever again.
Is there anything you would like us to add to this review? Did we miss a positive or a negative? Did we forget to mention something important? Let us know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев!
Example Images Taken while using the Jackery batteries
Below are just a few images we have taken while using either the Jackery Explorer 500 or the Jackery Explorer 1000!