Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro: The Newest Solar Generator Kit
The use of solar energy as an alternative power source has grown massively over the years. As of 2019, solar energy comprises 2% of US electricity generation. And by the end of Q3 2020, the United States had enough solar panels installed to power 16.4 million American homes. That’s a lot of solar power!
And as the technology improves and solar panels become more efficient, that number will only grow. But what about when the sun isn’t shining? That’s where solar generators come in.
Solar generators are devices that store energy from the sun in batteries and then convert it into electricity that can be used to power appliances and devices. There are a lot of different solar generators on the market, but one of the newest and most popular is the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro.
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is ideal for use at home or while outdoors. It is a reliable and efficient power source that can be used as backup power during an outage or emergency. It comes with an improved solar panel and battery, making it the perfect choice for those who want the best solar generator for their needs.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro: The Newest Solar Generator
The Solar Generator 1000 Pro is a new and improved solar generator kit from the leading brand for solar and portable energy, Jackery. With longer battery life, more efficient solar panels, and a sleek new design, the 1000 Pro is the perfect choice for those who want the best solar generator on the market.
The new solar generator kit comes with a Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro and SolarSaga 80w Panels, which are powerful enough to charge most devices, including laptops, phones, and tablets. The solar generator also has an AC outlet and a USB-C port for added convenience.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro
With a product capacity of 1002 wh, power output of 1000 watts, and a 2000 watt surge peak, the Jackery Explorer 1000 pro is your powerful and portable solar generator kit. The Explorer 1000 pro can help you power all your devices, including but not limited to phones, laptops, lights, and mini-fridges.
It has a super long cycle life (1000 times), energy storage 1000 times cycle life. Designed with industrial-grade components and aluminum alloy bezels, Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro is the best portable power station for those who need reliable energy on the go.
Jackery SolarSaga 80W
The Jackery SolarSaga 80W is a monocrystalline solar panel that can be used with the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro. The SolarSaga 80W is one of the lightest and most portable solar panels on the market, and it’s also one of the most efficient.
Why Choose Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro?
Solar generators are great for a number of reasons. They’re environmentally friendly, efficient, and reliable. Once you’ve got the solar power equipment, everything else is basically free for as long as the sun shines in your location.
Solar generators have a lower operational cost than fuel-powered generators. You are not spending money on gas since all you need is the sun and the sun is free. Because there are no moving components, you won’t have to worry about replacing damaged parts.
Also, solar generators are the safest to use because they don’t release fumes that can harm the environment as fuel-powered generators do. Jackery solar generators are also some of the most user-friendly on the market. They come with clear and concise instructions that make setup a breeze.
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is one of the best solar generators on the market, and it’s perfect for those who need a reliable and efficient power source. And here’s why:
Fast Charging in Just 108 Minutes
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro can be charged as fast as 108 minutes via wall AC charging, solar panel, and car charging. You no longer have to wait for hours to get your devices charged.
Portable and Lightweight
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is designed to be portable and lightweight. It only weighs 25.4lbs, making it easy to carry around. You can take it with you wherever you go, whether you’re going camping, hiking, or to the beach.
World’s Leading Double-Sided Power Generation Technology
Jackery SolarSaga 80W solar panel uses double-sided power generation technology, which means that it can generate power even on cloudy days. This makes the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro one of the most reliable solar generators on the market.
Ultra-Low Power Consumption and Ultra-long Standby
With Jackery, 80% of the electricity stored in the generator can be stored for more than a year. The variety of multiple ports quickly replenishes power for electronic devices such as appliances and gadgets.
Safe and worry-free
The constant voltage sine wave is safe and complies with German industry standards: IEC60950/IEC62368-1. It has the BMS management system that adopts vehicle-regulation-level BMS safety management and vehicle-regulation-level safety battery core. it meets the safety drop standard and uses US UL requires up to 94V-0 fireproof material.
5-year warranty
The new Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro comes with a 3-year standard warranty a 2-year extended warranty with registration. This means you’re covered for 5 years, which is longer than most other solar generators on the market.
What’s the difference between Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro and Jackery Solar Generator 1000?
The new Jackery Solar Generator has been making rounds in the market, with some asking what the difference is between this product and the older model. Here’s a quick comparison:
Solar Generator Features
Jackery Solar Generator 1000
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro
Best Solar Generators: Buyers Guide (2023 Updated Review Guide)
This review guide has helped thousands of homeowners save time and money when searching for a reliable, clean source of backup energy that they can use to remain worry free during power outages.
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Written by Josh Hurst
Writer and editor with more than a decade’s experience in journalism. Josh worked for Christianity Today for seven years, and has contributed to special assignments for Apple Music and iTunes. Josh lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife, Kati, and two sons, Henry and Dylan.While he mainly focuses on musical journalism he is excited to save the earth on article at a time through sustainability best practices articles as well. Learn About This Person
Reviewed by Irma Omerhodzic
Irma joined the EcoWatch team in August 2015. She holds a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She is a member of Kappa Tau Alpha – a national honor society of journalism. Learn About This Person
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Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.
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What Are The Best Solar Powered Generators In 2023?
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
How Did We Review Each Solar Generator?
There are a number of factors we considered when choosing which solar power generators to recommend, including:
Battery Capacity
Battery storage capacity is an important ranking factor. A greater battery capacity means the generator can store more energy, which ultimately means it will last longer without requiring a recharge. This is measured in watt-hours (Wh).
Power Output
When your generator is up and running, it will put out a certain amount of energy, measured in watts. It’s important to select a generator that offers enough watts for you to power your essential home appliances.
Inverter Rating
The inverter is a critical part of any backup power generator. Basically, this is the component that turns solar energy into AC (alternating current) electricity. Inverter rating, along with battery capacity, determine how much power you can get from your home backup generator.
Expandability
In order for your backup generator to function, you’ll need some way of charging it. And if you plan to rely on solar energy, that means using solar panels.
Expandability means that you can add solar panels to your generator as needed, making it easier to absorb more sunlight for energy. You will typically need a special solar adapter cable to facilitate this, which may need to be purchased separately.
Number of Outlets
How many devices, power tools, or appliances do you need to plug in? The functionality of your backup generator will be determined by how many outlets are available.
The type of outport ports is equally important. The most common types that buyers check for include mobile device charging ports (USB-A and USB-C), AC ports (the normal household wall outlet), and even 12-volt DC ports (what you probably have in your car).
Price
Of course, as you look for the best home backup generator, one of the most crucial considerations of all is your budget. We’ve sought to emphasize generators that offer maximum value.
Based on these criteria, we’ve determined the solar backup generators that offer the most consumer value. Check out our complete list of recommendations below. You can also read our complete review of the best solar energy companies for rooftop home solar systems. If you’re interested in learning more about going solar, fill out the form below to get connected with a local solar installer in your area.
Our Complete Reviews of Solar-Powered Generators
Best Overall: Renogy Lycan Powerbox
Renogy produces several different power stations and chargers, but we especially like the Lycan Powerbox, a solar power solution that’s only a little bit bigger than a suitcase. It comes with an easy-grip handle and heavy-duty wheels, making it one of the most portable solar generators around while still offering 1200W of output, which is enough power for most electronic devices and some appliances.
Why buy: The Lycan Powerbox can provide 1075 watt-hours of continuous power without the noise or fumes associated with gas generators. It offers great portability and includes an LCD display and easy, intuitive controls that allow you to switch between DC power and AC power as needed, as well USB ports and 12 volt car charger ports.
Best All-Purpose: Goal Zero Yeti 6000X
The Yeti 6000X is actually a portable power station that can be used for off-grid camping or powering an RV. With 6,000 watt-hours and two 2000W AC charger ports, it will give you plenty of power for your home. With a home integration kit, it’s easy to use the Goal Zero Yeti 6000X to power essential circuits.
Why buy: Though it isn’t exactly cheap, the Yeti 6000X power station is a great all-purpose backup generator, including a top-of-the-line charge controller and two robust AC outlets that make it easy for you to keep your household essentials up and running. It can even power a full-size refrigerator or microwave.
Best for Camping: Jackery Explorer 1000
The Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station is one of the best all-around options, equally suited for outdoor activities and for emergency power readiness. Though it’s rated for 1,000 watts, it can actually get closer to 2,000. The lithium battery pack offers a capacity of 1,200 watt-hours, and Jackery’s professional MPPT technology makes it easy to get your unit fully charged in a relatively short span of time (usually just eight hours if you have two panels going).
Why buy: Jackery is one of the leading names in outdoor equipment and in clean energy products. This portable power station is a great pick for campers and can also be a very effective home backup power solution for small appliances and electronics thanks to its pure sine wave inverter AC outlets.
Most Affordable: Westinghouse iGen600s
Westinghouse Outdoor Power
Westinghouse is another company that specializes in solar powered generators, most of which are more ideally suited for camping trips. Their iGen600s portable generator, however, offers a wattage of up to 1,200 peak watts, which can certainly function as a decent emergency backup for certain household appliances and small devices.
Why buy: For a portable yet still very versatile solar generator, Westinghouse is a company to keep on your list. The iGen600 power system can run a mini fridge for up to 42 hours or a CPAP machine for up to 46 hours thanks to its lithium-ion battery that offers 592 Watt-hours of energy and a long battery life.
Fastest Charging: EcoFlow DELTA
The EcoFlow DELTA power station is a wonderfully rugged, dependable backup generator that can help meet your power needs during a blackout. For one thing, the charging time is incredible; you can potentially go from zero to 80 percent in under an hour with a wall outlet. Should you ever find yourself facing a power outage, this is an emergency energy solution you’ll be really thankful for.
Why buy: The DELTA station from EcoFlow offers a lot of value and usability; in particular, it has one of the fastest recharging times of any solar generator, which may be reason enough for you to choose it over the competitors. The DELTA unit offers 13 ports, meaning it’s compatible with pretty much any device or appliance you could ever need to charge.
Best for Appliances: MAXOAK Bluetti AC200P
For a heavy-duty emergency power solution, look no further than to MAXOAK, and particularly to a product called the Bluetti AC200P. With a 2000 Watt-hour capacity, this is one of the most robust solar generators you’ll find anywhere.
Why buy: MAXOAK’s Bluetti AC200P is the one you’re going to want for really heavy-duty home energy backup. With massive AC inverters that offer up to 4800W surge capacity, it can provide more than enough power to fuel all your most critical home appliances, even some HVAC units. Also note the two-year warranty, a generous consumer protection.
Most Powerful: Point Zero Energy Titan Solar Generator
Point Zero Energy is one of the foremost names in disaster preparedness, and when you take a look at their product specs, you’ll see why. Their Titan model solar generator offers almost twice the storage of similarly priced units with a high-capacity 2,000-watt-hour battery capacity and 3,000 watt high-efficiency inverter.
Why buy: On a purely technical level, this is the beefiest generator on our list, though of course, it’s also one of the priciest. The unit is made with high-efficiency components, meaning it doesn’t waste a lot of energy running the system; instead, it just supplies you with plenty of functional electricity when you need it the most.
How Does a Solar Generator Work?
Solar generators capture energy from the sun using photovoltaic solar panels, and store it in a built-in battery. Note that in order to absorb the sun’s energy, your portable generator will need solar panels.
These are typically sold separately, or as a package with the unit, so you’ll need to factor in this additional cost. Solar panels contain solar cells, which are typically made of monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicone that acts as a semiconductor.
Once the sun’s energy is stored in the battery, it is converted into AC energy. This happens via a component known as an inverter. AC power is required for most of your household appliances, as well as for charging devices like your phone, laptop, or tablet that normally require a wall charger or AC outlet.
We’ve included a short video below for a more in-depth look at how they work.
Can a Solar Generator Power My Entire House?
Generally speaking, a rechargeable solar generator won’t be able to power your entire house if you lose power. With that said, even a smaller generator can be used to power key devices or appliances, sometimes for days at a time depending on its power consumption. For instance, you can keep your refrigerator up and running, and/or ensure plenty of sustained use for medical devices, like CPAP machines.
With an especially robust generator, you may also be able to connect to core circuits, running multiple appliances at one time.
So, while having an emergency power supply from a solar generator may not mean that you can go about your life just like you would normally, you can at least keep the lights on at home, run your air conditioner, or ensure your perishable food items remain fresh until your electricity comes back on.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Solar Generator?
There are a number of advantages you can anticipate from an emergency generator, especially when you choose to go solar. Consider:
You can minimize the disruption of a power outage.
Again, inclement weather can cause power outages that last for hours, sometimes even days. During that time, you can use a backup generator to keep your essential appliances and devices up and running. This level of preparedness can offer ample peace of mind.
Solar generators offer a clean alternative to other energy sources.
Most generators are powered by fossil fuels, which means they emit a lot of noxious emissions. If you want a clean power source and a minimal environmental footprint, these solar solutions are just the ticket. They are also much quieter than traditional gas or diesel generators.
They can be very cost-effective in the long run.
While the initial purchase price of a solar generator may seem steep, keep in mind that sunlight is free. You don’t have to worry about buying fuel or any additional expenses associated with your solar unit.
Find the Solar Generator That’s Best for You
Disaster preparedness begins by identifying a reliable power source, and if you want that power source to be clean and renewable, solar generators are ideal. Take a moment to explore the options and find the generator that’s right for you.
In addition to the criteria we used to review solar generators, you may also want to consider the following when selecting a model:
- Charging Options: does it offer fast charging? Quick charge settings are always convenient when you need a full charge
- Durability: if you need a generator for camping, finding a durable one may help to extend its lifespan
All EcoWatch solar companies are pre-vetted for your convenience.
Writer and editor with more than a decade’s experience in journalism. Josh worked for Christianity Today for seven years, and has contributed to special assignments for Apple Music and iTunes. Josh lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife, Kati, and two sons, Henry and Dylan.While he mainly focuses on musical journalism he is excited to save the earth on article at a time through sustainability best practices articles as well.
Irma joined the EcoWatch team in August 2015. She holds a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She is a member of Kappa Tau Alpha – a national honor society of journalism.
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How Big Should My Solar Generator Be?
Before purchasing a solar generator, you need to know what size will suit your needs. There are so many different capacities on the market to choose from, knowing which one is right for you can be quite overwhelming. Take Bluetti for example, we already sell around 9 different solar generators, all with different capacities. So, how do you know which size solar generator is right for you? In this article, we will explain how to size a solar generator based on your electrical needs.
Differences in solar generator capacity
Are you looking for 300Wh of power or perhaps a 2000Wh generator? What do these numbers even mean? Understanding whether you have a solar generator with a large capacity or small capacity is quite easy. Look for the number ending off with a Wh. The higher that number, the more capacity your solar generator has. Wh stands for Watt Hours. We will go into a little more detail here later on in the article. For now, just know that a solar generator marked 2000Wh has much more capacity than a 500Wh generator for example. Solar generators with larger capacities are also notably bigger than their lower capacity cousins. The reason for this? Simple, the higher the capacity, the larger the internal battery, therefore the bigger the solar generator.
How big should my solar generator be?
To begin figuring out what size solar generator you need, first think about the task you would like it to perform. By that I mean what will its application be, how much appliances do you need powered and for how long? The more appliances you need powered, the bigger the generator will have to be. This is pretty standard among most things in life, nothing changes here with solar generators. The reason sizing a generator to suit your exact needs can seem complicated, is usually due to the variety of things people want powered. There is no one size fits all solution here. Your best bet will be figuring out more or less the exact amount of power you require based on the exact amount of appliances you use.
Don’t worry about small appliances
If you plan on powering small appliances like phones and cameras with your solar generator, do not worry so much about getting the capacity exactly right. In these scenarios you are affectively looking for a large power bank, and in this case a 500Wh solar generator will offer you many efficient charges at full capacity.
How to know the working times for my device?
(Working time = 500Wh (capacity) 0.85 / operating wattage of your device) For reference, assuming the power consumption of your device is 60W (might be a Laptop ), working time will be 500Wh 0.85 / 60w = 7 hours (roughly calculated). So if you own a laptop that draws 60 watts, you would be able to run it for 7 hours on a 500Wh solar generator. The formula stated above holds true for most of the solar generators here at Bluetti. Further on in the article we will provide you with a table outlining the different run times based on your solar generators capacity.
Why the wattage is important?
Watt hours indicated how much capacity your solar generator is capable of storing and the watts reading indicates what type of inverter it has built in to it.
Remember, all solar generators store DC electricity, but all your appliance use AC electricity. Therefore, before your generator can power your device, it needs to convert its DC electricity to AC electricity.
It does this by using the built-in pure sine wave inverter. Just like batteries, inverters also have a max limit they can handle.
Inverters are rated by the wattage they can handle.
So if your solar generator is rated 500Wh/300W really what its saying is the built-in battery can store 500Wh and the built-in inverter can power devices rated 300 watts and below.
Therefore, it is VERY important that you know which appliances you want to power before buying your solar generator.
Make a list of your appliances
I want you to go ahead and make a list of the appliances you need powered and for how long. make a table like this:
| Appliances | Wattage | Usage Time |
| Cell Phone | 20 | 2 |
| Laptop | 60 | 3 |
| Fan | 35 | 5 |
| Drill | 1200 | 1 |
By making a list like this you can clearly see what size solar generator would best suit your needs. Also make a note on how many appliances you plan to power simultaneously, you want to always make sure that the combined wattage doesn’t go over the preferred generators max wattage rating.
In our example above, right off the bat we can see that in order to use our cordless drill, we will need a solar generator with a higher wattage rating than 1200 watts.
However, if we were only wanting to power say the fan, laptop and phone, we could get away with a smaller solar generator of say 500Wh/300W.
Well for that we need to apply our formula:
( Working time = 500Wh 0.85 / operating wattage of your device )
Let’s assume we want too run all appliances simultaneously. The combined wattage rating would be: 105 watts.
Therefore, 500Wh 0.85 / 105 = 4 hour running time.
Run Times of Different Appliances
Below we thought to create a simple table which outlines various different sized solar generators and how long they would each run all sorts of appliances.
500Wh/300W Solar Generator
(Please note this assumes you run each appliance independently of each other)
| Appliance | Run Time |
| Laptop (60 Watts) | 7 Hours |
| Drone (50 Watts) | 8.5 Hours |
| Phone (20 Watts) | 21 Hours |
| LED Lamp (30 Watts) | 14 Hours |
| Cordless Drill (1200 Watts) | N/A |
1500Wh/1000W Solar Generator
(Please note this assumes you run each appliance independently of each other)
2000Wh/2000W Solar Generator
(Please note this assumes you run each appliance independently of each other)
Final Thoughts
Please note, we supplied the total amount of hours possible to run each appliance, this assumes you run the appliances entirely off the solar generator.
In actual fact you would need to figure out how many hours each device (not requiring constant power) takes to recharge.
For example a phone may take 2 hours to fully charge, that means a 2000Wh generator could recharge a phone 42 times before being completed depleted.
Here is the formula for thew above:
Run Time / Charge Time = Total recharges possible.
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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 1000 and 1000 PRO Inverter Plugs
As far as connections go, Jackery gives you a nice mix.
- 3 x 110V AC
- 2 x USB C
- 2 x USB (1 each 2.4A and 3.0A)
- 1 x 12V (10A)
Both the AC and DC plugs have a power switch to activate them. It means you have to remember to hit it before they’re active, but neither draw down the power when you’re not using the unit.
Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station Runtime
Your runtime will vary depending on how much power your device uses. The Explorer 1000 has a total capacity of 1002Wh. To get a good runtime estimate, take 1002 and divide the watt rating of what you’re running into it.
Here’s an example using a 6-amp (660 watts) jigsaw:
1002Wh / 660W = 1.52 hours (~ 91 minutes)
Jackery Explorer Solar Generator Charging
There are three primary ways to charge any of the Explorer models: wall outlet, vehicle outlet, and solar. Technically, you can also charge it with another generator/inverter if you really want to.
Solar charging is one of the big draws for any battery inverter, so let’s spend a bit more time talking about that. Our test unit came with two SolarSaga 100 panels for a total of 200 solar watts. With the Explorer 1000 PRO you can get these or a pair of 80W panels.
First of all, we LOVE the design compared to other solar panels we’ve used. The SolarSaga panels are flexible and fold up suitcase style. They feel much more travel-friendly in their design and weigh less than others we’ve tested. The 80W versions have handles on top but otherwise appear similar to the 100W versions.
Most of our original testing took place in December and early January when the sun was about as far south as it gets during the year. We pulled 125 watts peak and were very happy with that efficiency level. Assuming you turn your panels to keep up with the sun as it travels and there are no clouds, you can easily get a full charge in roughly 8-9 hours.
Display
The backlight display is simple, yet helpful. It lets you know how many watts the system is discharging during use or gaining while charging. There’s also a 5-bar battery level indicator along with a 0% – 100% digital display. The Explorer 1000 PRO features a more colorful and sophisticated inverted LCD display that we prefer when used in full sunlight.
LED Light
There’s an LED flashlight on the side. It’s okay to use in a pinch, but we prefer a headlamp or handheld flashlight. At the end of the day, it’s a non-factor when it comes to buying the unit or not in our opinion.
Jackery Explorer 1000 vs 1000 PRO
| Battery type | Li-ion NMC | Li-ion |
| Battery capacity | 1002Wh (21.6V, 46.4Ah) | 1002Wh (43.2V 23.2Ah) |
| Lifecycle | 500 cycles to 80% capacity | 1000 cycles to 80% capacity |
| Recharge time (AC) | 7 hours | 1.8 hours |
| Recharge time (12V) | 14 hours | 12 hours |
| USB-A outputs (2) | 5V, 2.4A QC 3.0 | 2 x QC 3.0 |
| USB-C outputs (2) | 12V, 10A | 5V-20V, 3A-5A |
| AC outputs (3) | 110VAC, 60Hz, 1000W(2000W Surge) | 120VAC, 60Hz, 1000W(2000W Surge) |
| Foldable handle | No | Yes |
| Dimensions (LxWxD) | 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 in | 13.4 x 10.3 x 10.1 in |
| Weight | 22.04 lbs | 25.4 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years | 32 years |
| Retail Price | 999 | 1099 |
How Much Do the Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1000 PRO Cost?
Both the Jackery Explorer 1000 and 1000 PRO solar generators run between 999 and 1099.99 for the power station. Considering both output and capacity, that’s a pretty good value compared to other battery inverters on the market.
It’s 1649 as a kit with either two 100-watt solar panels (Explorer 1000) or two 80W panels (Explorer PRO). ~299.99 for each solar panel is more than we see from other brands. However, they’re better designed for travel and make it worth the premium if you’re on the go frequently.
Jackery is throwing a flash sale with up to 20% off on selected products during April 14–22. Don’t miss the chance to snag one for your spring getaway!
The Bottom Line
The Jackery Explorer 1000 battery inverter and its similar Explorer 1000 PRO find themselves in an interesting niche. While they don’t have the capacity and power output of larger inverters, both provide a nice step up from compact units. Both also retain a high level of portability. If you’re on the go frequently and are primarily concerned about low-draw devices, either the 1000 or 1000 PRO offers an excellent solution to keep you powered up.
Clearly, the advantage in several areas goes to the newer 1000 PRO. In particular, we like the extra year warranty (3 more years if you register), the faster AC charging, and the higher USB capabilities. We also like the folding handle which makes room for setting (safe) things on top of it. Still, when new models come out, older models suddenly find themselves selling at value prices—so keep an eye out for deals.
Specifications (Explorer 1000/1000 PRO)
- Battery Capacity: 1002Wh (21.6V, 46.4Ah)/1002Wh (43.2V, 23.2Ah)
- Cell Chemistry: Li-Ion NMC/Li-ion
- Lifecycles: 500/1000 cycles to 80%
- Management System: BMS, Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection
- Recharge Time:
- AC Adapter Recharge Time: 7/1.8 hours
- 12V Car Adapter Recharge Time: 14/12 hours
- 2x SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels Recharge Time: 8 hours (Explorer 1000)
- 2x SolarSaga 80W Solar Panel: 9 Hours (Explorer 1000 PRO)
The Best Solar Generator for Off-Grid Living: Top 7 Choices
Whether you’re a hardcore camper or survivalist or simply like the idea of living off the grid, having a solar generator is extremely important. The best solar generator for off-grid living will offer you the chance to live emission-free and save tons of money on gas and fuel for refilling a traditional generator.
Regardless of your motivations, solar generators could be extremely beneficial to your off-grid lifestyle. So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to find the best solar generator for off-grid living and how to go about choosing one.
What Is a Solar Generator, and How Do They Work?
Solar generators use solar panels to harness energy from the sun to convert it into electricity. Each generator can attach to solar panels that harness the energy, then transfer it to the generator. The generator then stores this energy until it’s at total capacity and is ready for use.
Solar generators are mostly designed to power small devices such as laptops and phone chargers or lights. However, advancements are being made in solar technology, and generators are being designed bigger and better than ever. While solar generators are still recommended as a backup or supplemental source of power, there are a few that can power your desire for off-grid living.
How to Choose the Best Solar Generator for Off-Grid Living
When choosing the best solar generator for off-grid living, the main things to keep in mind are your goals and how big of a generator you need. Each of the below considerations affects your generator’s capabilities and what you can use it for.
Storing Power
A generator’s power storing ability is measured in watt-hours. Most solar generators have storing capabilities of less than 100 or 500 watt-hours, which is only enough to power a light bulb or charging device.
However, a heavy-duty generator, the best solar generator for off-grid living, will have power storage capacities of several thousand-kilowatt hours. However, this doesn’t mean that you can power your home for several thousand hours straight. To figure that out, you have to add up the wattage amounts of each of the appliances and devices you want to power.
For example, if you want to power a refrigerator that uses 500 watts and your generator has a capacity of 2,000 kilowatt-hours, you could power your 500-watt refrigerator for four hours. Simply take the wattage of what you’re powering and divide it by the storing capacity.
Charging Capability
Along with power storing abilities, the best solar generator for off-grid living should be able to recharge quickly is extremely important. The size and amount of solar panels you have will largely determine how quickly your generator recharges after using its stored power. If you hope to continually run appliances or have permanent power, charging capability and speed is vital.
You’ll also want a generator that you can charge via other means, such as a 12-volt battery. If the sun isn’t shining and you need your solar generator to recharge, batteries, outlets, and other power sources are necessary.
Output Capability
Output capability refers to how many different devices the generator can power at once and how many different sources of power it has. Sources of power refer to the types of outlets, plugs, and ports on the generator itself. The best solar generator for off-grid living should have many different styles and sizes of ports and a maximum output that’s higher than its maximum input.
Portability
You also want a solar generator that’s portable and easy to move from place to place. This is especially important for off-grid living, including camping, boondocking, and any other living situation you can think of. The typical best solar generator for off-grid living will range in size from 10 to 100 pounds, but don’t forget about any cords, batteries, or solar panels you have to transport.
Durability
Finally, you don’t want a solar generator that works well enough but will need to be replaced often. For true off-grid living, you should have a solar generator to match. Conditions might get rough and dirty, and having the best solar generator for off-grid living means having one that can withstand bumps and bruises and last a long time.
Overall Best Solar Generator for Off-Grid Living
Jackery Explorer 1500
The Jackery Explorer 1500 offers excellent output capability, portability, durability, and comes in a tiny package. Each of these things are important to consider when purchasing the best solar generator for off-grid living. While it might not be as good in each area as other generators, it does the best job of combining each aspect and taking our top overall spot.