Having portable power on the go doesn’t mean you have to lug around a gas generator anymore. With so many battery inverter options available now, we decided to dive deeper into the Jackery Explorer Plus series and see what sets it apart from both the competition and Jackery’s other solar generators.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best generators article to get our top overall picks for all types of generators.
Jackery Explorer Plus Series Basics
No matter which Explorer Plus model you’re considering, there are some common features they all share. Here’s a list of the most important commonalities:
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery cells with a 10-year lifespan (based on 70% of the original capacity/4000 charge cycles)
- ChargeShield technology that extends cell life up to 50%
- Pure sine wave power
- Well-developed, multi-layer safety elements
- Wall, solar, and vehicle charging capabilities
- Reverse contrast LCD screen
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with app control
- 3-year warranty and an additional 2 years with product registration
Jackery 300 Explorer Plus Solar Generator
As the smallest of the line, the 300 Plus model is a very attractive option when you need to recharge on the go and don’t have the benefit of a vehicle to get you to your final destination.
I’m an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot, and each of the three batteries I carry for my drone gives me 30 minutes of flight time. On longer missions, I need to cycle those batteries on a charger to extend the amount of time I’m shooting aerial videos and photos, surveying, or running search and rescue ops. With the 11-pound weight of the 300, I can pack the power I need into areas that a vehicle can’t go and still have room for the 40-watt solar panels if it’s an all-day scenario.
The limitations on this model are the max output and total capacity. With a maximum of 300 watts out and 288Wh of capacity, this isn’t the solar generator you need to run appliances in your home after a storm or even small appliances you might want to take camping or tailgating. Think of this unit primarily as a device recharger or something to run small LED lights or personal fans.
Outlets and Light
- 1 x 120V AC (3-prong)
- 1 x USB-A
- 2 x USB-C (one discharge only, one charge and discharge)
- 2-mode LED light (on/SOS strobe)
Numbers to Know
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Capacity: 288Wh
- Max Output: 300W
- Charging:
- Solar charged in 4 hours
- Wall Charging: 2 hours
- Car Charging: 5.5 hours
- USB Charging: 2.8 hours
Jackery 1000 Explorer Plus Solar Generator
The 1000 Plus steps up in size, capacity, and power output. Its 1264Wh of capacity offer more than 4 times the runtime of the 300 Plus when you’re running the same load.
That’s great, but what makes it far more versatile is that it can produce 2000 continuous watts and 4000 surge watts. Where the smaller unit primarily charges your devices, you can run coffee makers, microwaves, and portable air conditioners with this one. Just keep in mind that as you go up in power demand, you also go through your battery faster. Be sure to pick your battles and manage your power effectively.
Stepping up to this level also gains expandability. You can connect up to 3 add-on battery packs and get up to 5000Wh of capacity.
With the size and weight of this model, you’re not going to carry it into the backcountry. You might carry from the car to your spot on the beach, though. It’s the go-to option for a size that travels well when you have vehicle support. Camping, overlanding, and road trips are all fantastic fits for the 1000 Plus.
While the power level supports emergency power and RVing, the capacity is the limiting factor. If those scenarios are your primary reasons for buying a Jackery Explorer Plus, you might want to consider stepping up to the 2000 model.
Outlets and Light
- 3 x 120V AC (3-prong)
- 2 x USB-A
- 2 x USB-C
- 1 x 12V vehicle DC
- 3-mode LED light (low/high/SOS strobe)
Numbers to Know
- Weight: 31 lbs
- Capacity: 1264Wh
- Max Output: 2000W continuous/4000W surge
- Charging Methods:
- Solar Charging with 100W (4 panels): 4.5 Hours
- Solar Charging with 200W (4 panels): 2 Hours
- Wall Charging: 1.7 Hours
- Car Charging: 7 Hours
Jackery 2000 Explorer Plus Solar Generator
Moving to the top of the line means you get the highest capacity and also the highest power. The 2000 model has 2043Wh of capacity on board along with 3000 continuous watts and 6000 surge watts of power delivery. You can parallel two units and get 6000 continuous watts.
With that much power available, Jackery inlcudes a 240V outlet. Additionally, this model supports up to 5 add-on battery packs. That’s a whopping 24,000Wh (24kWh) of battery capacity.
For those of you RVing or powering small cabins, this is the most effective way to have the power you need.
If you’re thinking about emergency home power, pick your battles. There’s a temptation to run everything with the solar generator and a full suite of batteries. While that might be possible, we don’t recommend it. The average American household uses a little over 29,000Wh (29kWh) per day, and you’ll chew through those batteries pretty quickly.
With six of the 200-watt solar panels, you can recharge the generator in just 2 hours, so it is feasible to sustain that power use in optimal sun conditions.
Keep in mind the continuous watt draw, though, and that whole home generators typically start around 10,000 watts and larger homes may need 30,000 watts or more. Even with two units in parallel, that’s a lot to ask from your solar generator. Plus, you’re running peripheral power to things that you don’t need.
Instead, power only what you need and keep in mind that power outages are temporary. Grab some high-quality extension cords to keep the refrigerator going, to get the router and TV running on a power strip, and then swap your other appliances as you need them. You’ll be more comfortable and make more efficient use of the power you have.
Outlets
- 4 x 120V AC (3-prong)
- 1 x 240V
- 1 x 12V vehicle AC
- 2 x USB-A
- 2 x USB-C
Numbers to Know
- Weight: 61.5 lbs
- Capacity: 2043Wh
- Max Output: 3000W continuous/6000W surge
- Charging Methods:
- Solar Charging with 200W (4 panels): 3.8 Hours
- Solar Charging with 200W (6 panels): 2 Hours
- Wall Charging: 2 Hours
- Car Charging: 25 Hours
Jackery Solar Generator Price and Standard Vs Pro Vs Plus Comparison
Jackery now has standard, Pro, and Plus lines for the Explorer series. Which one is right for you?
Here’s a look at how the 1000 model compares across each line:
| 1000 | 1000 Pro | 1000 Plus (New) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1002Wh | 1002Wh | 1264Wh |
| Watts | 1000W continuous 2000W surge | 1000W continuous 2000W surge | 2000W continuous 4000W surge |
| Expandable | No | No | up to 5,000Wh (5kWh) |
| Parallel Capable | No | No | Yes |
| Outlets | 3 x 120V AC (3-prong) 2 x USB-A 2 x USB-C 1 x 12V vehicle DC | 3 x 120V AC (3-prong) 2 x USB-A 2 x USB-C 1 x 12V vehicle DC | 3 x 120V AC (3-prong) 2 x USB-A 2 x USB-C 1 x 12V vehicle DC |
| Charging | Solar 120V AC 12V vehicle | Solar 120V AC 12V vehicle | Solar 120V AC 12V vehicle |
| Max Solar Input | 200W | 800W (4 x 200W) | 800W (4 x 200W) |
| Cycle Life | 500 (80%) | 1,000 (80%) | 4,000 (70%) |
| Warranty | 2 + 1 years | 3 + 2 years | 3 + 2 years |
| Price | $1099 | $1099 | $1199 |
The major benefits to getting on the Plus system are significantly higher power output, expandability, and longer battery service life. For just $100 more on the 1000 Plus model, that’s well worth upgrading.
Note that both the Pro and Plus models have a 3-year warranty and a 2-year extended option with registration. The standard model is a 2 + 1 warranty.
Multiple kit options are also available with expansion battery packs and solar panels.
The Bottom Line
The Jackery Explorer Plus series of solar generators just fired a shot across the bow of every other brand competing in the battery inverter space. With significantly higher power output, capacity expansion through additional battery packs, and fast charging options, it’s one of the most capable portable power supply we’ve seen so far. The fact that it comes with only a modest increase in price is icing on the cake that’s sure to tip the scales in Jackery’s favor.
