Jackery Explorer 1000 Solar Generator Finds 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 solar generator isn’t at that voltage level, but this compact power source makes a strong case to keep 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
Cons
- Solar panels are more expensive than other brands
Jackery Explorer 1000 Solar Generator Portability
Right out of the gate, we fell in love with the Jackery 1000 solar generator’s size. Measuring 12.3 x 9.0 inches and standing 11.3 inches tall, it doesn’t take up a ton of space. Weighing about 22 pounds, it’s easier to carry than higher capacity options.
Jackery Explorer 1000 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 110 volts.
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 produces 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 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 they won’t 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 the device you’re using draws. 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 1000 Solar Generator Charging
There are three primary ways to charge the Explorer: wall outlet, vehicle outlet, and solar. Technically, you can also charge it with another generator/inverter if you really want to.
The wall outlet is your quickest option, taking about 7 hours to fully recharge the battery. You’ll need to be patient if you want to use a vehicle—it’ll take about 14 hours.
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.
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.
Most of our 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 we’re 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 get a full charge in roughly 8 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.
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 Price
The Jackery Explorer 1000 solar generator runs $999.99 for the power station. Considering its output and capacity, that’s a pretty good value compared to other battery inverters on the market.
It’s $1599.97 as a kit with two 100-watt solar panels. $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.
The Bottom Line
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 to keep you powered up.
Specifications
- Battery Capacity: 1002Wh (21.6V, 46.4Ah)
- Cell Chemistry: Li-Ion NMC
- Lifecycles: ≥500 cycles to 80%
- Management System: BMS, Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection
- AC Adapter Recharge Time: 7 hours
- 12V Car Adapter Recharge Time: 14 hours
- Two SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels Recharge Time: 8 hours
- AC Output: 110VAC, 60 Hz 1000W (2000W Surge)
- USB-A Output: 5V, 2.4A
- Quick Charge 3.0 Output: 5-6.5V, 3A/6.5-9V, 3A/9-12V, 15A
- USB-C Output: 5V, 9V, 12V up to 3A
- Car Output: 12V, 10A
- DC Input: 12V-30V (200W Max)
- Weight: 22.04 lbs.
- Dimensions (LxWxD): 13.1 x 9.2 x 11.1 in.
- Operating Usage Temperature: 14-104ºF
- Certification: FCC, ROHS, UN38.3
- Warranty: 24 months
- Price: $999 (Bare Tool); $1,599.97 (with two 100W SolarSaga Solar Panels)
