Jackery Solar Generators Reviews: Jackery 2000 Pro, 1500, and more

Are Jackery solar generators worth the investment? Which Jackery solar generator should I purchase? How to choose the best solar generator? Well, if these are some of the questions on your mind, then read on. You will find answers here. Here we will present in-depth Jackery solar generators reviews.

What is a solar generator?

A solar generator is an electric device that is designed to convert solar energy into electrical energy.

A typical solar generator consists of a portable power station, solar panels, and an inverter to convert DC power to AC power. Solar generators are used as power backups on different occasions such as off-grid living, RVs, boats, outdoor parties, on-road & off-road trips, workplaces, and homes.

A solar generator is usually used as a power backup. However, while living off-grid or traveling, it can be used as the main power supply.

A solar generator is a great way to harness solar energy. It is designed to reduce the reliance on fossil fuel and the city power grid, therefore, purchasing a solar generator is a sustainable investment. 

About Jackery

Established in 2012, Jackery is an American eco-friendly and sustainable solution provider. Jackery is owned by a former Silicon Valley Apple Engineer.

Jackery has more than 10 years of experience in the industry. Over this period, Jackery has established itself as a reliable portable power station provider.

In addition to producing, portable solar generators, Jackery also produces Portable power stations, solar panels, and other accessories including case bags, solar panel connectors, DC extension cables, etc.

However, in this blog post, we will analyze Jackery’s solar generators only.

Disclosure: As an affiliate partner of Jackery, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through the links on this page. Rest assured, I only recommend products and services that I have personally used or believe will be of value to you. Thank you for supporting my blog and allowing me to continue providing valuable content.

Jackery Solar generators

Being a pioneer solar generator supplier Jackery offers different solutions. They have released 9 solar generators over the years. Hence, there are many options for a customer to choose from based on their special requirements.

If you are looking for the best portable power station; then you may read our guide on “The top 10 best solar generators.” It is worth mentioning that a Jackery product i.e., Explorer 2000 Pro is also featured on this list.

Having said that, let’s get back to the main topic.

An overview of Jackery’s solar generators is given below:

Power range: 167Wh (Jackery Explorer 160) to 3024Wh (Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro)

Weight range: 3.97 lbs / 1.8kg (Jackery Explorer 160) to 63.93 lbs /29 kg (Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro)

Color: All the products are made in Black and Orange color

Inverter: Pure sine AC inverter

Methods of charging: Usually there are three ways of charging Jackery’s solar generators namely AC adapter, SolarSaga panels, and carport.

Solar panels: Each solar generator is powered by well-made and compact design SolarSaga panels. These foldable and lightweight panels are portable and durable. The available solar panels range from 60W to 200W.  

List of Jackery solar generators

So far Jackery has released the following 8 solar generators.

A Quick Overview of all the Jackery Portable Solar Power Stations

ProductPower rating (Wh)Size (L x W x D) inchesCharging time (Using solar panels)Weight inclusive of solar panelsPrice (USD)
Jackery Solar generator 160 + SolarSaga 60W1677.4 x 4.5 x 6.74.5 hours3.97 lbs. / 1.8 kg319.98
Jackery solar generator 240 + SolarSaga 100W240Wh9.05 x 5.24 x 7.874.5 hours6.6 lbs. / 3 kg$519.98
Jackery Explorer 300 + SolarSaga 100W293Wh9.1 x 5.2 x 7.85 hours7.1 lbs. / 3.2 kg599.98
Jackery Explorer 500 + SolarSaga 100W518Wh11.8 x 7.6 x 9.29.5 hours13.32 lbs. / 6.04 kg799.00
Jackery Explorer 1000 + 2xSolarSaga 100W100213.1 x 9.2 x 11.18 hours22.04 lbs. /10kg1499.00
Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro + 2xSolarSaga 80W100213.39 x 10.32 x 10.061.8 hours using 4x SalarSaga panels25.4 lbs. /11.5kg1597.00
Jackery Explorer 1500 + 4xSolarSaga 100W153413 x 10.4 x 12.75 hours using 4xSolarSaga 100W  35.2 lbs. / 15.5 kg2699.00
Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro + 4xSolarSaga 200W206015.5 x 12.2 x 12.73 hours using 4x SolarSaga 200W43.2 lbs. /19.6kg6,199
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro + 2xSolar Saaga 200W303418.6 x 14.1 x 14.73-4 hours using Ultra-Fast Charging63.93 lbs. /29 kg3,999
Table showing the summary of Jackery’s solar generators

This table is a starter; we will dig much deeper. We will analyze the Jackery Solar generators in ascending order based on the power capacity. So, let’s get started with the lightest one, Jackery 160.

Jackery Solar Generator 160

Let’s kick-start our list with the lightest solar generator from the Jackery lineup. Jackery Explorer 160 is a reliable solar generator for campers, vanlifers, and travelers.

Although the juice inside this device is not enough to power heavy-duty appliances, it is enough to charge your smartphone multiple times.

Additionally, using Jackery Explorer 160 you may charge low-power appliances such as laptops, tablets, cameras, drones, and even mini-LCD televisions.

This solar generator comes with a 60W solar panel to convert solar energy into electrical energy and store it in Explorer 160. With the help of the 1xSolarSaga panel, Explorer 160 can be fully charged in 4.5 hours, which is pretty decent.

The device can be charged through three methods i.e., an AC adapter, DC carport, and SolarSaga panels.

The Jackery 160 is the ideal option if you want to buy a portable, lightweight solar generator that is also reasonably priced.

Pros:

+ Portable

+ Affordable

+ Lightweight  

+ Built-in flashlight

+ Noise-free operations

+ Sturdy

+ 2-year warranty

Cons:
  • ❌ Smaller energy output
  • ❌ Not suitable for heavy-duty appliances

Best for: Light use, short trips, solo trips, hiking, fishing, and so on.

To purchase Jackery 160, Click here

Jackery Explorer 240

Going green using solar energy is one of the best ways to reduce carbon footprint and mitigate climate change. Jackery 240 is the perfect way to harness solar energy. Built with a power capacity of 240W, this device is designed to serve as a reliable power supply.

The device is an ideal solution for family camping and road trips. Jackery 240 has enough juice to keep all your essential devices running including laptops, tablets, car fridges, mobile phones, drones, and cameras. However, we don’t recommend this device for heavy-duty appliances such as circular saws.

Like other Jackery solar generators, this guy is also NOT water-proof. Waterproofing is a serious concern, that Jackery must address in its future products.

Anyways, back to Jackery 240. Talking about its weight, it is extremely easy to carry around since it weighs only 6.6 lbs. / 3kg.

The package includes Jackery 240, 1 AC adapter, 1 car charger cable, 1xSolarSaga 100W panel, and a user manual.

With all the features and specifications, Jackery solar generator 240 is a decent device, especially for a solo traveler.

Pros:

+ Portable

+ Affordable

+ Durable

+ Safer and quieter operations

+ A reliable battery management system

+ 2-year warranty

Cons:
  • ❌ Low power output
  • ❌ Can’t deliver power for heavier appliances

Best for: Solo travelers, campers, emergency backup, road trips, RVs, etc.

To purchase Jackery 240, Click here

Jackery Explorer 300

Solar generator Jackery Explorer 300 is a portable power station with a storage capacity of 300Wh.

Although 300Wh might seem like a lot of power, it is not enough to power bigger appliances such as an air conditioner, blender, or dryer.  However, the device can power several small appliances simultaneously such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, drones, etc.

Moreover, due to its compact size, it is extremely easy to carry around wherever you go. It is also sturdy enough to withstand shocks and scratches.

If you are not satisfied with the juice offered by your Jackery 160 or 240 and you are on the hunt for an affordable solar generator. Look no further, Jackery 300 is the choice.

Pros:

+ Portable

+ Fast charging

+ Multiple ways of charging (AC outlet, 12V DC car plug, solar panel, and so on)

+ Lightweight (7.1 lbs.)

+ Solid compact design

Cons:
  • ❌ No LED light
  • ❌ Low power

Best for: Trips, hiking, camping, powering small devices, etc.

To purchase Jackery 300, click here

Jackery Explorer 500

Next in the lineup of Jackery solar generators, we have the Jackery Explorer 500, which is a decent power station. Explorer 500 is a complete package; it is affordable, powerful, sturdy, and lightweight.

Just like other Jackery solar generators, there are three ways of charging the Explorer 500, i.e., using an AC adapter, a DC car port, and SolarSaga panels. 

Moreover, the device is compact in size and lighter in weight. Hence, it takes very little space and it is not too difficult to carry around wherever you go. 

This Jackery solar generator has a built-in high-quality LED flashlight. The flashlight is very energy efficient. It will light up for many hours, without draining the battery even by a single percent.

One downside of Explorer 500 is the slow rate of charging. The device takes around 7-8 hours for the battery to reach 100% charge when charging through an AC home adapter. While DC car port, the charging time is 16 hours and 9.5 hours using the SolarSaga panels. The slow rate of charging can be frustrating.

Nevertheless, Jackery 500 is a solid, well-designed product. It is a good choice if you are looking for a balance between price and energy output. Jackery 500 offers good value for money.

Pros:

+ Durable and rugged

+ Modern design

+ Lightweight

+ Portable

+ Eco-friendly

+ Charges multiple devices at the same time

+ Easy to assemble

Cons:
  • ❌ Slow charging
  • ❌ Isn’t waterproof
  • ❌ No USB C port

Best for: Camping, off-grid living, home emergency, RV, motorhome, and boats to name a few.

To purchase Jackery 500, Click here

Jackery solar generator Explorer 1000

Camping is not the same with a reliable power source like Jackery 1000.

Jackery 1000 is a medium-sized solar generator for camping sites, RVs, boats, backyards, and the list of use cases goes on. The solar generator is big enough to power most of the appliances.

This solar generator is very easy to assemble and operate. In addition, it requires very less maintenance. But, since the device is not waterproof, you can’t afford to leave it outdoors when it rains.

Its durable design can stand the test of time. Moreover, the device is extremely lighter in weight making it very easy to carry around.

In addition to the benefits, there is one downside of using this solar generator, i.e., slow rate of charging. Using an AC adapter, it takes 7 hours to fully charge the battery. While it takes 8 hours to use the two solar panels.

The slow rate of charging was also an issue with its previous model. It seems like Jackery isn’t much serious about solving this issue. To be honest, it is very disappointing.

Another drawback of the Jackery 1000 is its limited lifespan. The battery is rated for only 500 cycles, meaning it should last you 2-3 years on the road.

Despite its couple of drawbacks, Jackery 1000 is a decent solar generator with enough power to keep all your necessary appliances going in times of an energy breakout. It is lightweight, affordable, and sturdy.

In short, Jackery 1000 is a great portable power station for two-people outings; it has sufficient power for two-person use and is also portable enough to carry around with ease.

Pros:

+ Compact and lightweight

+ Affordable

+ Plenty of connecting ports

+ Elegant design

+ sturdy

+ Easy-to-read smart display

+ Clean and quiet

+ 2-year warranty

Cons:
  • ❌ Not suitable for heavy-duty use
  • ❌ Slow charging
  • ❌ Non-retractable handle

Best for: Road trips, RV, camping, and fishing.

To purchase Jackery 1000, click here

We have noticed a recurring problem with all Jackery products. You cannot place objects on top of the gadgets because of the sturdy fixed-top handle. The handle should be retractable or foldable so that there is space to put items.

Jackery solar generator 1000 Pro

There were a couple of downsides of Explorer 1000, such as slow charging. Guess what, it is now the issue of the past. Jackery delivered the device which has an amazing rate of charging.

The charging time for Jackery 1000 Pro using an AC adapter is only 1.8 hours, which is unbelievable. This is a big leap from its previous model’s charging time, which was 7 hours using an AC adapter.

Moreover, with an ultra-long standby mode, the device can store at least an 80% charge for up to one year.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro is a mid-range, mid-power output, and mid-price solar generator. It is a reliable solar generator that can keep your electronic gadgets alive at all times. Hence, it can be the best outdoor trip companion.

Pros:

+ Fast charging

+ Retractable handle

+ More battery cycles than Jackery 1000

+ Ultra-long standby mode

+ 2-year warranty

+ Flashlight with two brightness level

+ Smart digital display

Cons:
  • ❌ Costlier than Jackery 1000
  • ❌ Heavier than previous models

Best for: Outdoor trips, camping, family gathering, beach trips, off-road trips, off-grid, and emergency home power supply.

To purchase Jackery 1000 Pro, click here

Jackery Solar generator 1500

Jackery 1500 is a decent power backup. Compared to earlier models, Jackery has made many improvements such as higher capacity, better screen, more ports, and faster charging.

The charging time is decent but not so great. The 4xSolarSaga 100w solar panels require around 4 hours to completely charge the Jackery 1500. While it takes more than 13 hours with a vehicle outlet.

Let’s talk about the portability of this device. It weighs over 35 lbs. / 15kg, which by some standards it is bulky. Though I find the device portable. It is easy to carry around holding by the handle.

With a power capacity of 1534Wh, Jackery Explorer 1500 can recharge pretty much everything, including a mini cooler, coffee maker, electric grill, microwave, and pressure cooker to name a few.  Moreover, you can charge multiple (7) devices simultaneously.

Whether you are day-tripping or staying overnight, Jackery solar generator 1500 is the best portable power station to carry around with you.

Pros:

+ Eco-friendly

+ Quiet in operation

+ Affordable

+ Smart display

+ Multiple ways to charge

+ Multiple ports

+ 2-year warranty

Cons:
  • ❌ Heavy for its size (35 lbs./ 15 kg)
  • ❌ You cannot use other panels (Compatible with only SolarSaga panels)
  • ❌ No waterproofing

Best for: Emergency power backup, RVs, camping, Van life, fishing, tailgating, etc.

To buy Jackery 1500, Click here

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro review

Jackery 2000 Pro is a real powerhouse. It is the most powerful generator ever produced by Jackery. The power (2060Wh) is enough to recharge up to 90% of appliances including refrigerators, fans, bulbs, laptops, induction burners, microwave ovens, and the list goes on.

Moreover, a pure sine wave inverter that offers consistent voltage also eliminates the possibility of any device damage.

The package also includes 2x SolarSaga 200W panels, which are expandable up to 6xSolarSaga. The device can be charged in less than 2.5 hours using 6xSolarGenerator 200W panels.

The device features 3 sinewave 120V AC ports, 2 USB-A quick charge 3.0 ports, a single 12V carport, dual USB-PD 100W ports, and a battery storage of 2160W.

Although the solar generator has an IP67 rating, the company recommends not using it in the rain. Jackery recommends the device be retrieved when it rains. Hence it is not guaranteed to be waterproof.  

This solar generator comes at $2,299 (2xSolarSaga setup) for the base unit, 3599 (with 4xSolarSaga setup), and $6,199 (with 6xSolarSaga setup).

However, the addition of panels makes the system less portable, as the complete setup with 6 solar panels weighs around 150 lbs. Hence, carrying around and setting up such as bulky setup for a single person is a daunting task.

Jackery 2000 pro is the most powerful solution among the Jackery solar generators lineup. It is an ideal solution for off-grid living, road-trippers, campers, vanlifers, and for everyone who seeks a reliable power source.

Pros:

+ Fast charging

+ Quiet operations (53 dB)

+ Eco-friendly

+ lots of power

+ Plenty of ports

+ 5-Year warranty

+ Durable

+ A heavy-duty solar generator

+ Easy-to-use interface

+ In-built power inverter

Cons:
  • ❌ Cumbersome setting up process
  • ❌ Heavy (43.2 lbs. / 19.6 kg) plus with 6 solar panels, the system weighs 150 lbs.
  • ❌ Water resistance issues

Best for: Off-grid living, RVs, vans, truckers, boats, home emergency backup, Skoolie, camping, construction sites, heavy-duty appliances, and so on.

To purchase Jackery 2000 Pro, Click here

Why you should buy a solar generator from Jackery?

Let’s make it very simple for you to make a decision. Let us list the reasons why you should purchase a Jackery portable power station. You should purchase a Jackery solar generator because of its:

  • Ease of use
  • More charging ports than its competitors
  • Multiple ways of charging
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Foldable solar panels
  • Reasonable prices
  • Elegant design
  • Eco-friendly energy solutions

Why you shouldn’t buy a solar generator from Jackery?

We are not here to push you toward purchasing a Jackery portable solar generator. We are here to help you make a wise decision. There are some downsides to using Jackery solar generators such as:

  • No waterproofing
  • The ergonomic handle on top makes it easy to carry but it is hard to place something on top; although they have addressed this issue with their latest models
  • Not compatible with solar panels other than SolarSaga
  • Some customers have faced issues with Jackery’s customer support
  • The digital display turns off automatically after a few seconds

Which Jackery portable solar generator should you buy?

If you have not quit reading this blog post. I can safely assume that you want to purchase a solar generator from Jackery, only unsure which one to purchase.

It’s hard to say which one is better right? Yeah, that’s because Jackery solar generators are so much irresistible and attractive in design.

If you finding it hard to sift a power station, we have got your back. Let us make it easy for you to make a choice. We will compare and contrast different Jackery models.

Here we will do the Jackery 500 vs 1000, Jackery Explorer 1000 vs 1000 Pro, Jackery 1000 vs 1500, and Jackery 1500 vs 2000 Pro comparisons.

So, let’s get started.

Jackery 500 vs 1000

Are you having a tough time, deciding between Jackery 500 and Jackery Explorer 1000? You are not alone. There are people out there like you, who are not sure which one of these two portable solar power stations to purchase.

We have made a simple comparison table. This table will help you make a wise buying decision.

FeatureJackery Explorer 500Jackery Explorer 1000
Price$799$1499.00
Power capacity518Wh1002Wh
Weight13.32 lbs. /6.04 kg22.04 lbs. / 10kg
Charging time7.5 hours (AC adapter) 9.5 hours (1xSolarSaga) 7.5 hours (12V carport)7 hours (AC adapter) 8 hours (2xSolarSaga) 14 hours (Carport)
Battery management systemYesYes
Battery lifecycles500 cycles to 80%+ capacity500 cycles to 80%+ capacity
Warranty2-year2-year
Where to purchase?JackeryJackery

Let me conclude, Jackery 1000 might be a better choice if you are looking for more power and heavy-duty application since it delivers double as much power as that of the Explorer 500. Moreover, Jackery 1000 has a USB-C port which is absent in its counterpart.

The designs of these two products are almost identical. So, if you were looking for design improvements. We would suggest you go for the latest version, probably Jackery 1500 or Jackery 2000 Pro.

While Jackery 500 also offers some benefits, the first being the cheaper price. It is $500 cheaper than Jackery 1000. Secondly, Jackery 500 is lighter and more portable than its counterpart. In short, if you have low energy requirements and running on a tight budget, the Jackery Explorer 500 is the way to go.

Jackery 1000 vs 1000 Pro

If you are an iPhone user, you might have faced a similar dilemma before. Likewise, it is also tough to choose between Jackery 1000 and 1000 Pro.

Is it really worth it to spend an additional $100 on the Pro model? It would be easy for you to decide once you study this table.

FeatureJackery Explorer 1000Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro
Price$1499.00$1597.00
Power capacity1002Wh1002Wh
Weight22.04 lbs. / 10kg25.4 lbs. /11.5 kg
  Charging time (Using solar panels)  7 hours (AC adapter) 8 hours (2xSolarSaga) 14 hours (Carport)1.8 hours (AC adapter) 1.8 hours (4xSolarSaga 200W) 9 hours (2xSolarSaga) 12 hours (12V Carport)
Number of ports78
Battery management systemYesYes
Battery lifecycles500 cycles to 80%+ capacity500 cycles to 80%+ capacity
Warranty2-year2-year
Where to purchase?JackeryJackery

The best thing about Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro is its charging time. It can be fully charged in less than 1.8 hours using an AC adapter compared to its counterpart which takes around 7 hours to reach 100% charging. This is an amazing improvement.

In addition, Explorer 1000 Pro supports 4xSolarSaga 200W which is also an improvement compared to its previous version as Jackery 1000 only supports 100W panels. However, it is critical to remember that with 4xSolarSaga panels, Jackery 1000 Pro comes at $3999.00, which is fairly overpriced.

However, other than faster charging and supporting 200W panels, 1000 Pro doesn’t offer any other noteworthy improvements. Even the power capacity is the same i.e., 1002Wh. Additionally, it is heavier and costlier than Jackery 1000.

In short, if with E1000, your main concern is slow charging, then the upgrade is worth it. Otherwise, you should be happy with a Jackery 1000.

Jackery 1000 vs 1500

Let’s proceed to the next comparison, which is between Jackery 1000 and Jackery 1500. The following table shows a brief comparison between the two solar generators.

FeatureJackery Explorer 1000Jackery Explorer 1500
Price$1499.00$2699.00
Power capacity1002Wh1534Wh
Weight22.04 lbs. / 10kg35.2 lbs. / 15.5 kg
  Charging time  7 hours (AC adapter) 8 hours (2xSolarSaga) 14 hours (Carport)6 hours (AC adapter) 9.5 hours (2xSolarSaga) 5 hours (4xSolarSaga 100W) 13 hours (Carport)
Number of ports78
Battery management systemYesYes
Battery lifecycles500 cycles to 80%+ capacity500 cycles to 80%+ capacity
Warranty2-year2-year
Where to purchase?JackeryJackery

The buying points for Jackery 1500 include higher power output, faster charging time, and an extra charging port. In addition, the Jackery Explorer 1500 supports 4xSolarSaga panels compared to Jackery 1000 which can only support 2xSolarSaga panels.

The charging time has been significantly decreased with Jackery Explorer 1500, which can be fully charged in less than 5 hours using 4xSolarSaga 100W.

While the buying points for Jackery 1000 include lighter in weight, cheaper in price, and versatility with applications.  

If you are looking for an affordable and reliable power storage system, then go with Jackery 1000. While if you want to go with a more powerful device, then the Jackery 1500 is the clear winner.

Jackery 1500 vs 2000

The last comparison is between two of the most powerful Jackery portable power stations, i.e., the Jackery 1500 and Jackery 2000 Pro.

Let’s compare the two devices from different angles.

FeatureJackery Explorer 1500Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro
Price$2699.00$6,199 full pack
Power capacity1534Wh2060Wh
Weight35.2 lbs. / 15.5 kg43.2 lbs. /19.6 kg
    Charging time (Using solar panels)  6 hours (AC adapter) 9.5 hours (2xSolarSaga) 5 hours (4xSolarSaga 100W) 13 hours (Carport)2.6 hours (AC adapter) 13 hours (1xSolarSaga 200W) 3 hours (4xSolarSaga 200W) 18 hours (12V car adapter)
Number of ports88
Battery management systemYesYes
Battery lifecycles500 cycles to 80%+ capacity500 cycles to 80%+ capacity
Warranty2-year2-year
Where to purchase?JackeryJackery

When it comes to choosing between these two solar generators, then it is critical to keep in mind your special requirements and use-cases of the device.

If you are intending to use the device for heavy-duty applications and to deal with prolonged energy blackouts, then Jackery 2000 Pro is the best way to go.

While, if your budget is low but still needs a reliable and powerful solar generator, then the Jackery 1500 is a decent choice. It offers a delicate balance between price, portability, and capacity.

So, which Jackery portable power station is the best?

Simply put – It depends upon your energy requirements. If your energy requirement is small, then you should go with Jackery 160, 240, 300, or maybe 500.

While if you are running on a short budget but your energy requirements are quite high. Then you must choose Jackery Explorer 1000 or Explorer 1000 Pro. These two devices offer a great balance between price and value.

While Jackery 1500 and Jackery 2000 Pro are for heavy-duty use. These devices offer enough juice to keep all your devices running for a longer time.

Conclusion

We hope this blog post helped you make a good purchasing decision. You may also read the FAQ section to get more of your question answered. However, if you have still any doubts left on your mind, let us know. We will help you out.

FAQs

Do I have to purchase Jackery solar generator and SolarSaga panels together?

It is not necessary but we would highly recommend you purchase them together. With solar panels, you can eliminate your carbon footprint.

What is the most powerful Jackery portable solar generator?

Is Jackery’s solar generator worth the money?

Simply put, Yes, a Jackery solar generator is definitely worth the investment.

Are Jackery Products waterproof?

Unfortunately, Jackery portable power stations are not waterproof. You have to take them indoors in case of a cloudburst.