Jackery 1000: What I Love & Hate About This Solar Generator

Last Updated on September 25, 2023 by kiezelamquiz

Jackery has announced the new Jackery 1500 and Jackery 2000 with much faster input charging and 2200W peak output. Big improvements on some of my main criticisms of the 1000

If you’re seeking a powerful, portable power generator, then the Jackery 1000 may be for you. This solar generator is ideal for taking with you on camping trips or for use as an emergency power supply when the power goes out, such as using this generator in your apartment. But it has its downsides, like a slow charging speed, and steep price.

I took the Jackery 1000 on a two-week camping/teardrop trailer trip around Oregon this summer as my primary generator. I used it mainly to power my portable freezer. The Jackery 1000 was rock-solid on the trip. It handled smoke, sand, and powered from my EU2000i gas generator with ease. I think if I do a trip like that again, pairing 1000 with the EcoFlow delta, and a backup gas generator like the Honda EU2000i would be the ultimate power trifecta for boondocking or RV’ing.

Jackery Explorer is well-known for its durable, quality power stations, and the Explorer 1000 is the largest they make. Its 1002Wh capacity, 1000W rated power, and multiple-output charge/recharge ports make it a diverse and flexible product. This powerful energy supply also makes it one of the strongest portable power stations in the solar power generator market.

In this review, we’ll cover the ins and outs of the Jackery Explorer 1000 to see if it’s a good fit for you!

Brief Overview of the Jackery 1000

The power contained within the Explorer 1000 portable power station means it is able to supply the majority of electrical appliances in your home and beyond. It can take a range of items, from smartphones, tablets, and laptops to fans and coolers.

If you don’t like to be without power because you need access to your work or like being connected to people, the Jackery 1000 portable power station is the ideal solution. You can take it with you anywhere you go, ensuring that you’re never without a reliable power supply.

Moreover, it is a solid backup solution. The solar panel explorer 1000 has a clear LCD screen displaying the charge and discharge data and battery life status, enabling you to keep track of when the device needs recharging.

Jackery 1000 Functions and Ease of Use

The Jackery Explorer 1000 power station is a useful product for emergency power shortage situations. If you own one and keep it well charged, you will always have a reliable backup.

It is easy to use, with a sleek finish, clear digital display, and simple instructions. The multiple functions embedded within the compact Jackery Explorer 1000 model make it a powerful product that can be used in a number of different situations.

Portable & Compact

A battery-powered generator like the Jackery Explorer 1000 is incredibly easy to use. As the name itself suggests, the product is portable and can therefore be taken anywhere. You can even use this generator inside your aparment!

Weighing just 22lbs, the Jackery Explorer 1000 is relatively light and compact. It has rubber feet, making it easy to place both indoors and outdoors, and a rigid handle that makes it even easier to transport. Although 22lbs forms quite a chunky product, it is light compared to many other portable power stations on the market.

Solar Power Systems

The Jackery Explorer power station is an off-grid generator with a solar-led green energy system. This makes it a valuable product in a competitive, environmentally aware market.

The product can be recharged by connecting two SolarSaga 100W solar panels together along with an adaptor cable. This cable is included with the product purchase, making it easier than ever to keep the power station running for hours.

This energy-efficient solar system makes the power station ideal for outdoor recreations. It can be successfully used in RVs and trailers, with its powerful battery providing reliable support.

For outdoor parties or simple stay-at-home evenings, the Jackery 1000 power station can power a number of devices. You can link up a radio, mini cooler, or even a projector to keep guests and family refreshed and entertained.

The 1002Wh capacity battery gives various appliances a greater running time. This means you don’t have to worry about them running out of battery just when you most need to use them.

Charging Functions

With this solar-powered system, the Jackery Explorer 1000 can be recharged within the short space of 8 hours. This means it can easily be re-powered for 8 hours during the night or throughout the day in preparation for an outdoor evening event. It doesn’t have nearly the speed of the EcoFlow Delta 1300. Nothing matches the EcoFlow delta right now in charging speed.

In my real-world charging test, I was able to go from 0% to 100% charge in 7 hours, 45 minutes, and 20 seconds.

Whatever you need the power station for, its quick charge system of 8 hours makes it a solid purchase. If connected to a single panel, the recharging time is slightly longer, however, taking approximately 17 hours.

Although single 100w solar panel charging does take longer, it ultimately results in the same functionality and number of usable hours.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 can also be recharged from AC outlets and from 12v car accessory ports. This gives it greater mobility, enabling it to be used in a variety of situations.

If you are camping, for example, being able to charge the explorer from a 12v carport is helpful. Recharging time using vehicle systems or AC outlets takes between 7 and 14 hours. While this may still seem like a long charge time, it is still quicker than using a single solar panel.

Multiple Device Functions

Multiple devices may be charged up from the Jackery Explorer 1000 which may save you from wasting a working day, being cut off from family and friends, or spending the night in complete darkness.

Higher wattage and capacity enable the Jackery 1000 to feature three standard Pure Sine Wave AC outlets. These pure sine wave features, provide the system with an even greater capacity to power multiple AC appliances.

Here’s a list of the multiple output ports included in the Jackery Explorer 1000:

• 2 USB C
• 2 USB
• 1 DC Carport
• 3 AC Outlets

This means you can go off the grid and still be able to power all your devices whether that’s a camera, laptop, or electric grill!

The more power outlets the better, especially if you own and use multiple appliances. The Jackery Explorer 1000 is designed for customers who require high power, multi-function power station, but this doesn’t mean it’s not right for more casual use.

What I love about this solar generator

I love the ergonomics of this battery pack. Even with its mega capacity, it is still easy to carry one-handed around a campsite, or sling into your truck.

I love the design. It looks sleek and matches the design of the rest of the Jackery series.

What I don’t love about the Jackery 100

The number one drawback to the Jackery 1000 is its charging speed. Compared to the blazing speed of over 1,000+ watts of power input of the Ecoflow Delta 1300, the Jackery 1000 feels like it is charging from a slow drip of a facet vs the might Mississippi river of power the Delta can take in.

I did a full real-world test charging the battery from 0% to 100% and recorded the whole process here:

As you can see, it took 6 hours 45 min 20 seconds to get to 100% full charge. Faster than the advertised 7-hour speed, but still a long-time if you are running a generator at a campsite to charge.

Besides that one big complaint, the Jackery 1000 is much quieter than the Delta, and I like its design and ergonomics much better. It’s $300 cheaper as well.

Jackery 1000 Noise Levels

Gasoline generators tend to be incredibly noisy. This can be disturbing if you’re holding outdoor events or parties and can also get in the way of quiet trips or may disturb your children during a power cut.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 is a battery-powered generator. The system, powered by 100w solar panels, is designed to run quietly and can easily go unnoticed. Solar energy doesn’t require gasoline or an engine and a green-powered portable power station is often a preferable option.

The absence of generator noise makes the Jackery Explorer 1000 an easy generator to use in any setting. Whether it’s being used in the home during a power outage, in an RV, or at an outdoor event, it shouldn’t bother you in any way. In fact, it could be considered as one of the best solar generators for RV usage due to its quiet operation and portability.

In addition, there are no dangerous fumes linked to its functionality, so you can use the Explorer safely without having to worry.

The Jackery 1000 does have internal fans that can generate some noise. When the battery is putting out full power or taking in a full charge, the fans will kick into high gear and can be heard across a room. They are not nearly as loud as the EcoFlow Delta 1300, and of these two large-capacity generators I recommend, the Jackery 1000 is much quieter.

Jackery 1000 Drawbacks

While the Jackery Explorer 1000 is a powerful, efficient, and compact solar generator, it does have some drawbacks.

The battery is quite hefty and requires a good place to sit and some strength to carry. Its solar panel-powered system makes it lighter than many counterparts, but the power it generates requires a solid host.

Although the charging adaptor comes as part of the Explorer 1000 package, this is just another item to lug around. Having multiple parts can decrease ease of use, making the portable Explorer 1000 more of a hassle.

What You Can Power With It

The Jackery Explorer 1000 portable power station can power most devices and appliances. While it can’t run everything on a continuous basis, it is able to handle multiple devices at the same time.

Below are listed several items which the Explorer 1000 portable is able to power:

• Phone
• Laptop
• Light
• Mini cooler
• Blender
• Refrigerator
• Electric Grill

I’ve tested the Jackery 1000 powering my fridge, as well as a vacuum cleaner. It powered my household fridge & freezer combo with no problem. While it passed the vacuum test, it didn’t output the highest amount of Watts needed to give full power to the vacuum-like 120v AC did or the EcoFlow Delta 1300.

Here is the Jackery 1000 passing my fridge test:

And the vacuum test:

The Jackery Explorer 1000 solar power product is specially designed to enable the simultaneous powering of multiple devices. This flexibility, along with its mobility, makes it ideal for powering devices both in your home and outdoors.

Service, Warranty & Manual

The Jackery Explorer 1000 comes with a two-year warranty. This means that you are able to use it worry-free for a reasonable amount of time. The warranty period is measured from the date of purchase through to that date 24 months later.

The warranty is also linked to free shipping and returns systems which make the Explorer 1000 portable power station easy to buy and send back should there be any issues.

The Explorer 1000 model is a secure choice of purchase and a reliable source of support. To obtain a professional service, the Jackery Explorer team should be contacted directly. They are able to help with a variety of issues and deal with repairs, replacements, or refunds should any of these options be required.

The Explorer 1000 user manual offers a comprehensive guide to the solar generator. It provides a clear list of specifications, followed by a page of FAQ and an easy-to-use manual. The manual section offers clear instructions on how to use the power, charging, and safety functions.

The Competition

With any product, there is always high competition. The Jackery Explorer 1000 has the advantage of being one of the most powerful portable power stations, but there are other quick-charge, solar generators that still stand their ground.

Keeping up with the competition is tough. The Explorer 1000 faces several competitors, all run via solar panels, but it still maintains its own strengths which make it stand out from other products.

I took a number of photos of the size comparison of the Explorer 1000 vs its smaller cousin the Jackery 500. As well as its main competitor the EcoFlow Delta 1300 and its smaller new cousin the River 600.

Here’s a video of the size comparisons:

Below are listed just a few of the power station competitors that the Explorer 1000 faces:

Jackery 1000 vs EcoFlow Delta 1300

These two generators are like the Lakers vs the Celtics of Li-Ion matchups. Both have impressive records, and both could be champions. The EF Delta 1300 has the fastest charging of any larger battery available right now. It’s incredible. But it is loud, heavy, and not as ergonomic as the Jackery 1000. I love both of these generators, and if I didn’t need to charge often, I would pick the Jackery 1000.

The Delta 1300 is more expensive, by $300-$400, but has a higher capacity and output.

• Power: 1,260Wh
• Charge time: 1.5 hours
• USB-A Output (x2): 5V DC, 2.4A,12W Max, per port
• USB-A Fast Charge (x2): 5V DC, 9V DC, 12V DC, 20V DC, 3A, 60W Max, per port
• USB-C Output (x2): 5v DC, 9V DC, 15V DC, 20V DC, 3A, 60W Max, per port
• Car Power Output (x1): 13.6V DC, 8A, 108.8W Max

Jackery 1000 vs Goal Zero Yeti 400

While the Goal Zero is much quicker to charge and has easier connection ports, the power is again much lower than the Jackery Explorer 1000 which means it isn’t as effective as charging multiple devices.

• Power: 396Wh
• Charge time: Can be charged easily within 5 hours, a much reduced time compared to the Jackery Explorer
• Power Outlets: Chainable with other lead-acid batteries

Goal Zero Yeti 1400

This Goal Yeti Zero is another serious competitor. With an incredibly powerful battery, it beats its opponents on the market. It is also waterproof which adds another dimension to its already solid design.

The power station is however a heavier product that may put some consumers off. It also has similar a charge time to the Jackery Explorer 1000 carport or AC outlet hours.

• Power: 1425Wh
• Charge time: 14 hours
• Power Outlets: Wifi connectivity available. Can also be charged in a 12V carport.

Reviews and Customer Ratings

While reviews for the Jackery Explorer 1000 don’t appear in abundance, those that do exist are highly rated. Customers have written only positive comments about the product which naturally works in its favor.

The Explorer 1000 has been labeled as a great all-in-one product with an easy delivery, excellent power, and a reasonable weight. Online reviewers have suggested it to be a good solar generator for hurricane season where power cuts are frequent, for camping trips, and for a multitude of other purposes. Some even regard it as the best portable generator for camping due to its versatile features and reliable performance in outdoor settings.

Should You Buy It?

If you have ever found yourself caught out without a power supply or often go out camping, the Explorer 1000 power supply unit is a useful product to have. It enables you to stay connected with the world in times of need so you can keep working during the day and feel safe during the night.

The portable power Explorer 1000 prepares you for all kinds of situations. As a quiet, green, and clean product, it is a worthy choice. While it does have strong competitors and some downfalls, the positive elements far outweigh any negatives.