The Jackery Solar Generator Provides Easy Portable Power
I recently had the opportunity through special collaboration with Camper Report to show you the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro. Jackery provided this complete setup for us to test and review; we did not purchase this unit.
The basics
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is made up of two components: the Explorer 2000 Pro portable power station and six SolarSaga 200W folding solar panels.
The combination of these products converts sun energy captured by solar panels into electrical power. It then stores it in the portable power station for later use. Of course, the 2000 Pro can be charged by conventional means as well.
Many folks are looking into solar generators because they are almost silent. They’re simple to use, and there is no additional maintenance or ongoing fuel costs. There is no gasoline smell or fumes to worry about, which is a big plus in close-quarters camping.
This solar generator is perfect for home emergency backup, but it still packs up into portable pieces you can take camping.
Solar generator features
Inputs and outputs
There are three AC outlets, two USB-A outlets, two USB-C outlets, a 12V car plug outlet, and an LED light with low, high, and SOS modes. It has a 50AH battery, which at 43.2V translates to a 2160Wh and can provide 2200 watts of AC power at a peak output of 4400 watts.
This power station can be fully charged with six 200-watt solar panels in only two and a half hours, and in just two hours using the AC wall plug. It comes with a three-year warranty, plus an additional two-year extension if you order directly from Jackery’s website or submit a form with purchase information from an authorized third party reseller.
In addition to the two-hour AC recharge time, and the two-and-a-half hour recharge with the six solar panels, the Jackery can be recharged via the DC car plug in 24 hours; four 200-watt solar panels will charge it in about four hours; two panels in seven-and-a-half hours; and one panel in 14.5 hours.
Form factor
While the 2000-watt Pro solar generator is portable, it’s not necessarily light. The power station comes in at 43 lbs, and each 200-watt solar panel is just over 17.5 lbs. Plus, all the cables add up to an approximate kit weight of 150 lbs.
This unit has exterior dimensions of 15.1 x 10.5 x 12.1 inches. It can be used in temperatures ranging from 14–104°F; however, it’s important to note that Jackery states the battery needs to be at 32°F or warmer to accept a charge.
The power
This 2000-watt unit is rated to power a 13-watt light bulb for 100 hours, a 60-watt television for 22 hours, a 21-watt refrigerator for 70 hours, or an 1100-watt electric hotplate for 90 minutes. Remember, they cycle on and off and don’t constantly use power.
Of course, these times are estimates. If you are charging with the solar panels at the same time, those numbers can go on indefinitely, as long as the sun is putting in as much or more energy than is being used.
The technology
The Jackery power station is a pure sine wave inverter that uses sophisticated technology to protect even the most sensitive electronics. As a result, pure sine wave inverters produce power that equals or is better than the power in your home. You can feel comfortable powering all of your electronic devices with this Jackery unit.
All Jackery portable power stations contain lithium batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are typically rated for 500 complete charge cycles, which is typically two or three years of use, depending on the duty cycle. At that point, you will have about 80% of your original battery capacity, and it will gradually reduce from there, but Jackery states the 2000 Pro should be expected to perform at up to 80% battery capacity for around 1000 charge cycles.
The Jackery portable power station supports pass-through charging and can provide 1800 watts of output when being charged via AC power or a combination of AC and DC power. If the unit is being charged only via DC power with the solar panels or the car charger, it is rated to output a max of 2200 watts of power. However, Jackery notes that frequent use of the pass through feature isn’t suggested, as it could reduce the battery lifespan.
I found it awesome that the Jackery priorities green energy first. When both AC and DC solar charging is detected, the power station will charge first, utilizing the DC solar and then filling the rest with AC power. Please note that Jackery states it is unsafe to charge the power station via both DC charging methods, solar and car plug, at the same time.
Using the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro
Jackery suggests keeping the battery above 20% charge for optimal battery longevity. If you aren’t going to use your Jackery power station for an extended period of time (three months or more), it is suggested that you keep the battery above 50% charge. Make sure to turn off all power ports so they don’t drain the battery and recharge the power station every three months to full capacity.
The unit has a low power, auto shutoff feature in case you forget to turn off a device plugged into the power station. For draws less than 25 watts on the AC outlets, or less than or equal to two watts on the USB or DC car plug outlet, the power outlets will automatically turn off after 12 hours. If you wish to turn this feature off, you can do so by pressing the AC and Display buttons simultaneously until the “12 inside a circle“ icon appears on screen.
The solar panel charging cable is nine feet long, while the AC charging cord and the DC car charging cords are each six feet long. The main screen goes to sleep to save battery usage, but if you want it to remain on, you can double tap the Display button to keep it constantly on.
Conclusion
Overall, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro is a SUPER powerful unit. It is a perfect addition if you’re looking for major portable solar power right out of the box. That power and flexibility come with a large price tag as well.
While this large unit would be perfect for home backup power, and it definitely powered our RV for multi-day off-grid excursions, the size and weight of the power station, along with six 200-watt folding solar panels, might be a dealbreaker for those with smaller RVs. You can find all Jackery products at Jackery.com.
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