Are you looking for a reliable and affordable way to power your devices while on the go? The Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 is the perfect solution.

In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at this powerful solar generator and what it has to offer.

My Experience With Jackery Explorer 500

The Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 is an excellent portable power station that’s more affordable than similar products from Goal Zero. It’s not your everyday battery pack, weighing in at just 13.3 lbs with its longest dimension only 12 inches. 

It’s easy to charge in less than 8 hours using solar panels and you can use it while it’s charging. This is an ideal setup since the Jackery does support pass-thru charging. The combination of solar power and such a versatile power station makes for a great product that is built well and reliable. 

Even compared to units of lesser or greater cost, the Jackery 500 stands out as a solid unit with great battery life even at lower loads. If you need to store it in a motorhome or campervan, the Jackery carrying case is lined like a cool bag to help protect it.

All in all, the Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 is a good investment no matter your electrical setup.

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Design Features

The Jackery Explorer 500 is a powerful and reliable portable power station that comes with a variety of features to make it an ideal choice for camping, road trips, and other outdoor activities. It has a sleek and modern design with a solid black exterior and a bright LED display on the front.

The device is also equipped with four USB ports, two AC outlets, one DC port, and one car port for charging multiple devices at once.

Additionally, the device is equipped with a safety switch and surge protection to prevent overcharging and overheating. Furthermore, the Jackery Explorer 500 is designed with a built-in handle for easy portability.

Battery Capacity

The Jackery Explorer 500 has a massive 500 watt-hour battery capacity that makes it perfect for long-term off-grid use. It’s capable of powering all your essential devices – including laptops and phones – for hours and is also able to run small appliances like mini-fridges and TVs.

It’s equipped with an LCD screen so you can easily monitor its charge levels, and it supports both AC and DC charging. This means you can quickly and easily recharge the battery from any standard wall outlet or solar panel.

The battery is also protected from damage caused by overcharging, short circuits, and overvoltage.

Charging Flexibility

The Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station offers a lot of charging flexibility. It supports pass-through charging, which means it can take in a charge while outputting power to a device. It has dual AC outlets, a 12V carport, and two USB ports.

This makes it ideal for powering a variety of devices such as laptops, lights, drones, and more. It also has an LED display that shows the current charge level and remaining run time. This helps you stay on top of your power needs and adjust accordingly.

The Jackery Explorer 500 is also compatible with solar panels, allowing you to charge up wherever the sun is shining.

Safety & Reliability

The Jackery Explorer 500 is built with safety and reliability in mind. It has over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, and over-temperature protection built in. The power station also has a fan that cools the system during operation and prevents it from overheating.

Additionally, the Explorer 500 is FCC, CE and ROHS certified, ensuring that it meets safety standards. The external casing of the power station is also made from fire-resistant materials for added protection. All these features make the Jackery Explorer 500 a highly reliable and safe power station.

Solar Panel Compatibility

The Jackery Explorer 500 is compatible with the SolarSaga 100 panel, a 100 watt monocrystalline solar panel designed to work in tandem with the Jackery power station.

The SolarSaga 100 is lightweight and foldable, made of high-efficiency monocrystalline cells, and comes with an 8mm charging cable, making it easy to connect to the Jackery Explorer 500.

This means that you can charge the power station directly from the sun, enabling you to access a renewable source of energy while camping, in remote areas, or during a power outage. The solar panel can even be used while on the go to ensure that your devices always stay powered.

Setup Process and User Experience

The Jackery Explorer 500 is incredibly easy to get up and running. It comes with a user manual and a few simple steps to get it ready for use. To begin, you need to charge it for about 5-6 hours using the included wall charger.

Once charged, you can connect any of your compatible devices using the various ports – USB-C, USB-A, and AC – depending on your needs.

The Jackery App is especially useful as it allows you to monitor your battery status, control the ports, and check the history of your usage. You can also set your own preferences such as charging times, notifications, and more.

Additionally, the Explorer 500 has a number of safety features such as overcharge protection, short circuit protection, and temperature control. All these features make it safe and reliable for all your power needs.

Output Capability and Efficiency

The Jackery Explorer 500 is an impressive solar generator when it comes to output capability and efficiency. This power station offers a peak output of 500 watts and features a 500Wh lithium-ion battery that is capable of powering multiple devices simultaneously.

It also has three fast charging USB ports (3.4A), two AC outlets for larger devices, and a DC car port for powering 12V accessories.

The Jackery Explorer 500 has a solar input of up to 120 watts, allowing it to be charged quickly and efficiently with the SolarSaga 100 panel. This solar panel is equipped with an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) controller for maximum efficiency, which means it can charge the Explorer 500 faster than other solar panels.

The MPPT controller also ensures that the Explorer 500 is charging at the most efficient and effective rate possible, so you can be sure you are getting the most out of your solar power.

Noise Levels and Heat Generation

The Jackery Explorer 500 is a silent power station, meaning it generates no noise or vibration when in use. This makes it ideal for camping or other outdoor activities where low noise levels are essential.

Additionally, the unit does not generate any additional heat when in use, meaning it can be used safely in confined spaces without the risk of overheating. This is an important factor to consider when choosing a power station.

Portability & Weight Considerations

The Jackery Explorer 500 is a great choice for those looking for a portable solar generator. At just over 13 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to be transported and can easily fit into a backpack. It’s also rugged and durable, meaning it can handle a bit of rough treatment and still work reliably.

In addition, the power station includes a carrying handle, making it easy to grab and go. This means that you can take the Jackery almost anywhere with you, allowing you to have access to power no matter where you go.

Jackery App Preview 

The Jackery App is a great way to stay connected with your generator. It allows you to monitor the charge levels and output power of your Explorer 500. You can also use the app to customize your settings, including the types of devices the generator can charge.

Additionally, you can check the health of your battery and receive notifications when it’s time to recharge or when the generator is in need of maintenance. The app also comes with safety features such as an emergency shutdown button to prevent overcharging and overheating.

All in all, this app is a great way to keep your generator running smoothly and safely.

Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 Alternative

The Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500 is a great mid-level power station and a great choice for those who want to get started in solar energy. But if you’re looking for something with a bit more power, the Jackery SolarSaga 100 Portable Power Station is the best alternative.

With 1002Wh of capacity, it has double the power of the Explorer 500 and can provide enough power for up to 10 devices simultaneously. It also has two AC outlets, two DC outlets, and a USB-C port, so you can charge almost any device you need.

Plus, it’s compatible with both the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel and other 100W panels, so you can easily create a portable solar generator setup that fits your needs.

Conclusion

Jackery Explorer 500

Check Price

Capacity: 518Wh
USB-C Port: No
Fully Charged: 5.5 hr
Charge Cycles: 500+
Weight: 13.3 Pounds

The Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station is a great choice for those looking for a mid-level power station that is easy to take outdoors and use to power small devices.

With its 500Wh of battery capacity and pass-thru charging, it can handle most of the power needs of a small campervan or RV. The SolarSaga 100 panel is a great companion to the Explorer 500, and the two together make a powerful and reliable solar generator that can be taken just about anywhere.

The Jackery App allows users to monitor their power station’s performance and use it as an efficient and safe charging station. If you’re looking for a reliable and portable solar generator, the Jackery Explorer 500 and SolarSaga 100 panel are worth considering.