Solar generator manufacturers have to move with the times. That also means: modern connections for the requirements of the mobile generation. And specifically: USB-C ports with fast charging mode. The American manufacturer has not yet resolved this satisfactorily in the Jackery Explorer 1000. In the improved Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro, it has now been significantly improved. Of course also under the hood:
| Explorer 1000 Pro | Explorer 1000 |
|---|---|
| Li-ion battery with NMC technology and battery management system (BMS) | Li-ion battery with NMC technology and battery management system (BMS) |
| Capacity: 1,002 Wh (43.2 V, 23.2 Ah) | Capacity: 1,002 Wh (21.6 V, 46.4 Ah) |
| 1000+ charge cycles with >80% capacity | 500+ charge cycles with >80% capacity |
| New color screen | black and white screen |
| Outputs: 2x AC/AC at 1,000 W (2000 W peak), pure sine wave 2x USB-A up to 18W (Quick Charge 3.0) 2x USB-C up to 100W (Dual PD) Car: 12V*10A |
Outputs: 2x AC/AC at 1,000 W (2000 W peak), pure sine wave 1x USB-A (up to 12 watts) 1x USB-A up to 18W (QuickCharge 3.0) 2x USB-C (up to 18 watts) Car: 12V*10A |
| DC input up to 22A, 800W max. | DC input: 163W max. |
| Charging time: from 1.8 hours (via household socket or 4x SolarSaga 200W solar panels) | Charging time: from 7.5 hours (via household socket or 8 hours with 2x SolarSaga 100W solar panels) |
| Operating temperature: -10 to +40°C | Operating temperature: -10 to +40°C |
| Dimensions: 34 x 26.2 x 25.5 cm | Dimensions: 33.3 x 23.3 x 28.3 cm |
| Weight: 11.5 kg | Weight: 10kg |
| Noise development: up to 46 dB(A) | Noise development: up to 55 dB(A) |
| Price, about 1,300 euros | Price, about 1250 euros |
Jackety Explorer 1000 Pro: Advantages
As you can probably tell from the specs, the Explorer 1000 Pro is a good idea if you’re considering buying a high-capacity Jackery solar generator. It does almost everything better than the “simple” Explorer 1000 and costs – at the time of writing – only 50 euros more.
In addition, it got even more guaranteed charge cycles: a minimum of 1,000 instead of the previous 500. This does not mean, however, that the two generators would stop working once these charge cycles were reached: their maximum capacity subsequently only decreased to about 80 percent of the original value.
You can charge the new generator with a higher input current of up to 800 watts and therefore much faster. Compared to the Explorer 1000, the charging time via a socket has been reduced from 7.5 to 1.8 hours.
Whether the new, “ergonomic” carrying handle is that much better remains to be seen. It wasn’t bad in the Explorer 1000 either. It sure is nice that you can fold it now when you’re not using it.
The equipment of the USB charging sockets is definitely better now. The USB-A interfaces now both have 18 watts and use Qualcomm QuickCharge 3.0 – although that won’t be very fast in 2022.
The USB-C interfaces both deliver up to 100 watts and even simultaneously (dual PD). And that’s great, because until now almost no mobile power plant can do that. You can even use it to quickly charge two smartphones with the right equipment at the same time or to charge many notebooks powered via USB-C.
Explorer 1000 Pro: a no-brainer if it’s meant to be jackety
With up to 46 dB(A), the Explorer 1000 Pro is said to be whisper-quiet. That would be welcome, because the fan in the Explorer 1000 that we tested becomes annoying over time and is significantly louder at 55 dB(A). But for a final volume assessment, I’d like to do comparative testing first.
And then there’s the new screen. Jackery now uses a color display with more gauges and overview. At least at first glance, this looks very nice in my eyes:
Not necessarily an advantage: The Explorer 1000 Pro weighs slightly more than the Explorer 1000 at 11.5 kg compared to 10 kg. And unfortunately on the product images it seems as if the manufacturer has reoriented towards similar small and clumsy control buttons, which competitor EcoFlow also uses in, for example, the River Pro. This is unfortunate. In the smaller Explorer 500, Jackery still comfortably uses large control buttons.
Cheaper in a bundle
On the other hand, it is nice – as with older power stations from the manufacturer – that the Jackery has the complete control panel and all connections on the front. By comparison, the otherwise very good EcoFlow Delta Mini is constantly tossing and turning because some controls are on the front and others on the back.
Jackery also presents new mobile solar panels that match the new power plant. The 80W solar module SolarSaga 80W is now double-sided and can now also generate a few extra watts from the back thanks to a translucent glass structure. The new panel should cost RRP 250 euros; the Explorer 1000 Pro 1,300 euros. Both are available at specialty stores. Jackery also offers discounted bundles of power plants and solar panels as “solar generators”.