Testimonial about Jackery
Posted by Sufficient-Pie129@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 86 comments
Hey folks, thought you might like to hear whether Jackery portable power stations are worth the money. So we bought one during the pandemic so that I could work from my car (I used to work on the road and stop in coffee shops so this way I could set up a chair and use my trunk as a table between meetings.) it was perfect for this. The battery lasts forever and there are ports for everything.
Then, last year, I was at my dentist and there was a neighborhood power outage right before my appointment. This dentist specializes in mouthguards for snoring and apnea and TMJ. Anyway, he came in and said he would have to cancel all appointments because he could not use his tools. I said ‘one sec’ and ran out to my car. I lent him my Jackery for the day and he was able to plug in his dremel and complete everyone’s mouthguards.
This has bought me a lot of brownie points with this dentist, as you can imagine. :)
Anyway it’s a great thing to have and you could charge cell phones a bunch of times off of it. Highly recommend.
parmboy@reddit
Phew. I just bought one yesterday and was hoping this post wasn’t going to be a scathing review
ewgilmore@reddit
Curious your thoughts after owning it a while now?
parmboy@reddit
I haven't had the need to use it but it's been about 8 months and still at 100% battery
Seppostralian@reddit
I was planning on buying one soon to upgrade my current power storage situation. I’ll definitely get one now considering most everyone has positive things to say about their power stations!
Sufficient-Pie129@reddit (OP)
Yay!
steffansk8@reddit
Which model do you have that it has that level of output? Like the charge life and the ability to take care of a dentist office for a day hahaha
Sufficient-Pie129@reddit (OP)
It’s an older model so I can’t tell you exactly but it is about the size of a car battery and has a carrying hanldd
thepottsy@reddit
My GF and I have one that we use in her camper van quite frequently, and have used it for other things as well. Works great, holds a charge for a very long time. I tested it recently with a small refrigerator cooler thing that we camp with. Fully charged Jackery, plugged in the fridge, set the temp at like 38, so it would have to work. 24 hours later the Jackery was at 96% battery level.
howdidwegerhere@reddit
What electric fridge do you have?
thepottsy@reddit
The brand is Alpicool, not sure the model #
Accomplished_Cash_30@reddit
What model jackery
thepottsy@reddit
I don't remember off the top of my head, but I know they no longer sell the one we have. It should be the equivalent of the current 1000 Plus.
joelnicity@reddit
Which model do you have?
thepottsy@reddit
OK, it’s the Explorer 1500. We have the solar panel for it as well, but I’ve personally never needed to use it. She used it once, and said “it works, but you need really clear and good sunlight”.
Bloodless10@reddit
Can I charge it with any solar panels or is there some proprietary connection I’ll need? I guess I’m asking what the input needs to be?
BaldyCarrotTop@reddit
Yes.
Most solar panels come with MC4 connectors. Jackery has a 8mm (I think) barrel jack for it's solar input. You can buy a MC4 to barrel adapter.
Comfortable_Guide622@reddit
I bought an 'adaptor' for all kinds of things from amazon and stuck them in my prep stuff
chillintoday@reddit
I'll post a link below
joelnicity@reddit
I see a 1000 or a 2000 on Amazon, no 1500
thepottsy@reddit
Had this one for about 2 years now. This particular model doesn’t even show up on the Jackery website now, as I am just noticing.
joelnicity@reddit
Thanks!
thepottsy@reddit
Let me go grab a beer, and I’ll check which one it is.
chillintoday@reddit
grab me one while you're out there.... thanks !
thepottsy@reddit
I got Miller Lite, and some sort of All Day IPA.
mopharm417@reddit
You need to listen to The Brothers Comatose "we don't want no ipa"
chillintoday@reddit
I'm good with the IPA!
thepottsy@reddit
Good, I prefer the Miller lol.
joelnicity@reddit
You guys drink the beer, I have to drive. I just want the model number haha
FortunateHominid@reddit
I have a 300 Explorer and can confirm they are solid. Used on multiple camping trips as well as a couple power outages. Can recharge from 20%-100% with decent sunlight in around 4 hours.
Nice and portable, worth it imo. My unit is around 3 years old and running good as new.
Noone1959@reddit
Interesting, I have had my brand new 3000pro in the CA sunshine for at least 12 hours (adjusting the target dot frequently for max wattage input) and it's up to 23%. I wonder if the 2x100 Watt panels are faulty?
There's not much info about how long charging in full sun should take, or real help troubleshooting.
I got it from Costco, and have learned newer battery tech is available about $300 more? Plus, more storage. Considering returning and upgrading. Advice?
Olefaithfull@reddit
And they recommend the initial charge be from an electrical outlet.
Noone1959@reddit
Thank you, I didn't read the instructions as closely as I should have.
starktargaryen75@reddit
The website says 6* 200 watt panels are a fast charge set up.
FortunateHominid@reddit
When you get into the larger batteries is when you run into trouble with solar based on my experience. It comes down to location and scaling (more/larger) panels.
A friend has the 3000 pro and uses 3 x 200 watt solar panels for charging. His setup is in an RV, with the panels mounted on the roof. Even then it takes almost a full day to charge (6 to 8 hours).
As for upgrading, that depends on your use. I love solar, but the tech is still developing, and scaling with larger batteries is the bottleneck for me. It's great for smaller batteries or less demanding needs since you need fewer panels.
Once I get up to over 1000+ watts I go to a gas generator. For home right now I use a Honda 3000is with a interlock. Put a wheel kit on so easy to roll from the garage and just plug into the panel. Enough to power everything except the central AC.
If you have alternative power sources could always run one while the other is charging. I'd definitely look at upgrading to the 200 watt panels but they are expensive.
Might try checking the power coming from the panels as well. Could be an issue with the connection or panels themselves.
Doyouseenowwait_what@reddit
You will find that the 100 watt panels are underrated for that particular unit. Although the Costco deal was great for the unit itself the unit usually uses 2 200 watt panels. Costco kind of dropped the ball on that one. If it's a starter unit it will serve its purpose in most cases. If you are looking for best biggest baddest then there is newer material tech in battery composition and a bit more costly.
Antique_Adeptness_66@reddit
A power station plus a few hundred watts of solar should be in everyone's closet regardless of prepper mentality. Don't forget to charge cycle it as recommended by the manufacturer; mine says discharge to 30% then recharge to 60% monthly. Although it bums me out that I might only have 50-60% charge in an unexpected outage. Every Black Friday and major disaster they tend to go on sale about 50% off. Buy your own solar within specifications to save a lot.
lowrads@reddit
The best storage, whether manufactured, or DIY, is the one that you use on a regular basis.
If not badly neglected, most LFP systems will run out their calendar aging faster than their cycle life. Remember to let them top balance by fully, but briefly charging them to 100% when able.
MTK20@reddit
No matter how well prepared one is, you can't substitute a good community. It sounds like you played your part in being part of that good community :) .
MayhemJM@reddit
Which one do you have
Sufficient-Pie129@reddit (OP)
It’s older so I don’t see the exact model On the site anymore but it’s about the size of a car battery and has a handle.
XR171@reddit
I have 2 and sorta 3. I got a 100 after I lost power from a tornado for a few days. It's great for charging phones and running my small laptop. Then I got a 1000 with two solar panels. One night of using my CPAP at max drains most of it.
For work I bought and order for the rest of my team 300's. They run our laptops, radios, and POE bricks.
I'm personally hesitant to invest in their house scale battery backups as of right now but I love my current set ups.
Tim72samsunghealth@reddit
Quick question. Does the Jackery have pass through charging? I have a different brand that works great, however, I can't use it while it's charging.
jazzbiscuit@reddit
Can confirm the 1000v2 works just fine while charging from solar panels and from electric.
BeerandGuns@reddit
Comment not on that product but the company itself. We used to buy the Jackery portable power packs for our phones and it was the only ones we used until they stopped making them. On Disney trips or out deer hunting for the weekend, I’d have one of their larger power packs in my bag, never failed me. Loved that it could plug directly into an outlet to recharge instead of using a cord. I’d trust a product from the company.
BaldyCarrotTop@reddit
I hate that they did that. I have a couple of Jackery Giants that I use quite often. I went to buy two more, only to discover that they no longer made them. I'm just kind of pissed about that.
Sufficient-Pie129@reddit (OP)
Who do you like for purse-sized power packs now? I need a new one, and I was a big Anker fan but my new one was a total lemon.
BeerandGuns@reddit
My wife dug around reviews and started buying LOVELEDI brand power packs and we haven’t had any issues with them. We have a couple of the 15000 mAh models. Not an endorsement, just what we use and don’t have any issues with them.
spookalip@reddit
There on sale at the moment £299 in uk
jackfruitjohn@reddit
True story - My Reddit name is an homage to my Jackery because it may have saved my life.
10/10 Would buy again.
SeriousGoofball@reddit
I have an Ecoflow, but in general, same thoughts. I highly recommend getting a good quality power station if it's in your budget.
I would also recommend looking at your expected needs and going bigger, not smaller. Those little 300 and 500 watt systems are fine for recharging a phone, but I'd start at a minimum of 2000 watts and preferably bigger.
skittishspaceship@reddit
youre into 'prepping' and youre buying meme company battery packs and charging cell phones? none of that stuff is serviceable without manufacturing and is completely pointless in a prep scenario.
obviously, the whole prep idea is insane. but its funny to see it co-opted by people who arent even prepping. just buying luxury tech items.
Wayson@reddit
Jackery is not a meme product. I think that they are maybe one of the top 3 most popular inverter-battery makers out there along with Bluetti and EcoFlow. The advantage to buying an all in one with charge controller and inverter built in is the small form factor and easy portability. I have built two solar systems from components and I also own several all in one systems so that I do not have to run extension cords for 100 feet.
I would much rather have someone buy a Jackery with LFP chemistry than have no power options at all and I think that anyone who survived Helene would have preferred to have a 200W panel and a 1kWh Jackery.
skittishspaceship@reddit
Hmmm founded in 2012. Looks like a silicon valley venture capital funded startup.
Those suck.
goinupthegranby@reddit
Calling battery storage non practical as a prep is a hilarious take.
Ever had a power outage at your house? I'm past ten years without ever losing power, because I have solar panels and a battery bank.
skittishspaceship@reddit
Right and all that would soon be junk in a prepper situation.
Are you guys planning on the power going out at your house or society crumbling and full survivalist anarchy?
Because what you sound like is a bunch of people stroking it over their consumerism tech e-junk they bought. Like a generator is some novel amazing thing.
So which is it? Both are hilarious. Just tell me which it is.
Fheredin@reddit
Hot air hot take alert? Clearly you haven't read much of the sub because very little about prepping is about TEOTWAWKI or the great undead uprising. (These are occasionally used as amusing theoretical vacuums, although I would remind you that locally experiencing something like TEOTWAWKI is very possible.)
Actual disasters include things like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. These happen all the time and almost every place in the world is subject to some kind of disaster.
Electronics are a part of prepping these days. Freezers are how we store food and phones are how we communicate.
FortunateHominid@reddit
Depends on what you're prepping for. Most people aren't prepping for some apocalyptic scenarios, but local and national emergencies such as storms and hurricanes.
I bought a jackery for camping. Runs my cpap, phones, and portable fans. In a power outage at home can use it for the same, with a solar panel to recharge it. Helped a lot during the last winter storm when we were without power for 5 days.
skittishspaceship@reddit
you buy meme products, have solar, and post about it on reddit. you are the human distillation of the tyson vs. jake paul fight.
i really hope we do something about this soon. we wont, we are far off from getting there. but at some point in the future, just like trust busting in 1890, we have got to deal with this internet crap.
FortunateHominid@reddit
Jackery was founded in 2012 in the US. They launched the first outdoor portable power stations. They also pioneered portable solar panels. You have no idea what you're talking about.
They build and sell a reliable product. Portable power stations and backup batteries can be lifesaving in an emergency. Worst case, they are very useful when working or doing outdoor activities.
I'm not sure if you're a troll or just ignorant.
Wild_Locksmith_326@reddit
I have 2 1500 watt battery banks, and one set of solar panels. This allows me to charge one while the other is powering my fridge and freezer. I am satisfied with the performance of these units.
chillintoday@reddit
This is a great article on setting up PVs for the Jackery
https://thecampingnerd.com/solar-panel-jackery-explorer-pro-plus/#:~:text=Use%20the%20DC7909%20to%20DC8020%20adapters%20if%20you,compatible%20third%20party%20panels%20that%20use%20MC4%20connectors.
civildefense@reddit
I rarely use mine but it's a lifesaver when I need it
marchcrow@reddit
I second this recommendation. We bought a large one with our stimulus check. We didn't use it much at first but have gotten a lot of use from it lately.
My partner has been trying to dial in her meds and needs some space because some of the symptoms can be very disruptive. So she's opted to sleep in the car and runs everything off of the Jackery. We'd be fucked without it.
Mmmartini@reddit
Jackery is great. I’ve had the Explorer 240 since 2021. It’s been amazing. Small enough to take to the beach/park, road trips, etc. I purchased the Explorer 1000 plus with 2 solar panels a few months ago when it was 50% off. Great deal. I haven’t had a chance to use it yet but I’m sure it’ll hold up.
chillintoday@reddit
I have the 3000 Pro. At 62 lbs, some would not consider it super portable. I throw it in the back of the UTV and I have power literally, anywhere on my property.
Hell, I take it out in the woods and can run my electric chainsaw when doing some trail clearing
fusilmedellin@reddit
I had never considered a portable torture chamber kit, but you have opened my eyes to all sorts of exciting possibilities. Thanks OP!
24North@reddit
Got one on the way along with a dual fuel generator after what we went through with Helene recently. The current sale makes it a no brainer imo. Would have paid for itself just based on the food we lost. Our chest freezer held on for a long time but we were out for over a week.
Tekarau@reddit
So happy to hear a great review! We watched a lot of youtube reviews and just pulled the trigger on a Jackery 1000 & 300 two-pack from Costco. One for us and one as a gift for a parent in Florida (who is still woefully unprepared for hurricanes).
https://www.costco.com/jackery-300-plus-and-1000-plus-solar-generators--2x-100w-solar-panels.product.4000255224.html
manalexicon@reddit
They take awhile to charge up
Sufficient-Pie129@reddit (OP)
Keep it charged
LamarWashington@reddit
What did he use for light?
Sufficient-Pie129@reddit (OP)
Big windows!
superspeck@reddit
We’ve got Bluetti instead of Jackery, but same thing. We got one with 800W of solar panels and 5k watts of storage, which allows us to keep a refrigerator running during the day and run a small window HVAC unit at night to cool the bedroom if the main power is out.
This way, a prolonged summer power outage is somewhat survivable without losing all our food or being unable to sleep.
panicswing@reddit
My mom has a Jackery 1500 that she loves. Last week her power went out and she told me how great the battery life still was after using it. I have to borrow HER Jackery sometimes. She’s not a prepper but I’m proud of her with her one piece of kit.
hotdogaholic@reddit
i got the big one that was like $2k a few years back....
totally worth it!! great for tailgating and camping too
Eredani@reddit
My backup solar generator is a Jackery. It's several years old but still works well.
For the new/main solar generator, I went with Bluetti but EcoFlow is another great brand. The market is pretty competitive, so there are not very many crappy products.
Get ready for massive price increases if tariffs kick in.
TheAncientMadness@reddit
great deal on a jackery just dropped today
the new lifepo4 unit with UPS built in
https://www.reddit.com/r/preppersales/comments/1gtetea/amazon_jackery_explorer_2000_v2_2200w2042wh/
Klyd3zdal3@reddit
Black Friday deals on the Jackery website also
OdesDominator800@reddit
I bought the Dabbson Pro to augment the solar system I put together from components back in 2019. Two 210-watt panels off Amazon plus cables, an MMPT controller to hook to several Marine deep cycle batteries, a 3500-watt pure sine inverter from Tractor Supply, and when the hurricane came and knocked the power out, we slept thru no generator noises. Same thing with the new system, powered both fridge and freezer plus the A/C. This thing can also be charged at those EV car stations and comes with the cable. If you have two and the cable that makes 220v, you can power your wellhouse, although we have a generator for that. https://www.dabbsson.com/
iridescent-shimmer@reddit
Nice! They're on sale on Amazon right now and I meant to come to this sub and search for reviews. Thanks!
weagle01@reddit
I have the 1500 and it’s been great. The first one I got had a dead DC/AC converter so it would only charge DC. They sent me a new one and it’s been flawless since. I use it monthly for camping.
Automatic-Feed5368@reddit
the non destructive testing chinese guys we use, they use jackeries to run there magnaflux magnets. (giant u-shaped magnet for finding cracks w/ magnetic particle dust medium)
slendermanismydad@reddit
Thank you! That is the model I lean towards so I'm happy to hear positive experiences with it.
Sufficient-Pie129@reddit (OP)
Yeah mine is older now but the ones they have that are like about the size of a car battery with a handle…that’s the one
captaindomon@reddit
I have a couple Jackeries and love them.
Pontiacsentinel@reddit
What I like best about the two small ones I have: they hold a charge for a long time. They are light enough to easily carry to another location to charge there, like my workplace, if needed. They have a variety of ports. They charge easily via wall outlets or the solar panel, weather depending. Maintenance is nothing. Perfect for someone who is not technical.