If you are shopping for a powerful Jackery solar generator, I recommend the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro.
It is currently their biggest solar power station in terms of capacity and power output. It can run most appliances and power/charge multiple electronics and devices.
While powerful, it’s still portable enough for RVs, boats, car camping, tailgating and road trips.
Keep reading for my in-depth review of the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro.
If it’s not what you are looking for, see other great options in my reviews of the best solar generators for camping, RV and boating.
If you prefer a smaller, more portable solar generator, checkout my reviews of the best portable solar generators.
And if you are looking for a more capable unit you can use off-grid or during a power blackout, here are my favorite 3000+ Watt solar generators.Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
Best Features
2160Wh Capacity
The Explorer 2000 Pro has the largest battery in the Explorer lineup. This makes it the best pick if you want to power multiple appliances in your boat, RV, off-grid cabin or at home during an emergency.
It can also power bigger appliances like a large TV, kitchen refrigerator and coffee maker among others without draining too quickly.
The Explorer 2000 Pro is also a great choice for extended camping trips. You can do a few days of camping on a single charge.
What can the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro power?
Here’s how long the Explorer 2000 Pro will last powering or charging different appliances and devices. This is just to give you an idea of what the solar generator is capable of.
Appliance/device | Run time/recharges |
CPAP (40W) | 45.9hrs |
Kitchen refrigerator (350W) | 5.2hrs |
3 Smartphones (30Wh) | 20 recharges each |
Laptop (60Wh) | 30 recharges |
Coffee maker (1350W) | 1.3hrs |
TV (120W) | 15.3hrs |
Electric blanket (145W) | 12.6hrs |
2200W Power Output
Jackery pairs the large battery with an equally large inverter. The Explorer 2000 Pro produces 2200W of continuous power and 4400W of peak power.
2200W is much higher than the standard 1500W consumption of most household appliances. You can plug in just about any appliance into the Explorer 2000 Pro including high-consumption electronics like a microwave, blender or blow dryer.
The high inverter output also lets you plug in more appliances at the same time since you have a higher load limit to work with.
For instance, you can plug in a refrigerator (350W), a coffee maker (1350W), and a TV (120W) and still have some power left to run a fan or a CPAP machine.
8 Outlets
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro comes with most of the outlets you’ll need to power any gadget or appliance.
There are three household style 120V sockets with a combined output of 2200W.
For your 12V gadgets, tools and electronics, there’s a single 12V, 10A car port.
Unfortunately, the 2000 Pro doesn't come with the small DC5521 12V ports found in some solar generators. These DC connectors are handy for powering small electronics like routers, fans and small pumps.
With the 2000 Pro, you can only power one 12V device or appliance at a time.
For gadgets and devices, the Explorer 2000 Pro has four USB ports. These include two USB-C ports with an output of 100W, meaning they can support large devices like laptops.
You also get a couple of 18W USB-A ports with Quick Charge technology.
Fast Charging With AC or Solar
One of the concerns I have had with previous Jackery models is how slowly they charge. They are outmatched by newer brands such as EcoFlow and Bluetti.
Well, I’m happy to report that things have gotten better with the Explorer 2000 Pro.
Instead of the 6hr AC charging time of the Explorer 1500, the Explorer 2000 Pro charges from a wall outlet in just 2 hours. That’s a massive improvement and lets you get back to powering stuff sooner.
Jackery has also upped the max solar input.
While the Jackery 1500 only accepts up to 400W of solar power, the Explorer 2000 Pro can accept up to 1400W. When you connect it to two six 200W SolarSaga panels, it recharges in just 2.5 hours.
We are used to slow solar recharging, so this is really good especially for campers and anyone who plans to use the Explorer 2000 Pro off-grid.
You can also charge the 2000 Pro from your vehicles 12V/24V port, though that takes forever (about 24 hours). It’s more ideal for topping up the solar generator when you are on the move.
Portable…Sorta
I’m not saying you can pick up the Explorer 2000 Pro and hike with it to the campsite. At 43lbs, it’s a bit too heavy for that.
It’s portable in the sense that you can move it over short distances. This is why I recommend it for RVs, boats, tailgating, road trips and truck or car camping.
Built-in Safety Features
The Explorer 2000 Pro has multiple safety features including a built-in MPPT charge controller to keep the battery from overcharging, four temperature sensors to keep everything cool, two chips that provide dual battery protection and a battery management system.
While the 2000 Pro can protect itself from extreme temperatures, it’s not built to withstand rain or snow. So don't expose it to the elements.
Issues & Concerns
Proprietary Connectors
One annoying feature of Jackery power stations is their use of 8mm solar connectors instead of the standard MC4 connectors used in most solar generators.
This is not an issue when using Jackery’s SolarSaga panels. But if you plan to get third party solar panels, you’ll also need to purchase an MC4 to 8mm adapter.
By the way, most MC4 to 8mm adapters use a DC7909 connector that’s not compatible with the Explorer 1500 and 2000 Pro.
These two models use DC8020 8mm connectors. So you’ll also need a DC7909 to DC8020 adapter like this one from SolarENZ.
Limited Battery Cycle Life
The Jackery 2000 Pro uses a Li-ion NMC battery. It’s lightweight, but doesnt last very long. According to Jackery, it has a cycle life of 1000 cycles to 80% capacity.
Compare this to the 2500-3500 cycle life of a LiFePO4 battery used in some solar generators like Bluetti and EcoFlow.
Not Expandable
You can always get a second Explorer 2000 Pro if you need more capacity, but they’ll be two different systems. You cannot draw power from both at the same time.
Unlike solar generators like the Bluetti AC200MAX, Jackery doesn't offer expansion battery packs that you can connect to the 2000 Pro.
If you want to set up a large system with lots of capacity for home backup or off-grid power, Jackery doesn't offer anything like that.
No App
The display on the Explorer 2000 Pro is nice. It shows all the info you need including power coming in, power going out and battery status.
But a phone app where you can check all this info and maybe control some settings would be convenient.
Many solar generators these days come with Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity that allows remote app monitoring.
Best Alternatives To The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro
Not sure about getting the Explorer 2000 Pro? Here are three alternatives to consider.
1. Jackery Explorer 1000 - Lighter and More Portable
If you find 43lbs to be too heavy for you, I recommend getting the Jackery Explorer 1000. It has roughly half the power and capacity as the 2000 Pro, but it’s much lighter at just 22lbs.
It’s easier to handle for some people like seniors. It’s also ideal if you prefer a lighter camping setup.
Power output is 1000W, so you can power most small and medium size appliances like a mini fridge, CPAP, TV, and even some small coffee makers.
Capacity is 1002Wh, which is plenty for camping.
The Jackery 1000 has three AC outputs like the 2000 Pro plus a car outlet, a USB-C port and a couple of USB-A ports.
2. Bluetti AC200MAX - Expandable, Longer Cycle Life and Has an App
If you want an expandable solar generator you can use for home backup or to power an RV or off-grid cabin, get the Bluetti AC200MAX.
It matches the Explorer 2000 Pro in specs - 2048Wh capacity and 2200W power output.
But there are two huge differences.
One, you can expand that 2048Wh capacity to 8192Wh using additional battery packs. That’s a massive system that can keep essential appliances on for a couple days or more during an emergency.
Two, the AC200MAX uses a lithium-phosphate (LiFEPO4) battery that lasts longer (3500 cycles to 80% capacity).
Other advantages of getting the AC200MAX include:
The best part is that the Bluetti AC200MAX is slightly cheaper than the Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro. The Bluetti solar generator is a better deal.
3. EcoFlow Delta Pro - More Power and Capacity
Want more power and capacity? Get the EcoFlow Delta Pro, a massive solar generator that’s perfect for home backup, RVs and off-grid cabins.
It comes with a 3600Wh LiFePO4 battery and has a continuous power output of 3600W. You can connect many appliances without exceeding the load limit or quickly draining the battery.
That’s not all. You can expand the Delta Pro to a capacity of up to 25kWh, enough for days of power during an extended blackout.
The expandable capacity is also handy if you want to run high-consumption appliances like AC or a heater.
It also has an X-Boost feature that lets you power 4500W appliances.
The Delta Pro has all the outlets you need and can be recharged in several ways including from an EV charging station.
Care and Maintenance
Solar generators are low-maintenance and the Jackery Explorer 2000 pro is no exception. As long as you don't bump it around too much and keep it out of the elements, it’ll serve you for years.
It’s also important to avoid extreme temperatures, especially heat. Don’t place it near a heat source like a fire or heater and don't leave it under direct sunlight.
If you are charging it with solar, get an extension cable that lets you keep the power station inside while it’s charging.
If you plan to travel often with the 2000 Pro, I highly recommend getting a carrying case for it from Jackery.
It’ll protect it from hits and bumps as well as dust and moisture.
When you store the Jackery 2000 Pro, keep it in a cool dry place and remember to charge it once every three months.
Warranty
Jackery offers a 3-year warranty on the Explorer 2000 Pro. If you buy from Jackery’s official website, they offer a 2-year extension for a total coverage of 5 years.
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight: | 43lbs |
Size: | 15.1 x 10.5 x 12.1 in |
Capacity: | 2160Wh |
AC output: | 2200W continuous, 4400W surge pure sine wave inverter |
Outlets: | 3xAC, 2xUSB-A, 2x100W USB-C PD, 1x12V DC |
Max solar input: | 1400W |
Charging time: | 2hrs with AC adapter, 2.5 hours with 1200W solar |
Battery chemistry: | Lithium-ion NMC |
Battery lifespan: | 1000 cycles to 80% |
Operating temperature: | 10-104F |
Where To Buy
You can order the Explorer 2000 Pro from the Jackery official website. It is also available on Amazon.
