The choice can be overwhelming when you’re in the market for a reliable, robust, portable power solution. Jackery’s latest offering, the Explorer 2000 Plus, coupled with their SolarSaga 200W solar panels, claims to be a game-changer. With a hefty price tag of $3,299 (currently on sale on Jackery.com for $2,799), the question is, does it live up to the hype? We had the opportunity to take the Explorer 2000 Plus out in the field and put it through the paces. For this review, we dissect the essential aspects of this portable power station and its solar companion to give you an in-depth understanding of its performance, usability, and value proposition.
The choice can be overwhelming when you’re in the market for a reliable, robust, portable power solution. Jackery’s latest offering, the Explorer 2000 Plus, coupled with their SolarSaga 200W solar panels, claims to be a game-changer. With a hefty price tag of $3,299 (currently on sale on Jackery.com for $2,799), the question is, does it live up to the hype? We had the opportunity to take the Explorer 2000 Plus out in the field and put it through the paces. For this review, we dissect the essential aspects of this portable power station and its solar companion to give you an in-depth understanding of its performance, usability, and value proposition.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Specs
| Battery | 2042.8Wh, LifePO4, 4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
| Ports | AC Output(x5): – AC Output(×4): 120V~ 60Hz, 20A Max – AC Output(×1): 120V~ 60Hz, 25A Max AC Total Output: 3000W Max, 6000W surge peak USB-A Output(x2): Quick Charge 3.0, 18W Max USB-C Output(x2): 100W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A) Car Port(x1): 12V⎓10A AC Input: 120V, 60Hz, 15A Max DC Input: – 11V-17.5V, 8A Max, Double to 8A Max – 17.5V-60V, 12A Max, Double to 24A/1400W Max |
| Dimensions | Weight: 61.5 lbs/ 27.9 kg Height: 14.7in(37.36cm) Width: 18.6in(47.3cm) Depth: 14.1in(35.94cm) |
| Charging Time(0-100%) | AC Adapter: 2 Hours Car Adapter(12V): 25 Hours Solar Panel: – Explorer 2000 Plus + SolarSaga 200W x 6: 2 H – Explorer 2000 Plus + SolarSaga 200W x 4: 3.8 H – Explorer 2000 Plus + SolarSaga 200W x 3: 4.8 H – Explorer 2000 Plus + SolarSaga 200W x 2: 7 H – Explorer 2000 Plus + SolarSaga 200W x 1: 14 H |
| General | Warranty: 3+2 Years Operating Usage Temperature: – Charge Temperature: 0~45°C (32~113 °F) – Discharge Temperature: -10~45°C (14~113°F) |
| Solar Panel Combination | Solar Saga 80: Up to 12 Pcs (with 2 solar connectors) Solar Saga 100: Up to 6 Pcs (with 2 solar connectors) Solar Saga 200: Up to 6 Pcs (with 2 solar connectors) |
The Explorer 2000 Plus is presented in an all-plastic casing with a dark grey matte finish. It’s heavy, but almost all the weight is from the sizeable 2kWh battery packed inside. While carrying it might be difficult without a friend, the unit is equipped with wheels for rolling around. The suitcase-style handle and wheels are sturdy and reliable enough to easily move through grass, gravel, and other rough terrain.
All outputs, the 120v receptacles, USB ports, and DC output are located on the front of the unit. The layout is well thought out, leaving plenty of room for various plug types, including large wall chargers. The screen is also on the front of the unit and shows the input and output of the battery bank, the current battery level, and estimated runtime.
Each output group, 120v, USB, and 12v, has a physical button next to it to toggle it on or off with a status light on each button. Tactile buttons on the device are a welcome addition, removing any dependencies on apps or menus and improving accessibility and operation in low-light situations.
Looking at the back of the unit, on one side, you get the 120V input, with a resettable fuse, for charging from the wall. That same 120v input is used to plug in the solar panels. On the other side is an expansion port; this unit is expandable with additional batteries from Jackery to increase capacity up to a whopping 24KWh.
The price tag might be hefty, but its features offer excellent value for those needing reliable, high-capacity portable power.
Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel
Jackery offers an in-house solar panel dubbed the SolarSaga series, designed to integrate with Jackery’s line of portable power stations. These panels offer the same orange color scheme with color-matched cabling. The Explore 2000 Plus is designed to be paired with the 200W SolarSaga panel, with configurations supporting up to six panels. You could use the SolarSaga 80W or 100W panels, but the 200W size is preferred.
Jackerey 200W SolarSaga Specs
| Solar | Peak Power: 200W Power Voltage: 18V Power Current: 11.12A Open Circuit Voltage: 23.2V Short Circuit Current: 11.76A |
| Dimensions | Folded: 21.2 x 24.2 x 1.6 in (540 x 615 x 40 mm) Unfolded: 21.2 x 91.3 x 1 in (540 x 2320 x 25 mm) Weight: 17.5±0.5lbs (8.0±0.3Kg) |
| General | Warranty: 2 Years Materials: Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells Waterproof: IP67 Efficiency rate: 0.243 Operating temperature: -10-65℃ (14-149°F) |
The SolarSaga case is well-built and utilizes the integrated handles of the panels to make carrying easier.
The textured panels are simple to clean and easily remove debris. Build quality is superb, and the magnets and snaps help keep the panels folded when in transport and during set up. Some stands are included to help angle the panels toward the sun. Although they are functional and a little better than other implementations we have seen, they could use some improvement. There are also some holes to tie the panels down in case of strong wind.
The solar panels use a keyed oval output and a DC barrel jack on the other end to connect to the Explorer. The removable cables are high quality and feel like silicone. They are easy to roll up and have attached hook and loop straps for cable management and storage. The removability is great for transporting the panels.
Off-Grid Working in the Bush: A Real-World Scenario with NUC, Starlink, and Jackery
Imagine this: You’re a digital nomad, an adventurer at heart, and your work requires high computational power and a stable internet connection. You decide to escape the city’s chaos and set up a temporary office in the serene environment of the woods. You pack your Intel NUC for its compact yet powerful computing capabilities, a Starlink terminal for reliable satellite internet, and your trusty laptop. Here’s where the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus comes into play, enabling this off-grid setup to function seamlessly.
Powering the NUC
Intel NUCs are known for their compact form factor and impressive performance but still need a reliable power source. The Explorer 2000 Plus, with its massive 2024Wh capacity, can easily power the NUC for an entire workday. The 120V AC output ports are perfect, providing a stable power source that allows you to run resource-intensive tasks without worrying about draining the battery too quickly.
Keeping Connected with Starlink
When you’re far from traditional internet sources, a Starlink terminal provides the gateway to the world. While the terminal itself is designed to be energy-efficient, it still requires consistent power for optimal performance. The Jackery’s multiple 120V plugs come in handy here, delivering power to the Starlink terminal alongside your NUC and laptop.
Laptop and Peripherals
No modern workspace is complete without a laptop and a few essential peripherals. Whether it’s an external hard drive or a printer, the Jackery’s USB-A and USB-C fast chargers and the additional 120V plugs provide connectivity to multiple devices simultaneously.
Cold-weather Performance
Working in the bush means preparing for unpredictable weather conditions. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is built to function in temperatures as low as -20°C, keeping all the tech operational even when the mercury drops.
Mobility and Convenience
Need to move your entire setup to a new location in the woods? The Jackery’s design incorporates a pull rod and double wheels, making it easy to move. The SolarSaga 200W panel ensures that you have power as long as you have sunlight. So, your multi-day adventure doesn’t have to come at the expense of missing work.
In an optimal setup with 400W solar input, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus can run indefinitely under the right conditions. Our testing showed impressive results even at a high latitude where sunlight can be less direct. The system was capable of charging at over 350W in real-world conditions, easily offsetting the power consumption of the NUC, Starlink terminal, and laptop. This proves that with a pair of SolarSaga 200W panels, you can create a self-sustaining off-grid workstation, allowing you to work and explore without worrying about running out of power.
Testing Results
Testing the Jackery 2000 Explorer Plus in the lab, we got better-than-average results of the Jackery. Charging from zero percent to 100 percent took 2310Wh from the wall, and putting a load on it, we got 1750Wh of discharge coming in at 87.5 percent of rated capacity. This is better than the industry average of performing at 80 percent of rated capacity, which usually accounts for inverter efficiency losses and the cooling fans budget.
Final Thoughts
The combination of a powerful NUC, a reliable Starlink terminal, and a versatile laptop can cover almost all your computing and connectivity needs when working off-grid. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is the backbone of this setup, providing reliable, high-capacity power that lets you focus on your work while enjoying the tranquility of nature. It turns the great outdoors into a high-tech office, proving that with the right gear, the world is indeed your oyster.
So, if you’re planning a similar adventure and your work demands a robust tech setup, investing in the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus could be one of your best decisions.
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, paired with the SolarSaga 200W solar panel, is a formidable portable power solution. While the initial investment is high, the system offers unparalleled power capacity, versatility, and convenience. Whether you’re an adventurer, part of a remote work camp, or someone who wants to power a cabin for the weekend, this combo has got you covered.
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