Handy off and on-site power solution with solar backup that will keep your equipment running without mains power.
Jackery Explorer 1000 V2: 30-second review
Jackery is one of the best-known portable power station manufacturers, and the Jackery Explorer 1000 has been the go-to for many working outdoors, camping, or looking for off-site power that can be solar charged. The 1000W capacity is more than enough to keep most domestic appliances running, and when you’re working in the field, it means that computers, chargers, and equipment can all be run or charged directly from the unit using AC power, just as you would utilise mains power in the office or workshop.
The latest Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 has refined the design of the original while retaining the distinctive bright orange design elements, with improvements such as a fold-down carry handle. Increased power output and expanded connection options make the Explorer 1000 V2 feel like a far more serious piece of kit.
Firstly, the output sees a leap to 1500W. This means more devices can be plugged into the AC and DC ports — AC being the same as wall sockets at home, while DC refers to the likes of USB. As a result, there are very few items you won’t be able to charge directly. Sure enough, in the field, the Explorer 1000 V2 runs three computers and charges cameras, drones, and lighting for the day without issue. A single MacBook Pro M1 Max 16″ remains topped up with almost a continuous 100W power draw for a good six hours, while Sony NP-FZ100 batteries are also easily recharged. What’s more, a standard extension cable can be plugged in, enabling even more devices to be charged simultaneously, as long as the maximum output doesn’t exceed 1500W.
Away from home, the power station is a valuable asset, enabling you to work longer while also bringing a few comforts of home with you. In the field, a Kampa kettle and heaters keep the team sustained and warm in the van between shoots and during planning sessions. Meanwhile, equipment is left to charge, with cables running out to the SolarSaga panels to help keep the battery topped up between uses.
Out in the field, the Explorer 1000 V2 goes far beyond a power bank when it comes to portable power, but with this latest version, we were pleased to see it was equally at home in the office or workshop. The new model features UPS IEC62040 power switching for some devices. This essentially means that if the Explorer is placed between, say, a fridge and the mains, then during a power cut, the power switches seamlessly from the mains to the backup power (Explorer 1000 V2) until the mains supply resumes. For most devices, this requires UPS compatibility, but when tested in the workshop, the Explorer was placed between the Bambulab Carbon X1 and the mains, enabling seamless printing even after the power was cut, with no downtime.
If you need mains power off-site or in the home, studio, workshop, or office where you’re likely to suffer from power outages, the Jackery Explorer 1000 V2 is one of the best portable power stations around, a solid choice and one of the most robust and reliable options available. Jackery Explorer 1000 V2: Price & availability
The Jackery Explorer 1000 is priced at approximately $499/£499, which is exceptionally well-priced for this capacity of portable power station. It is available through major online retailers and directly from Jackery’s official website. Bundle options with SolarSaga panels are also available, making it an excellent choice if you need an off-site power solution or home/workshop backup.
Score: 5/5Jackery Explorer 1000 V2: Design & build
The Jackery power stations are instantly recognisable with the bright orange design that instantly reflects the outdoors and camping types that these power stations were originally designed to appeal to. These days, the Jackery has found much wider appeal, and the small orange boxes are a regular alongside other equipment for professionals who work away from traditional mains power and are used by everyone from builders through to photographers and videographers. They’re also incredibly useful if you run large 3D printers in a workshop or outbuilding that’s prone to power cuts.
The design of the Explorer 1000 V2 is considerably smaller than the original, and while the bright orange and characteristics of the design remain very similar, the design and features have taken a huge step forward. Most notably, the top handle, which made the original easy to carry but didn’t enable you to stack anything on top, is now of a fold-down design. This is far more streamlined and just as easy to carry. The size has also dramatically reduced, although, at just over 10kg, the weight has surprisingly gone up a touch.
As we’ve seen on the previous version, there are plenty of ports and sockets across the front with 2 AC outlets (standard wall sockets), USB-A output (18W), carport (12V), USB-C1 output (30W), and USB-C2 output (100W).
