Don’t Buy A New Generator Until You Read This! Testing Jackery Explorer 880

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By Solar

The Jackery Explorer 880 Power Station provides up to 1000W of continuous power and 2000W surge capacity in a portable, quiet, and easy-to-use package. This lithium battery power station can serve as a backup power supply during emergencies or for off-grid activities.

The Explorer 880 features multiple charging methods including AC wall outlet, solar panels, and a 12V car outlet. With a 880Wh capacity, it can charge phones, laptops, medical devices, small appliances and power tools multiple times over. The sturdy handle and durable casing allow the 22lb unit to be portable for outdoor use.

Compared to noisy gas generators that require fuel, the Jackery Explorer 880 provides silent operation with no fumes or maintenance. While the Explorer 880 may be cost prohibitive for some budgets, it fills an important niche for reliable portable power during outages or off-grid.

jackery 880

Features and Specs

The Jackery Explorer 880 power station has a substantial capacity and power output making it versatile for a range of uses.

  • Capacity: The Explorer 880 has a 880 watt hour lithium-ion battery capacity. This allows it to store enough energy to meet emergency power needs for lights, small appliances, and electronics.

  • Output: With a 1000 watt continuous pure sine wave AC output and 2000 watt surge capacity, the Jackery 880 can reliably start and run most essential appliances and tools.

  • Outlets: It has multiple ways to deliver power including 2 AC outlets, 2 USB-C ports, 2 USB-A ports, and a 12V car outlet. This allows you to directly charge laptops, phones, small medical devices, and car appliances.

Portability and design

Weighing 22 pounds, the Jackery Explorer 880 has a sturdy foldable handle which makes it relatively portable. The Explorer 880 strikes a good balance of being light enough to carry short distances while still having substantial capacity.

At 22 pounds with the handle retracted, the Jackery 880 is comparable in weight to competing models like the Anker 757 PowerHouse (21.5 lbs). Though not feather-light, the Explorer 880 is manageable for most people to carry alone.

The foldable handle feels very sturdy when extended, with no wiggle or instability. The thick padded section makes it comfortable to carry. The handle can lock into position at two angles – fully extended or folded in.

When collapsed, the Explorer 880 measures 12.5 x 7.9 x 11.5 inches. This compact rectangular form factor ensures it doesn’t take up too much space during storage or transport.

Overall, the thoughtful handle design and medium weight of the Jackery Explorer 880 allow it to strike a good balance of portability and substantial power capacity.

Real-World Testing

The Jackery Explorer 880 performs very well in real-world testing scenarios thanks to its ample power capacity and output.

Cooling with a fan

The built-in cooling fan is one of the standout features of the Explorer 880. Even when running power-hungry devices like an air conditioner, the fan keeps the unit cool and prevents overheating. The fan conveniently shuts off when not needed to conserve energy.

Charging devices

With a capacity of 880 watt-hours, the Jackery Explorer 880 can charge a smartphone over 20 times, a laptop 6 times, or a camera battery up to 10 times. The variety of ports allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Even on extended camping trips you’ll have no issues keeping gear powered up.

Using high-draw appliances

Don’t let the portable size fool you – the Explorer 880 can reliably start up and run appliances with high energy draws thanks to its 2000W surge capacity. Devices like circular saws, power drills, electric kettles and portable induction cooktops are no match for the 880. The pure sine wave inverter also allows safe operation of sensitive electronics.

Solar Charging

One of the key features of the Jackery Explorer 880 is the ability to charge it directly using solar power. This makes the unit very versatile for off-grid use.

The Explorer 880 is compatible with Jackery’s SolarSaga 100W solar panels. These foldable panels provide monocrystalline solar charging performance in a portable form factor.

Using two 100W SolarSaga panels allows the Explorer 880 power station to charge from 0% to 100% in around 10 hours. This provides an effective way to fully recharge the unit during daylight hours if wall or car charging is unavailable.

With just a single 100W solar panel, the recharge time increases to around 14-16 hours for a full charge. Still very feasible, just slower. The Explorer 880 works seamlessly with Jackery’s solar charging ecosystem.

The ability to recharge from the sun’s energy provides peace of mind and sustainability for emergency power needs. Even on cloudy days, the solar panels can slowly top up the Explorer’s charge level.

Charging Time Comparisons

Charging the Jackery Explorer 880 power station can be done via three different methods – solar panels, wall outlet, and car outlet. Each method results in significantly different charge times.

When charging by solar, charge times are lengthy due to the relatively low input wattage from solar panels. Jackery states that charging from a 100W solar panel in full, direct sunlight takes approximately 10.5 hours. Upgrading to a 200W solar panel array cuts this time in half but it still takes 4-6 hours for a full charge. Those in less sunny areas may need even more time.

Charging from a wall outlet is far faster since AC outlets can deliver much higher wattage for charging. To charge from 0 to 100%, Jackery lists the AC charging time as approximately 7.5 hours. Testing by various YouTube reviewers showed full charging from a wall outlet in as little as 5-6 hours.

Finally, charging from a car’s 12V outlet resulted in the fastest charge times. In Jackery’s own testing, the Explorer 880 reached a full charge in just 2.5 hours using the 12V car charge cable. Video reviews also confirmed very fast charge times from a car’s cigarette lighter/auxiliary outlets in the 2-3 hour range.

So in summary – solar charging provides an eco-friendly but slow charging solution, wall outlets offer reasonably fast charging at home, and 12V car charging delivers a rapid charge when on the road. Having these versatile charging options allows Jackery Explorer owners flexibility in keeping their power station topped up and ready for use.

Pros of the Jackery Explorer 880

Robust power output

With up to 2000W surge capacity, the Jackery 880 can reliably start most appliances and power tools. The pure sine wave inverter safely runs sensitive electronics.

Versatile charging options

You can charge the Explorer 880 via AC wall outlet, 12V car outlet, or solar panels – providing flexibility in an emergency.

Reliable and durable build

The unit feels sturdy and durable with its molded plastic casing. Jackery products have a good reputation for quality and reliability.

Cons of the Jackery Explorer 880

Price point may be prohibitive for some budgets

With an MSRP around $1000, the Jackery Explorer 880 is a considerable investment. More budget-friendly power stations are available in the $500-600 range that still provide ample power for essential items. The 880 is one of Jackery’s premium models given its high capacity and power output. Those with limited emergency preparedness budgets may find more affordable options that meet their basic power needs.

Not a whole home backup solution

The Jackery Explorer 880 cannot power high-draw appliances like HVAC systems, water heaters, well pumps, or electric stoves. Its 1000 watt continuous power output is best suited for charging devices, running small appliances like fans or CPAP machines, and operating some power tools. For a whole home backup solution a large solar generator system or standby generator is better suited for running central air conditioning, electric heat, and other high-wattage appliances. The 880 is better purposed for powering essential devices and appliances rather than whole home power.

Who This Product is For

The Jackery Explorer 880 can serve as an essential backup power solution for several key demographics and use cases:

Great for Emergency Preparedness

With 880 watt hours of capacity and 2000 watts of surge power, the Jackery Explorer 880 has ample output to keep critical devices and appliances running during power outages. Items like lights, phones, laptops, small kitchen appliances, and medical devices can stay powered on for hours. This makes the Explorer 880 an excellent emergency preparedness tool for households worried about weather-related blackouts.

Good for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Campers, tailgaters, and other outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the Explorer 880’s rugged build quality and versatility. The ability to recharge via solar panels while off-grid is a major perk. It provides renewable power for activities like camping, boating, hiking, and beach trips where access to electrical outlets is limited.

Helpful for Elderly Relatives

For those with aging parents or relatives relying on electrical medical devices, the Jackery Explorer 880 can provide backup power to oxygen concentrators, mobility scooters, CPAP machines, and other essentials. This can grant peace of mind that elderly relatives will have access to their critical devices even during prolonged power outages.

Conclusion

The Jackery Explorer 880 power station is a versatile and reliable backup power solution that stands out for its ample 880 watt hour capacity, 1000 watts of continuous power output, and multiple recharging options including solar. With robust construction and portability weighing just 22 pounds, it provides essential off-grid power during emergencies and for outdoor activities without noisy, high-maintenance generators.

While the Explorer 880 does represent a significant investment for some buyers, it fills an important niche as a mid-range power station with ample runtime able to start appliances, power tools, medical devices and keep other electronics charged. For those seeking peace of mind with emergency preparedness or reliable power while camping and boating, the Jackery Explorer 880 is an excellent choice that balances power, portability, and ease of use.