In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at the Jackery 300 Plus Portable Power Station. This compact and lightweight generator provides reliable off-grid power for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness. With versatile recharging options including solar and AC outlet charging, the Jackery 300 Plusensures you have power anytime, anywhere. We’ll unbox the generator, test it out with various devices, and discuss the benefits of having a portable, eco-friendly power source. Whether you enjoy camping, RVing, or simply want backup power on hand, the Jackery 300 Plus is an essential for your home. Its compact size and impressive 300 watt-hours of power capacity make it the perfect companion for life’s adventures. Read on for a complete overview of this innovative portable power station.
Unboxing the Generator
The Jackery 300 Plus generator comes neatly packed in a compact box. At just under 10 pounds, this portable power station is easy to carry using the sturdy built-in handle.
Opening the box reveals the generator unit itself along with several accessories including:
-
A foldable solar panel about the size of a notebook that can charge the generator in about 8 hours of direct sunlight. The panel has a long cable so it can be placed in sunlight while the generator sits in shade.
-
An AC power cord for charging from a wall outlet.
-
A car power cord that plugs into the generator’s two-way auto port to charge from a car or power devices.
-
Adapters for using standard USB and USB-C cables to charge phones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices.
The generator unit has a simple, clean design with charging ports, outlets, and buttons conveniently located. Rubber feet on the bottom prevent it from scratching surfaces. Overall, the generator’s thoughtful design makes it easy to use for power on-the-go.
Solar Panel – An Impressive Portable Design
The solar panel that comes with the Jackery generator is impressively portable and easy to use. It folds up to about the size of a notebook, making it ultra compact and lightweight. You can easily pack it up, throw it in your backpack, and take it anywhere you go without it taking up much space.
When folded out, the panel is large enough to effectively collect sunlight and charge up the generator. You just need to angle it towards direct sunlight to get the fastest charging speed. Even if the generator is in shade, you can place the solar panel in the sun and use the long power cord to connect them. The cord is a generous length, allowing flexibility in positioning.
For a solar generator, having such a small, foldable solar panel is a huge benefit. You get fast solar charging without the bulk and weight of traditional panels. It’s really the ideal setup for portability and convenience. You can hike, camp, travel, or commute with the Jackery generator and compact solar panel.
The easy set up and durable design also makes the solar panel well-suited for outdoor use. It takes just seconds to get it unpacked and angled properly. The materials seem sturdy enough to withstand being folded up repeatedly and transported.
Overall, the solar panel attachment is one of the most impressive features of the Jackery portable power station. The compact, foldable design enables solar charging in more contexts and locations. It’s a great sustainable power solution you can take anywhere.
Cords and Accessories
The Jackery 300 Plus comes with several cords and adapters to maximize its functionality. Here’s what’s included:
-
AC charging cable – Plug this into a wall outlet to recharge the Jackery from the grid. The standard North American plug connects to the AC input port.
-
12V car charging cable – Plug into your car’s 12V outlet (cigarette lighter) to charge from your vehicle’s battery.
-
Solar charging cable – Connects the solar panel to the generator. Has a specialized DC connector on one end and an 8mm barrel tip on the other to plug into the solar input port.
-
USB-C to USB-C cable – For charging USB-C devices like many newer phones and laptops. Plugs into the USB-C output ports.
-
USB-C to USB-A cable – Connects USB-C devices to standard USB-A ports. Can be used with the USB-A output.
-
DC7909 to 8mm barrel tip adapter – Adapts the solar charging cable to plug directly into the generator’s solar input.
With these cables and adapters, the Jackery 300 Plus provides flexible charging and power options for a variety of devices and situations. The included accessories allow you to harness solar, AC, and 12V DC power sources.
Charging the Generator
The Jackery 300 Plus can be charged in several ways for maximum flexibility.
-
To charge with the solar panel, simply connect the panel’s cable to the adapter cable provided. Then plug the adapter into the “Solar Input” port on the side of the generator. Position the solar panel in direct sunlight for optimal charging speed. From empty, it takes about 8 hours to fully charge the generator via solar.
-
You can also charge the generator by plugging it into a regular AC outlet using the included power cord. This charges the generator much faster than solar, usually in about 4 hours from empty to full.
-
The Jackery has a two-way auto port that allows you to charge from your car or vehicle by plugging into the 12V lighter socket. This can be useful if you want to top up the charge while driving to your destination. The auto port can also be used in reverse to power devices like a mini fridge or other gear from your vehicle’s battery.
Using with an E-bike
The Jackery 300 Plus is perfect for extending the range of electric bikes. With most e-bikes, you get around 40-200 miles on a single charge depending on the model. However, with the Jackery 300 Plus you can actually triple your e-bike’s range!
The key is that certain e-bike models allow you to plug in and charge while riding. So with the generator connected, you can continuously top up the e-bike battery as you’re cruising down the road or trail. This lets you ride potentially 100+ miles without stopping to recharge.
To connect it, simply plug the AC outlet on the Jackery into your e-bike’s charging port. You may need a zip tie or something similar to securely attach the cord while riding. With some e-bikes, as soon as you plug in the motor will shut off. But there are models like the King Meter KM2 that allow simultaneous charging and riding.
I tested this out myself and it works flawlessly. The small footprint of the Jackery 300 Plus makes it easy to strap onto the bike frame or place in a backpack while riding. Then whenever I stop to take a break or setup camp, I can quickly recharge the generator itself using the solar panel. This makes the Jackery an ideal portable power station for e-bike trips and adventures where you’ll be far from electrical outlets.
Portable Uses
Imagine you are out camping or hiking off the beaten path. Your devices are running low on battery, and you have no power source. The Jackery 300 Plus provides complete off-grid portable power.
The compact size and lightweight build allows you to easily pack the generator and solar panel. Simply toss them in your backpack alongside your other gear. When setting up camp or taking a break on the trail, pull out the Jackery and connect your devices. Charge your phone, drone, camera, and more while soaking in the natural surroundings.
Some creative ways to utilize the Jackery for outdoor activities:
-
Set up the solar panel on your tent or pack to charge while hiking. When you arrive at the campsite, your generator will be ready to power devices.
-
Attach the solar panel to your backpack with clips while trekking. This allows you to directly absorb the sun’s rays on-the-go.
-
For longer trips, bring spare batteries to swap into the generator. This extends your off-grid power capabilities.
-
Use the built-in LED floodlight when reading or cooking after sunset at your campsite.
-
Power a mini projector and project movies onto a tent wall or large rock at night under the stars.
The possibilities are endless for powering your gadgets outdoors with the Jackery. It takes your adventures off-grid and keeps your devices charged and ready to capture all the incredible experiences.
Features
The Jackery Solar Generator 300 has a number of useful features that make it easy to use for power on-the-go.
The generator unit itself is compact and portable, with a sturdy handle on top for easy carrying. There are rubber feet on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around or scratching surfaces.
On the front panel, there is a single AC outlet that can provide 300 watts of continuous power, enough for most laptops, small appliances, or tools. There is also a DC car outlet for charging car accessories or small electronics.
Two USB-C ports are included, one for input and one for output, allowing you to charge the generator or charge your USB-C devices from the generator. A standard USB port provides additional charging options.
A button on the front panel allows you to turn the AC and DC power on or off as needed. There is also an LED light built into the panel which can provide illumination as necessary.
The simplicity of the interface and versatility of the outlets make the Jackery Solar Generator 300 easy to use for a wide range of applications, whether you need power on a camping trip, in your vehicle, or for emergency backup.
Charging Devices
With 300 watts of power, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 can charge all of your essential electronics and devices, making it the perfect power companion for any outdoor adventure.
Smartphones and Tablets
Most smartphones and tablets require only 5V/2.1A to charge. With two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, you can simultaneously charge up to 3 phones or tablets from the Jackery. No more fighting over the last bit of battery or power bank!
Laptops
Modern laptops can draw up to 100W of power. With a 298Wh capacity, the Jackery can charge most full-size laptops 2-3 times. The USB-C port even supports power delivery for charging high-end laptops like the MacBook Pro.
Drones
Drones utilize lithium polymer batteries that require balance charging. The pure sine wave AC outlet on the Jackery allows you to plug in your drone battery charger directly, ensuring a safe and complete recharge every time. No more cutting drone flights short!
Projectors and Speakers
With the AC outlet, you can power projectors, bluetooth speakers, lighting, and more while off-grid. Turn any outdoor setting into an impromptu movie theater. Just be sure to respect noise regulations if camping on public lands.
The Jackery Explorer 300 can truly power just about any USB or AC-powered device you need for work or play. With the solar panel, you’ll have renewable energy to stay charged on even the longest camping trips.
Sustainable Power
Solar energy provides a clean, renewable source of electricity that reduces our dependence on the electric grid. The Jackery’s solar panel harnesses power from the sun and converts it into usable electricity to charge the generator battery. This eliminates the need for environmentally harmful fossil fuels.
The 300W solar panel can fully recharge the Explorer 300 generator battery in about 8 hours in optimal sunlight. Having this solar capability makes the generator completely sustainable and eliminates the worry of running out of power. It’s an eco-friendly, emission-free way to generate electricity.
Solar power gives you energy independence and reduces your carbon footprint. In an age of power outages and grid failures, having a backup solar generator ensures you’ll have power no matter what happens. The Jackery makes sustainable energy affordable and portable.
Going solar with the Jackery is ideal for off-grid activities like camping, boating, RVs, and outdoor adventures where you want power but don’t have electrical hookups. You’ll never need to run loud, gas-powered generators again. The quiet, clean power of solar is the future.
Emergency Preparedness
Having a portable power station like the Jackery 300 Plus can provide invaluable peace of mind by ensuring you have power even if the electricity goes out. With unpredictable weather and potential natural disasters, power outages have become an unfortunate reality. But with a solar generator, you’ll be prepared whether it’s a short-term blackout or a prolonged disaster scenario.
The Jackery 300 Plus can provide hundreds of hours of backup electricity to charge phones, run medical devices, power lamps, operate a mini-fridge, and more. It could even run a CPAP machine for days on a single charge. That means you’ll be able to maintain access to light, communications, refrigeration, and critical medical devices even if the power is out for an extended period.
Having backup power takes the stress out of power outages and provides comfort knowing you can still meet your family’s basic needs. The peace of mind is invaluable when you know you have a reliable power source to get you through multi-day outages. With unpredictable weather ahead, investing in a solar generator is smart preparation that can give you confidence that you’ll be able to safely ride out power disruptions.
Cost Savings
Gas-powered generators can be expensive to purchase and operate. You need to continuously buy gasoline and oil to run them, which adds up over time. There’s also regular maintenance required like oil changes, spark plug replacements, etc.
With a solar generator, you get free renewable energy from the sun. After the initial purchase, you can generate your own electricity for free. There’s no gas, oil, or expensive maintenance required. Solar generators have fewer moving parts so there’s less that can break down.
Beyond just the fuel savings, solar generators produce less waste and pollution. Gas generators belch out emissions and noise. Harmful gas fumes can even build up indoors and cause carbon monoxide poisoning if not properly ventilated. With a silent solar generator, you don’t have to worry about any of those hazards.
Going solar saves you money in the long run while being much better for the environment. Once you make the upfront investment in a solar generator, you’ll get free clean energy whenever the sun is shining.
Eco-Friendly
Recharging your devices with solar power is one of the most eco-friendly ways to get energy. Solar generators like the Jackery 300 Plus provide clean, renewable energy from the sun without producing any emissions. This makes them much better for the environment compared to using gasoline generators.
The Jackery 300 Plus’s built-in solar panel allows you to harness the power of the sun right from the generator itself. You can set up the panel outside on sunny days and let it recharge the generator battery using that free solar energy. The generator battery can then be used to charge all your electronic devices. This eliminates the need for disposable batteries or charging from the electric grid, which often relies on fossil fuels.
Using solar power reduces your carbon footprint and dependence on non-renewable energy sources. You’ll be doing your part to fight climate change by going solar. The Jackery 300 Plus provides an easy and convenient way to tap into solar energy for your power needs while camping, during power outages, or any time you need portable power. It’s a clean, green charging solution.
Recommendation
The Jackery 300 Plus is ideal for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities like camping or biking where having a portable power source is useful. It provides sustainable off-grid power without noise or emissions, making it perfect for quiet natural settings.
The integrated solar panel allows the generator to be charged by the sun, eliminating the need for a fuel source. This makes it very convenient for activities away from electrical outlets. It can also charge from a wall outlet or car when necessary.
Its compact size and low weight make the Jackery 300 Plus easy to transport by vehicle, bike, or even in a backpack while hiking. The ability to directly charge items like phones, laptops, lights, speakers, and small appliances means you’ll have power wherever you go.
Having backup power for emergencies is another great application. The Jackery 300 Plus can keep your essentials charged in a blackout or after a natural disaster when grid power is unavailable. It provides peace of mind knowing you have off-grid power.
Campers, outdoor enthusiasts, bike riders, emergency preppers, and anyone who needs portable sustainable power should consider the Jackery 300 Plus. It delivers eco-friendly solar energy in a convenient compact package.
Conclusion
In summary, the Jackery 300 Plus portable power station provides a versatile and eco-friendly solution for charging devices and powering small appliances on-the-go. Its compact size makes it highly portable, while the included solar panel allows you to harness the power of the sun for sustainable energy.
With a 300 watt hour capacity, it can charge phones, drones, laptops, and other USB-powered devices multiple times before needing a recharge. For camping trips, outdoor adventures, or emergency preparedness, the Jackery 300 Plus provides reliable off-grid power. Its silent operation and multiple ports offer convenience and flexibility.
While the solar panel requires full sunlight for optimal charging, the battery itself can be charged via a wall outlet, car outlet, or generator as well in just a few hours. This versatility allows you to charge while stationary or on the move.
For anyone seeking a portable, eco-friendly power station, the Jackery 300 Plus is a great choice. With smart features and intuitive controls, it makes off-grid power simple and streamlined. Its light weight and compact size mean you can take it virtually anywhere. And using free solar energy helps reduce your carbon footprint.
Overall, the Jackery 300 Plus portable power station is a worthwhile investment for eco-conscious explorers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs an emergency power backup for their devices while on-the-go. Its balance of sustainability, versatility, and thoughtful design make it a standout option in the portable power station market.