Jackery Solar Generator Reviews

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Jackery Solar Generator Reviews

October 31, 2020, 12:38:10 pm

This mid week camping trip on the Mid Coast of Oregon was a chance I took testing my new
Jackery 1000. My plan was to test the power draw and the practical application of a
3Qt Instat Pop. Over the years I have developed a taste for food. The better it tastes the better I like it.

In any case I was happily surprised at the ease and speed of cooking using the pressure cooker. The main power draw was during the raise in pressure (6 min in fact). Once the Instant Pot got to pressure the power use dropped quickly. The Jackery has in the range of 68 Amp/Hour capacity. After cooking it was only down 10 or so amps. The next morning I used my homemade solar setup (100 Watt Solar with MPPT) - it took less then 2 hours to fully recharge. BTW I was in full direct sunlight. <smile> not normal by any means in the fall of the PNW.

More testing will be coming in the following months.

glen

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #1 – November 03, 2020, 09:35:12 am

Hi Glen,
Thanks for the info on the Jackery, sounds like a great dry camping option to have— and it will power an Instant Pot!
I have the 6 qt Pot, at 1000 watts, which would be right at the max capacity, so wondering if it would work. You have the 3 qt so less wattage, right? I already have a Renogy solar suitcase I could use to top it off, assume it’s compatible.
And what a great solution to a quick Keurig cup of coffee without having to fire up generator 😊
Look forward to future updates!
Daryl

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #2 – November 03, 2020, 10:15:18 am

Two issues
1. The Jackery 1000 uses a Anderson type connection input.    You will need this conversion kit to connect the Renergy panels.
INSTABOOST 10AWG Solar Panel Cable Kit

1a. Jackery only allows about 140 watts of maximum charge.   Other solar generators allow a faster charge time.

2. I used a 3 Qt Instant Pot because of power consumption.   I project at least 3 maybe 4 uses before complete discharge.   One can never predict having all the sun a person needs all the time. I assume 50% solar coverage at any given time. A 6 Qt Instant Pot should work fine.

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Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #3 – November 03, 2020, 10:29:25 am

Glen, just checking to verify that I understand how this power station is charged not using portable solar panels and the Anderson connectors (which show as "unavailable" from the page linked, but maybe from another source?).

Per the information on the web page, it fully charges in 7.5 hours when connected to a generator, and in 7 hours when connected to AC. Is the claims accurate in your experience, or have you used only the solar panels and connectors to re-charge the power station?

Thanks for any information.

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #4 – November 03, 2020, 01:54:02 pm

Quote from: Joan - November 03, 2020, 10:29:25 am

Glen, just checking to verify that I understand how this power station is charged not using portable solar panels and the Anderson connectors (which show as "unavailable" from the page linked, but maybe from another source?).

Per the information on the web page, it fully charges in 7.5 hours when connected to a generator, and in 7 hours when connected to AC. Is the claims accurate in your experience, or have you used only the solar panels and connectors to re-charge the power station?

Thanks for any information.

The Jackery 1000 has two inputs for recharging.   One is for the 120 AC.   Jackery uses a power brick that plugs into the AC side. This input takes 24V at 8 or so amps.   The other input is a Anderson connection. This is for solar panel charging. Solar companies use different types of connectors. MC4 is used on Renergy and Rich (the panel I use).   There are many sellers of 'conversion' connectors. I pick this company based on wire size. <smile> didn't want to lose any re-charge 'watts'.

Math says a fully discharged Jackery1000 will take tad over 7 hours to fully top off.   1000/140= 7.14 140 is the max charging rate.   The charge rate is limited because of the type of Lithium they use.    Other companies use different type of Lithium so they have a higher C rate.

I only have one 100 watt solar panel so I will never be able to charge at the highest C rate. This winter I fully intend to use this setup to the max.   If all goes well we'll be camping in the desert for two to three months.

glen

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #5 – November 03, 2020, 04:09:26 pm

Thanks for that information, Glen. And, for the link to "C rate"; this is good information on battery charge and discharge rates that many LDers might find very useful!

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #6 – November 04, 2020, 09:30:42 am

Thanks for all the info Glen!
Seriously considering getting this ... at $1,000 though, Just curious what the life expectancy of the battery might be?
Daryl

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #7 – November 04, 2020, 10:02:58 am

Quote from: LazDazGuy - November 04, 2020, 09:30:42 am

Thanks for all the info Glen!
Seriously considering getting this ... at $1,000 though, Just curious what the life expectancy of the battery might be?
Daryl

What ya get when buying this bad boy
1. MMPT controller
2. 46AH Lithium Battery*
3. Pure Sign Wave Inverter
4. about 500 cycles*

*under Lithium you get to use 90% of the 46AH unlike lead acid based battery at 50%
* keeping in mind lithium batteries can be discharge to 10 % or so without harm. After 500 cycles this battery will be at 80% so the math says I believe around 900 to 1000 cycles if used under normal conditions.

So yes $1000 is a tad hard of the wallet but .......

glen

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #8 – November 04, 2020, 10:29:35 am

Good to know ... say if it’s charged once a week, 52 weeks a year, that would be several years, in theory at least— not bad!

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #9 – November 08, 2020, 11:12:07 am

ok, Glen, you convinced me! I ordered it on Amazon, will get here before I leave for a week of dry camping at Morro Bay over Thanksgiving. Looking forward to having that extra energy option when not hooked up, which I do a lot of. (especially keeping all the tech gadgets charged when working from the road) 1,000 watt pure sine wave inverter, yay!
Daryl
Hope to see you again in Quartzite :-)

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #10 – November 08, 2020, 11:28:58 am

Just a reminder for those looking to purchase a portable power station. You may be able to get a discount/ rebate through your local utility company. For instance:

Southern California Edison

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #11 – November 08, 2020, 12:52:45 pm

Quote from: LazDazGuy - November 08, 2020, 11:12:07 am

ok, Glen, you convinced me! I ordered it on Amazon, will get here before I leave for a week of dry camping at Morro Bay over Thanksgiving. Looking forward to having that extra energy option when not hooked up, which I do a lot of. (especially keeping all the tech gadgets charged when working from the road) 1,000 watt pure sine wave inverter, yay!

After worrying so much two weeks ago about having enough battery to complete your workday, having a reserve power supply, with enough reserve capacity to get through a day's use is a good solution.
Consider installing a few solar panels so you don't need to run the generator to charge the house battery and your new Jackery..

Larry

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #12 – November 08, 2020, 09:57:38 pm

Hey Larry,
Yes, solar panels on the roof would be perfect complement to the Jackery so will have to maybe start looking into that!😊
In the meantime, I do have a Renogy portable solar suitcase (also bought the adapter cable to connect MC4 to the Jackery’s Anderson input).   Also while driving, I can plug it into the cab’s cig lighter.   And of course when I have elect hookups, will be charging it then too.   And if it runs out of juice, really no big deal — I don’t NEED it, just a little extra convenience & backup.
   I’ll be able to make a K cup coffee without running the generator at Morro Bay, yay! ☕️
   (Added bonus: since I’ll be using it directly for work as a backup generator, it’s a business equipment deduction! 😉)

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #13 – November 09, 2020, 11:29:50 pm

A primer on portable power stations from CR:

5 Things to Know About Portable Power Stations - Consumer Reports

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #14 – November 10, 2020, 09:06:39 am

Thanks Greg!

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #15 – November 14, 2020, 12:02:22 pm

Update on first test use of my new Jackery 1000— it’s great & going to be a game-changer for me when dry camping!
I ran my 6 qt Instant Pot (rated @1000 watts) pressure cooking for 6 minutes (a typical meal run time) and the display on the Jackery never needed to output above 900 watts, stayed around 850-880 range, then dropped down to 3 watts after pressure had built for most of the remaining cook time. Total battery percentage used was about 10%.
Next I made a K Cup of coffee, drawing about 700+ watts for couple minutes, down another 5%.
Started at 100% fully charged battery, I had charged my electric razor, iPad, made a “meal” in Instant Pot, and a cup of K pod coffee and have 84% battery remaining on the Jackery.
Nice I can also use the toaster, my small 5-cup coffee pot, charge computers, etc., .... wow, I like this gadget!
I got the adapters for my portable Renogy solar panels, which won’t charge it fast by any means but will help a little topping it off I think.. And I like you can plug it into 12 v port while driving to charge also. (And of course when you elect hookups, just plug it into AC]
Thanks again, Glen, for your post about this!
Daryl.

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #16 – November 14, 2020, 12:30:35 pm

Daryl,

These small lithium battery packs can add a lot of convienance to RV living. One thing I enjoy about our solar upgrade is the ability to use my burr grinder for my morning coffee.

Hand grinding beans for a cup used to take about four minutes. Now the task takes less than a minute. Sooo nice.

I’ve asked Santa for a Toaster Oven for Christmas.🎅🏻 Is that too much to ask for?

Kent

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #17 – November 14, 2020, 03:00:08 pm

Ditto on the usefulness of these small solar generators! I have a Goal Zero 1000(GZ) that I purchased a couple years ago @ Costco that I use all the time for charging electronics, running small appliances, etc. The GZ is significantly heavier @ 43 lbs., than the Jackery @ 22 lbs. The GZ is also larger. As a result, the GZ is definitely not as easy to move around and position for convenient use as the Jackery. This led me explore stationary options so I could use some kitchen appliances via the standard 110v receptacle in my kitchen area. What I do is use a 30 amp to 15 amp dog bone to connect my coach 30 amp inlet to one of the 110v outlets on my GZ. This way, I have power to the 110 outlets inside my coach to run my small coffeemaker, etc. I can also run my microwave if I reduce the power setting to 70% so I don't exceed the maximum allowable amp draw on the GZ 110v outlets (12.5 amps). The GZ is located under my dinette table against the outside wall so it is at all times stationary and out of the way. I do have to pay attention to the fact that the GZ power flows through the house power supply/converter which draws approximately 120 watts of continuous power so when I do not need the coach outlets I just turn the inverter off on my GZ if I am not using the other 11Ov outlet for some other purpose. If I am using that outlet then I just turn off the main on the house power supply/converter unit. I also use 200w Renogy portable panels for charging. Thank you for all the great info. on the Insta Pot. I may make a purchase:)

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #18 – November 16, 2020, 09:12:04 am

Interesting setup! Never considered that the whole rig could be plugged in to the inverter, then be able to use all the outlets & micro (at lower power setting) Iâ€™m going to try a small, 600 watt micro, no bells, whistles, displays or clock, just simple & small to use for quick reheats with the Jackery. Amazon.com: Commercial Chef CHM660B Countertop Small Microwave Oven, 0.6...

Daryl

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Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #19 – November 16, 2020, 11:16:23 am

When choosing a microwave oven, bear in mind that the rated power is in output watts, but the input power is generally about one and a half times that. In other words, a "600 W" microwave will typically require 900 W of power.

Also, at least with all the microwave ovens I've seen, setting it to half power does not mean it uses half as many watts. Rather, it means it uses full power for half the time, switching its magnetron on and off at intervals. In other words, you can't run a 1,000 W-rated (1,500 watts actual draw) microwave on half power and expect it to use only 750 watts. It will use 1,500 watts and switch its output on and off for an average of half power.

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #20 – November 16, 2020, 12:35:37 pm

Quote from: LazDazGuy - November 14, 2020, 12:02:22 pm

Update on first test use of my new Jackery 1000— it’s great & going to be a game-changer for me when dry camping!
I ran my 6 qt Instant Pot (rated @1000 watts) pressure cooking for 6 minutes (a typical meal run time) and the display on the Jackery never needed to output above 900 watts, stayed around 850-880 range, then dropped down to 3 watts after pressure had built for most of the remaining cook time. Total battery percentage used was about 10%.
Next I made a K Cup of coffee, drawing about 700+ watts for couple minutes, down another 5%.
Started at 100% fully charged battery, I had charged my electric razor, iPad, made a “meal” in Instant Pot, and a cup of K pod coffee and have 84% battery remaining on the Jackery.
Nice I can also use the toaster, my small 5-cup coffee pot, charge computers, etc., .... wow, I like this gadget!
I got the adapters for my portable Renogy solar panels, which won’t charge it fast by any means but will help a little topping it off I think.. And I like you can plug it into 12 v port while driving to charge also. (And of course when you elect hookups, just plug it into AC]

Might have to invest in one of these portable power stations. Just got notified by our utility company that we may lose power in the next 1-4 hours (PSPS).
Greg- living the California dream.

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #21 – November 16, 2020, 06:57:19 pm

Now is a great time to get one..
15% off the Jackery 1000 and the solar panels.
I just happened to check amazon earlier today and saw the $150 discount as part of Jackerys anniversary sale, today through Wed only! Had I known about the upcoming sale, I would have waited, damn! 🤦‍♀️
Daryl

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #22 – November 16, 2020, 10:34:55 pm

Hi Darryl,

Just wanted to confirm Andy's guidance when it comes to microwave power usage. His comments got me to thinking so I connected my solar generator today and actually watched the wattage readings on the generator display in real time as I used my small 700 watt Sharp at both full and reduced power. At full power the unit was drawing a continuous 1025 watts. At reduced power (70%) it cycled between the full 1025 watts and 695 watts during the timer period. Hopefully your 600 watt unit will keep you within the Jackery inverter spec's(1000 watt?).
P.S. Don't forget to unplug the generator charger from the 110av wall outlet before you try this setup. If you don't the generator will begin to charge itself! (Yup, been there, done that

Hope this setup works for you Darryl and kudos to Andy for the best of technical advice as usual.

Matt

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #23 – November 17, 2020, 01:37:39 am

Quote from: Andy Baird - November 16, 2020, 11:16:23 am

When choosing a microwave oven, bear in mind that the rated power is in output watts, but the input power is generally about one and a half times that. In other words, a "600 W" microwave will typically require 900 W of power.

Thanks for that info Andy!
Yeah, I read that too in some of the Amazon review about this 600 w drawing closer to 900, but worked fine with a 1000 inverter, like the Jackery has— roughly the same draw as the Instant Pot (6 qt)
Daryl

Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review

Reply #24 – November 17, 2020, 01:41:12 am

Quote from: Mattb - November 16, 2020, 10:34:55 pm

P.S. Don't forget to unplug the generator charger from the 110av wall outlet before you try this setup. If you don't the generator will begin to charge itself! (Yup, been there, done that
Hope this setup works for you Darryl and kudos to Andy for the best of technical advice as usual.

Thanks for the tip, Matt!
Great info as always on the forum! 👍
Daryl

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