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Topic: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews (Read 3051 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review
Reply #25 –
"worked fine with a 1000 inverter"

I'm guessing that the Jackery 1000 model, although rated for 1,000 watts continuous output, can handle a higher draw for a short time.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review
Reply #26 –
2000 W surge it claims.
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V
Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review
Reply #27 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
"worked fine with a 1000 inverter"

I'm guessing that the Jackery 1000 model, although rated for 1,000 watts continuous output, can handle a higher draw for a short time.
Yes, as keith wrote, It has 2000 surge capacity, although when I was testing it out, the Jackery never output over 900 w.  I’m curious to see how much the 600 w micro will draw when it arrives tomorrow!
Daryl
Daryl 
2007  26.5’ mid-bath, “Blu Tent“
2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S
  (previously 2006 23.5’ front lounge)
SKP #145689
Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review
Reply #28 –
I'm betting you will come in somewhere between 850 and 950  so hoping  you should be good. The only other variable that I can think of that may have an effect is the rated amps for that outlet on the Jackery. For example,  I have a couple plug in power tools that run well within the wattage spec's of my GZ 1000 (1500w continuous, 3000w surge)  but will not work because they are rated at 15 amps which trips the 12.5 amp circuit breaker that is built into the outlets. This too, I learned the hard way, and as a result always try to check the amp rating on any tool or appliance I plug into the outlets. Unfortunately, this information is not always easy to find. I looked at the Jackery spec's and did not find this info. listed. Perhaps I missed it or a call to Jackery tech support or another forum member's knowledge would be a source for this info.

Matt
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review
Reply #29 –
According to Jackery 1000 spec sheet the 110 output is 110v 9.09A 1000W continuous 2000W surge peak


glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review
Reply #30 –
Isn't it  a bit misleading when both Goal Zero and Jackery advertise a surge level on their inverters that the installed circuit breakers can't handle or is there  some type of brief override in surge range?
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review
Reply #31 –
Hi Matt;  Surge is a relative thing. The circuit breakers generally have a medium delay. Depending on the amount of extra current that is over their rating. A 5% overload may not trip at all. 20% overload may give you 5 minutes leeway. 30% you might get 1 minute. It is a heat build up in the breaker. After the five minutes overload when it does trip, you may not be able to reset it for 10 minutes. If you do, and persist with the overload, it may go off in two minutes, and not reset (not be able to reset it) for 25 minutes.
   The electronic surge from 1000 Watts to 2000 Watts can be rated for real short durations. Such as when a motor is first started, your surge rating may only be good for a few seconds. Enough to start a motor but not to run it at an overload current. It might be a function of how hot the controlling electronics get, or are allowed to be before the system shuts down. Cold weather can prolong the surge rating, Shorter times in hot weather.
   It can also be inconsistent timewise, and repeated use at the limits may shorten the life of some components.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Jackery/Instant Pot Review
Reply #32 –
Hey Ron,

Thanks for the succinct and highly informative info. on the topic of inverter surge.  Much appreciated. Matt
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #34 –
Just a note: that "review" was sponsored by Jackery. (And hey, check out that photo of their solar panel--it's charging a phone and a tablet while lying face down! Pretty cool trick. ;-)

I agree with the article's subhead that reads, "Stay off-grid longer in your camper van." These powerpacks are great for that application. For a fully outfitted class C, they don't make as much sense. But maybe if you take long excursions in your toad, one of the smaller models would be handy? Just remember that lithium batteries hate to be too hot, so don't leave it in the car on a hot day, any more than you would leave your phone or tablet.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #35 –
Quote from: LazDazGuy  - 
Yes, as keith wrote, It has 2000 surge capacity, although when I was testing it out, the Jackery never output over 900 w.  I’m curious to see how much the 600 w micro will draw when it arrives tomorrow!
Daryl
I ran microwave in my 2006 RK with the Jackery 1000 a couple of days ago.  The display indicated 1500 watts.  Seemed a little high.  I assumed the original microwave in my rig was at most 1200 watts.  It ran for about 20 seconds and then I turned it off.  Not going to use that option going forward.  I stuck the Jackery under the rear seat and wired in an outlet to plug stuff inside.  It's a cheap way to get 1000 watt inverter into the rig.  Works pretty good. 
2006 RK
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #36 –
"I ran microwave in my 2006 RK with the Jackery 1000 a couple of days ago.  The display indicated 1500 watts.  Seemed a little high."

Bear in mind that the power consumption of a microwave oven is typically about 50% more than its rated power output--the number on the shipping box. So a "1,000 watt" microwave is likely to draw 1,500 watts in use. Similarly, Daryl's 600 W unit will probably draw about 900 W.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #37 –
"It's a cheap way to get 1000 watt inverter into the rig."

Since a 1,000 W pure sine wave inverter sells for $150-$200, while a Jackery 1000 powerpack sells for $999, it doesn't look cheap on the face of it. However, the Jackery 1000 doesn't require a connection to your house batteries, with the necessary heavy-duty wiring, fusing, etc. So it is a way to get a 1,000 W inverter without either doing that work yourself or paying to have it done. :-)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #38 –
I'm a happy user of the Jackery 1000. 

But ...  today I would not buy it.   The technology is dated.  The newer 1500 and 2000 are a better buy.   Higher amp/hours and faster charge times.  Also longer lasting. 

As an aside Jackery pays for reviews on amazon.   I know 'casue they 'paid' me.  

glen 

personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #39 –
Quote from: colddog  - 
I'm a happy user of the Jackery 1000. 

But ...  today I would not buy it.   The technology is dated.  The newer 1500 and 2000 are a better buy.   Higher amp/hours and faster charge times.  Also longer lasting. 

As an aside Jackery pays for reviews on amazon.   I know 'casue they 'paid' me.  

glen 

Yep, just took a look at the new Jackery 1500.  That is a whopping price too - $2700

Bob

2006 RK
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #40 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
"It's a cheap way to get 1000 watt inverter into the rig."

Since a 1,000 W pure sine wave inverter sells for $150-$200, while a Jackery 1000 powerpack sells for $999, it doesn't look cheap on the face of it. However, the Jackery 1000 doesn't require a connection to your house batteries, with the necessary heavy-duty wiring, fusing, etc. So it is a way to get a 1,000 W inverter without either doing that work yourself or paying to have it done. :-)

True.  I was thinking more convenience than price.  I thought of getting an inverter and wiring it in to the rig's system.  That wouldn't have been too difficult.  I still might do that in the future.  My current solar would have to be expanded to account for the additional battery draw/use(its only 200watts and two T105s).  However, the Jackery has a couple of advantages I like, namely its portability and the fact that it doesn't draw on the rig's batteries.  It's light enough to move around the campsite where needed and when it needs topping off just plug in the solar panel. It fits under the dinette seat out of site.  The one negative is I have to run an extension power strip when using. 

Bob
2006 RK
 
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #42 –

Right, you're paying for convenience... and portability, if you need that. For some, it may be worth it.

About those Jackery solar panels: as I've mentioned elsewhere, they are not waterproof. You'll need to bring them inside at night, when leaving the rig, and anytime rain or snow are possible. Also, they cost $299 for each 100 watt panel. For about the same money, you can buy three 100 W Renogy panels... or for convenience, a folding 200 W "solar suitcase." Either one is completely weatherproof.

In short, if buying one of the Jackery powerpacks, it's best to get your solar panels elsewhere.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #43 –
Quote from: rprice  - 
Sorry, $2700 does include a couple of solar panels.

A  portable power pack can be useful for outside use or for a backup to an important device. Daryl sometimes works out of his LD and need a backup battery for his computer system, he bought a Jackery after a close call at Morro Bay when his house battery was low and he had an afternoon job that operated in real-time, a power failure would have been devastating and resulted in loss of income and reputation, he is a perfect candidate for a Jackery
If you are handy, $2700 will buy two Battle-born lithium batteries and several 100-watt panels and provide your LD with a more powerful 12-volt system.
How a portable lithium power pack will be used determines if it is worth the expense.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #44 –
If anyone is interested in a thorough, detailed independent test of the various battery types and chemistry, I recommend this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy3hga_P5YY

Steve

p.s. I also found the heated Battleborn batteries of interest...
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #45 –
I look on the Jackery (or Goal Zero, or any equal unit) as a giant portable battery and inverter rolled into one that requires no installation, and can change venues in a flash.  As is often the case in almost any instance in life, the intended use is dependent upon the lifestyle and needs of the owner.

In our Lazy Daze, its purpose would be as a back up for gloomy days, or to provide overnight electricity for my husband's CPAP machine if a Lazy Daze electrical outlet was not conveniently located, or I didn't have, or couldn't use for some reason, an extension cord.  Its portability for outside use is also remarkable.

In the past, we have run the generator to top off the battery bank for the evening's use, when it would have been convenient to just use a Jackery, and then let the panels fill the bank in the morning.

In our Pleasure-Way, we have an extremely puny battery system with no solar, but there is a 2800 Onan to recharge said tiny battery.  The use of a generator does not appeal to us.  I'm looking at a Jackery system, sans panels, to augment this system, mostly for CPAP use.

Our particular camping style is not to boondock in the wild for months on end, so recharging a Jackery at a campground on an overnight stay would fit right into our already-established routine.  We like to be in civilization at least once a week to do laundry, get a good shower, dump garbage, empty/fill tanks, cook with electricity for the coming week, and of course, refill portable battery banks!

On travel days, the Jackery can be plugged into the vehicle for charging. 

As with most things in life, a relaxed attitude, lots of planning, and determined execution can go a long way to making life on the road pretty darned pleasant.  I look at the trade offs of the cost of an item as it pertains to making my life less miserable/more fun.  I call it "what equals what", and that's how I determine the value of an item, notwithstanding only its purchase price.

I did a short calculation about the cost of FREE delivery from Walmart at a C-note a year.  That works out to the cost of gasoline for our Dodge Grand Caravan for me to drive to a Walmart approximately five miles away (RT = ten miles) once a week (<$2. per week for the subscription). 

Seems like an excellent trade off to me as regards my time, cost of fuel, wear and tear on my vehicle, possibilities of parking lot scrapes on the car, or, in these days, being caught in an unpleasant incident of some sort, only to find that some items are not in stock, and another trip is required to complete the acquisition of my intended purchases!

I'm guessing that a like scenario could be established for using (or not) a Jackery, or for using (or not) their solar panels, or the ones from a different supplier.  Only the user can establish the pertinent criteria for optimization and value between the purchase price and how much grief it keeps away from one's everyday living/happiness opportunities.

   Virtual hugs,

   Judie  <-- Sierra Vista, Arizona
   Adventures of Dorrie Anne | Photographing the West

   Today:  Celebration Breakfast
            **********************

 

 
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #46 –
"it would have been convenient to just use a Jackery, and then let the panels fill the bank in the morning."

Jackery says that their 1000 model takes 14 hours to charge from a 12V outlet (whether driving or letting solar panels do the work). It's not going to happen in the morning. In fact, a day with 14 hours of power-producing sunshine is pretty hard to come by, outside of the June 21st summer solstice.

"In our Pleasure-Way, we have an extremely puny battery system with no solar, but there is a 2800 Onan to recharge said tiny battery. The use of a generator does not appeal to us. I'm looking at a Jackery system, sans panels, to augment this system, mostly for CPAP use."

That could work, as long as you charge it up (7 hours when plugged into 120 VAC) before leaving home. But with no solar panels, you'd have to drive for 14 hours to fully charge it, and I know you don't like long driving days.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #47 –
""it would have been convenient to just use a Jackery, and then let the panels fill the bank in the morning."

Jackery says that their 1000 model takes 14 hours to charge from a 12V outlet (whether driving or letting solar panels do the work). It's not going to happen in the morning. In fact, a day with 14 hours of power-producing sunshine is pretty hard to come by, outside of the June 21st summer solstice.

        <<<I should have made it clearer that I meant the 400-watts of solar panels on the roof of our Lazy Daze would be recharging the Lazy Daze batteries during the day.>>>

"In our Pleasure-Way, we have an extremely puny battery system with no solar, but there is a 2800 Onan to recharge said tiny battery. The use of a generator does not appeal to us. I'm looking at a Jackery system, sans panels, to augment this system, mostly for CPAP use."

That could work, as long as you charge it up (7 hours when plugged into 120 VAC) before leaving home. But with no solar panels, you'd have to drive for 14 hours to fully charge it, and I know you don't like long driving days. "

       <<<I'm looking at a Jackery solely as a back-up apparatus and/or convenient access to electricity, topping it off at every opportunity, not as a sole source that is depleted daily.>>>


   Virtual hugs,

   Judie

Re: Jackery Solar Generator Reviews
Reply #48 –
I have a Goal Zero Yeti 1000 and on occasion I charge it via one of the coach  12 volt outlets when I am running the generator. I don't know what the Jackery spec's are for its charger(s) but mine pushes 135 watts through the outlet which isn't too bad. It is also very important that you disconnect the charger from the outlet after turning the generator off because the 12 volt charger will continue to happily draw power from the house batteries to charge the solar generator batteries. Yup, I ran those house batteries down pretty darn good, but only once:)
2004 26.5 Island Bed. Gumby
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Portable power station vs permanent solar install.
Reply #49 –
I just saw that Jackery are making a 2000 wh capacity power station with a 2200W AC inverter, which they say can be charged in 3 hours with 4 x 200 watt portable solar panels they also make.  The power station is small and comparatively light, and the panels fold down to 21 x 24 inches, so they would fit in my storage compartments on the TK.  (I think)  It’s expensive, but portable, so if you change RV’s you can take it with you easily.  Does anyone have any opinion if this is game changer to an expensive solar install? The panels look really sturdy would appear to be hard to blow over.  I have hesitated to add solar to my roof as I have been told by the factory not to drill holes. ( I know everyone does and it is ok, so I might). The other benefit is that you would not have to park in the hot sun. Portable Power Station, Power Outdoors - Jackery.  I am not sure if you could just connect it to the shore power socket with an adaptor or not.
AlphPup
 2001 TK “Dazi”