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Jackery Explorer 1500 solar generator review: black out protection at its best

Jackery 1500 Hero Source: Technobuffalo

Jackery has been making large solar generators for a while now, and each one has improved upon its predecessors in one way or another. The Jackery Explorer 1500 is the latest big solar generator from the company and features many upgrades that make it even more helpful at home, as well as out and about.

We took a deep dive with Explorer 1500 in two distinct parts of the United States; the east coast in New Jersey and the west coast desert of Southern California. Each offers a different look at how this monster battery and 400w of solar cells can make a difference in your home.

Jackery Explorer 1500 solar generator

Bottom line: The Jackery 1500 is a solar generator that can handle any job you can throw at it. From charging your iPhone while camping to running your fridge in a power cut, the Explorer 1500 can do it all.

The Good

Can power home appliances
Four separate solar panels for ease of use
A massive 1500W/h battery

The Bad

One less USB than previous generations
Extremely heavy

Jackery Explorer 1500 solar generator: Price and availability

Jackery 1500 Waterfall

Source: Technobuffalo

The Explorer 1500 solar bundle comes with the generator itself and four SolarSaga 100w solar panels. When purchased separately, each panel costs $300, so buying the bundle saves you a few hundred dollars. The 1500 is much sought after, and while the stock on Amazon does fluctuate, the inventory at Jackery does

Solar + Battery Storage = Power Grid Independence

Two Enphase IQ 10 Batteries were installed in my garage

Those of you who have been around me or this blog for the past few years know that I’m a fan of tech, green energy, electric vehicles, and of course solar power. At the end of 2019, I went solar and documented it here. My electric bill dropped by more than half and I’ve been very happy with my system. No complaints. It just works! However, there was something that I knew I would ultimately want to complete the system and I mentioned it back then. battery storage!

A solar system without battery storage will only go so far

Solar only, no battery storage. Excess power is going back to the grid

Adding solar panels to your home will almost immediately start paying off by reducing or even eliminating the power you need from the grid. That’s the upside! However, unless your system is PERFECTLY designed to match your energy needs AND you’re on a Net Metering Plan, you’re going to either overproduce or underproduce power. There will be times throughout the day when you may even be doing both.

For example, let’s say it’s an extremely sunny day and nobody is home. That means that your system is likely producing more power than your home is consuming at that moment. Where does that excess energy go? Back to the grid. Depending on your power company you may or may not be able to take advantage of that excess power.