Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro: Bigger, More Portable, and Faster Charging
This article was originally published on MAKE USE OF.
Crazy power without the bulk. With its portable suitcase design, it's smaller and lighter than the competition.
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a highly efficient power solution designed for those who love to explore the great outdoors, require a reliable backup power source in emergencies, or want more independence from the grid. This portable generator combo includes a high-capacity 3024Wh lithium-ion battery and two 200W solar panels, allowing you to power up anytime, anywhere, for several hours at a time.
With its numerous power outputs, including AC, USB, and DC, the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro can support a wide range of appliances and gadgets, including fridges, coffee makers, tools, and of course, your beloved phones and tablets. This can be a versatile and indispensable tool for adventurers, campers, and homeowners alike.
What Makes the Jackery 3000 Pro Different?
The Jackery 3000 Pro is incredibly lightweight and compact for a generator of this capacity, weighing in at just 64lbs (28kg). This makes it 30% lighter and smaller than other products with similar capacities, making it an excellent option for those needing a portable power source for camping, tailgate parties, or any other outdoor activity. The generator's extendable arm and wheels further enhance its portability, making it easy to move from one location to another.
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is also designed to be cold-friendly, with the ability to function in temperatures as low as -20 °C (-4 °F). This is a critical feature for those who plan to use the generator in extreme weather conditions, ensuring that it will continue to perform reliably even in harsh environments. Whether you need to power up your devices while on the go or in a remote location, the 3000 Pro offers you reliable power and performance to keep you connected and powered up.
With its built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro offers unique smart app control. This allows users to monitor and manage the generator's power output, battery level, and charging status from their smartphone or tablet. This level of accessibility is great for those who require more precise control.
Despite the high price tag of around $3,999 for the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro, this product offers a range of features that make it a compelling investment for those needing a reliable and robust portable power source. With ultra-fast charging capabilities, it can be fully charged via six SolarSaga 200W panels in just 3–4 hours or wall-charged in 2.4 hours, making it a convenient option for those who need to power up their devices quickly.
A Big Upgrade
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a step up from the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 in several ways.
Firstly, the 3000 Pro has a larger capacity, with a 3024Wh/768Ah battery capacity, compared to the previous model's 2000Wh/576Ah battery capacity. This means that the 3000 Pro can power more devices and appliances for longer periods.
Additionally, the 3000 Pro has a maximum output of 3000W continuous and a surge capacity of 6000W, compared to the 2000's maximum output of 2200W and surge of 4800W. This makes the 3000 Pro better suited for powering multiple high-demand devices and appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and power tools.
The 3000 Pro also has a slightly higher potential solar charge input of 1400W, compared to 1200W on the 2000 Pro.
Understandably, the 3000 Pro is larger and heavier than the 2000, weighing 64 lbs (29kg) compared to the 2000's 53 lbs (24kg) and measuring 19.57 x 18.11 x 15.75 inches compared to the 2000's 16.5 x 11.6 x 14.4 inches.
Keeping it Compact
The Explorer 3000 Pro uses NMC lithium-ion battery cells, which helps keep its weight down compared to other power stations in the 3000Wh range that usually weigh 80 to 100 lbs easily. The 3000 Pro is rugged, yet manages to be relatively compact. Thanks to its retractable handle and a set of wheels, users can move the unit around easily instead of lifting its weighty 62.8 lb mass.
Smart Features
Previously exclusive to Android, Jackery has recently released its app for iOS as well. In addition to monitoring and managing the generator's performance remotely, the app also provides owners with information about the unit's current charge levels, energy input and output, and which ports are currently active. This can be especially helpful for those who have crucial devices powered while they're away like a fridge, or just as important if you want to ensure that your generator is charging efficiently and will have enough battery stored up by the time you return.
The app also includes a digital user manual, which is a handy resource when using the power station in the field and ever need to troubleshoot or remember how to connect your solar array properly. You can also adjust a range of settings, including charging speed, if the battery should stop charging at 80% for increased health, and how long the built-in LCD screen stays active before turning off.
Additionally, the Jackery app allows you to upgrade the power station's firmware periodically, which could improve efficiency or add new features and functionality.
Charging
According to Jackery, the Explorer 3000 Pro can be fully charged from zero in just three to four hours using six of the company's 200W solar panels (though it would need to be ideal conditions). When charged via solar panels, naturally the charging time for the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro varies depending on cloud cover, time of day, and angle relative to the sun. During our tests in mid-April on a perfectly clear 85-degree day, the twin 200-watt solar panels pushed out anywhere from 285 to 320 watts of power, combined. Though we rarely got above 350 watts, we expect higher efficiency in summer.
For those who don't have access to sunlight or want to charge the generator more quickly, it can also be charged in just 2.5 hours when plugged into an AC outlet, pulling a maximum of 1800W. This option is perfect for those who need to charge the generator quickly before heading out on an adventure or when the sun is not shining.
In addition, the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro can also be charged from a 12V/8A car outlet, but this method will take longer, with a charging time of approximately 35 hours.
Connectivity
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro has various connectivity ports to accommodate different devices and appliances. These include four 120-volt AC wall outlets, a 12-volt car-charging port, two 18-watt USB-A ports, and two 100-watt USB-C PD ports. Including PD ports is a particularly noteworthy feature, as they are becoming increasingly common on modern devices and can charge them much faster than USB-A ports. Most laptops can run directly from a USB-C PD port, removing the efficiency loss from using an AC converter.
The power station also has a heavy-duty 25-amp plug for appliances that require extra capacity, making it a good choice for powering high-demand tools or equipment. It is worth noting, however, that the power station does not have any 12-volt barrel ports, which have been common on power stations in the past. This is unlikely to be a significant issue for most users.
Solar
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro uses non-standard 8mm DC barrel connectors between its batteries and solar panels, rather than the more common XT60/MC4.
This means that if you already own third-party solar panels with the XT60/MC4 connector, you will need to purchase adapters to connect them to the Jackery generator. While this is a minor inconvenience, it's important to keep in mind if you're already invested in a particular solar panel setup.
That being said, if you're using Jackery's own solar panels, either as part of its combo or buying them at a later point, there won't be any compatibility issues. Plus, the generator's built-in smart charging controller ensures that it will work seamlessly with Jackery's own panels, providing optimal charging performance and efficiency.
Who is the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro for?
The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro power station can power a wide variety of devices, making it a versatile and practical tool for a range of use cases.
For remote workers, the Explorer 3000 Pro can charge laptops, cameras, drones, and other gear while working off the grid. Its versatility and portability make it a popular choice among adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who require reliable power on the go.
Handymen who need to power their tools on a job site can rely on the device's heavy-duty 25-amp plug. Additionally, it can power most household appliances such as microwaves, mixers, fridges, and toasters, making it a great backup option during power outages or when you need to use these appliances while camping or on a road trip.
While I didn't have the opportunity to test it, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro is certainly capable of being used as a primary power system for a full-sized RV. Its capacity and versatility make it an excellent option for those who want to be self-sufficient while on the road. Additionally, its size is such that it could easily fit into the generator compartment in many RVs.
Simulating a camping trip, we made breakfast outdoors while also charging our eBike, eScooter, and smartphone. With our blender, air fryer, and numerous devices charging simultaneously, we saw a peak output of about 1700-2000W.
The generator's battery level was depleting at about 1% every thirty seconds under this extreme load. The air fryer was the most power-hungry device, and as soon as we were done heating our food, our output dropped to about 200-300W.
To work out roughly how many hours 3000Wh will last you, divide by your average load (in watts). For example, running at 300W continuously would last approximately ten hours. In reality, you'll get a bit less thanks to inefficiencies when converting to AC, so 8 hours would be more realistic. The display also shows a rough estimate of time remaining.
Big Enough for Most
The Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro strikes an ideal balance between power, weight, and portability, making it an excellent choice for most users. While larger portable power stations with more capacity are available, they are typically bulkier and better suited for home use. The Explorer 3000 Pro, on the other hand, can easily be taken on the go, thanks to its portable design, pull rod, and double wheels.
On the other hand, the 3000 Pro isn't modular, so it can't be expanded. If you wanted to double the capacity, you would need to buy two, which is less cost-effective as you have to pay for a large inverter twice, rather than just the additional battery capacity.
The power station's connectivity provides ample charging options for various devices and can even power some of the most power-hungry appliances and tools for several hours. With its improved efficiency in solar charging and larger capacity, it's a fantastic upgrade over its predecessors.
Whether you're camping off the grid or embarking on a long road trip, the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro can provide the power you need to keep all of your devices and appliances running smoothly.
