I’m only half kidding. I’m a bit of a prepper and I have lots of powerbanks and devices that charge from USB but besides idling my truck I really had no other way to charge any of them in case of a long-term power outage which seemed a bit of an oversight on my part.
Not like this solves the issue. 30 watts (under ideal conditions) isn’t much but it’s a start.
I bought the Jackery Explorer 100 and am coupling it with a 45W panel. I figured the Jackery would be better for solar than an average power bank, because they already package it in a bundle with their own panel. BUT since both USB C ports on the Jackery can do both power in/out, I think the Jackery can actually get confused about whether it’s supposed to be charging or discharging, when the panel is running at very low output… … at least, that’s how I interpret having returned to it and seeing it discharged when connected to the panel.
Out of curiosity, I’ve been wanting to get a jackery for camp trips an such, how is the 100w model? I keep eyeing the 2000w version but the price of it is absurd.
It’s been fine, except for the issue I already described. The build quality is decent, but nothing special. There’s a ridge down the middle that’s a bit wider than it should be. The display button recedes a bit far into the case and so can get a little annoying to push. It’s got some nice rubber feet, and the orange might make it easier to spot in a dark tent. I haven’t put it through heavy or methodical testing though. Just mentioning things that I haven’t seen mentioned in reviews. It’s a heavy item for a backpack, so might be worth reconsidering if it’s overkill for your needs anyway.
I’m not who you asked but… I’ve never heard much good about jackery and they’re comparatively super expensive. Though, admittedly I haven’t price compared in several years. When I was looking, jackery was still using lipo batteries instead of the lifepo4, while being more expensive, so it was easy to discard them. Surely they’re using the newer chemistries now…
You might check into ecoflow or bluetti.
Edit: I have quite a bit of bluetti stuff and haven’t had any problems except with a folding 220w solar panel that was “free” with a battery purchase. It works, but not remotely close to spec even in ideal circumstances… Might be a reason they were giving them away : )
The batteries/inverters have all done well though the passive drain is significant.
Jackery is using lifepo4 now, but their quality control is bottom barrel poor. I’d advise you avoid unless it’s free.
Honestly, I have a Jackery Home power 3600. The electronics have been buggy and unreliable. The battery can discharge itself through connected solar panels. It’s a known issue. The inverter overheats due to its discharging. The panels desynch from the battery while charging regularly. The USB C output is entirely inconsistent. Sometimes delivering minimal charge and other times rapid charging. My little brother has an Eco Flow. He hasn’t had issues with that system the same way that I have with the Junkery. Beware.
Oh, I hadn’t heard about it anywhere else. Do you remember where you heard this?
I spoke with Jackery’s customer service and tech support several times. I was depleting charge while leaving panels plugged in in full sunlight. They’d informed that the power feed can back flow to the panel, and that it is a known issue.