The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus is a powerful solar generator boasting a 7200W pure sine wave inverter and a substantial 5200Wh LFP battery, promising extended runtime and lifespan. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this portable power station, exploring its impressive features against potential drawbacks. We'll examine its high-capacity solar charging, ease of use, and portability, alongside crucial limitations that may impact its suitability for various applications. From rigorous testing under high loads to real-world usage scenarios, we provide a comprehensive assessment to help you decide if the Jackery 5000 Plus is the right investment for your power needs.This in-depth analysis covers key performance aspects, including charging capabilities, battery life, and power output, comparing it to competitors like the Anker Solx F3800 Plus and the Delta Pro Ultra. We also investigate the practical implications of its unique limitations, such as the inability to output 240V from a 120V input and the relatively high idle power consumption. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a balanced perspective, weighing the impressive power and features against the significant drawbacks, to assist readers in making an informed purchase decision.
Pros And Cons
- 7200 WT (7.2 kW) pure sine wave inverter
- 5200 Wh (5 kWh) battery capacity
- Smaller footprint than Ecoflow Delta Pro Ultra with similar inverter capacity
- Uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells with over 4000 cycles before degradation
- MC4 solar input connector for compatibility with standard solar panels (up to 450V, 4000W)
- Two 8mm connectors for Jackery solar panels
- Four AC outlets, two 100W USB-C ports, two 18W USB-A ports, and a 12V cigarette lighter port
- Individual port control
- 240V 30A (L14-30) outlet
- Quiet fans
- Telescoping handle and wheels for easy mobility
- Removable top section for easy unpacking
- Operates on its back
- Good customer service
- Screen turns off automatically (although this can be disabled in the app)
- Cannot output 240V power when inputting 120V power
- High idle power consumption (90 Wh/hour)
- High minimum voltage requirement for high voltage input (135V) may require more solar panels than anticipated
- Expensive, though price competitive with similar products.
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Impressive Power Output and Battery Capacity
The Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus boasts a substantial 7200W (7.2kW) pure sine wave inverter, ensuring clean power for your devices. This allows you to run a wide variety of appliances simultaneously, although running multiple high-wattage appliances concurrently may be challenging. The 5200Wh (5kWh) LFP battery is impressive, providing a significant runtime compared to competitors.
The LFP battery technology promises an extended lifespan of over 4000 cycles before significant degradation, a key advantage over other battery chemistries. This makes it a long-term investment for off-grid power needs. Its smaller footprint compared to similar capacity units is another valuable feature.
Superior Solar Charging Capabilities
A significant improvement over previous Jackery models, the 5000 Plus features an MC4 input for direct connection to standard solar panels, eliminating the need for adapters. This allows for a maximum solar input of 4000W at 450V, providing rapid charging capabilities.
While it retains the older 8mm connectors, this dual-input system offers flexibility for various solar panel setups. The increased solar charging capacity puts it on par with or exceeding leading competitors.
Drawbacks and Limitations
The Jackery 5000 Plus suffers from a critical limitation: it cannot output 240V when receiving 120V input. This severely restricts its functionality as a backup power source during grid outages, especially in homes wired for 240V appliances. This means you can't use a gas generator to recharge while maintaining 240V output.
Another concern is its relatively high idle power consumption of 90Wh per hour, which can significantly drain the battery overnight. This is considerably higher than competitors like the Anker Solx F3800 Plus. The minimum voltage requirement for the high-voltage solar input (135V) may also require more solar panels than expected to achieve optimal charging.
Testing and Performance
Rigorous testing included high-load tests exceeding 7200W, solar input testing with Jackery's folding panels and conventional panels, and idle power consumption measurements. While the unit performed well under sustained high loads (within limits), the limitations regarding 120V input and 240V output remain a significant concern.
The folding solar panels, while innovative, demonstrated performance variations depending on the orientation and setup. The portability and ease of use are noteworthy. However, their price and susceptibility to wind damage are points to consider.
Portability and Design Features
Despite its weight (135 lbs), the Jackery 5000 Plus is reasonably portable, thanks to its built-in wheels and telescoping handle. While carrying it up and down stairs may require some effort, its maneuverability on flat surfaces is good. The removable top section for easy access to the unit itself is a well-designed detail.
The unit can operate on its side or back, making it adaptable to various storage locations. The multiple AC outlets, USB ports, and DC output options offer versatility for connecting a wide array of devices. The quiet operation of its fans is also a noteworthy feature.
Smart Transfer Switch and Expandability
The Jackery smart transfer switch allows for whole-house backup power, connecting up to 12 circuits. While this limits the number of appliances, it provides automatic switching during power outages. The ease of installation, as demonstrated in the linked video, is a plus.
The option to daisy-chain expansion batteries increases capacity significantly. This modular approach makes the system scalable to suit individual needs. The potential for seamless integration with a larger off-grid power setup is also attractive.
Conclusion: A Powerful but Flawed Choice
The Jackery 5000 Plus offers impressive power output, battery capacity, and solar charging capabilities, representing a significant upgrade over previous Jackery models. Its cost-effectiveness compared to the Delta Pro Ultra and Anker Solx F3800 Plus is undeniable, particularly with ongoing sales and discounts.
However, the inability to output 240V from 120V input, high idle power consumption, and the high minimum voltage requirement for high-voltage solar input are serious limitations. These drawbacks must be carefully considered in relation to your specific power needs and usage scenarios. The smart transfer switch provides useful backup power but necessitates a separate purchase.
Overall, the Jackery 5000 Plus is a powerful solar generator, but its limitations and drawbacks prevent it from receiving a full endorsement. Thorough consideration of your specific energy requirements is crucial before making a purchasing decision.