Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Why 9,000 Amazon Shoppers LOVE This $199 Solar Generator

Briley Kenney
By
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 out in the wild.
Jackery

There are no power outlets outdoors, and unless you’re staying on a modern campground, you’re going to have some trouble charging your devices, like your smartphone, tablets, or even laptop. While you may be able to live without those electronics, you’ll need other amenities like lighting, heat, and more. It helps if you have an outdoor-friendly generator or power source, like a portable power pack, but they come with limitations. The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, on the other hand, is a 240Wh backup lithium battery that can be used to charge or power a wide range of devices. It can also be hooked up to a solar panel to charge up the battery using solar energy.

This thing is pretty handy, and out of 10,000+ global reviews, it has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Over 9,000 of those reviewers have fallen in love with the system, and have given it a perfect rating of 5 stars. That’s a lot of people and a lot of love! We’ll explore what some of them had to say, and why so many people adore this power station below. You can also head over to the Amazon page to read some of those reviews yourself.

Recommended Videos

Why Do So Many Amazon Shoppers Love the Jackery Portable Power Station?

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 product image on white background.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Designed and built for use outdoors, this thing is relatively lightweight and super easy to use — just plug your stuff in and go! The Explorer 240 has a 240Wh capacity, enough to charge the average phone 24 times, tablets 5 times, and laptops up to 2 times. It can also power a lamp light for 18 hours, a cooling fan for 15 hours, and charge a drone’s battery up to 4 times. It features several charging ports or plugs, including a Pure Sine Wave AC outlet with 110V to a 400W peak, 2 USB-A ports with 5V and 2.4A, and a single 12V DC carport to charge road trip gear. A small LCD panel on the front tells you exactly how much power is left and what’s happening with the station. It also comes with a host of embedded protection modes to stop events like over currents, short currents, over-discharges, and thermal exposure.

Related

Those features sound great, but what you probably care more about at this point is what actual owners have to say about it. How are they getting along with it? Several have noted that it’s been a great addition to their van life and while out on the road. One reviewer says it’s the “perfect addition” to their emergency supplies kit. Others have said it offers “great power in a small footprint,” or even that it’s the “Tesla of generators.” Someone also mentioned that when they ordered an Explorer 240 just before Hurricane Florence, it wouldn’t reach them in time, so Jackery sent them a large battery pack at no extra cost just to hold them over. Great customer service! There are well over 9,000 5-star reviews, and nearly 1,000 4-star reviews, so there’s a lot of people happy with this little guy.

What’s the Deal?

Technically, there is no deal, at least not right now, but the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240 is already priced competitively at $200. There is also a bundle that includes the Explorer 240 and a Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel meant specifically for use with the power station — it can be connected to recharge the station via solar energy. That bundle is available for $380 with free shipping and free returns through Amazon. It also allows you to begin using this thing out in the wild, complete with a solar power source to recharge it and keep your devices, appliances, and other electronics powered up. It’s the perfect companion for camping or any kind of outdoor activity!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Briley Kenney
Briley Kenney
Senior SEO Copywriter
Briley has been writing about consumer electronics and technology for over a decade. When he's not writing about deals for…
Ski resort madness: A parking spot in Whistler, BC, sold for six figures because it’s right next to a lift
Whistler skiing is competitive on and off the slopes
Whistler Blackcomb mountain profile

As skiers and snowboarders, we’ll do anything to get to the goods. For some, that means living in an RV in a resort parking lot. For others, luxury slopeside accommodations are the pick. But in the end, it’s all about first tracks.

Recently, someone took that to a new level, paying an exorbitant price for a parking spot in Whistler, BC, Canada. For the cost of a house or multiple vehicles, a snow sports enthusiast went all-in on mountainside convenience. It’s an example of the sometimes extravagant nature of winter pastimes, as well as a lesson in supply and demand. 

Read more
SJCAM C300 is an affordable action camera, but can it do what the Insta360 and GoPro can?
The action cam segment is heating up
SJCAM C300 action camera with the extra battery pack

If you have ever gone mountain biking at any bike park, you’ve likely heard the audible “beep” of action cameras like the Insta360 or GoPro turning on before riders head down the trail. An action camera is a great way to capture and share your ride on different platforms.

But, these action cameras typically come at a high price. The POV price of admission is often at least $300. The Insta360 we previously reviewed was around $450. 

Read more
New to snow sports? We have one clever trick to decide if skiing or snowboarding is right for you
Face forward - or don't, it's up to you
Snowboarder with orange board

Choosing between skiing and snowboarding used to mean pledging your snow sports allegiance for life; the two sports were at loggerheads with one another. Recently, the two sports have developed a more peaceful coexistence, with riders from each discipline shredding the slopes together. Some even have a full quiver of skis and snowboards, picking their ideal ride depending on conditions.

When you're kicking off your snow sports career, the best way to ensure you progress and can start exploring the mountain is to stick to one or the other. But how do you decide? Is it a case of thinking about which sport looks cooler or easier, or pick the one all your buddies are doing? Well, it turns out there is a trick to choose between the two and to give you the kickstart to your skiing or snowboarding career.

Read more