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Jacky is busy expanding its new V2 line of premium portable power stations, from the flagship Explorer 3000 to the compact Explorer 240. Now, we’re looking at one of the smallest of the family – the Jackree Explorer 500 V2, paired with SolarSaga 100W Portable Solar Panels.
This setup is designed for users who want serious off-grid capability without the bulk or weight of a full-size generator. Compact, quiet, and built with the same focus that the Jackery is known for, it aims to balance performance and portability.
JACKRY EXPLORER 500 V2: PACKAGING
The Explorer 500 arrived in Jacquary’s familiar plain shipping box, with a bright orange inner carton for presentation. Inside, the power station was well protected with cardboard corner bumpers and foam inserts. Included was an IEC13 AC charging cable and user manual – simple, straightforward and well packaged.
JACKRY EXPLORER 500 V2: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Out of the box, the Explorer 500 measures 311 × 205 × 157 mm and weighs 5.7 kg, making it a manageable size for travel or outdoor work.
Features at a glance – Explorer 500
512WH capacity from LifePo batteries
500W continuous output
2 × AC sockets (230V, maximum combined 500W)
1 × USB-A (18W Max)
2 × USB-C (1 × 100W, 1 × 30W)
0–100% charge in just 1.3 hours via AC
Multiple charging options (AC, DC, Solar, CAR)
Fast 10ms response time with multiple operating modes
Compared to the larger Jackery Explorer 2000 or Jackery Explorer 3000 models, it feels feather-light, and the large fold-out carry handle makes it easy to maneuver.
All output sockets, control buttons and display are neatly positioned on the front panel. On this UK model, you’ll get:
2 × 230V AC sockets (max 500W combined)
1 × USB-A (18W)
2 × USB-C (100W and 30W)
1 × 12V car socket (10A)
AC and DC inputs are located to the right. Overall, the layout is clean, intuitive and practical.
JACKRY EXPLORER 500 V2: CHARGING
Using the Explorer 500 is refreshingly straightforward. Out of the box, the battery was at 28%, and when plugged into the mains via the AC cable, it started charging immediately. A full charge from this level took just under an hour, which closely aligns with Jackree’s claimed full charge time of 1.3 hours.
It’s great to see Jacky continue to rely on standard, widely available cables instead of proprietary chargers.
Alternative charging options include solar, 12V vehicle socket, or DC8020 input (11–60V, up to 10.5a / 200W). Although DC8020 connectors are not as common as the XT60 or XT90 standards, third-party adapters are easy to find.
JACKRY Explorer 500 V2: SolarSaga 100 Portable Solar Panel
As part of the bundle, I tested the Jacqueline SolarGa 100 — the younger sibling of the SolarGa 200 reviewed earlier this year. With an advertised efficiency of 25%, I tested it on a clear November afternoon with low but bright sunlight.
Features at a glance – SolarSaga 100W
Dimensions: 61 × 55.2 × 3.5 cm (24 × 21.7 × 1.4 in)
Dimensions: 122 × 55.2 × 2.0 cm (48 × 21.7 × 0.8 in)
Weight: 3.6 kg (7.9 lb)
Setup, like most folding panels, takes a few minutes, but it’s a focus of its use. Build quality feels excellent, and the proprietary two-pin connector—while not standard—is actually a timesaver compared to traditional MC4 connectors. It’s fast, clean and minimal.
A small junction box includes USB-A and USB-C ports, letting you charge small devices directly, no need for a power station.
The kickstands slide away neatly, and the panel is held in place by strong magnetic clasps rather than cheap snaps. It’s a premium touch. The panels are slightly stiff when new but loosen with use.
A clever angle indicator helps you align with the sun, and under test conditions, the SolarSaga 100 produced a consistent 88W average output. That’s enough to fully recharge the Explorer 500 in about six hours – realistic and impressive for a 100W panel.
Overall, it’s a well-designed, travel-friendly solar panel that feels perfectly matched to the Explorer 500’s capabilities.
JACKRY EXPLORER 500 V2: DISPLAY
The status screen provides all the essentials at a glance: charge, input/output wattage, voltage, and AC frequency status. It’s small but bright, crisp, and crystal clear even in direct sunlight – ideal for outdoor use when you need a quick, accurate read.
Geekery Explorer 500 V2: Performance – AC and USB/DC
In everyday use, the Explorer 500 feels like a mini powerhouse. It comfortably powered small household appliances, including a milk frother, mini fan, and LED lighting, staying well within its 500W continuous output range.
High-end appliances like coffee machines or kettles are out of its reach, though its 1,000W surge rating helps absorb brief startup spikes.
The USB section performs flawlessly, handling phones, tablets, laptops and power banks simultaneously without any issues. However, just two USB-C ports and one USB-A feel a bit limited given the available front panel space.
A 12V car socket is useful for some accessories, although it is becoming increasingly obsolete as USB-based standards take over.
A small auto-shutoff switch cuts power when the draw drops below the seat threshold—a handy energy-saving feature. Meanwhile, the built-in LED light offers dim, bright and SOS modes, useful for emergencies or camping.
One fault is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. While some will appreciate the simplicity, others may miss the app-based control or monitoring that competitors increasingly offer.
Jackery Explorer 500 V2: UPS mode
Jackery claims a response time of <10ms for the Explorer 500's uninterruptible power supply (UPS) mode — and in testing, it lived up to that promise.
Connected to a home office setup drawing around 220W, the power handover when the mains was cut was smooth – no flickering, reboots or delays.
That said, limited battery capacity means runtime is short. For short closures or safe closures, it is perfect. But it’s not a substitute for a large backup power system if you need uptime.
Geekery Explorer 500 V2: Pricing and Value
At the time of writing, the Geekery Explorer 500 retails for £269 at the UK Geekery store, while the SolarSaga 100 bundle costs £399. Purchased separately, the SolarSaga costs £169, so the bundle saves you £39 in total.
That’s not a huge discount, but given the build quality, ease of use, and strong integration between the two products, it’s still a solid value for anyone looking for a portable, all-in-one solar power setup.
JACKRY EXPLORER 500 V2: THE VERDICT
The Jackery Explorer 500 V2 may sit on the smaller end of Jackery’s power station lineup, but don’t let that fool you—it’s a seriously capable, well-balanced performer. Although larger models offer more muscle, the 500 hits a sweet spot between power, portability and price.
Paired with the SolarSaga 100, it creates a truly self-sufficient off-grid system for camping, van life, or emergency use.
Yes, it has limitations — the modest port selection and lack of app connectivity are mild drawbacks — but for users who value simplicity, reliability, and premium build quality, the Explorer 500 delivers exactly what it promises.
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