Our Unbiased Jackery 240 Review

Abnormal and adverse weather conditions are becoming more frequent and intense due to man-made climate change. In the midst of these events, we can lose the power we depend on for light, warmth, or even food.

You don’t have to be completely in the dark though – a solar generator can ease the inconvenience until things return to normal.

The Jackery Explorer 240 is a small solar generator with just enough power to keep the bare necessities working for a few hours to a day or two when used properly. Whether you’re experiencing a blackout or need some power in the great outdoors, this handy item has you covered.

Keep reading to learn more about Jackery as a company, and generators that don’t use gas, specifically the Jackery 240. 

What Are Some of the Specs and Features?

The durable, plastic housing of the Jackery Explorer 240 contains exactly what you need from an outdoor, green power supply. A lithium-ion (Li-ion) NMC battery with a capacity of 240Wh will hold an 80% charge for up to 500 cycles of charging and depletion.

The battery and the rest of the electronics are protected from problems like over voltage and short circuiting.

Aside from the impressive stats on the battery for an entry-level generator, here are some of the more important aspects of the product:

• Weighs just 6.6lbs
• 9.05 x 5.24 x 7.87 inches in size
• A total of 4 outlets (2 USB-A ports, 1 pure sine wave AC American standard port, 1 12V DC car port)
• Recharge times under 8 hours
• Display screen for inputs, outputs, and current battery level
• A battery management system (BMS) to protect the battery and electrical system
• Comes with 2 USB-C outputs, a 12V DC carport, and an AC outlet (like one you’d find in your home)

What Kind of Items Can You Charge With the Jackery Explorer 240?

The USB-A outlets are well-equipped with MPPT charge controller technology (like the rest of the ports) to ensure fast charging for devices like smartphones.

The standard AC outlet is only meant to power items that operate below 200W output total, but this is still plenty for most essentials when out on a camping trip or during an emergency situation.

Some of the most common items you might want to power or charge are listed below, along with information on how many charges or hours you can expect from the Jackery Explorer 240:

• Laptops/Macbook: up to 10 hours per charge (roughly 3.5 charges)
• Smartphones/tablets: 24 charges
• TV: 3 hours
• LED lights: 40 hours
• Fans: 15 hours

Be careful what you try to use with the Jackery Explorer 240 if you want to get the longest lifespan out of your product. Some bigger models have the power to support appliances like blenders, microwaves, and refrigerators, but the 240 model does not.

What Can I Expect in My Jackery Explorer 240 Package?

Jackery is very upfront about everything that comes in the box when you buy one of their products. In this case, you will receive the rugged Jackery Explorer 240 generator/bank itself, a car charger cable, a two part AC cable, and a user manual.

Cost and Solar Options

You may have noticed that there are no photovoltaic cells on the Jackery Explorer 240 despite being a solar generator and that’s because the suggested Jackery SolarSaga 60 panel is an optional addition to your purchase.

The two products are sold separately for $219.99 and $179.99 respectively so buying one of each will cost you a total of $399.98 before shipping and taxes.

While it’s not exactly cheap for an entry-level emergency preparedness generator, they are still relatively inexpensive compared to many competitors on the market.

How Do I Recharge the Jackery Explorer 240?

Jackery’s official webpage for the 240 model advertises four different ways to keep your generator powered but only discusses three. We suspect that this is because other models include a USB-C input/output that allows for quick charging of mobile devices or can supplement another charging method.

The other three methods to consider involve plugging the Jackery into:

• A wall socket
• A car outlet
• A compatible solar panel like the SolarSaga 60

How Long Does It Take a Jackery To Charge?

If you’re looking at different sources, you might see different numbers for how long it takes to charge the Jackery Explorer 240 and it’s possible that all of those numbers are accurate. Jackery themselves advertise two different sets of numbers that consumers can expect to wait while charging the 240 model.

If you’re looking to get the most juice out of your generator, you can expect to wait:

• 5.5 hours when plugged into an AC wall outlet of standard voltage
• 6.5 hours when using the included 12V car adaptor
• 7 hours when you have a SolarSaga 60W panel(s) plugged in

If you’re not particularly concerned about needing the entire battery or think in terms of cycling that battery (reaching a charge of at least 80%), your times are slightly different:

• A wall outlet will only take 3.5 hours
• Outlets in the car will take 5 hours
• Optimal solar input takes about 5.5 hours

The difference comes not only from the amount of charge you are putting into the Jackery but also the resistance to charge once you reach higher capacities. Differences in charge times could come from the age of the unit and how well the unit has been taken care of.

How Do I Know How Much Charge the Jackery Explorer 240 Has?

A feature that should be standard on all devices like the Jackery Explorer 240 is the dustproof display screen. It details exactly how many watts are going in and out of the generator as well as showing you a percentage charge next to a symbol of a battery. The battery has five slits so presumably each part indicates approximately 20 percent charge.

Jackery Explorer 240 Positives

Power Multiple Devices Simultaneously

With a total of 4 output ports, you can have all your favorite devices charging at the same time but doing so could drain your power pretty quickly. Stick to charging two devices like smartphones at a time if possible and only as necessary for the best results.

Operates in Extreme Temperatures

Looking at the notes for the Jackery Explorer 240 you can see the impressive range of temperatures that it can operate at. From -20 up to 45 degrees Celsius (-4 to 113 Fahrenheit), you’ll be covered in the most common temperatures for much of the planet.

Green Power Option

If you’re trying to be more environmentally conscious, getting the Jackery Explorer 240 and a compatible solar panel are a great way to offset some of your carbon footprint while keeping the comfort of modern power at your fingertips.

Compact Size and Portability

Sometimes imagining the size and weight of an item is hard to do through an online specification, but the Jackery Explorer 240 design is meant to be taken with you wherever you go on an outdoor adventure. The weight and dimensions reflect that while keeping everything inside safe with shockproof technologies and manufacturing.

Pass-through Charging Support

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not necessarily a feature of all solar generators. Being able to charge your Jackery Explorer 240 and passing some energy to another device at the same time is great for getting things done while you wait for the generator to finish charging.

PROS

In summary, the Jackery Explorer 240’s perks are:

• Lightweight
• Compact
• Easy carry handle
• Quiet operation
• Eco-friendly power
• LCD display lists charge at a glance
• Can charge multiple devices simultaneously
• Safety features to protect the battery
• Can handle most temperature ranges

Jackery Explorer 240 Negatives

No Built-in Flashlight

Unlike some of Jackery’s other models, there is no built-in flashlight. This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker but it was a handy extra we liked on other models.

No Waterproofing

This seems to be a gross oversight on Jackery’s part. When you get a device specifically catered towards camping, the outdoors, or even emergency preparedness, you should expect it to be waterproof because weather conditions are out of our control and can quickly change.

Neither the Jackery Explorer 240 nor the SolarSaga 60W solar panels are waterproof, so you have to pack up and, potentially, stop using them even when there is a drizzle of rain. This is incredibly inconvenient.

LCD Display Turns Off Quickly

In an attempt to reduce the power consumption from the LCD screen, Jackery has a ridiculously short timer that makes reading the screen difficult at times. Compared to what the entire generator stores, the power draw from the screen must be so small that you probably use more power turning it on multiple times to read it than if you just left it on for longer.

CONS

Few products are without flaws these days but some of these features really need to be considered if Jackery makes newer models:

• Waterproofing the power station and solar panel design is essential for future models
• An adjustable screen timeout and brightness to give control to the user

Comparison with Other Brands

Generator	Peak Watts	Charging Time	Total Number of Cycles	Cost per Cycle	Dimension	Weight
Jackery Explorer 240	400W	3.5 hrs.	500	$0.3	9.05 x 5.24 x 7.87 in	6.6lbs.
EcoFlow RIVER Mini	300W	2 hrs.	500	$0.4	9.7 x 4.4 x 5.2 cm	6.27lbs.
Anker 521	200W	1.5 hrs.	3000	$0.08	8.5×8.32×5.67 in	9.57lbs.
Yeti 200X	200W	2 hrs.	500	$0.6	7.9 x 5.1 x 5.1 in	5lbs.
Renogy Phoenix 200	400W	1.5 hrs.	500	$0.4	7.1 x 6.1 x 5.6 in	4.6lbs.

Things To Consider Before Buying a Portable Solar Generator

How Much Power Do You Need?

A major point to consider before buying any portable solar generator is how much power you are expecting to use on a regular basis. If you just want something to charge your phone when you go on camping trips, a low battery capacity like the Jackery Explorer 240 will work great.

If you want to be using multiple appliances with high wattages, consider getting solar solution with a higher capacity and working wattage threshold so your devices don’t cause a surge and turn off while operating.

Do You Have Compatible Solar Panels?

Not all solar panels and power stations are created equal. For various reasons, they aren’t compatible with one another but it is possible to use solar panels that aren’t the Jackery SolarSaga brand. Jackery’s guidelines on this are:

• The generated voltage of the panels must be between 12 and 30 volts
• The plug size must be 7.9mm in outer diameter, 5.5mm for inner diameter, and 0.9mm inner needle diameter (empty)

Even if a third-party solar panel meets these connections to charge the Jackery Explorer 240, Jackery doesn’t advise mixing products.

Do You Have To Charge Multiple Devices at Once?

No, it is entirely up to you how many devices you choose to charge simultaneously. Don’t go crazy plugging in extension cords and power hubs for extra outlets though.

How Long Do Jackery Explorer 240s Last?

All Jackery power stations are fitted with lithium-ion batteries that are rated for about 500 complete charge cycles. Jackery estimates that this is the equivalent of 2 or 3 years of daily use.

If you did use deplete and charge the Jackery Explorer 240 on a schedule like that, after the 2-3 year mark you will still have about 80% of the battery’s original capacity whenever you next charge and use it. You can continue to use the generator with diminishing returns over the years or you can replace the battery and be good to go for another 2-3 years.

Jackery recommends charging and using your unit at least once every 3 months. If you’re storing it for a long time, charge is about halfway and leave it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Can You Overcharge a Jackery?

The Jackery Explorer 240 has overcharge protection built in to its circuitry, but that doesn’t mean you should leave it plugged in forever. Things can unexpectedly fail with use so try to monitor your Jackery and unplug it when it reaches full charge.

Are Jackery Power Stations Worth It?

The number of people who swear by the Jackery portable power station products is considerable. Only you can truly decide whether or not the power stations are worth the money but that involves spending your hard earned cash first.

You might not think the Jackery power stations are worth it at their full retail price but it might be the best purchase you ever make when there is a discount or coupon for the products.

Is There Anything Better Than a Jackery?

What is good and bad can be pretty subjective when it comes to brands, but there are several alternatives to Jackery when it comes to portable solar generators/power stations.

Some reputable solar generator brands include:

• EcoFlow Delta
• Lion Energy
• Renogy Phoenix
• RockPals

Is Jackery a US Company?

Jackery is, indeed, a US-based company. Found in the state of California over 10 years ago, they are a leader in the solar generator industry.

Related Article:

Power Up Your Adventures: How to Choose the Perfect Jackery for Your Needs

Jackery 240 Specifications

Capacity	240Wh (14.4V, 16.8Ah)
Power Outputs	110VAC, 60Hz, 200W (400W Surge Peak)
DC Charging Input	12V-30V (65W Max)
Auto Shutoff	No
Size	23 x 13.32 x 20 cm
Weight	6.6 lbs (3 kg)
Included	Car Charging Cable,AC & AC Cable (2 Parts),User Manual
Warranty	2-Years Warranty
Optional Accessories	Jackery SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel
Measurements	9.05 x 5.24 x 7.87 inches
Maximum Output Power	400W Surge Peak
AC Output Voltages	110V
AC Overloads	Yes
AC Output Frequency	60Hz
AC Cooling Fan	Yes
Charging Rates	60W,44W
Charge Times	5.5 Hours
Flashlight	No
12V DC Output Voltage	12V, 10A
LCD Meters	Yes
Self Discharge	No

SolarSaga 100W Specification That Use To Charge Jackery Explorer 240

Peak Power	100W
Weight	10.33lbs.
Dimension (folded)	24 x 21 x 1.4 in
Dimension (unfloded)	48 x 21 x 0.2 in
Cell Efficiency	23%
Charging Time of Jackery Explorer 240	4.5hrs.

What Can It Power?

Not the Right Jackery? Check out our other reviews:

Jackery 2000 Pro

Jackery 1500

Jackery 1000

Jackery 1000 Pro

Jackery 880

Jackery 500

Jackery 550

Jackery 300

Jackery 290

Jackery 160

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