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Solar Generators: Lights + Keep your food cold & frozen!

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Having the ability to keep your phone charged, ensure you don't lose $$$ of frozen food, power up your computer to let customers know your power is out, and just have some lights during power outages is a blessing. Solar generators have come a long, ... 

Then, if you want to expand your search, visit the video Best Solar Generator for 2024 (The Ultimate Guide) City Prepping 1.08M subscribers youtube.com/watch?v=d4XJM1nIjZ8 - don't miss his spreadsheet where he has specs for all the major solar generators for easier comparison.
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Jackery Solar Generators

This is the brand I chose to ensure I will have at least some power. Living in a rural area, power outages are fairly common. When it happens and it is 100+ outside, being able to run my window A/C and stay cool is wonderful! And I never have to worr... 

 
Gail Gardner profile picture
Big sale on the Jackery system that I personally chose because it can generate 240v and you can use one solar generator while the other one charges using up to six 200W solar panels. 

Fully expandable into a huge system if you buy additional battery packs. 

Read the other instance where I elaborated on why this system.
Up to 50% Early Prime Big Deal Days at Jackery. 🤩 ✅
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
Check out what's on sale starting at $89.99.
Autumn Savings on Various Jackery Products $89.99 and up
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Gail Gardner profile picture
I spent a lot of time comparing brands and models. Jackery was my #1 choice and what I use for comfort during power outages.
Jackery
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
Do you need 240v because you have a 240v well pump or want to run an electric clothes dryer? If yes, this is the solution for you. 

You will need TWO of these Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus solar generators. Request the free cable to connect them together by phoning Jackery. 

Then you can power anything in your home or shop for as long as the batteries last. 

And with two solar generators, you can be using one to keep your refrigerator or freezer cold or your window A/C running. 

While one does that, you can be charging the other using solar panels. You can attach up to 6 200W solar panels to one generator. 

And you can expand battery storage using their battery expansion units. I'll feature those separately with some details and a link. 

Two 2000 Plus solar generators can be expanded to 24kWh using 5 battery expansion units per generator (10 total battery expansion units). 

A single 2000 Plus can't run 240v. It can be expanded to 12 kWh using 5 battery expansion units.  

Individually, each solar generator products 1 kWh. Other things to know is you CAN charge the solar generators using 110v house power. 

And this model uses the newer LiFePO4 Battery with 10-Year Lifespan.

Also, this model has WiFi to connect a smart device. The WiFi is easily TURNED OFF by holding both the A/C and D/C on buttons together briefly until the WiFI icon goes out.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
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Gail Gardner profile picture
This is the solar panel I would go with as it is 200W, foldable, and portable. You can attach up to 6 of these to the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus. 

Don't be afraid to call Jackery support. They are very helpful. And you'll need to ask questions to fully understand how to get the best prices and ensure you order everything you need. 

One thing I did find surprising is that each solar panel has to attach to the adapter that plugs into the solar generator. They cannot be daisy-chained to other solar panels.
Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
I did not go with the Jackery 3000 Pro because it is heavier, can't be expanded, and uses the older batteries that have a shorter lifespan.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
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Gail Gardner profile picture
If you want to make it easy to switch from house power to your Jackery solar generator system, you use this manual transfer switch. 

I don't intend to power my entire cabin all at once, so I'm not using this feature. Also, by my solar equipment not being wired in, it could potentially survive a direct lightening strike or EMP better than what is wired in. 

If you decide to use a manual transfer switch, you will want to get as many battery packs as it takes to power your entire home. Most likely you would buy a pair of Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro solar generators and many battery packs. 

And you'd probably want plenty of solar panels (up to 12 200W solar panels) to charge it all back up in the event of an extended power outage.
[Add-on] Jackery Manual Transfer Switch
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
What if you only want to ensure you can charge up your cell phones and other small devices? Or you want something to power a small cooler on outings? 

You don't need a full-size solar generator. Look at the smallest versions and then compare them to gradually larger capacity solar generators. 

You'll need to figure out how much power you need for what you want to keep running and for how long. 

IMPORTANT: Always compare prices because sometimes you can buy the next larger size up for the same or a lower price. 

Jackery runs a lot of deals and specials. They can be confusing, so don't be afraid to reach out to their support people. They're very helpful and easy to reach even by phone.
Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
 
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This 300 Plus is larger than the previous one. Compare them both. 

Note in the photos you can see the solar panel unfolded and also the size it is when it is folded up. 

My solar panels came with carrying cases!
Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
If you want a lot of stored power or live where the sun doesn't consistently shine so you're concerned about how long it will take to recharge, you'll want to add one or up to five of these battery expansion units per solar generator. 

Remember, though, that you do have to do some ongoing using, charging and discharging of each battery. You can't just charge them up and store them indefinitely. 

Well, actually you can. Mine hold 100% charge (but it isn't good to store them at 100% if you want to maximize lifespan. It will shorten their lifespan).
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
Did you know you can charge your car battery using any size Jackery solar generator? You'll need this cable.
Jackery 12V Automobile Battery Charging Cable
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Gail Gardner profile picture
SAVE 30% by considering the Jackery refurbished products. 

There was a great selection on this page when I created this recommendation.
Jackery Explorer 240 Portable Power Station (Refurbished)
 
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SAVE 30% by going refurbished
Jackery Explorer 700 Plus Portable Power Station (Refurbished)
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Gail Gardner profile picture
50% OFF! Refurbished
Jackery Explorer 880 Portable Power Station (Refurbished)
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
30% OFF Refurbished. Budget tight? Start with one of these. This is the model you can add a second and generate 240v power.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station (Refurbished)
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Gail Gardner profile picture
PACKAGES: Jackery offers specific configurations as packages. So you may be able to find just what you want already put together. 

And you can also add on to an existing package if you want more solar panels or more battery expansion units. 

Give Jackery Support a call or contact them by chat or email to make sure you get all of the cables you need. 

They let me know I needed an additional cable and shipped it to me at no charge to go with what I bought.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
30% off Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station (Refurbished) - this is the largest solar generator Jackery sells. 

But it doesn't accept expansion batteries and it uses the older battery technology that has a shorter lifespan.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro Portable Power Station (Refurbished)
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
City Prepping has the very best solar generator review videos. And his spreadsheet that lets you easily compare models and brands is amazing. 

His aren't the only videos, though. YouTube is your friend while you're researching.
Best Solar Generator for 2024 (The Ultimate Guide)
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Gail Gardner profile picture
Jackery has deals on various configurations or you can buy a base unit and add one whatever you want. This is a current deal they're offering.
46% Off Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh)
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
Even though you have a solar generator system that can run your well pump, just in case it is a good idea to have a deep well bucket. 

They're always backordered, so you need to order it a long time before you need it. 

And you'll also need a rope long enough to reach the water. Make it extra long in case water levels drop due to drought or other reasons.
Lehman's Own Galvanized Well Bucket
 
Gail Gardner profile picture
Ecoflow is another brand that comes up often in the reviews of the best solar generators.
EcoFlow