Jackery Explorer 500: runtime & specs
518 Wh · 500 W continuous AC · 100 W max solar input · Li-ion NMC. Specs below are the manufacturer's published figures — continuous and surge watts are separate numbers here, because they are separate numbers in reality.
Manufacturer specifications
| Capacity | 518 Wh |
|---|---|
| AC output (continuous) | 500 W |
| AC output (surge) | 1,000 W |
| Boost mode | — |
| Maximum solar input | 100 W |
| Solar input voltage range | 12-30V |
| Battery chemistry | Li-ion NMC |
| Cycle life | 500 cycles to 80% capacity |
| AC charging input (max) | Not published in the source retrieved |
| Weight | 13.32 lbs |
Source: manufacturer product page · pulled 2026-10-19. If a row says "not published", the manufacturer doesn't publish that figure in the source we retrieved — we leave it blank rather than guess.
What it runs, and for how long
Estimates use our published formula — capacity × 0.85 ÷ load, duty cycle applied to cycling loads, and a start check against the surge rating (methodology). Loads that fail the start check are marked, not given a fake runtime.
| Load | Estimated runtime |
|---|
Try your own load
Jackery Explorer 500 questions
How long will the Jackery Explorer 500 run a refrigerator?
No — not a full-size fridge by Generac's worksheet figures. A fridge draws 700 W while its compressor runs, above this model's 500 W continuous rating, so it cannot run one at all. Smaller loads are fine.
How long will it run a CPAP?
About 11.0 hours at 40 W — a typical CPAP without a heated humidifier — or roughly 1.4 nights at 8 hours a night. With a heated humidifier (~90 W) expect about 4.9 hours. That's device runtime math only; see the CPAP calculator for your device's actual wattage.
How long does it take to recharge from solar?
With 400 W of panels, the Jackery Explorer 500 needs about 6.6 hours of full sun for a full charge after the 0.78 real-world derate — capped by the station's 100 W maximum solar input. Try other panel sizes in the solar charging calculator.
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