Today, technology has advanced to the stage in which it solves a whole lot of problems, breaks limitations, and increases opportunities. Power is essential. In this century, it is the source of life and survival. In certain ways, the availability of power in our homes and surroundings keeps us happy. On the other hand, when that same power is unavailable, it takes the color out of our day. For these reasons, until this very point, technology keeps advancing in areas of alternate power sources, constant power supplies, and also portable power supplies.
A portable power supply simply means having power sources even when you’re outside the comfort of your home. As we all know, there’s nothing that can separate us from our devices and our electrical equipment. There are so many things that we do with them even when we are away from home. You might be expecting to receive an important call or maybe hoping to complete a project, and, without power, it would be a complete disaster.
In addition, companies like Rockpals and Jackery have tackled this problem to a reasonably large extent. They have come up with products like Power Stations, Solar Panels, Generators, Portable Chargers, Converters, and the likes. These products ensure you can use any of your devices or appliances outdoors comfortably. Let’s take an in-depth look at these brands and what they have to offer.
Rockpals vs Jackery – Which company is better in terms of generators and solar panels?
Jackery is an overall better brand than Rockpals for three main reasons:
- The majority of Jackery’s product reviews are positive
- Jackery is three years older than Rockpals, making then more experienced
- Jackery’s solar generators all have similar designs, making them easy to use
That being said, Rockpals also receives exceptional reviews of their products, particularly their 300Wh and 540Wh power stations. They also make gas-powered generators where Jackery doesn’t. It is a very slim margin of victory for Jackery mainly due to their wider range of solar generator sizes and because they have more experience in the field.
Similar: Inergy vs Jackery – Which has the Better Line of Solar Generators?
Jackery’s Story – How They Started
Established in 2012 by an ex-Apple battery engineer, Jackery tackles issues related to power outages and also provides outdoor power solutions to tourists and explorers. The company launched the very first lithium portable power station in 2015.
This brand has done several things to ensure we appreciate them in the field of power supply. They have come up with products that overcame specific electrical issues.
Mission and Values That Jackery Lives By
As a company, Jackery focuses on providing outdoor power solutions to meet the needs of everyone out there. In addition, they aim to make the lives of explorers more fun. Interestingly, Jackery acquired and demonstrates the attitude of making only quality designs, and creating durable, long-lasting products.
The Beginning of Rockpals
Founded in 2015 in California, this company has also become a leader in tackling issues related to the lack of electricity outdoors and during emergency power outages. The company name originated from two words, ‘rock’ and ‘pals.’ The name simply means working together with a rock climber to give them the best outdoor experience.
The company denotes that it also means they pursue high-quality products.
They readily have versatile products that are well-received from their prospective customers.
Rockpals’ Overall Mission
Rockpals is concerned and committed to outdoor living. In other words, the company focuses on helping people enjoy life with a happier and more courageous attitude. Above all, their goal is to allow people to go outdoors, have a great feel of nature and, have constant power.
Since power has been an essential element to being able to communicate and function in today’s technological world, having power off the grid allows for people to charge their cell phones, lights, and other devices.
Product Comparisons – Rockpals vs Jackery
These two brands produce very similar products for customers to deal with the issues of electricity off of the grid. Some examples of products from these brands are solar generators, gas generators, solar panels, portable chargers, and other accessories like camping lanterns and converters.
The Foundations of Portable Power Stations
The idea of portable power stations was inspired by the very concept of power plants. A dire need for an outdoor and off-grid power supply was one of the major causes of the design and construction of portable power stations.
We all have a pretty good idea of what power stations and power plants do. Their purpose is to provide power. The twist is power plants are power stations, but not all power stations can be called power plants. Why? Because power plants are industrial stations.
They are enormous and filled with numerous electrical and mechanical devices. On the other hand, power stations could also be mobile, unlike power plants. While this is just playing around with words, plants are usually never portable; that is why they are called plants! Generally, a plant is a large place or area where an industrial process takes place.
Below, we’re taking a dive into what power stations are all about, and hopefully, you’ll get insight on how to purchase the best portable power stations for your use.
Portable Power Stations – Operating Mechanism
Portable power stations work by fundamental current conversions, changing DC into AC if necessary, to power up or charge your devices or appliances. First, it stores electricity from a solar panel (DC) or an AC outlet before converting the power to your device or appliance.
In simpler terms, the portable power station gets charged up before charging or suppling power into any of your devices.
Jackery Portable Power Stations – General Overview
The Jackery portable power stations are rechargeable, battery-powered devices, and you can also refer to them as solar generators. Typically, these mobile power stations come with the following:
- AC Outlet(s)
- DC port for automobiles and 12V accessories
- USB charging ports
This outdoor-power-oriented company focuses on manufacturing premium power stations for outdoor uses. Also, Jackery calls their power stations ‘Explorer Power Stations’. The name has a lot of meaning; an ‘Explorer Power Station for Explorers’. So, just like the standard power stations, the Explorer meets the basic need for outdoor power.
These features are what keeps your devices like your phones, tablets, and laptops charged. In fact, it doesn’t just stop at your devices; you can also charge up appliances like electric fans, electric blankets, and even mini coolers. All of these features make portable power stations the very best alternative for a power source outdoors.
Types of Jackery Power Stations and Their Specifications
Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station:
The Explorer 1000 is the strongest solar generator from Jackery.
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS:
- 1002Wh battery capacity
- 1000W rated power / 2000W surge power
- One DC car port, two USB-C ports, two USB (one USB-A 2.4A, one USB-A quick charge 3.0A), and three AC outlets.
- Weight of 22lbs
Explorer 500 Portable Power Station:
The Explorer 500 is Jackery’s mid-range lithium-powered solar generator.
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS:
- 518Wh / 144,400mAh battery capacity
- 500W rated power / 1000W surge power
- An AC outlet, 12V car output, and three USB ports
- Weight of 13lbs
Explorer 240 Portable Power Station:
The Explorer 240 is also great and does well enough for outdoor purposes. This product has a lower battery capacity than the 1000 and 500 Explorers, but it is sufficient for charging multiple devices and electronics many times over.
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS:
- 240Wh battery capacity
- An AC outlet, 12V car output, and two USB ports.
- Weight of 6.6lbs
Explorer 160 Portable Power Station:
The Explorer 160 is the most portable of the other Explorers. It is lightweight and efficient for light loads. The product is good enough for camping, hiking, and outdoor photography.
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS:
- 167Wh battery capacity
- An AC Outlet, 12V car output, and an optional solar panel
- Three USB ports (one USB-C and two USB-A)
- Weight of 3.84lbs
Pros of the Explorer Portable Power Stations:
- They have LCD screens with charge & discharge and battery life status
- Utilizes the same kind of battery Tesla uses in its powerful units; the lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide battery
- They have a switch with an indicator for on/off output port charging
- The 240 and 160 are lightweight and very portable
- The 160 even has a built-in LED flashlight with SOS mode
Cons of the Explorer Portable Power Stations:
- They are slow to charge up
- All of these solar generators only have a fraction of the power output compared to a gas generator
Similar: Gas vs Solar Generators – Which Makes More Sense?
Rockpals Portable Power Stations
This brand also produces high-quality power stations for outdoor use and their portable power stations usually come with an optional solar panel. It all depends on which one suits you best. Additionally, they manufacture power stations of different wattages (540Wh and under for solar generators), sizes, and other specifications. Below, you’ll see an overview of each of these power stations.
Types of Rockpals Power Stations and Their Specifications
Rockpals 500W/540Wh Portable Power Station:
This power station has a 540Wh built-in lithium battery. Also, these lightweight devices have several connections to charge or use your devices. The product comes with a premium LCD display and features an LED flashlight above the display. As a result, they are suitable for several off-grid activities including camping, hunting, fishing, travel, parties, and much more.
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS:
- 540WH/50AH, 500W continuous, 1000W surge/peak
- An AC wall outlet, 12V car adapter, and a solar panel (optional)
- 10.24 x 6.7 x 6.82 inches
- DC24V/3.75A
- 18V, 100W-200W
- 12.3lbs
- 24-month warranty
Rockpals 330W Portable Power Station:
This product has a strong lithium battery at 288.6Wh and also has a wireless phone charger. Furthermore, this product is only suitable for CPAP machines below 120W. Lastly, you should note that this charger doesn’t support pass-through charging.
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS:
- Battery Capacity: 289WH/78000mAH, 330W Continuous, 700W Peak Capacity
- Charge methods: AC Wall Outlet, 12V Car adapter, and solar panel (optional)
- Dimensions: 8 x 6.1 x 6.5 inches
- DC Output; 12v/5A + Cigarette Lighter 12V/10A
- Solar Input Charging: 18V, 100+W solar panel recommended
- Weight: 8.8lbs
Rockpals 300W Portable Power Station:
This unique product has a powerful LCD display and LED flashlights beside it. Also, it is a perfectly clean, silent, and portable generator. Above all, they are of high battery capacity, and they are effortless to carry.
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS:
- Battery Capacity: 280Wh/75000mAh, 300W continuous, 600W Peak
- Charge methods: 12V Car adaptor, AC Wall Outlet, and solar panel (optional)
- Dimension: 7.48 x 5.9 x 5.5 inches
- DC Output1; 24V/3A + Cigarette Lighter 12V/8A, DC Output2; 3*12V/41 Output Ports
- Solar Input Charging: 18V, 60W-100W+
- Weight: 7.3lbs
Rockpals 250W Portable Power Station:
This product is perfect for outdoor events like camping, hunting, traveling, and fishing. In fact, the product is also a fantastic back-up battery, particularly for power outages from storms, hurricanes, tornados, etc. Also, this product gives reliable power for recharge of medium & small-sized electronics.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Battery Capacity: 240WH/64800mAH, 250W, 300W Peak
- Charge methods: AC adapter, solar panel (optional), 12V car adapter.
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 3.9 x 6.3 inches
- DC Output: 9-12.6V/6A, 60W max
- Solar Input Charging: 18V, 60W-100W
- Weight: 5.95lbs
Find here on shopsolarkits.com
Pros of the Rockpals Solar Generators
- Very convenient and easily-portable sizes
- Regulated 12V ports
- Requires little to no maintenance
- Cost-effective indoor power solution
Cons of the Rockpals Solar Generators
- Exposing to heat for long periods of time will decrease the battery longevity over time
- Irregulated DC output – When its battery is low, the 12V outputs are less efficient
Fuel-Powered Generators
The method of operation for fuel generators is simple and straightforward. They are responsible for the conversion of energy (usually mechanical or chemical) into electrical energy. In addition, these generators are very useful in powering the majority of the house’s utilities when power outages strike. They also become useful for outdoor activities like tailgates and campouts.
As of the time of this writing, Jackery does not have a fuel-powered generator available for purchase. Rockpals produces fuel generators for the sole purpose of solving issues related to power outages. Below are two types of Rockpals fuel generators and their various specifications.
Similar: Your Next Solar Generator – The Complete Guide
Types of Rockpals Power Generators and Their Specifications
Rockpals 12,000W Dual Fuel Generator:
These generators operate on fuel and a small battery. ‘Dual Fuel’ means that the generator has two different methods of creating electricity. This is done through either propane or gasoline. This product is also weatherproof.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 12,000W starting 9000W rated (gas)/10,800W starting 8100W rated (LPG)
- 459CC V-OHV engine
- 6.6-gallon fuel tank
Rockpals 2000W Portable Inverter Generator:
Interestingly, this product functions as a generator but not precisely like the dual fuel generator. It is lightweight, eco-friendly, parallel capable, and suitable for outdoor applications.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- 1800 rated Watt and 2000 peak Watt
- 79.7CC 4-stroke OVH engine
- DC Charging: 12V/8A
- Power Factor: 1.0
- Rated Voltage: 120V
- USB Port: 5V, 1A & 2.1A
- Single-phased
- Fuel consumption: <= 450
- Oil Capacity: 0.35 liters
- Dimension: 18.89 x 11.22 x 15.35 inches
- Product Weight: 47.4 lbs
Pros of the Rockpals Gas-Powered Generators
- Awesome for emergencies, especially for any kind of unexpected blackout anywhere
- Prevents any form of voltage irregularities or surge
- Very quiet – Especially when on ‘economy’ mode
- Parallel capable
Cons of the Rockpals Gas-Powered Generators
- Not as portable as the solar generators
- Longevity is unknown – Since they are new models, they have not been tested over long periods of time to ensure quality
Foldable/Portable Solar Panels
The solar panels help in the conversion of sunlight into useful energy. Solar power from these panels stores up in lithium-ion batteries. These batteries become charged and ready to keep your devices going. Below are the four different types of Rockpals solar panels and their specifications.
Similar: Top 5 Mistakes Newbies Make when Using Solar Panels
Types of Rockpals Foldable/Portable Solar Panels and Their Specifications:
Rockpals 100W Foldable Solar Panel:
These panels are made of top-notch materials and are designed to meet your charging needs. It has a sound design of four monocrystalline panels and allows for easy folding. These panels are primarily for generators, and they have a high conversion efficiency.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Rated Power: 100W
- Cell Efficiency: 21.5% – 23.5%
- Power Voltage: 18V
- Open Circuit Voltage: 19V
- Short Circuit Current: 6A
- Power Current: 5.55A
- Charge methods: Sun power
- Dimension: 20.5 x 14.2 x 2.6 inches
- Product Weight: 10.8lbs
Find here on shopsolarkits.com
Rockpals 80W Foldable Solar Panel:
These panels are chainable, and they weigh only 5.3lbs. It can chain other 80W solar panels together with the use of a parallel cable. It’s also water-resistant and has a high conversion percentage efficiency.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Rated Power: 80W
- Cell Efficiency: 23%
- Power Current: 4.4A
- Power Voltage: 18V
- Short Circuit Current: 5A
- Open Circuit Voltage: 19V
- Charge method: Sun power
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.5 x 2 inches
- Product Weight: 5.3lbs
Rockpals 60W Foldable Solar Panel:
These panels are great for charging up all kinds of electronic devices through the use of power stations. It also has hanging loops, which will help you strap the panels to vehicles, and even tents, making this product awesome for outdoor use.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Rated Power: 60W
- Cell Efficiency: 21.5%-23.5%
- Power Current: 3.3A
- Power Voltage: 19A
- Short Circuit Current: 4A
- Open Circuit Voltage: 19V
- Charge method: Sun power
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 13.8 x 2.36 inches
- Product Weight: 8.68lbs
Find here on shopsolarkits.com
Pros of the Rockpals Foldable Solar Panels
- Awesome foldable design
- Compatible with several different power stations from the assortment of connectors included with the panel
- Very suitable for fast and smart charging
- Easy to strap onto vehicles
Cons of the Rockpals Foldable Solar Panels
- No kickstand to angle panels
- Heavier than Jackery panels
Similar: Monocrystalline Vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels – What’s the Difference?
Types of Jackery Foldable/Portable Solar Panels and Their Specifications:
SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel:
These panels have one of the best charging efficiencies, with adjustable kickstands. It’s an excellent choice for camping.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Rated Power: 100W
- Cell Efficiency: 23%
- Power Voltage: 18V
- Dimensions: 22 x 24 x 1.8 inches
SolarSaga 60W Solar Panel:
This product has an exquisite design with a TPE rubber handle and a durable zipper, cloth, and PET material.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Rated Power: 60W
- Cell Efficiency: 23%
- Power Voltage: 18V
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 2 inches
Pros of the Jackery Foldable Solar Panels
- High-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels
- Offers trouble-free connection
- Easily portable
- Can charge devices directly from the panels
Cons of the Jackery Foldable Solar Panels
- Expensive
- Not waterproof
- Only has Jackery generator connections – If you’re using a different solar generator brand with the Jackery panels, you’ll need to buy separate connections
Other Products
Rockpals is also well known for the production of other products or ‘accessories’ like Camping Lanterns, CPAP Converters, and the likes. Please note that the Camping Lanterns are portable, water-resistant, and could act as power banks. The converters can also use the cigarette lighter. As for Jackery, they produce portable power banks that help in charging devices like phones and tablets.
Conclusion
We cannot dispute the fact that both the Rockpals and the Jackery brands produce exquisite and powerful products. Their solar power stations, fuel generators, and solar panels are state-of-the-art. If you’re looking for the best solar panel and generator combination, choose Jackery. Even though they may be more expensive than the Rockpals solar panel and generator combination, they are easier to use and more versatile.
Rockpals is still a great option, and they are definitely a better bang for the buck. The real deciding factor is the solar panels for each generator. For the power stations themselves, they are very similar in high-quality and customer satisfaction. Will Prowse, a YouTuber specializing in solar kits and generators, actually prefers the Rockpals generator over the Jackery in his comparison video. Overall, we can see that these products have done a great job of tackling issues related to off-grid power supplies. Both companies have happy customers and continue to innovate as new and better technology emerges.
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