Portable solar generators continue to be big business, after a year that saw thousands of people snapping up solutions for power in the great outdoors.
And portable power specialists Jackery continues to be ahead of the game, with an array of products that provide off-grid energy whenever and wherever it's needed.
I've been testing the biggest of its two solar generator solutions, the Solar Generator 1000. Available as a bundle with two of the firm's SolarSaga panels, which offer a peak solar input of up to 135 watts, it's one of the best-value bundles on the market.
The Solar Generator 1000 is so-called because it has a running output in its built-in generator of 1,000 watts. It can handle a surge of 2,000 watts, and its 1,002 watts of lithium batteries are more than capable of handling heavy loads.
I've already tested Jackery's Solar Generator 500 setup, which marries up beautifully with a SolarSaga panel, but this updated version packs effectively twice the punch.
Not only that, but there are more charging options thanks, largely, to its larger size. It gives Jackery space to bundle in more outputs.
For example, there are now two three-pin AC sockets, whereas the smaller version has one. There are four USBs over the 500's three, and there are more inputs too.
It adds up to a far more versatile solution and, happily, it doesn't add a bit of a burden in terms of size and weight.
Out of the box, the Solar Generator 1000's main unit, which can incidentally be bought on its own, without the solar panels, feels lighter than you'd expect. Don't get me wrong, it's bulky, but it's lighter than some of its closest rivals, and it still has a robust and durable feel.
I've taken both the Solar Generator 500 and the Solar Generator 1000 on camping trips now, and it's a perfect companion. I was lucky enough to be in bright sunshine, so the energy I used charging phones and e-bikes and other gadgets was quickly recouped by those two powerful panels.
And that's the marvellous thing about a solar generator, you're harvesting clean, efficient and emission-free energy and using it to power pretty much anything you like. A 1,000 watt inverter is big enough to power even small heating appliances. So you can top them up when the sun's out, and then use them overnight to keep warm - or even keep cool, if it's a warm summer's evening and you've got a fridge and a fan to run.
I've also used EcoFlow's versions of the solar generator solution, and I'm very fond of them. Jackery's devices do represent better value for money, but EcoFlow's systems have better displays with more information, and the option to monitor things remotely through an app.
That said, the SolarSaga panels are miles better than EcoFlow's cumbersome and awkward solar arrays. They fold up neatly and have integrated stands. They're also far less flimsy, which is good on a campsite.
Charging input comes not only from the solar panels, but also from a 240v wall-socket if you're back at base. This isn't especially fast, at 163 watts, taking seven-and-a-half hours to charge fully, but it's fine for an overnight top-up.
Apart from that, there's little not to like about the Solar Generator 1000. It's genuinely good at what it does, and being available for £1,637.99 on the Jackery website - potentially even cheaper if you shop around - it really is hard not to recommend it.
READER OFFER:
Reach PLC readers can enjoy a special discount on the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 bundle, and Explorer 1000 power station and SolarSaga 100 solar panel, with a 10% discount code.
Use Jackery10 at the checkout at uk.jackery.com to get the discount, which is available until Thursday, October 13.
