By Jon Crowley
Can one solar panel keep a powered cooler cold around the clock? We paired a Jackery Explorer 300 portable power station with a SolarSaga 100W solar panel and an ICECO JP40 refrigerator/freezer to find out. The test included temperatures in the 90s, an overnight run without sunlight and an extra load from a Camp Chef pellet grill.
We had already used a larger Jackery Explorer 1000 to power the JP40 successfully, but sometimes a smaller and more portable setup makes more sense. The question was whether the compact 293Wh Explorer 300 had enough battery capacity to operate the cooler overnight and then recover during the day using only one 100-watt solar panel.
Solar Powered Cooler Test Equipment
- Jackery Explorer 300: A compact portable power station with 293Wh of battery capacity. Its multiple outputs can power or charge several devices, although available runtime depends on the connected load and conversion losses.
- Jackery SolarSaga 100W: A foldable monocrystalline solar panel weighing approximately 9.1 pounds. Actual charging output varies with sun angle, clouds, temperature and panel positioning.
- ICECO JP40: A 43-quart portable refrigerator/freezer with an adjustable temperature range and a SECOP compressor.
This was a demanding starting point. The Explorer 300 began at a 100% charge, but the JP40 and everything inside it were warm. The cooler displayed 79 degrees when we switched it on, while the daytime temperature climbed into the 90s. We set the refrigerator to approximately 36–37 degrees.
Cooling From 79 Degrees in Hot Weather
After approximately two hours, the JP40 had cooled from 79 to 50 degrees. The Explorer 300 still showed a 98% charge because the solar panel was producing 56 watts while the refrigerator was drawing approximately 46 watts.
That was an encouraging result. The panel was producing enough power to cover the refrigerator’s active load while also preserving nearly all of the energy stored in the Jackery.
As the test continued, the cooler reached 41 degrees. The Explorer showed a 92% charge, with approximately 60 watts coming from the panel and 88 watts going to the connected equipment.
Adding a Camp Chef Grill
To make the test more difficult, we plugged a Camp Chef pellet grill into the Explorer 300’s 120-volt AC outlet and cooked a steak while the JP40 continued running.
The combined load temporarily exceeded the solar panel’s input, but the Jackery handled it. When the steak was finished, the Explorer still had a 90% charge. Once the grill was shut down, the panel could again concentrate on running the refrigerator and replenishing the battery.
Did the Jackery Explorer 300 Run the Cooler Overnight?
Yes. The next morning, the ICECO JP40 was holding at 37 degrees and the Explorer 300 had 21% battery remaining. The sun was just beginning to reach the panel, which was producing 18 watts while the cooler was drawing 29 watts.
The setup therefore made it through the night despite beginning the test with a warm refrigerator, warm drinks and an additional cooking load during the afternoon.
Solar Recharging Results
Once full sunlight reached the panel, the Explorer began recovering quickly while continuing to power the refrigerator.
| Test point | Explorer 300 charge | JP40 temperature | Observed solar input |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial startup | 100% | 79°F | Panel connected |
| Approximately two hours | 98% | 50°F | 56 watts |
| Morning after overnight run | 21% | 37°F | 18 watts in early sun |
| 10:15 a.m. | 54% | 37°F | 61 watts |
| 1:30 p.m. under clouds | 83% | 37°F | 19 watts |
| End of the second solar day | 98% | 36°F | 30 watts at that moment |
Even with clouds reducing panel output to 19 watts during part of the afternoon, the battery continued making progress. By the end of the second day, the Explorer had returned to 98% and the JP40 remained at 36 degrees. At that point, the refrigerator had been operating for roughly 36 hours without connecting to grid power.
Can It Recover From an Almost-Empty Battery?
We ran one more test after drawing the Explorer 300 down to nearly zero. The JP40 remained connected while the SolarSaga panel attempted to recharge the battery.
By approximately 1:45 p.m., the Explorer had recovered to 84% while still powering the cooler. Based on that charging rate and the remaining daylight, it was on track to reach a full charge before sunset.
Can One Solar Panel Run a Powered Cooler Indefinitely?
Under the sunny conditions of this test, the Explorer 300 and one SolarSaga 100W panel generated enough energy to keep the ICECO JP40 cold and replace the energy consumed overnight. Moving the panel periodically to follow the sun helped maximize production.
That does not mean the setup will run indefinitely under every condition. Heavy cloud cover, shade, higher ambient temperatures, frequent opening of the refrigerator or freezing food instead of refrigerating it can increase consumption or reduce solar production. The Explorer’s relatively small battery also provides limited reserve capacity for multiple low-sun days.
Starting with cold food and a pre-chilled refrigerator would make the system’s job considerably easier. Our test began at nearly 80 degrees, forcing the JP40 to run hard during the initial cooldown.
Final Verdict
For a compact off-grid camping setup, the results were impressive. The Jackery Explorer 300:
- Powered the JP40 through the hottest portion of the day
- Cooled the refrigerator from 79 to the upper 30s
- Handled an overnight refrigerator load with 21% remaining
- Powered a pellet grill during the test
- Recovered from 21% to 98% during the following solar day
- Nearly recharged from empty while continuing to run the cooler
One 100-watt solar panel can run a powered cooler around the clock when sunlight, panel placement and energy consumption remain favorable. The combination proved especially useful for UTV camping, base camps and other situations where a smaller power station is easier to transport than a high-capacity unit.
For larger loads and additional reserve capacity, see our Jackery Explorer 1500 Pro review. We have also tested newer portable refrigerator designs in our ICECO APL35 dual-zone refrigerator/freezer review.
Watch the Solar Powered Cooler Test
Equipment Details
Product availability and specifications may have changed since this test was conducted in 2021.
