Capacity
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,056 Wh | SOLIX C1000 leads
SOLIX C1000 1,056 Wh
Explorer 500 518.4 Wh
SOLIX C1000: +538 Wh (+103.7%).
SOLIX C1000 vs Explorer 500
VS
1,800W
Running power
500W
1,056 Wh
Battery
518.4 Wh
28.4 lbs
Weight
13.2 lbs
At a Glance
This comparison targets buyers choosing between a high-capacity home backup station and a lightweight portable unit. The SOLIX C1000 delivers 1800W of running power and 1056 Wh of capacity, powering 38 out of 53 devices tested in our compatibility check. The Explorer 500 covers 20 of those same 53 devices with its 500W output and 518.4 Wh battery.
LFP chemistry gives the C1000 a 3000-cycle lifespan, nearly four times the Explorer 500's 800-cycle rating. Expansion battery support and a 20ms UPS function make the Anker unit viable for extended outages and sensitive electronics. Solar recharge is also faster on the C1000, reaching full in roughly 3.8 hours versus 6.6 hours for the Jackery.
The tradeoff is weight: the Explorer 500 comes in at 13.2 lbs, less than half the C1000's 28.4 lbs, making it far easier to carry on trips.
Overall Winner
SOLIX C1000
Powers 38 of 53 tested devices vs 20 for Explorer 500
Home backup: SOLIX C1000 RV / mobile: Explorer 500 Solar: SOLIX C1000
SOLIX C1000 wins overall, but the best pick depends on your use case.
Choose SOLIX C1000 if...
- + You value battery longevity (LFP, 3,000 cycles)
- + You want faster solar recharging
- + Built-in UPS with 20ms switchover
- + You want future battery expansion
- + You want broader device compatibility
Choose Explorer 500 if...
- + Portability matters (13 lbs vs 28)
Spec Snapshot
Absolute values shown. Bars are scaled within this comparison for readability.
Each metric is independent. Bar lengths are not comparable across different compare pages.
Running Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 1,800 W | SOLIX C1000 leads
SOLIX C1000 1,800 W
Explorer 500 500 W
SOLIX C1000: +1,300 W (+260.0%).
Surge Power
Higher is better | Scale max: 2,400 W | SOLIX C1000 leads
SOLIX C1000 2,400 W
Explorer 500 1,000 W
SOLIX C1000: +1,400 W (+140.0%).
Weight
Lower is better | Scale best: 13.2 lbs | Explorer 500 leads
SOLIX C1000 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg)
Explorer 500 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg)
Explorer 500: -15.2 lbs (53.5% lighter).
Battery Life
Higher is better | Scale max: 3,000 cycles | SOLIX C1000 leads
SOLIX C1000 3,000 cycles
Explorer 500 800 cycles
SOLIX C1000: +2,200 cycles (+275.0%).
Where Compatibility Actually Differs
Out of 53 devices tested, 18 show a different result between these two stations.
Both can run: 20 · Differences: 34% (18/53) · Neither can run: 15
Only SOLIX C1000 can run 18
2-Slice Bread Toaster Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Coffee Maker Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Digital Air Fryer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Skillet Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Stove (Single Burner) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Electric Water Kettle Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Instant Pot (6 Qt) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Toaster Oven Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Rice Cooker Explorer 500: Running shortfall
Space Heater (1,500W) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Window AC (8,000 BTU) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Dishwasher Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Washing Machine Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Desktop PC (Gaming/Workstation) Explorer 500: Running shortfall
EV Charger (Level 1, 120V) Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Portable Ice Maker (Countertop) Explorer 500: Surge shortfall
Professional Hair Dryer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Laser Printer Explorer 500: Running + surge shortfall
Neither can run · 15 devices
These devices have startup surges that exceed both stations.
Microwave Oven (1000W)
Central AC (3-Ton)
Dehumidifier (70 Pint)
Gas Furnace Fan (Blower)
Portable AC (12,000 BTU)
Electric Clothes Dryer
RV Rooftop AC (13,500 BTU)
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
Electric Water Heater (50 Gal)
Well Pump (1 HP)
Circular Saw (Corded)
Corded Drill / Hammer Drill
Electric Chainsaw (14-inch)
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Shop Vac (Wet/Dry, 5-6 HP Peak)
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | SOLIX C1000 | Explorer 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1,056 Wh ✓ | 518.4 Wh |
| Running Power | 1,800 W ✓ | 500 W |
| Surge Power | 2,400 W ✓ | 1,000 W |
| Weight | 28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) ✓ |
| Energy Density | 81.9 Wh/kg | 86.4 Wh/kg ✓ |
| Portability Tier | portable | ultralight |
| Chemistry | LFP | Other |
| Cycle Life | 3,000 ✓ | 800 |
| Expandable | Yes | No |
| UPS | Yes (20 ms) | No |
| AC Voltage | 120V | 120V |
Solar Charging
Best-case charging profile using compatible solar panels.
SOLIX C1000
Faster Max solar input 600 W
Connector XT60
Full charge time ~3.8h
Compatible panels 19/20
MPPT: 11-60V
Explorer 500
Max solar input 112.5 W
Connector DC7909
Full charge time ~6.6h
Compatible panels 12/20
MPPT: 12-30V
Charge speed comparison
Longer bar = faster charge (inverted scale)
Device Compatibility
All tested devices grouped by category. Click a category to expand.
SOLIX C1000Explorer 500
Emergency(2)
1/21/2
1/2
1/2
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Freezer (15-17 Cu. Ft.) | Safe | 4.6h | Safe | 2.3h |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | Soft Start | 0.7h | Fail | N/A |
Entertainment(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
EV & Transportation(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Heating & Cooling(7)
3/71/7
3/7
1/7
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box Fan (20-inch) | Safe | 8.9h | Safe | 4.4h |
| Central AC (3-Ton) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Dehumidifier (70 Pint) | Soft Start | 0.9h | Fail | N/A |
| Gas Furnace Fan (Blower) | Soft Start | 0.7h | Fail | N/A |
| Portable AC (12,000 BTU) | Soft Start | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Space Heater (1,500W) | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Window AC (8,000 BTU) | Tight | 1h | Fail | N/A |
Home Infrastructure(3)
1/31/3
1/3
1/3
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Water Heater (50 Gal) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| Garage Door Opener (Residential) | Safe | 4.1h | Safe | 2h |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
Kitchen Appliances(11)
10/111/11
10/11
1/11
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Slice Bread Toaster | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Coffee Maker | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Digital Air Fryer | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Skillet | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Stove (Single Burner) | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Water Kettle | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Instant Pot (6 Qt) | Safe | 0.5h | Fail | N/A |
| Microwave Oven (1000W) | Fail | N/A | Fail | N/A |
| Rice Cooker | Safe | 0.8h | Fail | N/A |
| Slow Cooker | Safe | 2.5h | Safe | 1.2h |
| Toaster Oven | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
Large Appliances(4)
3/41/4
3/4
1/4
| Device | SOLIX C1000 | Runtime | Explorer 500 | Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | Tight | 0.4h | Fail | N/A |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | Voltage Fail | N/A | Voltage Fail | N/A |
| French Door Refrigerator | Safe | 3.6h | Safe | 1.8h |
| Washing Machine | Safe | 0.6h | Fail | N/A |
Medical(4)
4/44/4
4/4
4/4
Outdoor & RV(6)
5/64/6
5/6
4/6
Personal Care(2)
2/21/2
2/2
1/2
Power Tools(5)
0/50/5
0/5
0/5
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Our methodology
The Bottom Line
The SOLIX C1000 suits buyers who need reliable home backup, expandable storage, and broad device coverage across 38 of 53 tested loads. The Explorer 500 is the better pick for hikers, car campers, or anyone prioritizing a grab-and-go form factor at 13.2 lbs.
Overall, the SOLIX C1000 is the stronger choice, scoring 72 to the Explorer 500's 40, with decisive advantages in power output, cycle life, and solar speed. In our 53-device benchmark, SOLIX C1000 powers 38 devices and Explorer 500 powers 20.
SOLIX C1000 vs Explorer 500 FAQ
Q Which is better for home backup, SOLIX C1000 or Explorer 500?
SOLIX C1000 is the stronger overall choice in this matchup based on weighted compatibility across 53 tested devices.
Q Which has longer runtime, SOLIX C1000 or Explorer 500?
SOLIX C1000 has higher battery capacity (1,056 Wh), which generally supports longer runtime on the same load.
Q Which charges faster with solar panels?
SOLIX C1000 has the faster best-case solar recharge profile in our panel compatibility test set.
Q Which is more portable, SOLIX C1000 or Explorer 500?
Explorer 500 is lighter at 13.2 lbs vs 28.4 lbs. Explorer 500 is rated ultralight for portability.
Q How many devices can each power station run?
SOLIX C1000 powers 38 of 53 tested devices, compared to 20 for Explorer 500.
Q Can you expand the battery capacity of SOLIX C1000 or Explorer 500?
Only SOLIX C1000 supports expansion batteries for additional capacity. Explorer 500 is limited to its built-in 518.4 Wh.
Q Does SOLIX C1000 or Explorer 500 have UPS mode for power outages?
Only SOLIX C1000 has UPS (uninterruptible power supply) mode with a 20ms switchover time, which keeps connected devices running during a power outage without interruption.