Adding a Solar Roof to our OFF-GRID Container Home

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks to Anker for sponsoring this video. Introducing the Anker SOLIX X1: your ultimate whole-home backup energy storage solution. Request a free quote at ankerfast.club/AmbitionStrikesWithX1 before June 30th and get Anker SOLIX C800 Plus for free once your X1 is installed.

[@dellmerlin6328]

I like your sponsored videos because I get to see a real installation of something I didn't know about. Please continue doing more.

[@EnufIsTooMuch]

KZbin won't let me put some links in the reply, I guess? Anyway, pilot point drill bits from Milwaukee and Dewalt can be found online at Home Depot and Amazon. Both sets and individual sizes.

[@manolisgledsodakis873]

I think I would have put a metal wall between the batteries and the living space. I just have an aversion to lithium battery fires..

[@joonglegamer9898]

I've noticed... It's like every influencer has an Anker now, and 100 different projects to do with them.

[@alekseyaverin1971]

@ambitionstrikes - folks, ca you put links to that water proof strips between the panels please?

[@bobflores]

The backup power manufacturers are really stepping up their game when it comes to these whole house backup systems. Thanks for the videos.

[@MrAtrain2632]

@17:06 “I’m building the thing, that’s going to charge the thing, that’s powering what I’m building” - Riley 😂 what a time to be alive!

[@ProjectsWithPat]

Did he just explain a perpetual motion machine?

[@oscartheg6674]

😂😂😂

[@Jackham13]

Gen4 Milwaukee drill has kickback prevention. It can tell when it bites and instantly stops so you don’t have to worry about just punching it which ironically makes kickback less likely. Has already saved my teeth several times

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Wow, that is a very cool feature!

[@brentbitter5209]

Get a battery powered caulking gun… saves on product as you get a much better bead of material etc. plus … who doesn’t want more tools. 😉

[@TheConlinHomestead]

haha I agree 100%

[@johnhufnagel]

reason I bought mine, is 2 words: windshield urethane.

[@tripflycfi]

Came here to suggest this. I got one a month ago and I went through 9 tubes in half an hour on a project. Wish I had gotten one years ago. I actually got the $79 Ryobi model instead of Milwaukee and am very impressed

[@mozki1]

Yeah I agreed it's a no brainer....had to do 60 tubes on one job .....after that bought the Makita one .

[@patrickretsel7048]

Dewalt make a good one

[@DonChandler-z5m]

Riley, your engineering degree is really paying off with all of the projects you do. We're all anxiously awaiting the next step for the small house.

[@sandratweedale2579]

Jeez…. Your talent and understanding of the electronics, just astound me. All of your comprehension of things astounds me me. You try to rebuild any and all manner of things. I watch with my mouth agape. And always with such good humour. You’re an amazing combo and usually i have no idea what you’re doing but I wouldn’t miss a thing. Bravo from a fan in Ottawa 👵🇨🇦🤗👋👋

[@kenbabione7946]

Watching the drill battery hit Riley in the mouth brought back memories of my Dewalt doing the same thing more than once. I realized that DeWalt included the auxiliary handle for a reason, and once I started using it when drilling through metal, I stopped breaking drill bits, and no longer almost broke my wrists. The auxiliary handle is adjustable which makes it comfortable and easy to use. Try it.

[@markpashia7067]

yes sir. I remember getting spun while standing on a ladder due to not using the handle to keep control. That grip at 90 degrees to the spin makes a world of difference. When your feet are four foot off the ground getting spun off the ladder sucks.

[@greyman1k]

All the tape measures in your pockets....PRICELESS! That seals the deal, you are definitely a true craftsman.

[@USMC1984]

Every employer I’ve ever worked for, I’ve had to tell them just because it’s in my pocket and I leave the job site doesn’t mean I’m stealing it, I just forget its there! Lol😂

[@theburtseoni]

It's a good thing your head is screwed on Riley! Imagine losing it and finding it in your coat pocket?😃

[@BFVgnr]

It's very cool seeing Boone and Bailey out enjoying the spring time. Such a great pair of pups! And, like pups, they're gonna get into whatever they can get into. Glad Boonedog is fine and I'm glad everything worked out; no broken equipment, no injuries, and no unplanned Veterinary bills. It's also very cool seeing all the stuff I should have learned when I was younger, like wiring. Because I currently (see what I did there?) have a rule that I do not do electrical work.

[@richardmattingly7000]

A Step Drill jams because it only has one cutting surface not two like other bits and there's a trick to keep it from jamming. First is speed-load naturally as the wider a hole it makes can't be forced and it grabs because its wedged when cutting re engages suddenly. Higher speed-patience to let it cut at its own pacec is best and a bit of oil out the bit works wonders since friction is eased. A set of metal cutting hole saws is the best solution of course since most openings are sized to them not odd as they appear and a bit of oil as they cut is makes the a dream to use.

[@ColeMarkusen]

The Anker system looks genuinely awesome, well done Anker. Glad no serious injuries but would recommend going to the vet just in case, sounds a lot like the sweet floofer had a mild stroke. Great work on the tiny house so far you guys! What an awesome little project.

[@trevormoore3437]

Or a spicy fly

[@lauraquigley6403]

Courtney & Riley are amazing! Since the truck video’s to this😮This build is going so quick..Oliver is always the star of the show. Hope Pup is still ok🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@Oracle_Speaks]

One of my favorite youtubers, always look forward to Sunday mornings, coffee with a little Ambition Strikes :)

[@julianpritchard2558]

Bailey needs to see a vet , my Labrador had a similar episode and it was a stroke, he had them from 9 years old until we lost him at 16 .

[@joncollier1934]

Agreed get him there asap even!!!!

[@twisted_panties]

I don't think so. I had a Lab who would run herself until her back legs would just stop working. The first time it happened it freaked me out, I thought she had broken her leg or something awful. I forget the name of the syndrome now but it's just the nervous system shutting down from over exertion/stimulation. It happened to my dog about 3-4 times (she was mad for chasing rabbits on our property) Once they calm down it resolves itself in 5-10 minutes.

[@sethhtes55]

When my lab collie mix did that he died of cancer one week later. 😢

[@Lonnwriting]

Yay, wow happy man tears. I get to watch this family's home and property build project. It is a grand Sunday morning. Thank you!

[@Sembazuru]

A trick that I saw on another to save a little time while framing. Put your header and footer boards next to each other to measure and mark both at the same time.

[@caka8662]

As a 19yr looking at home prices, i would really, REALLY love a price breakdown video like you did for your home!!! Great video!!!

[@DouglasHeyen]

Great to see Bailey is ok. Thanks for sharing your adventure with solar. You’ve given me the confidence to tackle some of the issues I was wasn’t confident in performing myself. Keep up the great content!

[@janetkoball44]

Very exciting time with all of you today and always. Your mom is so appreciative of her tiny house. I believe Oliver will be a tall person too and will work as hard as his mama and daddy. Thanks for all these visits with all of us.

[@thedutchmandave]

Labradors can sometimes get a condition called EIC - exercised induced collapse. It can be detected through a blood test. It might be something to look into if it happens more often.

[@vincetytler6175]

I am so impressed with how fast these whole home battery systems have progressed

[@Bythemile01]

I can’t wait to see where y’all set the tiny home on the property! Use the 4 other panels to make a small sitting area near the tiny home location and do an outdoor kitchen that’s solar powered.

[@AmbitionStrikes]

We have a few locations in mind! Riley’s latest idea is that he wants to put it up on stilts among the trees. 😳

[@brianmoore4299]

​​@@AmbitionStrikes If you do that then I would use the other panels and place them on the ground in a sunny area so they can assist when the ones in the "trees" are being shaded out. But I love your tree house idea. What a view too being up higher.

[@ejcastro9518]

​@@AmbitionStrikesThat would be cool, but as an older person, climbing stairs or ladders is no fun esp if you have to carry anything. The house looks great!

[@Bythemile01]

I think an outdoor kitchen close by would be awesome. Use the solar panels to provide the necessary electricity and save space inside the tiny home. Or maybe do an outdoor entertaining space as a separate project in the future.

[@Sembazuru]

Solar powered Gazebo so you can keep working on the laptop longer than the laptop's battery.

[@santosvella]

I love both of your consistent positivity and such capacity for tackling any kind of project. Massive kudos to both of you. So cool making a mini house for gran. I called it when I first saw the container.

[@zaheeruddinkhan9153]

I am highly impressed by the baby cooperation 😊

[@Daniel-vc1ce]

Are the windows installed backwards? On a traditional stick frame wouldn't the flange be on the outside of the build envelope and then taped/flashed accordingly.

[@joshcrubaugh7382]

Yall are awesome! I hope Boone is ok. Got to hear Riley’s “dad” voice for a second there calling for the dog. Love the builds! Thanks for all you do

[@TrzCharlie]

Wow, what a great project. Envious doesn't begin to cover what I feel. Kudos, what a wonderful thing to do for your Mom.

[@kevinmcmuhammad4841]

Beautiful building my friends, remember don't cut or weld near those beautiful new windows or solar panels, because of metal spalks melting into the glass incase it damages it self. love from ireland 🇮🇪

[@carbie5614]

Jack of all trades, master of any you want to be. You are an exceptional person, I would say your name but I am almost 73 and 1/2😊, and i set here many hours trying to remember some of the most simplest things that I kno, I just can not remrmber untill it just hits me.😢 oh well. My moms dad was over 100 years old, my dads mom was over 100 years old, my mom was almost 97, and they had good memories. I think if I get off my meds, my memory will get better, I hope. Great videos

[@geanaluxmore8907]

Such a fun project! I love that your Mom will have her own space, that’s super sweet 🥹 We also really like the Anker products! Excited to see how these do for you guys ! Also looking forward to seeing where this tiny home will go on the property!!!

[@theburtseoni]

It is very interesting to watch your instructional videos like this one. And I'm glad your poor dog is alright, that is scary to see them go through an incident like that one! This will be one sweet little project when it's done, and your mom will love it Courtney!

[@kathleenturley1561]

How in the world are you going to move this wonderful tiny home? You guys always do a top notch job.

[@engineer_notes]

And I'm interested in this too

[@brentbitter5209]

Next episode … Riley buys a broken down rusty old crane to move the container shed ! Will it lift it or will it fold like a cheap lawn chair … tune in and find out 🤣

[@johnmiller8884]

Well there is that big army colored rig in the background of all these shots. I'm waiting for it to get a proper introduction.

[@WildAcresFarms]

I’ve moved shipping containers and sheds many times with equipment. A pair of chains anchored to both corners at one end, being drug by a decent sized excavator, makes for easy work. The advantage of a skidsteer or excavator is the ability to lift the end up slightly and then pull. Unlike using a tractor or large truck or similar, it keeps it skidding lightly rather than digging in like a giant plow. If they’re smart, they’ll move it into position as early as possible. Before adding too much weight to it. I’m sure they’ve given this step lots of thought, since they tend to be pretty sharp.

[@youmebornfree]

A company makes bolt on axles for a few hundred... then you can lift it with skid steer and wheel it anywhere.

[@judeedufresne8371]

So glad Riley wasnt injured severely!!!

[@dlouw7]

I hear you on drilling holes from a ladder. I picked up a DeWalt stud and joist drill with clutch. If something catches it just clicks and shuts off rather than hitting you in the face or throwing you from the ladder. Worth every penny.

[@dtnicholls1]

Quick tip for you when drilling with twist drills... Make life a bit easier. When you're drilling a large hole through sheet metal (where the material thickness is less than the chamfer on the end of the drill) drill through a small piece of rag. Drill the pilot hole, then just fold a 3" square of rag in half twice, put it on top of the pilot hole and then drill through the rag and the metal with the larger drill bit. It will stop it from grabbing and give you a round hole instead of a slightly triangular shaped one. You'll get a few holes from each little piece of rag, just refold it. The only catch is that it will give you a hole that's a couple of thousandths bigger than it would otherwise drill. Sometimes that's a good thing, sometimes not. If drilling a locating hole for a dowel pin for instance, it can allow you to drill (or ream) a hole slightly oversized for a perfect fit. Or if the drill is already the right size, it could end up loose. (The rag trick works on thicker material just to oversize a hole when it's thick enough to drill round) Not going to stop a step drill from biting you, but you'd have felt more in control when doing the holes in the panels.

[@donbaker9715]

Courtney sure looks like her mother. Also, Oliver looks like such a happy baby. He is cute.

[@leifhietala8074]

For the extra four panels, build a topper that goes on top of the F-150 Lightning...and then wire them into an onboard battery system that can charge the truck. Enough days sitting parked, the truck will be fully charged. It's not a fast charge, but no gas truck fills itself up just sitting around.

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Excellent video! Great work guys. Love watching all your projects.

[@bobhawkey3783]

Your skill, humour and character serve you well. I hope you get the odd 'off' hour to enjoy your amazing home. ❤

[@andrewr2650]

Really appreciate the transparency about sponsorship!

[@lynnemac1402]

Amazing guys the tiny home is looking great. Ouch Riley I bet that hurt, so pleased you didnt lose a tooth. Oliver looks so much like Riley. Really relieved that Boon is okay that was scary x

[@jillrector7176]

I bet I’m not the only person dreaming of winning the lottery and hiring this family to create from scratch 2 tiny off grid houses in my back yard… someday! ❤

[@davidsalvador8989]

Been ages since I have visited your channel! Lovely to see the new little one!

[@dancallaghan3314]

Let me see!!! Skid steer with bucket or forks so build a work platform, lift tool platform that can be easily moved around, work smarter not harder. Love your abilities and enthusiasm

[@bryank7133]

Those panels would work great on a 4wd short schoolie overlanding vehicle.

[@hounddog410amms]

Why didn't you paint the frame for the solar panels?

[@markgrassman6238]

Guys, love watching all the amazing projects you get into. What a fun life to only stay at home playing with the toys. Neet to see your future shop helper out with you.., especially the baby in the bag thing. Most moms wait till the 2nd or 3rd one to start putting them in a bag ; ) Extra solar panels could be put to good use to power a well pump. And I am sure Riley could automate it like a pro.

[@BuckWheat0591]

Birch rules for finish look. Just add it to 1/2 inch plywood for a 3/4 thickness. Lauan panels look ok to. Can't go wrong with 3/4 tongue and groove either. This is a sweet build.

[@lloydchristmas8282]

Your videos help me get through so many 19hr shifts.....

[@shawnray9866]

i just can't wait to see how your going to move the tiny house.

[@oursoulsavingpilgrimage4757]

Thanks!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thank you very much!

[@johnhufnagel]

glad to see some battery packs are bumping up the voltage finally.

[@shawnp0wers]

SO agree. 48v is a huge improvement over 12v systems, and I understand why that was the highest for so long (50v being roughly when bodies conduct, yes it's a rough estimate and less can cause injury, but 50v is the "rule of thumb" for such things). But especially with a mostly contained system like this? Those higher voltages are MUCH more efficient.

[@janbroz4681]

@26:00 I'm fairly certain the cable wouldn't be energized untill you hook it up to the AC of the Anker unit. Most of the microinverters that I came across feature rapid shutdown, which means they do not operate unless they detect AC voltage on the output first.

[@davidr6045]

Awesome video. You both could use a couple of 6 foot stackable scaffold that you can buy for about $250 each at your local Big box or hardware store. The wide platform makes it much safer to work on.

[@tanner6112]

this project is shaping up very nicely. The solar awning is a genius idea. I would love to see a cost breakdown on this project, when it reaches the final stages! Cant wait for the interior work videos as well. Hope the pup is ok!!

[@beaugarrison789]

I used that 1/4” under lament on the interior of my shed. It is a great bang for the buck wall sheeting in a utility application.

[@GirdHerd]

I was thinking of the toxic gases from that galvanized bracket as soon as you started welding. Glad you mentioned you were holding your breath as you were welding.

[@VegasFlyboy]

OG follower here and YUP! As SOON as she said “pulleys”all I could think of was hoisting the sliding door up to install on the outside of the building and how that went. 😂

[@Cascade1911]

Found the Dewalt Pilot Point drill bits on sale at Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, Rural King, Ace, you name it. Love this channel and have really been liking this tiny house build. I am disappointed with the choice of power. I'm sure the X1 is a great choice for a paid promotion but in that Anker won't even share a price until you send them your life history I'm fairly certain that this system will not be the first or fifth choice for most DIYers watching this channel. Would have been nice to see an EG4 or something approachable by most of your viewers.

[@Firehackgarage]

To bring back to your pulley joke. I remember watching Riley go on the roof for the first time putting in the chimney for the woodstove!

[@michealfarley9423]

Great times watching another build taking shape. You two are for sure the best at thinking on your feet, but I do have to mention, you could have loaded the panels into the army truck dump bed, n had lots of achieved lift already!!! But I do also know it is full of winter fun!!! Keep up the great content and awesome work!!!

[@Iam8ight]

This one is coming along FAST!!

[@AmbitionStrikes]

It’s amazing how fast a tiny house can come together!

[@paulvanhouts3365]

Hi Riley, just a thought while watching you cut the studs. You know the studs will be one length so why not rack them together and clamp them, once the bottoms are aligned, mark them at the required length and cut them all at the same time. I did that when building my own home, all studs were of a uniform length and it saved lots of time and the frustration that multiple repeat cuts would create. This is a great little cabin, love your work.

[@rcox787]

I installed my own micro inverter system on my house like 6 years ago. My demand needs have significantly changed since my family has grown. Been looking for a good battery system to minimize on peak usage but not very many good AC coupled ones… this one is VERY slick!

[@mattclary2069]

I've done almost the same exact thing with a drill while lowering my trailer stabilizers. Literally thought I had broken my jaw!

[@kelvingstrachan]

I was gonna give you beans about not using clamps to hold the panels down, until I saw the rubber strip that seals them together... Genius. I am an electrician, who installs solar and batteries. That connecting stripis indeed called a "doodacker" (spelling may vary per region) New subscriber from South Africa Love your work. Extremely jealous🙃

[@davep6977]

I agree with you 100%. Dewalt pilot point were/are the best innovation, but getting harder to find. And "YES" I remember the pulley's

[@lgrantnelson2863]

The MacGyver A-team. Excellent. The O Boy rules from the stroller.

[@bobmonztr]

You saw our last winter, put those extra panels on mom's house. Another fun video, I am sure she will love the suite. I use 14kw a day includes the Omnimax 350w heater running 24hr a day heating a 28' trailer. Low was -27F. Rug buddy 5x8 with thermostat $$$$$ is a nice option too, 340w, maybe even the 170w 3x5' could heat enough and within the systems limits.

[@PlantCrazyMom]

What an impressive, competent team you two are! Hats off to you both!

[@thatcrazyfriend]

I'm a welder and fabricator you need to pick up a set of matco hyper step drill bits. They just started making the off brand so you can get them cheap now but for drilling metal by far the best to use.

[@NeoTokyo22]

@23:20 DW1969 for the pilot point bits or DW1369/DW1361 (29 pc vs 21) if you want the TiNi pilot point bits

[@mnmvuk]

"..Riley patented Skilsaw test..." LOL Great project. Really enjoy watching this come together.

[@p9raceway759]

Are y’all insulating container barn doors? They’ll sweat dripping moisture into the utility closet

[@sthcstog]

That new military vehicle in the background of every shot is a giant tease. Can you take 1-2 mins in the next video and tell us about it and what the plan is?

[@djeity]

Re your mouth injury - get a drill which has torque sensing to prevent that. I use Bosch drills for that exact reason. No sore wrists, no injuries if something grabs. Battery commonality isn't worth it if the tool isn't safe.

[@johnmeloche6569]

Great video, coming along nicely, looking forward to seeing the finished house and how you move it to the final location

[@jasonjtg21]

The panels look great I like that you interpreted the panels into the overhang which greats a great porch

[@ronarant2897]

That is a very neat power system! Step bits are handy but I suggest getting yourself a set of Greenlee chassis / conduit punches. That way you only have to drill a 3/8” hole and then you punch what ever hole size you want or need with a wrench. They also have a hydraulic ram that is great!

[@terrancesnyder9323]

Good Sunday morning to you all

[@Geemisman]

It's evening already in the Netherlands 😀

[@ahbushnell1]

Can you tie the container to your house grid? Then maybe you could use the energy from the container in your house when the container is not being used.

[@soulcontractor1641]

Courtney! My second comment i didn't want to edit! I've noticed the Music is much better or more of it! Definitely more postive and upbeat and compliments 500K your Content and Creativity! Dean(Soul) Toronto

[@AmbitionStrikes]

Thanks Dean! I recently started using a different music source that had a lot more options.

[@anthonyg9787]

Mmm solar tracker for the cabin, diy style with the 4 left over

[@Environmenthrall]

Invest in an electrician's hole cutter kit. They're similar to a hole saw, but much shallower and meant for metal only, but they are SO much quicker than a hole saw or step bit.

[@jimdob6528]

Awesome job! Excited to see how yall handle the plumbing and AC side of things.

[@julieinak]

Great build. Coutney, your Mom is gorgeous! Wondering how you guys will move the tiny home without breaking any glass...and with what equipment. Hopefully just a short haul. Fun series!

[@GaryPowers-th9uh]

I had a doggie like Boon in my twenties and thirties. He had mild epilepsy and once in a while he would have an episode like Boin had on the video, Looks worse than it is. He would kinda lock up loose muscle control sometimes when he got excited. It was only once in while and we would just jet him rest it off. Vet suggested some medication but we never needed it. He lived a long 15 years so it went a big deal. Keep an eye Boon dog. Great project guys!

[@halfglassfull]

I learned the hard way and sprained my wrist and fingers from drill kickback more than enough times until I realized my drill has a clutch setting. It can be fussy to get the torque correct but using a drill with a clutch helps reduce kickback.

[@Khoop]

Look up "Brad point" or "dowel" drill bits -- might be close to what you're looking for!

[@fintrollpgr]

@25:24 Nope, two MPPT's and one inverter. Also the AC cable will not be energized until the microinverters see a grid, it's a required safety feature to avoid feeding into the grid when it is down. Also look up OpenDTU, awesome little software that you can use to check production and control those Hoymiles microinverters.

[@dellmerlin6328]

When I made new mounting holes on my solar panels I used a hand metal punch. Cleaner holes, quicker, less chance of drill bit damage.

[@Bruce-ub8dv]

If only you had a bobcat with forks that could have lifted all the panels up to the roof... : p I did use a pulley rig to lift my smaller panels up to the roof of my home using an extension ladder as a slide for them. It went really quick moving 30 of them (took longer to place them in the clamps and wire). Love the project. I went with a Sol-Ark because I have grid power, but that Anker is a nice design which might even work in an RV nicely.

[@joeabad5908]

Love you guys… This is the life I want to live!!! Off Grid Living..

[@BigGuy8059]

Ground-mount installation is SO much easier: I mounted all 24 of our panels by myself. I used standard array rails with clamps you tighten from above. Putting it on a South-facing slope meant no ladders at all.

[@MrOscarjw]

4 panels could be used as a vertical sliding patio wall or railing on the sun side of the container to block out direct sunlight. sliding out of the way, or pivoting allows flexibility for views preference.

[@keithfrazier2558]

Amazon shows Dewalt pilot point drill bits. Cobalt for $110 & DW1969 29 piece for $60. There are several options and bit alloy compound to your liking. Hope that helps.

[@govertical72]

Build yourself a work basket for the skidsteel forks. Awesome video guys, i just bought an off-grid property so I'm taking notes!

[@Mrwillie95]

I bet Courtney mom is going to love 💗 this tiny house 🏡

[@BrandiceCavalcanti]

4RA ke features aur events dono hi top notch hain, kabhi bhi disappoint nahi hota