Building an Off-Grid Cabin in Lake Isabella, CA

The 22-month journey from idea to final inspection. A 726 sq.ft. cabin in Lake Isabella, CA. 100% off-grid electrical (propane heat, cooking, clothes dryer, and fireplace). Panasonic panels, Simpliphi ACCESS w/ Schneider controller/inverter, Simpliphi batteries. 4.8 kW, 10.5 kWh.
Music: Michael J Downey 'The Gathering Storm', 'Acoustic Soundtrack'

[@davidcouch3681]

A cabin, a monument, ... forever grateful for your love of nature, love of humanity, and love of life ❤

[@ContentAndSerene]

Beautiful not just the cabin but the appreciation of the land, the smile on your face, memory of pops, and the journey 💝

[@marklundegren]

I'm on my way to Lake Isabella in about a week to look at sites for an off-grid house. Thanks for the inspiration ❤️

[@LiquidMindOfficial]

Congratulations Michael, that's wonderful and inspiring, and how good that your Dad was connected to it. Wishing you all the best as you enjoy your labor of love!

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Thank you so much, Chuck. A labor of love, indeed, especially the week I was able to spend with Dad there. Don't mind telling you how much of 'Laguna Indigo', 'Velvet Morning', 'Society of Dreams' are infused into the walls of that home... And seriously, when you're feeling like a change of scenery, please just let me know. I'll send the address and the lockbox code, and it's yours for the askin'.

[@LiquidMindOfficial]

@@MichaelJDowney2 Thank you for the kind offer Michael, I will keep it in mind.

[@Z71__]

Congrats man and sorry for your loss!

[@sheilaplourde4165]

I live in Lake Isabella. This cabin is beautiful!!

[@snlynch582]

Congrats! We have a 2nd home up there and we love it! All our favorite restaurants are up there. What a view you have!

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Thank you, Sandra. You're right, there's no place on earth like the Kern River Valley...

[@8754roberto]

Congratulations 🎊! Long life for yourself and love ones!

[@lkopl12398]

good for yah may man just patience deserves jsut rewards.

[@Tinygami]

Is there somewhere to park my tiny trailer? ❤️ Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and glad your dad was a part of the process. His connection and love makes it a sacred space.

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Of course there is, Ms. Tiny ;) Few know the vicissitudes of making a house a home like you, and you're welcome anytime...

[@wulfclaw4921]

Awesome ! I have been pretty much doing the same along these lines. Since returning from Iraq I studied alternative building methods. Earthbag, geodesic Domes... rocket mass heating. I'm a Disabled vet but not down without a fight. I just wish I could accomplish completion and put in more time on my music. Anyway, my condolences on your father passing. It's good that you got to spend time together on your place. I reckon you are a mile or two from where I have my place, So Howdy Neighbor ! All the best ! Wulfy

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Thanks Wulf, and thank you for your service. Glad to hear you're looking into alternative/earth-friendly building methods. Can be a little overwhelming... feel free to message me and keep me posted with your progress!

[@orthella1997]

Ooooh, you're sure a blessed one! Wow, how wonderful is this...#jealous...: D

[@pacman5511]

Damn bro you got me with that line Rip ur pops

[@ETAYLOREMT]

Great job 👏

[@jeyyoho2070]

Welcome neighbor...I am interested in going off grid, so I find this inspirational. I'm in the hills of Weldon...this is a beautiful place to live...good luck!

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Thank you, Jey. I tried finding a one-stop-shopping solar company first. Got three bids from companies in Bakersfield and Ridgecrest averaging around $50k. I ended up buying the components from shopsolarkits.com, had BSW Roofing (Bakersfield) install the panels, my electrician ran the conduit down to the back of the house, and I did the wiring of all the components and in to the main electrical panel of the house. Ended up at around $30k.

[@Cody_Hiking_Kitty]

@@MichaelJDowney2 Thanx for the info. I am looking for a property near your place to build a future home like yours.

[@MichaelJDowney2]

You're welcome, @@Cody_Hiking_Kitty. 안녕하세요. Wishing you well in your search. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@Cody_Hiking_Kitty]

@@MichaelJDowney2감사합니다. I do have a question for you. I’m interested in one of the properties on Falcon Dr. I am wondering how people get water for their homes up on the hill. The website says that it will need engineering a well. Thanks.

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Good morning, @@Cody_Hiking_Kitty, glad to hear you might be our neighbor! The majority of the homes in the canyon have their own wells, some have entered into a well-share agreement, though. Engineering, plans, permits, and cost to install usually around $30-40K. Feel free to email - [e-mail]

[@andychen1099]

Looks great. How about the water?

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Thanks, Andy. The lake's at about 15% of capacity right now. Hoping for lots of rain/snow this winter!

[@ETAYLOREMT]

Want to move there but not many houses for sale in my price range.. either too expensive or cheap and in peril..

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Thank you, Errol. I hear you. One thing I can say is that the Kern River Valley is blessed with its share of skilled tradespersons and, compared to where I'm moving from (Santa Cruz) they are surprisingly affordable. Wish you well in your search.

[@erikamalbuena]

Congratulations!! Do you mind if I ask how much did you spend in total? Saving up so one day I can retired up in Kernville.

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Thank you , Erika. I know the feeling, there's no place like the Kern River Valley. And I can tell you, given the price of homes there, you could find a beautiful, existing home for much less than the $250K or so I spent on the land and building the home. Wishing you well in realizing that dream!

[@firstactress]

Michael, can we do this in CA? I want to

[@MichaelJDowney2]

Yes, Lauren, this is right in the center of CA. Not easy jumping through the hoops with the Bldg Dept, etc, but was so worth it, especially as I watch energy prices rise, and shortages, etc. Good luck to you!

[@firstactress]

@@MichaelJDowney2 ok, thanks, I am trying to do the same thing in the San Bernardino Mountains but they do not allow many things and I must connect to water. I will try my best to do what you do. I do not want to be connected to the grid.