Building an Off Grid Solar System at the Cabin in the Woods

I build an off grid solar power system at the cabin in the woods and finish the interior walls with insulation. Thanks to ecoflow for sponsoring this video. Ecoflow's site: uk.ecoflow.com...
Information on the EcoFlow Powerkits:
Powerhub:
Power Kits offer you a safe, 48V power solution for your off-grid home.
A 48V system produces the same amount of power, but unlike 12Vs, only a quarter of the electric current passes through thinner wires, producing significantly less heat and power loss.
Power Hub has a 3600W AC output, and includes two MPPT solar charge controllers, a DC-DC battery charger with MPPT, an inverter charger, and a DC-DC step-down converter. Everything you need to power your tiny home or van.
Batteries:
LFP batteries are auto-heating so you can even use them in cold climates without affecting their life-span.
Work safely down to -20 degrees celcius.
Available in two sizes, both 2 and 5kWh stack up to 3 for a capacity of up to 15kWh.
Integrated BMS protects the batteries from operating beyond their capacity by monitoring temperature, voltage, and current, keeping your home and system safe
AC/DC Smart Distribution panel:
With 12 fused DC positions, and 6 AC positions you can manage the power distribution around your RV or tiny home.
Control up to 6 DC positions from the EcoFlow app or Console
Adjust 12/24 DC output voltage, AC input frequency and current, charging and discharging levels.
Solar Panels:
100W (and 400W panels) with slim design. Get up to 4800W Solar Power Input
Universally compatible - With an all-inclusive solar connector, the 100W rigid panel works with other 3rd party solar systems and power stations.
Smart Controls:
Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly power usage
Control remotely
Conveniently update firmware
TA Fishing KZbin Channel: / tafishing
MY BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL GEAR SHOP: www.taoutdoors...
T-SHIRTS & CLOTHING: taofficial.com
My Bushcraft, Survival and Filming Gear (Amazon): www.amazon.com...
These are amazon affiliate links
INSTAGRAM: / taoutdoorofficial
TIKTOK: @taoutdoorofficial
FACEBOOK: / totallyawesomeoutdoors
TWITTER: / outdoorsta
#EcoFlowPowerKits #cabin #offgrid #offgridcabin #cabinbreakin

[@TAOutdoors]

Quick Note: This shelter is NOT the one that got broken into. That one is miles away in a totally different woodland. Thankfully no one stole anything from that cabin but it did make me want to have better security at this particular one which is in my own woodland. This setup allows me to have a camera hard-wired to permanently record.

[@nunyabiznez8120]

Yes, because they won't steal that too. You better have it streaming to an off site location via the internet. Maybe an alarm system as well, assuming that alarms alert the police and assuming that they even come out.

[@pyeitme508]

Wow

[@mtbmadman187]

Cheeky gets eh! Set up some deadfall traps and such 🤣 far cry one style.

[@MandoHalrissian]

@@nunyabiznez8120 😂😂😂

[@rickygreen3967]

I was screaming I hope he's taking that home cos the cost of that equipment is unreal hopefully these wood are super stealth. Great content on your channel bud all the best

[@charlesnicholson5715]

As someone with a solar panel system in my home. My advice is to trim away some of the tree cover. I removed a tree that was shading my setup and saw a 33% increase in Kw/hr year round. Your batteries will thank you.

[@TAOutdoors]

Yes, I've been quietly watching the sun the past few weeks and seeing where it tracks across the sky. There's a few mature hazel that is above the mid-layer canopy which is restricting a fair amount of sunlight early on in the day. going to wait until Winter and then trim them back.

[@MorseB]

I second this. It's pretty shocking how even a tiny bit of shade will cut the solar down to almost nothing.

[@jaydonaldson4209]

@@MorseB if there are no optimisers installed and one panel is getting no sun then the other panels in the series won’t supply power to the batteries

[@JamesEarlCash]

He definitely needs to do that. Otherwise those panels would work at such low efficiency levels that it's a total waste. Like Jon said - if there are no optimisers, other panels won't work. There is a lot of misconceptions about solar panels around the internet and people STILL install them in places that cast at least partial shadow at them - which is a huge mistake. You would be surprised how much power you can get even in cloudy winter when your panels are exposed to the sky without anything casting shadows on it.

[@jaydonaldson4209]

@@JamesEarlCash perfectly explained

[@PackmanTheHandyman]

This is not the time that our dads grew up in. Where a hand shake meant something and your word was your bond. Always safer than sorry. Good channel watched from early on. Coming to the states look us up. God bless America, Long live The King.

[@murdoch451]

Paper the walls with sheets of newspaper like they had to in the days of the great depression, that would give you a timeline to look back on with all the things going on in the world today.

[@mendyviola]

I love seeing you and your dad doing projects together like this. Enjoy every minute with him.

[@jimnyjolly278]

Like your stuff Mike. Skipped this advert thanks

[@VenkmanPhD]

Honestly I first thought I didn't like this video because it seemed like a big advertisement... But then I realized it's still, as it's always been, about living in as gently harmony as you can with your natural surroundings. Good job

[@MorseB]

I know you said that light was just temporary but given you have the option with that fuse box, I'd highly recommend you use 12v lighting instead of the 230v. It will be much more efficient. As it stands now, you are taking low voltage solar, up converting it to 230v just to send it across the wire then the modern LED lightbulb steps that back down to low voltage for the LED elements in the bulb. All those voltage conversions are costly. With 12v lighting that is found in cars, RVs, and Boats around the world, you will get the same light output but without as many voltage conversions and therefore it will be much more efficient energy usage, and you will still have a large array of light fixtures to choose from given 12v is pretty standard. You might also consider installing other 12v devices such as a "cigarette lighter" port for charging your phone, camera batteries or other devices. Anytime you can avoid using the inverter to step the battery upto 230v, you will conserve a lot of power.

[@OpticBean-bs7dm]

I have the same battery with 2 solar panels for my garden. They work great! Love seeing you and your dad work on a project together!

[@bobclark7211]

Wow what an easy to set up system. I agree that starting with more power available is better then having to upgrade later. The expansion ability that you have is great. You can hardwire dc lights from an rv store and leave it ac outlets free for battery chargers. Nice job Mike

[@terryfetters4092]

Just wanted to say I am from Ohio in the states and u by far are my favorite man on the planet, I cant express enough how awesome you are mike !!!!!!

[@thecrew777]

Thank you for showing that it is possible to get a solar power set up for a small space put together even when you aren't an electrician! Hey, we love bush craft and hand made stuff, so most of us aren't really super techie minded. (Well, except for cameras and editing for You Tube!) That was kind of Ecoflow to sponsor this so you could set it all up and we could learn!

[@humanistwriting5477]

Awesome episode! One tip for making solar set ups like this last or any DC current connectors last; use dielectric grease (like Vaseline) on the outdoor plugs, smoother it liberaly where the copper is going to meet in the joint, that makes sure no humidity gets in to foul it. I use this on my motorcycles and I have no issues with water fouling after 20 years even though I live in a rain forest and moved here from a swamp!

[@wanderingeye7724]

Solar power is a huge upgrade! I just hope no one tries to take the system if you're away for awhile...

[@jeffhayes2288]

They may have other security that the channel doesn't show. Such as someone living on the lot.

[@shanestefanski4748]

I like the stackable LFP batteries. It would definitely save a lot of precious space inside and outside of the cabin.

[@sidneyhowardjude5284]

Great video I love how you and your dad can make such great shelters I love your channel very much.

[@PaleGhost69]

I would love to see you visit the Martin Crawford Food Forest in Dartington. I think there's a lot of beneficial things you could learn and apply to your own land.

[@KleineJoop]

Insulation, PV, that's a very nice cabin :)

[@adriancox-thesantjordigolf3646]

Yes, ECO flow. Great gesture. 👍

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

Cool sponsor, mate. I appreciate that you often use sponsors that are actually interesting to your viewers. Seems like a cool solution to anyone who has no experience in electrics

[@scottmcintosh2988]

Very nice solar set up with the leaves in summer you will be happy you have three batteries !

[@jamesbassett5468]

Pricey setup but they sure do make it easy for anyone to be able to install it.

[@NonSleeper_Occasional_Thinker]

keep yourself safe, awesome install love that it is not where the other break in was, worried about that, good luck and much happy crafting! Hugs from Canada.

[@72PRODIGALSON]

I don't understand these wierdos who think it's ok to break into or just walk up to one of you guys. If I was in the UK, I'd love nothing more than to meet you and your dad but only after messaging you and finding out if you were both ok with meeting. I'd make sure it was somewhere public, so you both felt safe. I'd just invite you both to the pub for a beer or some lunch or something. Glad you're setting up security for your own safety. I love these videos and appreciate the time you and your dad take to let us into your lives.

[@OrderOfWoods]

That is an amazing thing they sponsored you! Can't wait to see how much it charges in sunlight. First thing you need security cameras in your private land, and sighns who tells that there is cameras in area. 👍Safety first. Loved the comment " there are crazy people out there" lol 🤣✌️

[@adamthedude9655]

Love this channel only found it by accident a few weeks ago I’ve binged watched so many videos since, keep up the fantastic work Mike

[@TAOutdoors]

Cheers! Welcome aboard!

[@adamthedude9655]

Thank you

[@private15]

Lovely work shed but also a clean dry and easily heated space for when you family joins you for camping and the weather doesn’t cooperate. 👍🏻👍🏻❤️

[@fnln544]

Incredible range of projects and time well spent with your father.

[@BaHkoE]

Very nice photovoltaic system,I love it! Would buy one of these, if the money in my country were growing on the trees.😅

[@12BlockTokie]

I'm waiting for the update on the hedgerow rebuilding. I took the instructions you gave us and started making my own... So far, so good. Thanx !

[@TAOutdoors]

Update coming really soon! (Potentially next video)

[@condor1961]

Great video Mike, I look forward to your and your dad's videos! You have an amazing dad, he is a legend to me because his videos cheer me up every week and I love watching you both on your videos, you make a great team. Look after each other and keep the fantastic videos coming. Dave. ❤️

[@johnwyman5939]

Awesome idea !!! Glad this wasn't the cabin that the SOB'S had broken into!!! Nice job!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🪓🔪👍👍

[@mariemedina257]

Hello from Denver Colorado USA Glad to see you again.! I dig your viedos..

[@BrandoCalrisian1124]

Great set up you have there mate. I love the fact that you repurposed the packaging foam for mounting purposes. So jealous of your bird blind and the fact that your dad is just as enthusiastic about it as you are 👍 Keep up the great work and would love to see a solo overnight camping/cooking vid. Loving it from NY.

[@BrandoCalrisian1124]

@TEXT ON TELEGRAM @TAoutdoors I'm not sure how to reply correctly to claim a prize but if this is enough or not let me know.

[@PatricesProjects]

This looked easy enough for even me to tackle. There are few things that intimidate me, but electrical stuff is one of them. I have a potting shed that would be perfect for this type of system.

[@markoristo]

At first I thought the title meant ‘solar PANEL system’, but no! He actually fit an entire solar system in his back yard! Incredible

[@jamesla1015]

Nice gear and video fella, just hope you got your hut as secure as you can as there's some right scrotes out there as you know 👍🏼

[@paulriggs42]

What a fantastic system…love the modularity of it….

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Even plug-and-play solar systems have plenty of details to understand! Oh well, 'Bushcraft' was never as simple as many people have imagined.

[@nealstacy4393]

Just wanted to add clarification on the 99 day power quote with the 30% battery charge, it’s displaying a variable estimate based on power usage. At the time of your setup, you had no power draw except the internal discharge of the batteries. Once you start utilizing power, the life expectancy should diminish greatly on batteries alone. The actual ability to keep things going will depend on power draw vs solar charge rate, plus any stored charge in the batteries. If you plan to keep something running like a 24/7 security system, there is the possibility the input provided by the solar panels is insufficient to keep up and maintain the setup. Weather conditions and tree limbs may hamstring your panels ability to keep up even further. Everything may work out great, but I’d monitor things. Trimming a few branches or adding some more panels may be needed depending on the variables at hand. Hope all works out well though.

[@brain8484]

I think he was over selling this product .

[@gregbluefinstudios4658]

VERY cool project. Sunlight is coming, so, might as well take advantage of it, for recharging tools, etc. Well done!

[@carltoncain9966]

What I do like about the Power Kit is that it is fully customizable. I can set it up just the way I like it.

[@InVerum]

Wherever I end up living long term I'm going to want to do Solar as a supplemental power option. Interesting to see prebuilt kits like this going together so easy, shows how easy it can be with a little preparation.

[@tollietime]

2 small suggestions. 1. place those panels facing that field on a raised platform (think billboard) 2. USB LED's will be way better than that grandads lamp you stuck on the wall, Less power more light! (get a powered usb hub)

[@ericfoley3077]

I do think that the Power Kit is the perfect power solution for any off grid cabin. It can be set up in a lot of ways since it only has a few components.

[@GregBrecker]

Nice job. Like the versatility of the set up. Hope it helps you in making the videos.

[@drasticfred]

You can integrate thermal electric generator into your setup, your wood heater can easily pump up 100-200 W/h with a moderate TEG setup.

[@stevenkeithley4336]

Looks like another great video bud. Keep em coming 👍. Really nice set up, you'll need a live feed trail cam to your phone so you can watch over it. Stay safe and be well brother. Strength and Honor... 👊 🤙 🍻

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Hello from Detroit Michigan USA brother 94/275 great video thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise

[@karlhouser2921]

Good thing that Ecoflow used a 48V system which makes use of thinner wires and safer compared to traditional 12V systems.

[@karenrogers7830]

Love your channel. Hope you have cameras watching your cabin do to the people who broke into it. Don’t want them taking your power source my friend.

[@loragunning5394]

really nice video and I have to say I applaud your sensitivities in regard to protecting your family, yourself, and your combined privacy from any intrusions via your KZbin fame. It's a bit of a dicey tightrope to walk...

[@DaveRogers1985]

You should get a shipping container and bury it to make an underground bunker/storage, be a cool build!

[@jwoodzman]

We use Reolink 4G cameras in our woods. 4G Sim cards from Vodafone smart but only £4 a month for unlimited data. Love the video. 👍🏼

[@pauln7422]

Please put the lid on the water butt Mike. I've seen too many dead birds floating in the bottom of them when the water gets lower, usually young ones. Good stuff.

[@Danieljamespainteranddecorator]

Love watching these videos. You live a life most of us can only dream of. The part with rain on the tarp, my wife just looked up and said "what's that?, that sounds amazing" 😂 but she also then doesn't want to move to the woods off grid with me 😂😂

[@TAOutdoors]

As much as I don't like filming in the rain. It's very therapeutic to listen to!

[@Danieljamespainteranddecorator]

@@TAOutdoors I know, nothing better than laying under a poncho listening to the rain bouncing off it. Well, powdered feet and dry socks in the morning is a close second. 😂

[@riuphane]

Great video, cool project, and a surprising sponsor! Can't wait to hear how it goes over time. Also appreciate how you explain your plans and reasoning, makes a lot of sense. And to all the viewers asking questions he answered in the video, maybe watch the whole thing before commenting, especially regarding the security and reasoning. It comes across as rude, often in the way it's presented, but mostly because it shows you're not really interested or paying attention. The ones I saw the most: -"good thing this wasn't here when you got robbed" different woodland, different area, different situation -"you need security" "your security will need security" he literally explained that he's thinking of having a camera, maybe a few cameras, with recording, remote back up, and remote notifications/access -"why don't you optimize your panel positions" he just wanted to get it set up and might optimize in the future, but it might not be worth much -"can you take those home or on other trips" yes, and he can charge them on A/C power, etc... Look at the website if you're really interested

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Hopefully there won't be anymore miscreants who just want to tear up your property and hard work. And if you were to be hiding in the forest waiting for them and taught them manners, you'd be in Crown Court ! Another Excellent Video. Good luck etc

[@TeacherBiavideos]

I love the way you explain that we learn so easily! I enjoyed every minute! Thank you for your great videos!

[@ArielleViking]

Great setup, Mike. Sure will be interesting to see what woodland projects are coming up. Power for lighting or even to recharge camera or drone batteries will be so useful as well as the opportunity to setup a security/trail cam both for peace of mind and maybe wildlife captures. 👍

[@matt9852]

Very nice indeed. I think those wires could be pushed into the fuse box unit a bit more, looks like there should be some cable clamps there too to stop them being pulled out.

[@aravec]

Clever and well thought out set up. Very professionally presented too. Nice work pal.

[@Lazarus-aap]

I can only imagine how proud and excited you must be with installing these new toys

[@dianeoliver7613]

I think you’re smart w what you’re thinking about safety and everything.

[@robertproctor5610]

That's a really nice looking set up you have there. I can't wait to see what you think of it down the line. I'm a little gun shy about investing in a solar system so hearing feedback from guys who have taken the plunge is very helpful.

[@mrfpv]

great vid mike i would build a panel array by the field and have allday sun if possible als wireup 12v lights around camp

[@Joe-yo1tm]

Man, this is so f*congrats cool. You've done everything so well and very well thought through. Just make sure you have it well protected from thieves. That's incredibly expensive kit. I'm loving seeing your woodland develope. I love the Hazel fencing and seeing nature work together with our needs. Would love to see that built upon. More natural structures etc. Maybe some natural foods growing too. So awesome, keep up the good work

[@sebaldus5933]

Thats the longest advertising I saw on that Chanel. Bring back some bushcraft content please

[@Pali65]

Nice inspiration, some food for thought. I am bit concerned how the leafs will be trapped between roof and panels, there will be a lot of them so cleaning might be a nightmare, but let's see how it goes.

[@hannahcoyne2512]

Invest in some trail cameras they work wonders and can just strap them to trees around

[@MyScottyboy1]

I know it's been said many times but Dad's can be legends!

[@dynamystic3050]

Don't have any actual experience with solar panels but I've read that dust and fallen leaves affect them greatly. Highly recommend L.E.D. bulbs for your lights.

[@gallopingg1]

QUALITY.

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Excellent video Mike 👍. Yes Jackary packs is a little cheaper 😶, though when you delve into the. Capacity ( holding charge & out put ) ecoflow is the best choice. And way lighter than a Jackary pack .

[@judithburke1539]

You might want to consider adding insulation to the interior roof area so that you don't lose heat from that area.

[@Finwolven]

I was thinking the same - with proper insulation temperature inside the shed is going to be more stable and better for electronics and people.

[@Bobbingalong]

Mike we use Farmstream cameras up at the stables with 4g Smarty cards in them to monitor the gateways. They are also night vision. Best thing we every did. Reasonable prices. Pings straight to my phone.

[@TAOutdoors]

Cheers for the info

[@davidkelly1298]

Great idea to power a good set of security cameras.

[@kevinsimpson7114]

Great video Mike and very interesting set up.👍🏻👌🏻

[@jonathanluce9130]

Great video again, thanks for sharing. Just a thought, why not build a frame to mount the solar panels high up in a clearer area and run a power cable to the shelter?

[@kingrafa3938]

Hope that some people won't break in in that cabin to steal the batteries Mike. Maybe put a trail cameras around the cabin for wildlife and trespassers footage.

[@WACRE44]

Dads engineering your using I see lol. Using the foam packaging from the what the batteries came in. Awesome

[@MännerbudenWohnzimmerGarage]

Sowas tolles kann ich nicht bezahlen

[@MoonShine07]

How about a gutter alternator, or bell siphon when the water butt is full to help charge if needed?

[@tytzup5397]

They work a lot better when not placed in the shade.

[@DiedLiu]

wow ecoflow was grow so fast, this set was really good.

[@scottevans3902]

Id trim back those trees a few feet. Clear up for more power and can use the down wood for fuel or building material

[@matthewoshea_]

Another great video. This series is just brilliant - always inspiring!

[@pr9352]

You've probably received numerous comments about this already but a quick search didn't show me any. I noticed that you didn't install a vapour barrier over the inner surface of the insulation, before you put the boarding up (c. 03:45). You mentioned that being better insulated would help protect tools from rust by condensation. My concern is that the same condensation might form habitually on the insulation, leading to compromise of the insulation, rot of the wood and mould formation. Perhaps you've considered all this and had made a decision before the install. As ever, great, engaging and thought-provoking content; thanks.

[@thedurhamwoodsman]

Great video, looks a good cabin and the kit also looks good and easy to set up . Thanks for sharing ATB Jimmy

[@mariannescalise6658]

Great idea you and your families security is important! There are crazy people that follow sometimes

[@KaylynnStrain]

very nice setup you got there !!!

[@stuartmangold595]

consider adding a flood light for when you want to be outside under a tarp awning or just so you can work outside later in the day

[@jamieoutdoors]

This is so cool. New subscriber to your channel. I was just browsing youtube looking for inspiration and found your stealth wild camping video.

[@abucketofelves]

A pedal powered alternator would be a nice addition

[@gunar2322]

Great video...just short of an infomercial but still kept me entertained...KUDOS.

[@sgrvtl7183]

Thank you for sharing. Great info

[@relaxreflect5888]

The kit looks like a top quality pice of kit! Great video

[@mike.4277]

Great video 😎 👍

[@Tony-outdoors]

Drive a earth spike into the ground outside and run a earth cable from the spike back to the main earth terminal on the breaker board this will give you complete earth protection.

[@gizmocarr3093]

I hope to see how your power system works.🙂