I'm installing solar panels, not wind or water turbines

[@KrisHarbour]

Hi Shawn, thanks for the nice comments. Just for reference, my system is 19m of head and 5 litres of water per second. That gives just under 500w That is still a very small system. The system I just installed for a customer was 40m head and 8 lps. As you say you do need some good head or large flow or a combination of both to make it worthwhile. I would recommend monitoring the flow rate. Maybe then see if you can get a head measurment because even a small turbine making 100w over a 24h period can be significant. The distance the cable would have to run isnt a huge problem. you can just have a higher voltage turbine so you get less line loss but all of the parts come at a cost and its not always worth the effort depending on the head and flow. If you did want to investiagte the potential I would be happy to advise.

[@joet6619]

Love it when two of my favourite KZbinrs combine. Would love you guys to hook up and get something created. 👌

[@RemnantDiscipleLazzaro-Rev1217]

@@joet6619 *"Only God creates, the rest of us just copy."* ~ Michelangelo

[@TheeEggMan]

Great to see you chime in Kris! When I heard Shawn mention you I was thinking, “My gosh! Shawn James is a Kris Harbour fan as well!” With so many “off the grid cabin in the wild” series on KZbin, it’s absolutely uncanny that the ONLY two that I follow, never miss an episode of both, are mutual fans!! Worlds in alignment.

[@stevedenisejohnson5778]

Me too! 👍

[@geneoleary6809]

Now I have to see who the heck is Chris Harbor lolol

[@kenhart6330]

Kris is in Wales Shawn but of course you are correct he is in the UK. I've seen a lot of his videos and he is good, now he's building his hydro power for others and selling them. He has a small holding himself and now he is beginning to build a barn for it alongside his workshop and house.

[@arcticacres]

Brilliant setup. Getting renewable, sustainable off-grid energy a challenging task, but an absolute game-changer! Stay self-reliant. 💪

[@regortex3364]

Don't forget "built by child labour"

[@NetTopsey]

I appreciate hearing why you chose solar exclusively. I had no doubt you had reasons, but it's interesting to know them. Thanks for sharing, and for taking the time to answer our questions!

[@kathyhensarling2537]

Happy Birthday Cali, May you remain healthy having fun chasing the critters in the forest. ❤

[@TriggerPullTV]

Nice to hear Kris get a mention from over here in the U.K. Both great channels

[@Ronniii69]

Can you tell me the name of the channel mentioned please?

[@bluebird1239]

@@Ronniii69 Kris Harbour Natural Building, I believe.

[@midget4528]

I love what you do you do such a good job on everything you work on I'm glad to see somebody taking steps to be independent

[@dennisbeaver5958]

Always enjoy watching you work through the steps of a particular project, and hearing your explanations as you move along. Good to see your solar system coming together!

[@jeanettec6212]

I really love your cabin. It sure looks cold there but inside is warm and cozy. I bet you love sleeping in your new cabin and waking up to so much you accomplished and in such little time! It’s impossible to get a home built that fast with a crew and especially if they had no power tools or cut the trees down haul scrape, winterize and cut slabs etc. Im just blown away what you in your 50’s at that, has done! It’s absolutely amazing and beautiful!

[@t.skalta3227]

Loving the multiple videos throughout the week!

[@markstanden202]

Forgot to wish Cali a happy barkday! Happy Birthday Cali!

[@benk3604]

This WhatsApp message is leading to a scam

[@markstanden202]

@@benk3604 yeah... which is why I reported it, but didn't bother replying to it - some people never learn

[@Spartan_-du9wi]

Easy with the clamping torque. You are so correct! I would recommend just letting the clamping mech go through a few heating and cooling cycles of nature. Then go back and check to see if they became loose. If so snug up slightly again. The metal going through heating cycles will find its proper expansion and contraction.

[@pitts3219]

Every time I watch one of these videos, I appreciate, living in the southern half of the United States

[@upnorthandpersonal]

I run an off grid house off of solar here in Finland, you'll do fine. Small wind turbines make no sense - it doesn't scale down due to physics, never mind the maintenance and trouble. I also don't have a drop on my property to do anything water power. The one thing I do in winter to keep the batteries charged is run a diesel generator and make my own bio diesel with used cooking oil (or even straight vegetable oil, locally produced rapeseed oil).

[@catherinemushaw1956]

Interesting

[@carolynjoiner1602]

Beautiful scenery. Homestead progress is lovely. Really like the lighting decor. Stay safe and warm.

[@peterharper3861]

Probably long since sorted for you, but I've found that when I'm doing electrical work and need to leave something unterminated for any duration, I stick on a WAGO lever block - think it's a 221 - to each conductor (so it's easy to remove/reuse) and then just a couple of wraps of insulation tape to keep them all bundled and clean. You're not then beholden to finding the right fittings etc, and can leave installations in place as you work around them.

[@pickleslabs]

3:51 That was cool to see you’re reading the manual; it makes me feel like I can do it too 😂

[@FruitandNutcaseOK]

Chris is in Wales. He has solar. Water and wind turbine he made himself, he is very resourceful.

[@keithbrown7388]

i have to say, and please take this as a compliment(have watched you for years), but you remind me of my dad - you casually describe what needs to get done with what seems a magical historical knowledge combined with the matrix movies as if you have just downloaded the information on how to square a board, run a pipe, hook up solar etc. etc. and all the other little tricks, very inspiring, know you are working on a book, hope there is an appendix or second book with is just a list of skills with the how to learn, the tips, the basics etc, even do and donts, if you would break down each component of self reliance with a template of do this, don't do this etc that will also be a best seller - bit like SAS guide but self reliance version

[@joycefuller4366]

Awesome job and I am sure you will find the best alternatives for your situation .. Propane and heating oil have to be outrageously expensive right now and just getting to the wood pile has to be rough for some, I heard the northern US and Canada are going to have a harsh winter due to the vortex and being prepared is a must and having extra supplies on hand just incase you get snowed in is a must, Maybe a few good books to keep your mind busy .. You and Cali Stay Safe and Blessed

[@brendalawhon6567]

Love watchig you work on your beautiful cabin I been watching you since Calii was a pup, going to be zero degree's this weekend in West Virginia, hope you and your family have a great Merry Christmas God bless you all.

[@ArielleViking]

Wonderful setup and great that you can easily adjust the angle of the panels according to the season. 👍

[@markrtoffeeman]

Shawn. We don't want a sanitised version. We want everything. Meaning if it's so cold it's making you need to nose sniff go right ahead. We want the reality. That's what your channels are all about

[@kentishbunyip6081]

Glad to hear Kris Harbour getting a mention. What he's achieved is genius! Another excellent channel to watch is TNT Robert Murray-Smith, another genius. His channel is an absolute treasure trove on all things power - generation by wind, heat, water, you name it, storage batteries, too much to mention but it will leave your head buzzing with possibilities. Reading through the comments is also very inspiring as he has like-minded viewers. Well worth investigating.

[@kentishbunyip6081]

Hah, me too. Robert's channel, Kris Harbour's , and Shawn James/My Self Reliance are my favourites. I've been watching Shawn since he was laying out the foundation logs for his previous cabin. What a way he has come! Amazing work.

[@annafraley5388]

That 6-8 breaker Load Panel you have hanging on the fence by the archway back there 11:50 is an iINDOOR Load panel distinguished by the Door that’s on it..!! It looks like a Square D, QO. Load panel.

[@amylilleydesign]

I so appreciate your incredible sense of balance, even the solar panels need to be symmetrical🥰😇😎

[@Teresa65-p2y]

I wish you & family Happy Holidays...& The very best in 2023 stay safe there your cabin looks great 👍👍👍

[@istvanbally2817]

I realy like your thought process as you build your home.

[@ericb330]

Dear Shawn, it is amazing to see all the results in your cabin-story. I enjoy every episode and wish you all the best, a Merry Christmas time and a healthy and family-like 2023

[@mariecreighton5222]

Solar definitely nature’s way sunshine happy that you got this Shawn ‼️‼️fantastic.

[@ps2v831]

A most blessed healthy and prosperous in every way possible , Christmas and New Year 2023. Love to You ALL.. You to Cali.❤

[@benk3604]

This WhatsApp message is leading to a scam

[@marianfrances4959]

Awesome to see the solar panels going up, frustrating a job as it was. Happy Solstice...may the sun favor your panels! Chris Harbour is in Wales, btw. Take care, Shawn. Thanks for all the epic videos.👍😎🎅❄🎄🎅🎁🐾

[@goten9120]

Very educational program for living out in the wilderness

[@mentalneil]

Kris has an amazing set up, hydro, solar and wind, he sure makes plenty of electricity

[@ksingleton101]

I like the set up Wild Wonderful off grid has set up.

[@ginamonty2727]

You’re a human Shawn. We all sniffle in the cold outside!❤️ The solar set up looks great!👍🏻

[@renerebe]

Happy Birthday Cali and Merry Christmas you all!

[@CCRider5312]

Shawn wishing you, Your Family & Cali a Merry Christmas ✝️ and Happy New Year! 🎆

[@johntatum1951]

Cali is a fetching superstar...love that dog. Hope she has puppies one day if possible. Glad you will have electricity and maybe internet access is next???

[@MysterySemicolon]

There are some panels that are being designed now which have a much wider angle of incidence. A few may even be available. They would be slightly thicker, but the design involves some kind of lensing which makes the cells receive 100% of the light at steep angles. Another design I read about has the voltaic cells manufactured as a series of little spheres, which would also expose their entire area to steep angles of incidence. Would be worth looking into for northern installations especially. There's also a kind of wind generator that uses oscillation as the main method of generating power. It can be set up anywhere there's air movement and the oscillation frequency is calibrated toward the normal wind you see in the area. From there it just kind of wobbles a few inches back and forth and generates power, though you would need several to equal one panel at this point in their development.

[@HaroldReece]

Thanks for sharing. We have a grid tied solar panel system and we are very happy with it. I haven't seen too many successful wind system here on the tube.

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thanks for filming Shawn. 👍😁

[@micheledenise2305]

When u talk about lights the Deer Anlers are beautiful for a cabin.. On Amazon there are beautiful sconces for the wall that are deer skulls that I have over night stands! They are reasonably priced..

[@msmith7472]

Im sure you mentioned it in previous video but what is the make and model of your wood stove? It's beautiful.

[@lindapetersen1800]

SHAWN & OUR CALI !!! Get the freezers on a separate one with just one item to turn it on !!! It will help on out in the long run in keeping it going !!! I have solar here at the house and that is what I did so no NO ONE will turn them off then !!! Garage has some and the kitchen is hooked on up for the items in the house then !!! I have the furnace going only with electrical !!! But that is to heat the whole house then with the gas !!! You have a great setup there SHAWN !!! Just remember some people might & I do mean MIGHT turn them off and it is a waste then of food !!!

[@wandal.rodriguez7253]

It's great that you will have power in the future.

[@mariecreighton5222]

Happy Birthday Cali 🐾🐾💕 ur just to adorable 🐾🐾😊💕😊

[@angiekrajewski6419]

A very good idea those solar panels!!! Very needed in the wild!!

[@murrayandru7527]

-34 in the shade this morning Mr. James , hope it doesn't find your area , This is nuts... I was out to do the walks and man The Cold BITES Today ... I mean really Bites ... Thanks for sharing the video , Always a Great watch !! Take Care , Merry Christmas to You and ALL The Family , Take Care All The Best In The NEW YEAR !

[@dorothyallen3614]

Great projects for your electric needs. Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy New Year family 🎉 Happy Birthday Cali, you deserve a deer steak!

[@greywolfwalking6359]

A good addition to your project! The other sources that you mentioned in your title...are good, but only in the most perfect of spots..due to participation of weather and terrain limits!! But, then you already know that...and why you have chosen " Solar" n not them... ! Good choice for you..an interesting array.. very adaptable!! Thanks for sharing 👍!! 👍 🔧🪛🧙‍♂️🪛🔧👍!!

[@dorothyallen3614]

Hello Grey Wolf Walking, be well and safe out there and stay warm. Merry Christmas 🎄 and the Happiest of the New Year 🎉 Thank you for walking for all people’s sovereignty and freedoms in America! Wake up humanity!

[@greywolfwalking6359]

@@dorothyallen3614 Lol!! A G-day to you!! Indeed..folks are beginning to rise to the occasions n put the " so called" ( leaders) in check n speak of n get community unity n family back on track!! A Grand n Safe Holiday Season to all....n a Happy Prosperous New Year!!! 👍🌲🦊🎅🧙‍♂️🐺🌲👍!!

[@denaredford6701]

First time I can see the interior of the house with light , very nice cook stove . 🌲🎄Have a nice Holiday and New Year . 🎉

[@ritameek3353]

🌲”Happy Holiday’s”🌲To you and your beautiful family.😁☃️✨

[@JoSeeFuss]

Merry Christmas.

[@saraw112]

1:30 can you show where you sleep please? Just curious how comfy it is.. thanks

[@johnmeloche6569]

Enjoyed the explanation about the solar power, looking forward to the completed system. Happy birthday to Calli and have a have a Merry Christmas and a a happy newyear

[@robertweldon7909]

You are right about using your stream for power. There has to be a minimum of 6 feet of vertical drop (head) to have hydro power. Also during this video, there seemed to be nearly a dead calm, so wind turbines are not practical either. Many years ago, "Popular Mechanics" did a 2 or 3 part series about small hydro-electric power and the "shade tree" engineering involved in building a power plant. Also in the early 1970's "Mother Earth News Magazine" re-published that series. All very interesting. Also, there are small wind generators, designed for sail boats, which I'm sure you know about, that can be used as a little assistance. They are almost silent. The setting it up that would be difficult in the woods. This part of your build is very interesting, thanks for sharing. ;-)

[@benk3604]

This WhatsApp message is leading to a scam

[@timothypirnat3754]

Merry Christmas Shawn! Great content.

[@jmar5787]

Shawn, the unfortunate part of solar in the North is that there's not enough sunlight during December & January to support solar during the winter months. So, without a generator or other source of energy you would have to solely rely on your woodstove for anything. I had 10 panels before moving north and it was sufficient to power everything - I'm looking at doing the same now that I've moved further north!! Have a great week!!

[@Ivanskrakow]

Not my experience in New Hampshire. i guess it must have something to do with how much power you need.

[@tunamaniak]

Up North you can apply bi-facial panels. The reflection of the snow really helps the bottom side produce energy during the winter months.

[@kaboom-zf2bl]

and that is only true ... if you follow the peak solar hours calculation ... sadly from sun up to sun down they will work to some degree ... also having a good alignment to the sun ... using a solar heated hydraulic positioning system ... as an example on Shawn's setup an abs pipe on top would would warm and push the bottom out ... one on the bottom would heat and push the top out ... on a pivot ... you could also do each side in the same way ... no power required ... and the panels are always positioned as close to optimal all year long ... . also if you use polycrystaline panels instead of the wasteful monocrystaline ones you gather more power from more wavelengths of light ... using solar one HAS to consider more than just what the big companies figure is good ... and the majority of people who have problems with solar have NOT adjusted their life style to fit solar power ... they still live as if connected to the grid ... solar isnt just a clean energy its a smart energy ... you HAVE to change how you use it ... and where you use it ...

[@Zeppy007]

Sweet Bronco J Mar 🙂

[@dougadams3883]

Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy new year

[@benk3604]

This WhatsApp message is leading to a scam

[@dougadams3883]

@@benk3604 thx

[@richardve4335]

I often watch KZbin channel DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse. He is pretty good and clear in giving advise, also on battery systems.

[@irishcherokee8884]

Solar array/batt/LED lights. So simple,bright & inexpensive.

[@GuyRutter]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Shawn to you and family.

[@karencarpenter7894]

The cold has set in for a few days I think you are going to have a wonderful white Christmas 🎄🎄⛄ Awesome video Awesome 🎄❤️ Merry Christmas ⛄ Everyone

[@benk3604]

This WhatsApp message is leading to a scam

[@thizizliz]

Hopefully you have taken a couple of days to celebrate the winter holidays with your family. Seems certain that next winter your cabin will be toasty warm, well lit & comfortable for gatherings. It is fascinating to see you apply what you learned from the last one to make this an even better homestead.

[@lindapetersen1800]

Seeing the end of the video how they go up THAT IS GRAND SHAWN!!! Coming right down to it if in the summer time you have another battery that you find !!! Juice that on up for later uses in the winter months then !!! I know marine batteries are expensive but if you have a few bucks to get another one Emily would be of need of it also !!!

[@joangibson859]

I laughed to see the electric lantern. In summer 1959 and about to begin high school, I went to Camp Horseshoe in West Virginia for the Morgantown High School Band Camp. Rustic is the word. No electricity except in the dining hall, no indoor plumbing, etc. We had the kerosene lanterns like yours. Each day we drew wood pieces from a jar for our chores: cleaning tables, washing dishes and CLEANING the lanterns. I understand that Camp Horseshoe is now much modernized, but oh, the 1960's there.

[@benk3604]

This WhatsApp message is leading to a scam

[@dircegouvea451]

Que vídeo lindo, é um lugar deslumbrante,fico encantada com tudo que aprecio nestas imagens.🙏😍♥️🌹

[@damogranheart5521]

There was a spam thingy supposedly from Shawn. It's a scam!

[@raptormatt21]

Thanks for showing us some of the difficulties of working alone. If you're looking to increase solar yield in the future, Bifacial solar panels are pretty amazing in the winter and on overcast days 🌞.

[@harleym50]

I think you should anchor those stands down. Straps or cables. Good luck

[@Martlin]

The wind sounds like someone revving their engine. I'm surprised that solar setup does not have a way to lock in various positions though I know you will configure something if needed. Stay warm, Shawn.

[@junecampbell3358]

We had solar panels a generator in a shed and the battery bank inside the cabin was pretty nice

[@dladylikessports7780]

Hi, To protect your solar system, consider adding a stabilizing unit that will keep the system anchored during high winds.

[@laurieedeburn2449]

thanks for sharing... what i could not otherwise...be able to enjoy... merry xmas

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Shawn . 🐺

[@SkyKing101010]

Hi Sean. I love your videos. They're about the only ones I watch on any kind of a regular basis. I love what you're doing with the place, just so you know. You were talking about wind power. I wondered if you'd considered a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) in a breezeway between the trees. Thinking again, the breezeway would pretty much limit the use of it to times when the wind was coming from the top of it. Hmmm. Maybe just raising it above the tops of the trees. Oh well. Just a thought.

[@ninaomaranhao]

Nice, but Shawn, you are a natural wood lover, you should make the "feets" of the panel holders with tree trunks, higher and with chains you could change the inclination of the panels

[@juditate111]

Looks good. Takes some muscle to wrestle those panels. Very interesting and informative video. Again, I learned something. Thank you.

[@imm2mthankgod616]

It should be done on a trailer to adjust east to west Love the center pivot for sky aiming

[@carollove8752]

I watched the the whole conversation about water and wind energy on mute. It was quite funny with all the hand movements. 😂😂

[@Martin_HD28]

You need one more hand Shawn. Wish I was there to lend it to you!

[@voneschenbachmusic]

Nice setup. I'll bet that will still get about 100-150 watts/hour from a day like shown in the video and the ground mount means one can clear off the snow and avoid running the generator as often. With panels getting relatively less expensive, a lot of folks in the north just oversize the system to provide a minimum of power in the winter. Getting a thermal electric generator for the wood stove can also provide power for laptops/cameras, etc.

[@InVerum]

Do also watch Kris's channel, fun to see that crossover. He just put in a MASSIVE solar array this year, seems to be, while hydro would be great, solar is the great default everyone falls back to.

[@mofosoto]

Are there any wood/coal powered generators(maybe steam) that you could get your hands on? It could be a good backup.

[@benjobling6861]

You could do a smaller water wheel also if you narrowed the stream after the best drop forcing water through a narrower section will increase the pressure

[@mikejarvis307]

Shawn I hope for you and all your family to have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year.

[@donevans1884]

great video , it does look cold there though .

[@Flamingdusk1999]

Hey Shawn, been a long time viewer. Always loved the self-reliance ethos you share and all the knowledge you have. I’ve learned so much from you, so thanks! I wanted to ask how you manage all of your tasks and stay organized. You’re so busy with so many projects going on, how do you keep track of them and prioritize them? Any tips and tricks? All love and have a safe and happy holidays Shawn❤❤

[@OdeeOz]

Good grief and holy mackerels, Shawn! You got your own Solar Farm, milking the Suncow for all you can get. 🦌🎄🎅💯⭐👍

[@SteifWood]

Kris Harbor made a beautiful and extremely sturdy timber frame construction for his 8.4 Kw solar panels. I'm sure you can do the same ...

[@TheeEggMan]

Yes I saw those episodes of Kris Harbour in Wales. That was his first attempt at a major mortise & tendon structure. Beautiful thing, but I thought a bit overkill for such a utilitarian use. On the other hand the very lightweight frame of Shawn’s could be a bit heavier I think. Maybe 2 inch pipe for the mainframe? It works though, so there you go! 👍

[@rosampcjesus]

Muito linda a sua cabana!

[@raymondheckard234]

The guy you are talking about the has the hydro turbine generating electricity is in New Zealand, who also built an earth bag workshop,with solar power. On his hydro,,be built a dam and a one on a drainage ditch that the dam is 1 meter tall with a weather collection box with a special,screen that filters the water of leaves and other things than can block the nozzle on the water jets in the power house.

[@paulinemary975]

Happy Christmas to you and your family 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄thanks for your channel is so interesting. Beautiful Canada 👍

[@benk3604]

This WhatsApp message is leading to a scam

[@77Matt]

Great set-up, I think, but will only solar be sufficient? By the way I notice and appreciate your frequent activity/uploads on your channels - very productive. It leads me to ask: do you still have to drive to town to upload your videos or do you have internet access at the cabin? (Starlink?)

[@jolandameivogel9006]

Hi Shawn, i want to wish you and your family merry Christmas 🌲 and a happy New year 🍾💥💫🥂. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@Farm_fab]

Friends of mine have 2 hydroelectric generators on the creek behind their properties, and their head is 2 meters, and produces enough power to charge their batteries at night and some in the daytime. The output is more than 220v DC, so their shop equipment is all DC or inverter AC power. Even their inverter welder also runs on DC, and is probably a Miller XM 304, so DC is not a problem.

[@robertsimard735]

Nice set up for your panels. Mery Christmas to you and your family.

[@mkosta94]

Kris is from another planet 😂 We can’t make here what he does with his turbines 😂

[@TheHairyBeastie]

Shawn - an overshot waterwheel would work on a 3ft drop if you build a short sluce running to it. It's not so much the speed of the water as the force it can produce. It can always be geared up or down to suit. check out the "Advoko makes" channel.

[@RobertSmith-jl4yw]

That's a great channel - highly recommended.

[@lamarr1986]

Shawn you are probably aware of this, but you have both Diffuse vertical irradiation, diffuse irradiation and direction irradiation, you might want to test how much you get from diffuse vertical irradiation on days where its cloudy but not snowing. It's more than if they are at an angle. All the best.