Installing Solar Power and Lights in my Off Grid Log Cabin, Drone View of my Wilderness Homestead

I install lights in the main floor of the cabin, solar panels on a tilting racking system in the garden by the greenhouse and inverter and batteries in the basement of my cabin.
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[@kenRoberts1984]

May Cali live forever. I love that dog.

[@dianebackhouse4532]

Hey you don't happen to be thee Kenny Roberts, famous motorcycle rider do ya?

[@kenRoberts1984]

@@dianebackhouse4532 No, that's not me

[@River.Rock.Expedition]

@@dianebackhouse4532 This is me part-time Kenny Roberts! The rest of the time I smoke bamboo!

[@loisferguson2041]

I love her too! Such a beautiful dog!!

[@kerra3699]

I think Cali is the most loved Golden on our globe.

[@comesefosseantani231]

Just a constructive criticism, from an Italian technician. Cables that you put outside in the snow need to be protected and not left in the elements. You should make a small trench and insert them in a PVC pipe that protects them from humidity, rodents and the elements. The cables that go to the batteries must be better arranged, with cable ties, and not left at random. Even the cables that go to the solar panels must be protected, with diflex or corrugated pipe, which protects them from the elements and rodents. For the cable terminals, you must use the appropriate crimping tool: you have used a simple snap-on pliers which does not guarantee tightening optimal, and it is dangerous. I repeat: mine is a constructive criticism in the face of my experience, and do not take my words badly.

[@enzopalumbo2164]

The exposed piping is temporary. It is winter and the ground is frozen. It would take too long to dig the trench now. In his other channel, he said that he will dig trenches.

[@larmoran4885]

You're of course correct but I reckon it would be a nightmare to dig a trench in frozen ground. Perhaps in spring

[@JoeC92]

By code here depending on type of cable the solar wiring can be left exposed without added mechanical protection. And once the ground thaws as long as it's the right type of cable can also directly bury it without any PVC etc. Depending on the type of lugs he used for the batteries they can be used as just manual hand crimp and not a heavy hydraulic 12ton crimp. Agreed with majority of your suggestions just trying to clarify with local code cause most of what he did by code is ok (though I agree with the cleaning it up and added extra protection you suggested etc) And depending on what voltages he's getting out of the solar it falls under extra low voltage in which basically do whatever the hell you please. If he's just using solar as a 48v or less charge for batteries then going into an inverter to change it to AC and bump it up to the 120V needed here for his uses it can be free air like that. Just providing info as a Canadian electrician.

[@pinkposie5550]

He already has a trench started for the pipes that the cables are going to run through it was shown in previous videos so my suggestion would be to possibly watch the journey up to this point or go back a couple of months and watch the videos leading up to what you are advising.

[@CrimeVid]

Rather effete all this electrickery stuff ! surely you should be lighting with rushes dipped in bear grease ?

[@appolop8273]

Just unreal the knowledge this man has when it comes to building things. A real. "Master of trades". Merry Christmas!

[@proudvirginian]

Those river otters are freaking adorable! You're lucky to have them as neighbors.

[@capricorn839]

I can imagine and feel the comfort and warmth of sleeping inside the cabin next to the fireplace while heavy snow is falling outside. The quietness of winter night

[@deborl7278]

Always staying busy. We were taught to work from sun up to sun down.We watched maybe a 30 min show on television. , But for the most part we showered , had dinner ,then went to bed . Started all over the next day . I look back , and it's been a good life . I'm 70 and still live on the farm and gather my own firewood. Been blessed

[@ludwigderzanker9767]

I lift up my hat ma'am with all respect! Lived similar and do my fire wood myself. God's Blessing for Christmas from Northern Germany!

[@cowmoo007]

Hey he has it made Home Depot and lowes is right on his same road where he and his wife and kids are you all come back now you hear!

[@mikedeclerck1421]

I have said this before, but it bears repeating: One runs out of superlatives to express our appreciation for your cinematography, dedication to building a fantastic cabin, and your care and love of Cali. The experience of watching you in each episode is truly heart warming. Thank You for sharing with all of us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! Give Cali a BIG SMOOCH from Mike & Ronnie. GOD BLESS

[@gscott5778]

Cali is Definitely a faithful companion. Just waiting there in the snow with her throw toy while he does his work.

[@dorafurness466]

Cali sure loves the snow. Wish every pet could be loved as Cali and treated so well. Enjoy your videos. Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@mariasanchezrivera7186]

So pretty with all the snow, beautiful.

[@user-od3jg3nu5j]

You have a very good four-legged friend. He is very social. It will never be boring with him. Take care of him.

[@annrhodes3544]

He is a she.

[@user-od3jg3nu5j]

@@annrhodes3544 Sorry, didn't know. So a great friend.

[@joeheid4757]

Merry Christmas to the whole MSR family. Hope the day is peaceful and blessed.

[@michelleblancard655]

Avec toute cette neige c'est magnifique. Cally est toujours aussi mignonne avec son joujou elle est infatigable. Les lustres cela arrange bien. Joyeux Noël.

[@kathybennett8718]

What an amazing journey this has been. Enjoy it. Every. Single. Day. Our heavenly Father has given you the ability to build this amazing cabin. Just look around at His beautiful creation that surrounds it. It's breathtaking! Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and yours!!

[@131dyana]

Installing every thing is quite a job. Love seeing you and Cali. Stay warm and safe. God bless.

[@marianfrances4959]

Us Canadians like to brag about how high the snow is and complain about how low the temperatures are...but somewhere deep inside, each is thrilled by fresh snow! Awesome video, thank you Shawn and 💛 Cali 🤎 👍😎🇨🇦❄🎁 P.S. awesome music!!!🎼🎶

[@TaigaTurf]

Cold weather people everywhere love it and are very proud, whether they admit it or not

[@johnfromscotland1050]

Shawn.....it's been brilliant watching all year how the house and the seasons have changed , so Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and the family, not forgetting your best pal Cali.....looking forward to what's in store next year....all the best big man, "Slainte Mhath" (pronounced, Slange - var....cheers, 🥃🥃)....👍👍👍🍺🍺🍺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@damogranheart5521]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! 🎅🤶🌎☕️🫖🎄🐈‍⬛🦌🌟

[@johnfromscotland1050]

Cheers bud...l 🥃🍺🥃🍷🥂🥂🍺🥃🥃🍺🥃🍷🍷

[@damogranheart5521]

@@johnfromscotland1050 I'll make mine tea today. On the way here, we counted over 20 vehicles in the ditches. Black Ice laughs at four-wheel drive!

[@colleenscottcarmello5103]

Oh Cali really loves that snow.. this is her time of year.. :))

[@skruloos1]

Your drone shots are spectacular..

[@dianebackhouse4532]

I was just wondering Shawn if you are planning to put anything over those 2 big bolts on the front porch huge posts? And I would love to commend you on your beautiful videography, so we'll filmed as always, and I agree with Kenny, may Cali live forever.

[@Lowlanders]

He already mentioned this in a previous video that he is planning to cover those bolts up with something he can slide up and down over the posts for easy access since he doesn't like the look of it now.

[@annrhodes3544]

Copper.

[@dougyurecko6500]

I read these comments and I wonder if the commenters watch the whole video before they comment. Thanks for the content

[@santiagobenites]

Thanks for taking the time to capture those fantastic nature scenes, Shawn. Your cinematographic skills are second to none, and while it's exciting to follow the process of building the cabin, it's equally exciting to see the beauty of nature that surrounds you. It reminds me a lot of my childhood, growing up in North-Western Ontario. Cheers! 😁

[@geoffreyharlow]

It is intelligent to utilize the advantages of modern technology. Homesteaders would have installed solar panels hundreds of years ago if it was an option. No one was trying to prove anything, just survive and thrive. Great work.

[@adamfrbs9259]

Started watching way back 5 years ago, then last couple years just kinda forgot. Glad to see it's still kickin' and going for ya!

[@RandysRides]

Starting to get a "house" feel. That's gonna be the coolest homestead when "done".

[@RandysRides]

@@MAKOBITE lol. Pretty sure the access road getting close was just one of the reasons to rebuild. This place is 4 X the size ... and I'm sure there's many comforts to be added after the essentials. I can just imagine this paradise in 10 years.

[@martadolls]

Might never be "done"..

[@oidadesgibtsned]

Some seem to know everything better by the looks of the comment section. 1. It's too cold and the soil is frozen, so no digging. 2. I daresay he's gunna dig them in next spring/summer. I wouldna do it differently. In fact, I've got a kind of similar setup for solar energy. I've set it up in fall 2004 - and then, I've buried the cabling tube under then soft soil. So, ere one puts forth some criticism, take the time and read the situation. Besides, mr. James seems to me to be an expert builder who knows his stuff. So - peace, people, peace. I think this is a tremendous, wonderful build and I commend the builder for his tenacity and sheer strength of will to muscle through this incredibly demanding and difficult project. Merry Christmas Mr. James. Stay Strong and healty! :-)

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Be careful n enjoy your holidays!! You have gone far..your compound/ homestead...is amazing!! Thanks for sharing 👍!! 👍🐺🧙‍♂️🦊👍!!

[@nancyrea3863]

Thanks for taking me along. Cali, as usually, was very entertaining. Hope you, Cali and your family have a Blessed and safe Christmas.

[@mandrews1245]

I think this is the time your family enjoys the cabin to its fullest.... no bugs! Looking forward to seeing how the solar works for you and if the batteries stay charged in the cold weather. Sometimes, I do think you could have built a more stable solar moving frame yourself.... maybe for the next batch. I wonder how sturdy this system is given the harsh climate and winds. But I'm happy you have achieved your dream... Now it is finishing off all those related projects and maintaining your food supplies. Followed you since the beginning. This cabin will survive for generations in your family. What a legacy!

[@meenbee6853]

We've been watching Shawn for a few years now, Would we love to do this....yes for sure. Would we be able to do it....probably not. Has Shawn left the rat race, and is now King in his own Realm I hope so. Keep it up it's a breath of fresh air every video

[@larrymesneak1334]

You and Cali form a mutual admiration society. I love watching you two interact with each other. You’re both smart as whips.

[@dwannamontriel58]

The tree’s look beautiful with all the snow. Wonderful scenery.

[@florentinalily]

Thankyou.. the musical interlude in the snow is just magical. We are experiencing similar here in the Ariege region of France and everything has just slooooowed right down..

[@barbalbers8920]

Love the squeaking snow and how he speaks to Cali as if she's going to answer him.

[@01splitpea]

Cali is so happy wading through snow, retrieving her dummy. An immeasurably entertaining, funny and adorable pup.

[@Mooshkie50able]

Every animal in the wild has a companion of its own kind. Cali is at the perfect age to start teaching a pup the ropes of living in the wild. People that have only one dog take their dog to the dog park to be around other dogs and mingle. Cali is out in the middle of no where with no doggy friends to mingle with. She would make a great mother to a new pup and have a pal to pal around with. Watching Cali for years now it always saddened me, she don't have a companion she can call her own and cuddle with. I hope you get her a pet pup so she can be happy and have someone to play with when your very busy.

[@cowmoo007]

She has all she wants he is only in his backyard building that cabin and in the city limits with all the stores wild cats friendly cats dogs and all so don’t worry you all come back now you hear

[@lindas7836]

The land is beautiful, your cabin is amazing

[@kerrylynnparsons9441]

Cali’s tail never stops wagging. She is such a happy dog!!! 🐕❤️❤️❤️🤗

[@giselecontassotdesayvre3965]

Wow superbe musique, c'est super beau autour de vous. Astucieux les poubelles !😁🌲❄️☃️ Passez un très beau réveillon

[@satorimystic]

There's really so much to love and enjoy about your videos. Valuable information about living and building a Life in Nature, Cali, the scenery and your impeccable cinematography, editing, and choice of music ... it's hard to avoid envy as I watch you live my dreams. I watch with a smile of vicarious satisfaction. Thank you, sincerely.

[@wordsmadeofenglish]

Shawn. It's coffee table book time. There were enough good still photos in this episode for a chapter dealing with winter at the cabin. If not a book I"d buy an NFT of Cali.

[@amyfaith2350]

I'm in love with otters, thank you!

[@brigitte4635]

You've got yourself a piece of paradise right there ! I love it !! ❣

[@trainuibushcraft11]

A beautiful and solid house in the middle of a forest covered in snow and cold, that feeling is wonderful❤

[@sergiooctavioseanez2068]

Es bueno ver otravez ese paisaje y la cabaña y a su perrito siempre anda haciendo algo en la cabaña y acondicionado esta muy biem eres un ejemplo a seguir porque siempre anda activo y haciendo cosas

[@RatdogDRB]

There's that sweet girl! Keeping dad's morale up with lots of dummy throws. Congrats on getting the solar array up and running. That's a big sigh of relief in and of itself. Keep warm and Merry Christmas to you, and your family Shawn.

[@peterrosler1323]

frohe weihnachten

[@jbthor9032]

To see you chopping wood reminds of my dad. He'd say " give it your all and take a big whack at it " !

[@ilonakatalindako-tolman5545]

How wonderful your work has been, getting closer to becoming a very comfortable housing with much more resources than your previous property...always good watching your videos...also very nice seeing your daughter’s many habiliteis 🤗

[@ronwatson4902]

It's hard to comprehend all the work those hands have performed. People are amazing. Merry Christmas

[@leliasantana908]

Feliz Natal! Saúde e prosperidade para vocês. Te amo Cali! ❤️

[@larrymesneak1334]

Fantastic looking chandelier and hanging lamps!

[@markusstudeli2997]

Great to see how step by step you become more self reliant and at the same time increase the amount of comfort in your new home. Having solar panels and a decent amount of batteries is certainly contributing nicely to this goal.

[@gaylangridge8180]

Hi Shawn and your dog. I am wishing you both a very Happy Christmas and A very Happy New Year. All my love from G in England.

[@chrischallacombe3477]

Ya know it's cold when the snow crunches like that!!!! Remember from skiing the Laurentians in Quebec! Cheers Brother!!

[@edbouman5013]

Shawn! Just wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas! Hope you all have an awesome holiday, and a safe holiday too!

[@lindapetersen1800]

SHAWN & OUR CALI !!! Got the orange toy now for OUR CALI !!! OUR CALI is always by you and she is so happy to be with you !!! This is a true Pup to have !!! I put shutters on my house to give to me solar power on all sides of it makes it look even then !!! Have more solar panels on the roof of the garage for extra they come into the house then where they are warm then !!!

[@janetdoecke4391]

Hello Shawn and Cali from Australia! Again, mesmerizing footage of the surrounding area as usual, absolutely gorgeous, especially that quick view of the front of the cottage with snow falling and Cali sitting in front! Beautiful! Shawn, you continue to amaze me with what you can do and achieve, aside from give actual birth is there anything you cannot do? Seriously, you are amazing, the homestead is amazing, Cali is also amazing! Does she not get cold out there in that snow all the time? Shawn, Cali from us here in Australia, stay safe, keep on Youtubing, have a wonderful Christmas and New year, 2023 will be another wonderful year fingers crossed, enjoy your family time and give Cali a hug for me, until next time we see you, stay safe!

[@janetnewbill291]

That snow on calis face 😂😂❤❤❤❤

[@zeliapolinario5192]

Sua cabana está linda .Um Feliz Natal e um próspero Ano Novo de muita paz e saúde e prosperidade.

[@offtom]

Even more than I am amazed by your beautiful cabin, I am amazed by that people like you exist, it’s just incredible. It would have been so easy for you to ask for a helping hand.. or a whole team of workers like most do. But you did this on your own .. I wish I were a self made man

[@metricdeep8856]

Just like you....I check my dog's feet and remove the small balls of ice. I talk to my dog and she looks at me with love. I never had to train her....she wanted to learn from me and my sounds. She always seems to know what I am saying....These vids are magic to me. Man and dog is the most effortless relationship....and most rewarding. It's the one relationship where there is nothing but love. There are no moods or tough days.

[@DovGordon]

There's something whimsical about watching a man set up a solar field in a blizzard. 🙂

[@kimberlyllamas5804]

I love your dog. She's a beauty.

[@tolgacakmak404]

unbelievable what you built last winter in Christmas and this Christmas but this house is even bigger than last year I think it's nice to watch you again and again keep it up and thank you, some young people of today should take this as an example, not many are interested in it would be nice but there would be many and merry christmas

[@patsydf]

I'm soooo envious, absolutely beautiful!

[@dougadams3883]

Will you have Christmas at Emily cabin this year she has done a great job on her cabin she should be very proud of herself

[@terrieyeakley82]

Shawn ,I think you have done an excellent job of everything you have done to improve your cabin. Don't pay any attention to what everybody says . You can either do it their way or your way. I think the solar panels are great. It gives you solar power and lights inside your cabin. Is your wife not coming to live with you? I think you have done an excellent job in everything involving your cabin. Thanks for sharing this video. Stay safe and stay warm.

[@terrieyeakley82]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family and calli.

[@leanndro0694]

Congratulations,for your hard work,and for choosing to love nature!! I always follow you. I wish you and your family a very, very Merry Christmas!!👍❤️🎄🍸🍾 Graciela Da Silva greets you from URUGUAY 🇺🇾 December 2022

[@joesphhein1]

Totally enjoy watching your craftsmanship and god bless you your family and Cali

[@cathylee4234]

So Beautiful with the snow

[@jacquelinecadogan204]

Wishing you, Cali & your family a very happy Christmas & a productive healthy New year ⛄⛄⛄

[@joedidonato6977]

Man, do I admire this guy.

[@marthapettengill4042]

Shawn you have built a Beautiful cabin.

[@donnavickery9623]

Solar is going to be a game changer !!! Hello electricity!!!

[@lilianavenchiarutti7207]

Really I LOVE your vídeos and your dog is beautifull!!! It's really fabulous!!! Incredible!!! Thanks!!!

[@deeochenski6173]

Love how much Cali loves snow🥰

[@bfelten1]

I love to watch your channel (been doing it for many years now) and you always impress me. Just the fact that you did not do what so many "preppers" are doing, buying cheap, often second-hand, lead acid batteries shows that you really know what you are doing. Kudos! But I still don't understand why anyone would have a front door that opens inwards. Alas, that's completely another issue; in Sweden every front door opens outwards, and our police don't have those rams we can see on videos when they are violently violating your privacy. 😁

[@annh9225]

Shawn, I do not believe that there is a single job you cannot do on your own! Absolutely remarkable! Well done, bravo!

[@michaelgatford6194]

Love your drone and nature shots, Shawn.

[@giselecontassotdesayvre8090]

très belle vidéo, les paysages sous la neige sont merveilleux, très belle musique..c'est très long et éreintant d'installer l' électricité seul..un très long travail, mais pour votre confort, vos luminaires sont très sympas, dans le style du chalet..passez un très beau réveillon de Noël..Cali est heureuse dans la neige ( ici je suis dans l'urgence avec mon époux 😔)..mais goûter le jour de Noël, nous nous adaptons...je vous souhaite des cadeaux, encore des cadeaux..des étoiles dans les yeux.☃❄🌟🎅🤍

[@cindyredenius9857]

Good morning 🌞 everyone!

[@peterjones4621]

Hi Shawn, Merry Christmas! You never really get a break, you have tons of work to do around the cabin, Cali to look after, the hours it takes making these videos, you definitely have a full plate every day. Thank you for all you do Shawn.

[@lorrainehernandez4002]

So happy for you that you were able to get your cabin done before winter, enjoy watching your progress

[@cowmoo007]

Hey that’s what’s Home Depot and lowes is for all the wood and supplies he needed you all come back now you hear!

[@David-Jm]

I love this dog, so cute!

[@viktoriaskanal9580]

Its beautiful all is connected to nature with there families 🔼🌳🔽

[@jzdust1]

very inspiring from the entire build of your cabin on. Love your dog as well!

[@guppy2129]

Look at Cali's tail go🤗💞 lots of snow! ❄️❄️❄️☃️

[@wendywobbles1]

Cali is such a faithful compagion she follows you everywhere, Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and I hope Cali gets an extra special treat

[@user-wq2qu7hl2c]

Great with inputs from the Italian technician. Keep up the good work. Kind regards from Denmark.

[@johnmcdonald323]

Hey Shawn, have a Merry Christmas!!! I love the picturesque winter landscape scene surrounding your beautiful cabin. Beautiful winter wonderland!! Very Thomas Kincaid - ish!!!!

[@georgebliss5134]

Kincaid, thats the name I was trying to come up with! Totally agree.

[@kimsims9293]

I love the new cabinets surroundings lots better then the first

[@eslei7913]

Happy Holidays to Sean n Cali n the family Love the cabin how you build it with you own hands n with patience n wisdom Love watching your videos that you continue to build things Surrounding your cabin Ty 4 sharing Stay blessed ❤️🙏🏽🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@user-wu9vd4pw5l]

Я восхищаюсь вами!! Вашими золотыми руками восхищаюсь!! И очень полюбила вашего верного друга!! Собачки самые преданные и верные друзья! Будьте здоровы и дай Бог вам долгих лет жизни!🙏 😊😊👍👍🐕❤️❤️❤️❤️💋💋💋💋🇮🇱

[@judyjenson2918]

Getting pretty modernized. Even the wreath.......It makes for losing something. You still work your butt off. Thks for the entertainment.

[@coconiel5913]

So much snow! It is beautiful. South Carolina has 11degrees currently...! It is cold.

[@georgebliss5134]

Wishing Cali and her human a Very Merry Christmas!

[@timmccollum9460]

Thanks for the drone view Shawn!

[@mariapottery]

Beautiful pictures for Christmas!

[@nikkova2007]

Thank you. Your videos are so comforting to me. I would change my current life for this in an instant.