Off Grid CABIN gets a Power UPGRADE | Testing the MAXOAK Bluetti EB150

Over the summer, we published this video ( • What "Off Grid" Means ... ) explaining how off-grid we really are, and how things function. Everything from how we take showers, what we use for alternative lighting, power sources, battery charging, and how we provide heat in the cooler months. At the end of that video, we discussed the desire to move the cabin from being powered by a generator, to something solar based. Not that the generator doesn't work well for us. It's sometimes a hassle to go outside and start it up when you want power, and the noise from it at times, ruins some of the peace a quiet of the forest.
We were able to get our hands on a MAXOAK Bluetti EB150 Solar Generator, and paired it with a nice set of panels from Rich Solar. We had a week long trip planned to the cabin this fall, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try things out! Mother nature however, had other plans. Out of the 7 days we were there, it rained at least 3 of the days, and was 90% clouds for the remaining days. We were still able to figure out a way to integrate the Bluetti EB150 into our lifestyle at the cabin - and we're absolutely loving the peace and quiet it's providing. Fully charged, our cabin only consumes about 20% of the stored battery energy per day - based on 4-6 hours of running lights and charging phones & camera batteries. We're excited to continue to work with this unit in the future, and leverage the solar panels more in the future - when the sun in shining 😀
This video was posted 10/28/2020 - The Amazon discount and coupon codes below, will not last forever though. They will only be good for the next month or two. So if you're thought at snagging up one of these units, now is the time.
MAXOAK Portable Power Station BLUETTI EB150 1500Wh
$65 off code：bluetti1500 + Amazon coupon: $130 = total $195 savings
amzn.to/31MXyDM
MAXOAK Lithium Portable Power Station BLUETTI AC100 1000Wh
$108 off code：bluetti108 + Amazon coupon: $50 = total $158 savings
amzn.to/2J8sFTL
MAXOAK Power Station Solar Generator BLUETTI AC50 500Wh
$12 off code：bluetti108 + Amazon coupon: $40 = total $52 savings
amzn.to/3owhnsB
RICH SOLAR 200 Watt 12 Volt Moncrystalline Solar Panel (Wire in Series):
amzn.to/3kMBD7n
WindyNation 10 Gauge Solar Panel Extension Cable:
amzn.to/37NoQhk
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[@hardtruth2039]

Still using my EB150 to run my fridge and Jackery 500 for device charging. We recently upgraded to 2 maxed out Ecoflow Delta Pro’s w/ 2 extra batteries each and a smart generator for each set. We installed the smart home panel and 3800 watts of panels. Quiet energy is such a wonderful thing.

[@KoiTimeUSA]

You can over build solar panel over 1000watts as long as you don't over volts or Amp it. So in cloudy days 1000 watts solar can charge 500watta which is max input kn eb150

[@jchai1343]

You guys are the best ,I find that you are so respectful and get back with answers right away ,I love that you cover all kinds of things from cooking to things I thought I wouldn’t be interested in but you make them interesting ,Thank you not only for your knowledge but also your kindness

[@1870s]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching, and sharing our videos with others.

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

@@1870s GUN TO HEAD..SAME COST....THIS OR JACKERY 1000 ? OR SOMETHING ELSE FOR 800-900 ?

[@spitfirered]

Glad you were able to work it out at the Cabin Todd and Racheal. You are very smart people and had no doubt, have a prosperous rest of the week and enjoy!

[@johnvasko4035]

We started our 12 volt solar system on our 80 acre homestead, twenty two years ago with one 90 watt panel. While our system is still 12 volts the wattage has increased over one hundred times to 12400 watts. During that time batteries that used to be cheap got expensive and solar panels that used to be expensive got cheap ($5 to .50 cents per watt). The net result of this is that the way to set up a system is to over panel it. Right now we are getting 6 to 8 kw on a completely overcast day and 50 kw on a sunny day. We power everything from led lights to air conditioning and even an electric tractor. Being set up like this direct powers our loads most of the time while relying on the batteries only at night during low demand (lights, water pump, refrigeration, etc.

[@fallenangelwi25]

In the winter safe use of candles and oil lamps can truly help with light/heat and are so beautiful ❤️

[@1870s]

We do have oil lamps and propane lights, use them often

[@fallenangelwi25]

@@1870s I bet it's such a beautiful atmosphere ❤️

[@aimee2234]

Love that solar us becoming more convenient every year and I also love living in Michigan!

[@Thevikingcam]

Most important thing is that there cant be any shadows on the panels. Not even one inch at corner. It will actually also charge a few watts cloudy days.

[@willow8094]

That's pretty cool and peaceful !

[@markfrankstechreviews3744]

Typically you want 3 days of extra battery backup In case you have cloudy days. I would recommend getting another solargenerator. Maybe a 700wh instead of 1500. Second, add another 200 watt panel in series ( make sure the amps are under 10 and the voltage is no more than 68v. Third invest in some amorphous solar panels. They are the best in low light conditions. Lastly solar generators are terrible charging heaters, so you may want to purchase a 200watt space heater or a Mr. buddy propane heater. Hope this helps

[@DebbiesHomeplace]

I wouldn't want to take away from the offgrid quietness and feel but whatever works for y'all is awesome too. Sometimes it's wonderful to just unplug. We all could benefit on getting thru w/o the use of power.

[@1870s]

We spend a lot of time unplugged, fishing, hiking, and sitting by the campfire. Without some power, it'd be hard to do all the filming we do up there.

[@pattigsbh4392]

Good info. Sorry no sun. Love the illustration: present.

[@Ladythyme]

Ohhhh sounds like fun 😳... not being judgmental but it always amazes me how so many want to live off grid yet look to have all the modern conveniences of having things that run on power 🤔... back to basics so they say 😏

[@IndianaBackyardGardener]

That's interesting. Thanks for sharing this, I always hear these types of companies claim that even on the cloudy days you get a good charge. Good to know.

[@1870s]

I get some power when it's cloudy, but not much right now with the sun so low in the sky. Summers I bet it'll get more.

[@IndianaBackyardGardener]

@@1870s good point. That makes sense

[@DiscoverMVP]

I own the Wagan 1500 , also the Briggs & Stratton p4500.

[@1870s]

How do you like them?

[@JanetWilham]

some engineer needs to come out with a=="solar booster" which on cloudy days it increases what sun light their is. My thought is a type of lens like what is the screen for some TV,s or a overflow watt bank to store what you don,t need. I can see this in my mind and see someone making this and know it will be done. love your channel which I am new to. God bless from old 72 year old granny on her farm in Ohio. PS==have you heard about taking a cotton ball and putting some Vick vapor rub on it and laying on top of each hive also a Swiffer pad placed on top as the fibers catch the legs of hive beetles? lots have shown that these 2 things work great.

[@1870s]

I've definitely heard of the swiffer pads. the beetles leg get trapped and tangled

[@averagejoesmiling456]

Looks like a good machine, but it seems as though every model you have listed in the video description is unavailable and it is uncertain as to whether or not more will be available for sale. :-( You did a great job at reviewing it though, Todd. God bless!

[@1870s]

That's odd. They mostly show in stock for me. Are you in Canada by chance? CA EB150 Maxoak Bluetti EB150 1500Wh 1000W Solar Generator www.amazon.ca/dp/B08FJ7ZJN4 CDN$ 105 off code: bluetti150CA , coupon: CDN$ 110 , in total: CDN$ 215

[@averagejoesmiling456]

@@1870s Yes, I'm in Canada. However, I was using the links you provided which took me to the US site. Those appeared to be out of stock. The link you provided just now for Canada shows some in stock. Still, when I check the US site (out of curiosity) they show up as not in stock. I wonder why this is happening? I'm sure there are many Americans who would very much want one of these. As for me, it appears as though my meagre budget will not allow for me to be able to get one for some time as they are quite expensive. Anyway, thanks for your reply and for your help with this. It's still a mystery as to the discrepancy between the two sites we see here in Canada. Weird. Hey, it's 2020. LOL Praying for you all during the upcoming election! May the Lord set a hedge of protection around your family. God bless.

[@KoiTimeUSA]

I am thinking about eb240 and 3 190watt hqst solar panel for my 2020 rav4 roof

[@louiss.w1944]

The real question is if you purchased this full price would you be happy?

[@interestedobserver9352]

Nice to have some power options. Good info video. However I'm really interested in what looks like a cut out metal fire pit behind you in some of the video - that is really cool and so northern Michigan! Can you give any info about it?

[@1870s]

It was with the cabin when we bought it, so I have no clue where it came from. Perfect Northern Michigan decor 😆

[@benbazor3656]

I am curious what kind of power output you get from your solar panels on a cloudy day. There should be something even if it is low.

[@1870s]

Not a ton really. Cloudy days I've seen it bounce around from 10-40 watts going in. Each panel will behave different in cloud conditions. Some of the foldables may actually work better on cloudy days.

[@jchai1343]

That was interesting ,and you answered my question without me asking it ,if you use at home and that you bring the panels with , and would it be helpful to also bring the other generator for backup

[@1870s]

We already transport the generator back and forth as well. We've had to use a few times for power outages.

[@annettewise3622]

Would a small wind turbine be a possible better option for your cabin? One of the smaller low profile units that remind me of a rotary push mower blade.

[@1870s]

Possibly, but we'd have to figure out a way to get it up above the treelines.

[@jimmyr1683]

You look like Marco from trail recon

[@1870s]

Is that a tv show?

[@jimmyr1683]

@@1870s it's a you tube channel

[@bobseguin2195]

Did you run your fridge on it at the cabin.....

[@1870s]

Our fridge is propane powered.

[@mreverybody1150]

What's the fan noise under load with this? do you think it would be quiet enough to be run in a quiet room during the night to power a heated blanket without waking someone up?

[@1870s]

Depends really on the load you put on it. Really small loads the fan doesn't even kick on. Pull 1000 watts from it, and the fan will run. It's depending on internal temp of the unit and how much heat it's making to provide power draw. For most moderate loads, it's pretty minimal, I could probably sleep with it in the same room no problem.

[@mreverybody1150]

@@1870s I really appreciate your fast response and detail! The load of one heated throw will be a maximum of about 170 watts. But there may be occasions where 2 of them are run together. I'm thinking of picking one of these up for emergency backup in general, but being able to run the heated throws at night would be good.

[@mreverybody1150]

@@1870s I tested the EB150...it runs both of the heated blankets on maximum settings in complete silence! The AC charger that came with the unit has been upgraded as well, it's charging at 200-212 Watts and has an internal fan now.

[@1870s]

Awesome! So glad it's working out for you friend 🙂

[@ladyg1772]

@@mreverybody1150 Im looking to buy a electric blanket so far most have bad reviews could you please tell me the name of your blanket and where did you purchase, please and thank you

[@stevendowden2579]

interesting

[@tondelo1800]

How do you connect this to your cabin to run all of your lights?

[@1870s]

The cabin is all wired up a like a normal on-grid "house" would be. The input for the power is in our shed. Where we normally plug in our generator. Instead, we just plug in the Bluetti Power bank. This video here, explains it pretty good: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ7Cd5usZdKjY7M

[@iwanttobelieve5970]

You need to mount it to your cabin so it can get the best access to sun.

[@1870s]

If we get some trees trimmed up eventually, we'll probably mount them up on the roof.

[@chrisanderson8553]

@@1870s How has charging been? Its been my experience that you need full sun exposure. You have A lot of trees hindering the panels. How has it gone?

[@1870s]

@@chrisanderson8553 It's been winter. We don't get to the cabin much this time of the year. Mid summer, we have great sun. Late fall, not so much. Last winter trip to the cabin, we didn't even take the panels. Charged up the EB150 at home, and brought it with us to power up the cabin. Ran 4 days on single charge, and never even took the generator out of the truck. Will do more testing with the panels this summer, when we're there more.