Off Grid Cabin Powered Full Time with Titan Solar Generator

See how I power our family cabin 100% off-grid with nothing but the Titan solar generator and solar panels. Originally we had a Titan 500 system running the cabin but in this video, I upgrade it to a Titan 1000 system and it makes a HUGE difference!
Feel free to contact me with any questions at [e-mail]
Learn more about portable solar at PoweredPortabl...
Titan Solar Generator Kits:

[@bojaiden5175]

I just love this video; most other channels doing off grid and solar panel lifestyles fail to realize how satisfying it is for the viewers to actually see the lights and the home appliances function from using the solar panels.

[@minutemanprep]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@limitlesspotential9599]

You nailed it

[@familycooking9437]

Is there a way to contact minute man prep I have a few ?s

[@EagleOne49]

My how time flies. Back in November 2020, I purchased the Titan 1000W Solar kit with an extra battery from you and have never looked back. Over the years, the Titan has worked and continues to work flawlessly to provide essential power to our 1400 sq.ft. cabin, through prolonged (up to 10 days) grid power outages due to floods, wildland fires and heavy snow. I use two Honda 2200i generators together to recharge the Titan batteries when solar is not available. Thanks so much, Ben!

[@minutemanprep]

That's awesome!

[@chrisjudd9410]

Wow! I am a complete novice and have been giving serious thought through research and just kicking tires on purchasing an off-grid cabin that was 100% solar powered. This video was very knowledgeable because I wasn't sure whether I needed a gas powered system or could I do it all on solar power. I still have a lot to learn because some of the jargon that you were using lost me a little bit but I basically got the over all concept. Thank you!

[@minutemanprep]

Awesome! If you need more help let me know.

[@stargasm1000]

You might consider putting a wind turbine up on a pole outside the cabin. There are some available that can put out enough to charge your Titan.

[@SirMarshalHaig]

Funny, just an hour ago I found that you can buy some small wind turbines these days. They lack any reviews so far, but it seems to be in a similar area like the solar panels, with 100 to 600 Watts peak. But again, no reviews and no actual pictures of the thing built up somewhere. If anyone has experience with wind power generation, I´d love to hear about it.

[@asparks8056]

I will be looking for some videos about this. It gets really windy in our holler.

[@georgeshotrodbarn2113]

When a man gets a serious solar addiction his tendency is to take it as far as it will go.

[@randybobandy9828]

I agree and that Is happening to me

[@DJStig]

Why wouldn't you?

[@laurafegely2662]

We have used the kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

[@DropForgedSurvival]

*Been extremely interested in the Titan for long term use on my channel* What a great real world use. More people just need to see it in action.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks!

[@thewarrider7]

Does it only run 12v appliances?

[@cookingsavvy7407]

An empty fridge struggles to keep the inside cold -- because air doesn't have "thermal mass". Basically, if you keep a bunch of food in there, the food will get cold and stay cold. Then, when you open the door, all the cold doesn't rush out. But if the fridge is full of air, when you open the door, the cold rushes out and you are back at square one. This is something taught to me by an extremely experienced and knowledgeable kitchen appliance repairman. He keeps bricks wrapped in aluminum foil in the parts of his freezer that he doesn't have filled with food. I achieved the same thing with bottles of frozen water. Put some thermal mass in your refrigerator and you should see the refrigerator pull much less power, since it will not be struggling to coax air into remaining cold when air can't really do that.

[@czanel4899]

This video is a perfect example how something so simple can be made look so complicated.

[@jasonbroom7147]

Thank you for posting what is pretty much the best video I've seen on this topic. You cover so many of the variables and demonstrate real-world applications of the Titan, gas generator, and the way more solar panels can be utilized.

[@minutemanprep]

I'm glad you liked the video so much!

[@ek9772]

👍 You might want to look into an A.O. Smith hot water heat pump. The 50-gallon consumes between 300 to 400 watts per hour when it is using the efficiency mode. If you are cooking with gas, this will help. If you want greater self reliance, look for a Princess stove. These work out of wood, but they are set as home heaters as well, and they can boil several gallons of water simultaneously. Engineer 775 has several older videos on these stoves. Interesting video with the Titan. You might be better off by getting some more solar panels. (4,000 / 4-peak sun hours) = 1,000; (1,000 x 20% degradation) = 1,200 in solar panels, but for cloudy winter days this might not be enough as you pointed out. Lithium batteries will last you about twice as long if you don’t let them go below 30% DOD, and on the way up about 20%. This means operating between SOC of 30% to 80%. If these are typical LiFePO4 batteries, then this could run almost to 6,000 cycles. What is the battery density of the batteries? There is a DC refrigerator and a DC fridge from SunDanzer in Texas. The advantage is that you would have less losses by running DC to DC instead of DC to AC. If your current fridge uses 1,000 watts per day, you could save several hundred watts in two ways: less consumption with the DC units and fewer losses by not converting to AC voltage. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mInQpIh6lttmY8k www.aosmithatlowes.com/products/water-heaters/electric-water-heaters/hp10-50h45dv/ sundanzer.com/product-category/household/ These are all products made in the USA.

[@basedbear1605]

Heat pump hot water heaters are the bomb. Only about 2-4 hundred more than a traditional and will save you ooooooooogles of money. Nice catch.

[@ek9772]

Based Bear yep 👍

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks for all the tips that are very helpful! I am planning on adding at least another 1,000w of panels The Titan does not go below 50% usually with our normal usage at the cabin. I will look into those other options.

[@ek9772]

Minute Man Prep you are welcome. I like your cabin, and I think it has tremendous potential with your work and ideas to convert it into a modern style living home. The best way, I have found for sizing solar is to go to go to PVwatts. I will choose the worst month of the year after sizing my system, and I will try to estimate if it will be enough for my energy needs. If it is sufficiently large, I will consider it in more detail. If not, I will tweak the numbers slightly until I can achieve the required level of energy. This worst case method should minimize having insufficient solar energy based on energy consumption. However, you may still require using a generator during days when cloud coverage blocks the sun.

[@not1just4words]

Hey Ben, Just a fun suggestion, fill that empty refrigerator with gallon and smaller water bottles. That will help retain some of the cold and your fridge won't kick on as often, just don't open the door to often and you'll be much more efficient. Enjoyed the video, thanks!

[@minutemanprep]

Yes we keep gallon-sized jugs in the freezer and it offsets the power a lot.

[@verohandymike]

FYI - A refrigerator is most efficient at 3/4 full, especially the freezer portion. What I do is keep a lot of gel ice packs handy, when there is too much space in the freezer I pack some of them in there. When it is freezing outside I store them outdoors and bring them back and forth as needed, that way the fridge doesn't even have to freeze them itself. In the absence of gel ice packs even properly tied bags of water (which become ice) will work. This is especially handy if your power source fails as it'll keep the fridge cold for days if necessary. Also helps if you're not charging too well and want to take some load off, perfectly OK to unplug fridge for several hours at a time.

[@jimmyfraser11]

Man this is the BEST video I've seen on the type of solar hookup that we want to do at our place! You have answered ALL of my questions and concerns! Thank you SO VERY MUCH for an excellent job! God bless you and your family from the Frasers in Florida!

[@minutemanprep]

I'm so glad to hear that! I will have more update videos about those panels and cabin setup soon too =)

[@johnomahony7364]

Thanks so much for the video...you are the only video out of literally dozens that I watched that answered my questions about a home use generator..

[@davidshort8987]

You need larger wire than #12 for your solar panels. You will have a voltage drop over 400' feet of wire that will produce measurable current. This Powe is lost in the wire and not available to use. Using #10 or, even better, #8, you will get better performance. Twelve guage is good for 20 amps, but you must derate for the distance.

[@johnnycash3755]

Great job keep up the simple language used to help us understand what we don’t understand. Ignore the bad apples in comments. I love your videos because you show real life examples of exactly how they work. Please have a video on running 5,000-6,000 btu ac for us in warner states like Arizona that can’t live without a/c please. Take care!

[@minutemanprep]

Thank you very much. I have the AC unit and it's getting warm enough to test it out. I will hopefully have that video very soon.

[@HerkCC]

We have been using a Apex/Kodiak since this past October.....it has done really well..... but as you pointed out the use and management for our off grid cabin.

[@stevepailet8258]

suggestion.. fill up your fridge with bottles of water will keep it cold and less cycling

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks!

[@stevepailet8258]

@@minutemanprep people seem to forget that cycling weather it is a fridge or ac happens because there is not enough thermal mass to keep it at an even temp. This is why log cabins tend to stay or lose heat slowly.. Thermal mass. Wood is not a very good insulator.. 6 inch wall is just a tad over r8

[@williamcrenshaw9728]

If you can get more battery's for storage, you should have 6 - to - 10 battery's for a 24hour hour time, that way you can have all the power you need .

[@minutemanprep]

That'd be awesome. I'm definitely adding one more battery. I currently don't get below 50% very often so a third battery should make it so I don't go below 70% very often. I'm also going to be adding another 1,000w in panels.

[@williamcrenshaw9728]

@@minutemanprep s Sounds like a plan 👍😊✌️

[@williamcrenshaw9728]

@@minutemanprep remember more batteries means more storage of power 😄👍✌️

[@tapantera]

I had a very good experience with RPS Solar also. And their after sale customer service was awesome. Saved my butt.

[@minutemanprep]

Yes! For real. They are a great company.

[@danno1800]

That was AWESOME! You covered everything using words that could be easily understood. Thank you very much. I have subscribed. Thanks again...

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

[@healingoasis3892]

@@minutemanprep kzbin.info/door/YjNOYOqAzuUgNYupdHgTCQ

[@FrankLutz2]

Just got mine last week. Three batteries. 20 panels. Will be testing first time this week. Solidly built system. Great package protection.

[@MuzixMaker]

What panels did you get?

[@neonwatcher4239]

We have been using are Titan with 2 batteries since 28 Jan 2020. The refrigerator is in a half hour on half our off timer. Pluse we run the TV & home internet all on the same side. The Microwave & Ninja Foodi 6qt is on the other side. We have one AC charger waiting for solar. The lowest has been 59% 86ah remaining. It takes 3 - 4 hours to top off with 1 AC charger.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks! Glad to hear the Titan is working so well.

[@traveler7249]

Glad to see the 2nd is protected in Idaho. Here in CA.. not so much.

[@cutweldngrind]

This is neat, I need to start another channel for solar. I do alot of stand alone communication setups but all use lead acid batteries. I really need to buy lithium to get familiar with the benefits of them.

[@skychen8565]

We have the batteries as your request Whatsapp : [phone]

[@65csx83]

A 30 amp house! Today's houses have 30 amp outlets. So the effective way to have a house run on 'full time' solar is to size the house down to the solar system and still have a standby generator..

[@CarolColeLewis]

We are so looking forward to getting our Titan! We got an inverter, too, to be able to use our Prius as a backup system - the cool thing about the Prius is that it only turns on the gas engine to charge its battery. The battery will then be used to recharge the Titan. Sweet.

[@minutemanprep]

You're going to love it!

[@minutemanprep]

@KC JONES Sorry that reply was for Carol Cole-Lewis. I don't know how to do the Prius charging setup.

[@CarolColeLewis]

@KC JONES just Google "using Prius as a generator" You'll see a ton of options.

[@larrycox6614]

WOW! Awesome video. I really appreciate the way you present and demonstrate the information. It will be easy to replicate what you've done for your cabin scenario. I have a Titan 1500 system that I have not FULLY exercised yet, but I'm pumped to do all kinds of load exercises; both for my RV as well as my house; especially since we're self-isolating. All I need to do to get my house ready is to get either a single 30 amp plug put in or a whole sub-panel installed to make it streamlined. At my house, I plan to practice being off-grid while we still have the grid as a backup....should be fun! Thanks again Will !! P.S. I've procrastinated building or getting your solar panel stand, but now it's time to get going!

[@minutemanprep]

That's awesome! I'm glad you liked the video.

[@tankace653]

As a dumb person your video reall y explained how to setup for use! Also I now understand the reason to have an inverter fuel generator as back up! Thanks 😊

[@minutemanprep]

Awesome I'm glad to hear it!

[@nahvideos857]

Hello from a fellow Idahoan! Thank you for the great info, I also have an off grid Cabin and am just starting my research on solar.. your video helped immensely! Thanks again

[@minutemanprep]

I'm glad you liked it.

[@Build_the_Future]

21:27 You need to have a load connected to the wires coming from the solar panels to be able to measure a volt drop.

[@stephendouglas4545]

Yes, the cables could be 4 miles long and you'd still get a similar voltage.

[@Sylvan_dB]

Yes. VoltageDrop = Current X Resistance So the voltage drop is equal to the resistance of the wires multiplied by the current drawn by the load. If the current is 0, then VoltageDrop is also 0. Or rearranged, the resistance of the wires is equal to the voltage drop divided by the current. You cannot compute the resistance with no current flowing. To easily measure voltage drop you can run an *extra* set of light gauge wires (use an appropriate fuse!) connected at the solar panel end but not connected at the load end. Compare the voltage on the light gauge wires compared to the voltage on the load wires while the load is operating. The light wires will show the full voltage because no drop because no load so current is 0. The load wires will show lower voltage based on the voltage drop equation.

[@smokesurpent]

Depends on wire gauge and distance

[@goodoz9942]

There are "prepping" power sources (minimalist) and "living" power sources. Thoughts on Bluetti AC200P? Cycle life? Etc. ( I love your cabin/power setup...very nice)

[@minutemanprep]

I like the AC200P. It's definitely #2 in terms of what's best out there. The AC200P is second to the titan of course but my ac200p is set to arrive the first of next year so I cam do lots of testing and I'll be testing it out at the cabin as well. If you don't need expandability then it's good.

[@goodoz9942]

@@minutemanprep Mine too...first week of Jan, supposedly.

[@CamppattonFamilyCompound]

Hey Ben, I've been waiting for this kind of video showing the Titan running an off grid cabin.

[@KeepOnSmashing]

I wish their were smaller mobile units that share batteries and/or tools. Kinda like a ecosystem.

[@CamppattonFamilyCompound]

@@KeepOnSmashing There are smaller units that can have exterior batteries, but because they are smaller, they also have smaller wattage capacity. That's the nature of the things.

[@pulesjet]

Yes, More Panel Power has many advantages. Actually more then simply adding more Battery Storage.

[@matooleyobrien2918]

Long as the weather cooperates panels have advantage.... Rather have extra batteries to store the power .

[@opera5714]

@@matooleyobrien2918 I have over 2kw panels and only a car battery. Run a whole house on that, hot water, fidge, dishwasher and something to keep me alive. Who needs more batteries.

[@basedbear1605]

@@opera5714 People don't understand that solar panels always generate daytime electricity. They just generate LESS when it's cloudy... not none. So yeah, more panels is better in most cases than more batteries. Much cheaper too.

[@opera5714]

@@basedbear1605 and what happens when batteries are near full. I have seamless diversion to water heating. If panels can produce 456W and batteries only need 110w, 316W goes to heating water. On bad days, I probably do not need a shower. Never waste an electron.

[@The67Crucible]

@@opera5714 Love to see your setup, sounds nice and simple.

[@rodiculous9464]

What a nice little cabin hideaway

[@barbarathiecke2480]

KZbin is very handy when you need to know how long or how much a repair is vehicle, home, installations etc. thank you!

[@superscout2]

Gil at Camppatton Family Compound set me over. He said you had great information. So far he's right, you do!

[@robertdillon9989]

Nice system ! Titans are back ordered until April 2022 , this suggests poor infrastructure in manufacturing. It’s dec 2021 ! good luck getting one !!!!

[@markimbesi4791]

The generator is also good to charge up the system when you arrive and the panels have been covered in snow while you were away.

[@kingredleg6747]

Your well runs about 10 minutes a day. Put a relay on those pump panels to have them give power to your batteries. When the well need power it switches the panels over to the well. Just thinking out loud.

[@suzannewing7574]

Thank you, Ben. Love your videos!!! Waiting for your solar panel stand. :) CAN'T WAIT!!!

[@vinster907311]

Good video. Shows how one can rid electric co and still power everything. I suggest u rid the fridge and get mini. They sell portable heater, 20w, for one person. Take vit d if cold

[@stephendouglas4545]

Good stuff, thank you. I just ordered my Titan.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Great video. I have liked the clever way the Anderson connectors connect those batteries as they are stacked. It seems you are pleased with the Titan. Thanks for your video.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks, I'm glad you liked the video. I love the Titan. I have two haha.

[@hairpsylist3227]

I would love to see/hear how the Titan does in RV/Van setup. Stokin’ on this generator/kit, thank you for your detailed information, Ben 🤙🏽

[@minutemanprep]

We are in the process of getting a travel trailer to convert with the Titan! Detailed videos hopefully in the next couple months.

[@hairpsylist3227]

Most excellent!

[@DIYJIM]

I just ordered my Titan and i plan on making videos on connecting it to my 28 ft camper next summer. If enough people ask i might do one this winter. check my channel out thanks

[@annettebautista2026]

Great video, thanks for sharing...It would be interesting to see how things work during the summer if you're using air conditioning...

[@minutemanprep]

I am going to install an off grid solar DC Hot Spot A/C unit. It runs purely off of solar just during the day. I will be doing a video when I can get my hands on one.

[@shineyrocks390]

You Sir, are an amazing person! Most people on the KZbin are not helpful enough, they don't actually explain it to us dumb dumbs. I can actually understand what you mean. You show pro's and cons and break down each side to each unit. You may think it's just another opinion based off of your experience and ya it is but buddy you learn by experience. Lots of people are paid to say lots of good things about a piece of crap. This the sucker is born and made a jackass by wasting money on another lawn ornament. I guess I'll say thank you and God bless you. Happy Sustainable Permaculture Solar powered New Year. I live in Custer SD area 6500 feet in elevation. I have come to depend on your and you input. I don't have a solar system but you make it easy for me to choose the right one. Add a gassifier to your gasoline generator and bam totally self sustaining electricity

[@minutemanprep]

Thank you very much. I'm glad I could be of help. My cabin is at 6500ft above sea level too. I have many more videos to come out :)

[@KurtPisor]

awesome description and tutorial. much luck with the Titan. putting it on my 'wish list'... (first i need to get a CABIN, ha)

[@keithmoriyama5421]

Beautiful property! A dream for most of us.

[@liresto]

Thanks for all this info. Wish I had gotten one of these earlier. Now I'm kicking myself. The Titan is SOLD OUT everywhere! What others do you recommend as alternatives, since I know you've looked at all of them as you say in some of your other videos. I'll be looking at your other videos too. THANKS for all this.

[@minutemanprep]

There is truly nothing like the Titan. There's nothing that comes close. But the next best thing would likely be the Goal Zero Yeti 1400: amzn.to/33g4AzG or the Yeti 3000: amzn.to/2Ka89zG and then the EcoFlow Delta: amzn.to/2WB2nhV. Other than that there's not much for options. The Bluetti's are okay but I feel the lack of power out of the inverter makes them only okay at best.

[@dalewilmot2612]

Check out the Bluetti AC200. You can reserve one for $1199. Watch Will Prowe's video on it. By the way, I have the Titan and LOVE it!

[@basedbear1605]

FYI - Keeping your fridge and freezer FULL actually saves energy... Once the items in it are cold, they help to keep it cold. So keeping it empty is a bad idea. At the very least.. you can fill up bottles of water and keep them in there to save on power usage.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks we are doing that and it helps a lot.

[@Namremmiz98]

I've never thought about it like that before. Makes sense and simple. Thanks

[@Silversidepro]

I recognized your town when you drove through... been there a time or two.

[@sNEAKYnIGHTmUPPET]

something that you should try is to rewire your solar panels 2 small one plus a big one in series, and then that in parallel . that way the strings are identical. also, if you do the top three in series and then the bottom three in series, then parallel those two, if the bottom three get shaded by snow, the top set may still function. If you try this, I would love to hear your results.

[@minutemanprep]

The issue with wiring different sized panels together is that when in series the entire array is as strong as the weakest panel. So the 140w panels that are smaller than the big 270w panels that were up there from the water pump would drag down the total power. Meaning that the 140w panel would be the weaker panel and so the big panel would be drawn down to what the smaller panel can do for power which would lower the overall output. This article does a good job of explaining: solarpanelsvenue.com/mixing-solar-panels/

[@sonadoramegan]

Hi, Gil at Camppatton Family Compound said that I should subscribe to you. He was right. Great information!

[@minutemanprep]

Gil is a great guy. Thanks for visiting the channel.

[@BadAssBlackOverlord]

Sick setup. You are a blessed man.

[@stst9185]

Love your videos!! Thanks for sharing your amazing cabin!!

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks for watching.

[@freemanscott78]

Fill your fridge freezer with polystyrene it won't use as much energy when the space is full ..something non conductive is best 👍👍

[@rodgerdodger3483]

On your AC highly recommend use a mini split AC. Very efficient it will use 120 v

[@The67Crucible]

can you elaborate on this, which would you recommend.

[@406Steven]

Have you considered running an automated transfer switch? This way you could leave the generator as well as the Titan hooked up and it will run off of the Titan until you start the generator (most automated ones have a 30 second delay built in so that it can warm up a little before you put a load on it). Then you could either plug in the chargers or wire in a separate circuit off the generator's side that powers a couple of wall sockets only off of generator power. This way you don't have to plug and unplug any wires to switch over, just fire up the generator and it'll take over the electrical load until you shut it down, at which point it will automatically transfer back to the Titan's power.

[@minutemanprep]

That's a great idea. Right now I rarely have to use the gas generator since I added the extra 540w in panels. I will be adding another 1,000w in panels and another battery so it will become even more rare when I need the gas generator.

[@v2joecr]

Your forgot to mention one problem with solar panels in series. If one panel is in shade it will drop all the other panels. The same thing happens with batteries, which is why most battery powered devices include a warning to not mix old & new batteries. Gone with the Wynns did a test on that before they moved into their boat confirming what I said. In your case you will want to prevent shade on your panels or you will have massive power drops. One way grid tied solar is getting away from that issue is using 1 micro-inverter per panel. This can crank up the volts & keep the panels in parallel so that one panel being shaded is not as big of a deal. With batteries when one is lower than the others it will try to reverse change the other batteries & can ruin both batteries which is worse than what you mentioned with just the spark which still isn't good.

[@minutemanprep]

There are no trees within 100ft of my panels so shading isn't a concern. The Titan batteries drain simultaneously so they are always the exact same level.

[@blasphemousgaming]

Excellent video, thank you

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks!

[@stevengarcia3909]

Been waiting for a video like this for this solar generator

[@minutemanprep]

glad to hear it!

[@JackCondor44]

i did utility billing....and yes 100% correct the refrigerator is a minimalists nightmare..... cant get around the watt hours that uses.... it is what it is though....

[@bry2k]

Fill all that unused space in your fridge/freezer with water bottles and it'll be much more efficient.

[@bry2k]

@Barry Barry I'm not sure about that. Do you have an authoritative and convincing link? I read up on the topic and once again, the majority of the articles, including several by some alleged physics experts, claim that in fact it is better to fill your fridge.

[@OffGridHarvey]

Loved this info, wish i had the money to buy this setup for my off grid cabins. Just bought the jackery 1000 with is nice but very limited. We run all the big draw items on propane tho including the fridge is a rv model.

[@ds525252]

Two batteries nice! 35lbs not so bad carried separately.

[@minutemanprep]

Exactly

[@pscott49]

Great review man. I’m so dissapointed in my Inergy Apex. I still havent recieved the wall fast charger that I ordered during the pre order and they have no idea when the battery extentsions will be avalible. Now’s the time that we may really need these things.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks I'm glad you liked the video. I hope you get things worked out with your Apex.

[@406Steven]

Good to hear from someone with the Apex. I'm looking at one of those for my camper but now I'm considering the Titan. I like the modular battery system so I can add more capacity at a later date as I can afford to. Inergy has yet to release expandable batteries for their Kodiak or Apex units, seems to be of little concern to them.

[@pscott49]

UnsulliedSpy I would pass on the APEX.

[@406Steven]

@@pscott49 Thanks for the heads-up! I saw a video on one of the TFL channels about a guy that was using one in a van and liked it, but I'm trying to do some research before I spend the money.

[@minutemanprep]

@@406Steven Agreed. The Titan is for sure the way to go for power needs.

[@BronkoNagurski_]

@minutemanprep - Check out heat activated fans for wood burning stoves. The heat runs the fan with no electricity needed!

[@tomw5vlt119]

Good video, helpful... FYI your cabin needs to clear 100-200’ of trees for fire safety... chainsaw time. PS. Nice cabin!

[@a2cryss]

Your fridge opens the wrong way. You should swap the doors so they open the right way. Should save power too since it would be open less. Also 12 gauge wires would be good for AC but not good for DC at that distance. 12 gauge can only support 10 amps DC at 16 feet. The panels should be Closer (ideal) or the Titan should be at the panels with the AC being run down. Of course the batteries will not like the freezing temps.

[@orowizard1369]

I might have missed it, but, 1. Can you add extra batteries to the Titan 1000? 2. Can you add unlimited solar panels? 3. Is your setup for 12v appliances?

[@minutemanprep]

Good questions. You can add as many batteries as you want and you can add as many solar panels as you want as long as you're within the solar charge parameter of 35-145v and 30a per charge controller (there are 2 charge controllers. Each one will let in up to 1,000w of power)

[@Cockeyed_Den8213]

I love this gen I just wish I had the money for it.

[@minutemanprep]

It is definitely on the higher-priced side of preps/equipment but it's worth every penny. There are also 2 financing options on PoweredPortableSolar.com/ with PayPal Credit and Klarna. Just FYI.

[@woodspirit98]

They finance. $127. Per month. Most people spend more than that on electric bills or toys.

[@Jeff-jg8kj]

Fantastic video. Would be very interested to see how you tie in micro hydro (maybe a PowerSpout??) if you’re able to do that in the future.

[@minutemanprep]

I haven't looked into all the hydro options yet so I will definitely take a look at the PowerSpout.

[@Mike-.]

Nice video! I'd love to have all of those generators on your shelf!

[@minutemanprep]

I'm glad you liked the video. Sadly all those units on the shelf I don't really use that much because they don't even compare to the Titan in reality. It's a nice thought having a lot of them on hand. But in the end, the Titan is the best by a long shot. None of those units on the shelf can do what I'm doing at the cabin with the Titan.

[@willowoodherbals]

tripped across this one today, journey to research total off grid solutions, no matter how much I searched never did I come across the Titan Expandable solar generator, the only thing I would suggests is offering where you got your solar panels how many watts they are and how you could mix 2 different sized panels in one array. Looking at this generator though.. might go with renogy for off grid kit as the warranty is much longer. Am happy to see you were able to string a line so far away, as I have been running that idea around in my head. I hate the on roof.. idea as it is harder to clean and maintain them or adjust if the sun changes in the seasons.. My little shed to homestead is barely over 363 square feet so small compared to what you do.. Simple easy to understand you should be supported.. so many more make this a huge compilation of I am knowledgeable and youre not.. makes it too confusing.. you were on target

[@McDaddy1795]

Really good video on how to set up an off grid power system.

[@minutemanprep]

Thank you!

[@martinfromseacity2010]

Excellent video, easy way to power a small home off grid

[@carriebishop8568]

And I really thought this was going to be for me I'm 63 almost 64-year-old woman and it's just way too complicated for me darn it .I live here in Florida and I just need something to charge my fridge, my fans and my laptop when the grid goes down or hurricanes it's so hot in the house I would have to get a small AC unit . You explain all this so simply too and you are so good at doing these videos but still it's just too many wires too many everything and the power fuse box I have no idea how to hook that up. I wish there was just something very simple for a female to use that can power all this stuff but I guess not.

[@StephaniRyan]

If you put gallons of water in the refrigerator and freezer it will cycle less and save you energy, the fuller they are the less it has to run.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks we've being doing that and it helps a lot.

[@lucastherexcat]

If the Fridge is the largest draw, you need a Horizontal fridge. The cold does not run out the bottom when it is opened.

[@KuptisOriginal]

Do you mean an open-top?

[@lucastherexcat]

@@KuptisOriginal yes,it opens from the top. Look at Iceco

[@theMekanik]

Dude, those solar panels are huge AF 😳

[@asparks8056]

I really like your video. I appreciate how well you explain everything. I like how you are using various sources of energy in the cabin. We are going to have propane as an option, and wood. The solar inversion generator is a must have. We have been looking at which one is best for the money. We have a gas generator, but felt we should look at what a solar generator had to offer, especially because they are quiet. I have subscribed to your channel and liked your video. If you can, please continue to investigate newer, more effective off grid power sources. Thanks so much. I'll be watching.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks for subbing and watching :). I have two new systems that I am testing right now for off-grid work. I'll let you know right now the Titan is still the best one but the other two are pretty good too. Videos to come.

[@Arbutuscoveretreat]

Wow....FANTASTIC job!!!

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks!

[@bluesolarmx]

Huge recommendation: install those cables in metal conduit or rodent resistant conduit, for whatever reason rodens love to eat the cable sheating wich can cause fires...

[@minutemanprep]

Yup. It's all in the plans. Couldn't do that at the time the video was done.

[@reginaldshannon4220]

If you put a few salt water bottles into the freezer freeze them will keep fridge cold longer if the fridge is of

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks for the idea!

[@ive9th]

Really good video. I wish other solar were as useful and practical

[@neeld.5522]

Hey man, nice vid but you need to either lock your auto focus on the camera when recording inside in a small space forcing you to be close to the camera, or stop waving your hands so much. It's causing the auto focus to shift a lot. Can make some folks a bit sick/uncomfortable when watching on a desktop/TV in full screen. Best of luck with the channel.

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks.

[@MikeAndNary]

The only problem that I see in this set-up is if anything goes haywire with the Titan then you go dark. Will be sitting in the dark till you send the Titan out to be fixed and get it back in weeks/months. Yes you may have generators and wood stoves to survive but it just seems to me that a DIY setup would be better. If a component on a DIY setup poops out you can always fix the component i/e fuse, charge controller, breaker, inverter etc. Am I wrong in thinking this way?

[@minutemanprep]

I have two Titans. I also have my own additional backups that I don't show in the video.

[@ia6363]

Yamaha generator, if you could trust it, your fine but they have their issues too, good on fuel, that's one bonus.

[@hawkeye312456]

My dad uses 357 Kw hours of power per month. I am setting up a system of solar which will use 1600 watts of solar panels combined with four 100ah batteries. Will that be enough to run his home which uses an air conditioner, refrigerator, washer dryer and 1 tv?

[@minutemanprep]

There are a lot of factors that come into play. Location, battery chemistry, when a/c and other appliances are being used. To get a rough idea though, 357kwh ÷ 30 days = 11.9kwh per day. The average amount of "solar peak hours" around the US is 5 hours. If you have 1,600w of solar panels, that means you could expect roughly 8,000wh (1,600w x 5hrs) of power production per day. If the 100ah batteries are 12v then you have roughly 1,200wh worth of battery. If they are 48v batteries at 100ah then you'd have 4,800wh of battery. If the batteries are lead-acid then you can only use 50% of that total capacity. If they are lithium-based then you can use 100% of their capacity. I would recommend having at least 12,000wh (12kwh) of battery to make sure you can get through a night and cloudy mornings. Then beyond that you'll need to be able to make enough power during the day to fully recharge the batteries while still running things like the A/C unit. If you have 12,000wh of battery and 5 hours to charge a day (12,000 ÷ 5) You'd need about 2,400w in panels and then a bit more so you can run equipment during the day and fully recharge the batteries. From what I can see without knowing any real specifics the system you've mentioned will not be big enough. It's about 50% of what you need. The Titan has a max solar input of 2,000w so I think you will need something bigger to go completely off grid and keep running things the same.

[@Cotton088]

Regarding a timer on your fridge, you could easily cause failure of your defrost thermostat. They are very sensitive to voltage loss or drop.

[@minutemanprep]

Good to know. Simply filling the fridge with water bottles or food has fixed the problem of it running often. It uses very little power now.

[@blessingsinthemidwest730]

@@minutemanprep do you mean it pulls less power and you don't use the timer?

[@minutemanprep]

@@blessingsinthemidwest730 Correct, the fuller the fridge is with food, ice, or whatever, the more thermal mass it holds, which means the food that is cold also helps keep the entire fridge cold. So having a full fridge uses less power.

[@11385NECO]

Great videos!! Learning a lot from u . Here in New Orleans, a lot outages in hurricane season. So I need to be prepared for next year,. Thank u so much..

[@minutemanprep]

You're welcome. I'm glad you like the videos.

[@taylorphillips5118]

Thank you for the great video. Can you recommend a ground mount?

[@minutemanprep]

Thanks! I'm not sure on a ground mount since I built my own. You might check wholesalesolar.com

[@finscreenname]

You can get a wood stove fan that uses no power if you heaters get warm.

[@minutemanprep]

Yes thank you, I have one now and will likely get another, they work very well.

[@woodspirit98]

Holy cow. I need to put my solar panels 200 feet away and been looking for any kind of help figuring out a system for my tiny CABIN.

[@minutemanprep]

That's great! For any other help you can easily get a hold of me at [e-mail]

[@imacrazyguy5831]

If you want distance, you need to run a 24, 36 or 48 volt setup. Allows smaller awg wires and larger distances due to that.

[@user-tz5uq2bt1s]

All I want for Christmas is a micro nuclear reactor that can power an offgrid home indefinitely.

[@pviveknair]

You got that wrong there. You should keep your refrigerator as full as possible to minimize the air in there. Else all your energy is spent in cooling the air which escapes every time you open it.

[@basedbear1605]

Yes, I told him this too... and am amazed that someone so focused on energy efficiency didn't already know this basic idea.

[@geod3589]

Converting generator to propane is wise move.

[@minutemanprep]

Yup I have that video on my channel too

[@grumpyjohntxredneckrc6346]

Now Get You A 500 to 1000 Watt Wind Turbine Also & Utilize That Stream Water Flow w/Mini-Hydro System! Then Convert Your Gasoline Generater To Run Propane & Build A Wood Gasifier To Run The Gen... Then Put On Solar Water Heating System! LOL Thanks

[@angiepeevy7680]

you help explain things so well. Thank YOU!

[@minutemanprep]

You're very welcome =)

[@ozzieosawamick1712]

I have tried reaching out to you through your email about the titan, and if it is a good choice fore me. When you get a chance, can you respond. Thanks and your videos a are awesome and informative.

[@minutemanprep]

@@ozzieosawamick1712 I will look in my email. I usually respond daily.

[@ozzieosawamick1712]

@@minutemanprep what is the best way to get ahold of you? I have tried both your website and info@powerdportable...

[@minutemanprep]

@@ozzieosawamick1712 Was slammed the last 5 days. I should be back to you tomorrow.