Our SOLAR powered Homestead | OFF-GRID solar system tour

[@RunawayMattCass]

Shop Solar Links ☀ Your Perfect System: shopsolarkits.com/pages/solar-kit-sizing-tool?ref=MattandCass. Our System: shopsolarkits.com/collections/ogk-off-grid-kits/products/complete-all-in-one-solar-kit-ogk-plus?ref=MattandCass (2x Panels) DISCOUNT CODE: RUNAWAY

[@williamshaven8289]

A word of advice from someone who has built out cell tower enclosures, use three fireproof sections in your power shed. Use one for the battery, one for electronics and one for the generator. In case of a battery fire, it's a good idea to not have all your eggs in one basket. Love your channel.

[@RunawayMattCass]

that is an awesome idea we can definitely consider that as a future upgrade! thanks for hanging around 😀

[@George-nn8ui]

Yeah I’m going with micro systems., 2-3 solar generators ideally one for each of our Ekodomes lastly one for our Chevy volt which has a smaller battery to charge up.

[@BigPapa657]

I love your setup. I built an off-grid system for my in-laws in Michigan. It had 20 x 290 watt panels, 2 Midnite Vlassic 150 charge controllers, a Magnum Energy MS4448-PAE 48V 4400W (8500W peak) Inverter/Charger plus the best item, the ME-AGS (auto generator starter). We could specify a voltage level or % of charge and once hit, the AGS would send a signal to the generator to start it. It would charge the batteries and auto shut off. It could be set for a time, voltage target, or % of charge to send signal to shut off. I built it in 2017 and battery options like yours were much more expensive then. We went with 4 forklift lead-acid 12V batteries. Each weighed about 300 lbs. Overall the system worked really well. The generator we used was a Generac 7500W whole home. What was nice is it worked with the AGS and didn't need a shed for itself. It is weather rated. 500 gal propane tank would run that genny for 2 weeks I believe. But we never needed long term charging, just enough to charge the batteries. Never more than 1-2 hours at a time. We had a nice shed for the electronics and batteries but with lead-acid ventilation is important. Also, consider heat options for the batteries during winter. Charge capacity drops a lot with cold weather. I'm here in Knoxville area now. I'm looking for land to do our own off-grid homestead. Keep up the good work!

[@russell7489]

If u aren't using lithium ion phosphate ie we don't burn batteries you need to learn to do your research better. It's a power stg standard for homes because they are safe generator should be in adjacent structure & yes fire proofed inside so u don't ignite woods fields etc on a dry hot summer day ....

[@armourofgod6310]

@@russell7489 Do you mean Lithium iron? Lifepo4?

[@traci635]

I love how you are enjoying your life off grid. The simple lifestyle is so rewarding. Thank you for sharing your journey on your beautiful property

[@RunawayMattCass]

thank you for following along! it really means so much. off grid feels right to us!

[@carpman_here8133]

If there is one thing I’ve learned about Matt over the last three years it’s that he will research the hell out of anything he does. Absolute confidence in you that this project was done correctly and will exceed all your expectations. Hope you did go fishing. Lol. Stay safe and love ya.

[@frankdank7439]

Like that tiny house? that was next level.

[@lanarenz4559]

I can’t say enough how cute you two are. Soooo positive. I believe that is what makes it so fun to watch you two. I’m so glad that your homestead and your rv and your solar stuff and everything you do is going good for you. My hope is to see you just get farther into your plan with great luck. It’s hard to wait for your next video. I have gone back to all of your videos. Much love to you both. Lana

[@LeRoy-t4e]

You two are a very positive and happy couple. Building your life together the way you want it to be, and in a location somewhere very close to paradise. Tennessee is too hot for me. I live in western Wisconsin. My Viking DNA loves it here. My girlfriend and I are doing something similar to what you have going on. You're very inspirational. Please keep it up. You are on the right track. And it's a beautiful day 😊

[@iiinsaiii]

I’m worried about when the tress start to get leaves. You can see shadows of branches on the solar. You might have to take care of those trees later. Nice build

[@simpleoffgridlife]

Awsome!! Just got my 28 ft camper with one slide out.. Still trying to get things in order to get my off grid property in Tennessee. Goal is to have this camper covered and a big floor level porch with a full size washer and dryer outside also full size fridge and deep freezer. I want that to be my get away spot, home away from home. I want completely off grid system from water to electricity.! You guys are awesome and keep at the goal! 🤙🏻

[@RunawayMattCass]

Ah that is so awesome! We are hoping to have a washer setup here soon! Best of luck on the property! Maybe we'll be neighbors! Haha. Appreciate the support!!!

[@simpleoffgridlife]

@@RunawayMattCass no problem anytime!!

[@gregorykucera4235]

Wow what a great set up I have 900 watts of 12 volt but I will never be able to do much more cause the money isn't there but it is what it is, Thanks for the great video.

[@ronneglia2292]

Nice system. It sounds like it should keep you with consistent power.

[@RunawayMattCass]

So far so good! It has been so nice not having to think about power all of the time. Thanks for the support!!!

[@bubbaredneck75]

ive lived in the mountains of tn. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THATS HOLY......GROUND THE BEJESUS OUTTA THAT SHED AND SYSTEM PLUS YER PANELS

[@RunawayMattCass]

funny you mentioned that we have already worked on some grounding and getting the final supplies tomorrow!

[@vonheise]

@@RunawayMattCass Few know that their houses have a ground rod, campers, power sheds, generators and anything that produces electric power or could be struck by lightening should be connected to a copper or copper coated ground rod at least 3' into the ground.

[@wb1340]

@@vonheise Two 8' driven ground rods spaced a minimum of 6' apart is the preferred method of grounding the meter socket. The electrical panel is grounded to the incoming cold water pipe (if copper) and the rebar in the foundation. But if you suffer a direct lightning strike nothing is going to save you.

[@xfiledno9195]

My God , that system must of cost so much money. Must be nice .

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

I homestead in North Texas and I have an energy trick. As a hobby, I make small engines that run on compressed air and turn an electric generator. I use a $30 12-18 V solar PV panel to run a tiny compressor, which stores the energy in an "air battery" (big air tank). When I need electricity, I use stored compressed air and make it - ac or dc any voltage. All for less than $100.

[@PrecioustheMovie1]

VERY cool

[@rossallen738]

How much power do you get from that "air battery"? Why not just charge a battery?

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

@@rossallen738 I get all I want. I build engines fueled by compressed air (some by steam). Besides, I'm autistic and revel in being different.

[@rossallen738]

@@WhatDadIsUpTo that's awesome! I was just curious what the efficiency was.

[@WhatDadIsUpTo]

@rossallen738 That's a good question. I have no idea. It's more of a hobby interest to me. It works, but then, I've built air engines and generators for nearly 60 years. I fly 13 windmills on my farm, have PV-electric compressors here & there and keep 2,000 gallons of compressed air on hand.

[@alfredmisterka5880]

Congratulations on your new solar power

[@gerrierichardson7127]

Nice Solar system set up. Appsolutely great.

[@michaelferguson7735]

Wow so happy for you guys

[@RunawayMattCass]

thanks so much! it is a huge step!!!

[@SarahStuff-p5u]

Got 2.1kw of panels up, produces tops 1.7kw, and got 10kw of batteries 48v, been running my gas furnace/fridge, 3pc's and router modem...Tv and dvd 24hrs a day now...got the grid as a backup...just save wash for sunny days and it is gold. Ran a tad over 5k bucks, for a "Backup" generator that tosses me free power gotta say happy camper.

[@NovaBill6264]

Awesome video God Bless you and your family

[@Mewsielynx]

Sweet set up ! 😊❤😊

[@RunawayMattCass]

Thank you!!! it feels so good to have it up and running

[@16CENTS561]

Questions, how long will the wood last in your climate? How long will the solar panals last? And how much maintenance is required? Just curious. Im facinated by your channel ❤❤

[@RunawayMattCass]

Thank you so much!!! The wood is all ground contact rated pressure treated wood. I can't say for sure how long it will last but it should hang in there for a while. It was a great budget start up build that should give us some good time before it needs to be replaced. The panels have a 25 year performance warranty. From the looks of their chart, it shows that they should still operate at around 85% of their capacity at the 25 year mark. Maintenance will really all depend on if anything goes wrong. If it doesn't, it's basically just cleaning and paying enough attention from time to time to identify if something seems off. Cheers!

[@16CENTS561]

Thank you! I am thoroughly enjoying you both! As well as learning so much!

[@ejsocci2630]

Friggin awesome 👏🏻 I enjoy your videos.

[@WizzRacing]

I like people that put in the time, labor and effort to do it themselves. They learn a new skill. Do that everyday. You will have learned 365 new skills in a year. I still would add a fire ext everywhere it might be needed. I have one within arms reach where it might be needed.

[@LuisDiaz-ms5rm]

Just started to watch your channel and I love you guys keep up the hard work and the great videos God bless you both!

[@kummerleo7655]

A Tip from Switzerland pur a Wind Generator on your system and make a Triple system one solar the second Diesel Generator an third a Windgenerator White a Automatic Power Switch to Change the Power source

[@Unholy-Force]

Mans got that Cro-Magnid rizz livin tha fuckin life god bless.

[@bobholland9924]

The generator is going to rot all the rubber hoses of before you ever have. To use it again. That battery is massive . You could probably go for weeks with bad sum and not need that genorator.

[@RunawayMattCass]

Hoping that is the case! we are definitely excited to have a battery of this size!

[@bobholland9924]

@@RunawayMattCass you'll still have those batteries when your old and gray. 😎

[@danielmcneely1579]

We’re in the same boat but not by choice, so we’ve been winging it. We’ve had to rely on a generator quite a bit. We learned that back up generators are not warranted for off grid use. The only one we found was the Generac eco gen. It cost a pretty penny, but it was a game changer. Things are settling down so I’m going to start expanding my system, and it’ll end up the same size as yours.

[@muleb384]

Deep, deep future project: if you made a gassifier, it can run a generator that can charge your batteries using wood as fuel. That would remove the dependence on gasoline.

[@Jetiexperte]

Awesome! Hope with the panels that close to the trees, they will not get shade in high summer when the sun goes up and down behind it and will stay north quite a while.

[@dropshot1967]

As for the winter/summer orientation of the solar panels. Because there is more sun (so more solar electricity) in the summer anyways, I would have put my panels in the winter optimized angels, because that is the time you have the greatest chance to have a shortage of solar generation. Something to consider if/when you expand your installation.

[@muleb384]

The weather this year has been wonderful for getting all this work done outside! I fear we'll pay in ticks and mosquitoes this summer :)

[@alfheib]

I have an idea s suggestion two lower your use of a generator even more.. anime help in the winter time when there's less sun to make up power it's a wind turbine.. there's a couple different ones out there there's the new ones that you can look like fan blades.. The wanted impressed me was the one that looks like a flower.. the way it is designed it will not let the turbine overclock.. meaning you don't have to put the brake on or free spin.. as I said this is only a suggestion.. good luck on your power system

[@davidpotter9462]

You have three times as much as me. I have sixteen one hundred watts panels and a wind generator. I'm in Oklahoma where it's windy a lot. I was using twenty marine batteries, but I have three 24 v 100 ah lithium iron phosphate batteries now, and I'll get one more before summer. I used sixteen of the deep cycle batteries on the 12 v. wind generator they sent me when I ordered a 24 volts one last spring. I have been off the grid four years, starting year five now. I'm using two 2000 watts inverters. I have more power than I can use for now, surely you will have enough. I'm staying in my uncle's barn, it was too far from the power pole to get much power, so I have my own.

[@wb1340]

Running an A/C on battery is going to drain the battery pretty quick. If it's a full sun day that will help prolong the run time but A/C's are a decent load for a battery system.

[@wadeprior5203]

Good morning 🌄🌄🌄 how do you spell snowing today I hope for everything is going good but I hope you'll be able to get into that cap and eventually but the get into the cabin eventually but I don't know when you've been able to do but all right you folks have a great day and enjoy life just pray everyday❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ewaldvanderbiezen5892]

Your system sufers from shading from the tree🇦🇼🤙

[@Mark-hb5zf]

Very impressive setup. But one thing I always raised an eyebrow over are the solar panels on the end of your wooden frames . There's the only support from the horizontal lumber? Any plans to maybe add diagonal supports on the ends, going down to the posts going into the ground? Not sure what kind of wind gusts you get there. Just curious on my end. I'm not sure if any flexing of the solar panel frame would cause damage to the panels. Keep up the good work!

[@RunawayMattCass]

Thank you so much! Yes so in most of the scenarios the combination of the wood at the ends and the structure of the solar panel frame itself is plenty of support BUT there was a day that we got unusually gusty winds and it flexed a little more than I am comfortable with I do plant to connect the ends with on board going down and then mounting a single support beam into the ground from the center point. With that additional support, I'm very comfortable with it. Appreciate the support!!!

[@devinebucklin7509]

You will never need the generator. Unless you run a hot tub in winter and run an ac constantly. With that much solar you could easily double-triple your battery capacity. I’m living on 6kwh battery 400W solar. Can’t charge my car and use gym for showers but with your system could do it all

[@GBuds_RVremodel]

Im really enjoying your updates. I'm 73 retired and living in my 30' travel trailer. Cobbling together a system and about ready to start putting the puzzle pieces together. I'm looking for a small place to lease for this last chapter of my adventure. Know anyone with extra space?

[@andreab5865]

Great video guys

[@vonheise]

I have seen so many overblown solar commercial videos, with a lot of big adjectives and smoke with little knowledge. It is refreshing to have an actual explanation of past and present experience and future plans. However some might want to know whether you have lithium ion or lithium iron batteries or if the built in charge controller has a built in heater so the batteries will still charge in very low temps. If the batteries are lithium ion, you will be revisiting this in about half the time of Lithium iron phosphate and due to being an unhappy camper at that point, probably at your own expense. Just things to pass on to others concerning Shop Solar and how to compare prices.

[@ahbuildingafarm]

Did you pass the final Tennessee State inspection. Looking for tips on passing that in Tennessee. We are just north of you near Athens TN. We need same off grid power but the state codes are not clear to me

[@tirtowijarso7189]

I live on the equatorial country where sunlight is strong enough to make boiling water at 10 minutes using cardboard solar cooker , but solar panels are expensive not so popular for personal use

[@sash328]

I love when hippies become farmers 🙂

[@kyanumarmahimon2258]

Is it good or bad idea to keep battery,charge controller,inverter in a separate air conditioning room to maintain cool temperature?? Most of the time heat reaches 36,37C here.

[@evertking1]

Got a setup like that but would like to add another battery down the road. People say not to add a new battery to a used one. What's do you think?

[@AB-so3jv]

nice system!!!!!

[@johncarman5207]

love it

[@mobiltec]

That's huge. Bet a system like that probably cost around $10 o $12k????

[@RunawayMattCass]

it feels so good to have it up and live! the kit with half the panels is around $6500 including the extra panels I believe it runs between 9 -10k we have a link to the kit in our description!

[@davidstevens7809]

You are losing alot because of voltage drop at that distance..also..with low voltage dc you quickly ruin the power rails..yes even with large guage copper. Concidering the temp and humidity swings in tennessee the wire quickly turns brown.. the secret is.raise voltage as much as possible for the long run. My answer is a trick to efectively lower the resistance.. and the answer isnt taught.. i suggest putting first bank next to panels.. then after the long run connect to main bank.. that will reduce cable temp..and also voltage drop loss

[@MikeOrazzi]

Some good info. Thank you. We're in the very early stages of possibly doing something like this. The best spot for sun is about 200 feet from the current house location. So I'm thinking that may be too far. Thoughts?

[@bellaforyou6061]

Every time I see this guy I think of Rocky Dennis. (Mask 1985)

[@xXProtozoaXx]

Are you in East TN? I live a little North of Chattanooga and am looking at doing something similar.

[@terrymau6402]

So how much is that system? How long battery last 😊

[@ronco7596]

What about a dryer for drying clothes?

[@RunawayMattCass]

We plan to just run a washer in the beginning. We know many people who run dryers on their solar setup with no issues but we will air dry in the beginning.

[@ursodermatt8809]

he is running the system ONE and a HALF weeks? and makes an opinion how it runs long time? dense clouds can reduce output to 0%. though not the whole day probably.

[@snupi_nut]

You left out the most important thing to life . No water ,no you .

[@Loan--Wolf]

they need to send me one i will make a series from it

[@leehyde6610]

5x that wattage Because billy boy gates is blocking sunshine!!!

[@anthonygasparini1734]

So, is your 30 amp circuit supplying 30 amps at 220V ?

[@putinscat1208]

"any water source" Were you just grabbing random hoses from businesses?

[@CareyTarbox]

It is snow out here were I am living it was really nice for a couple of days before we got the snow I hope everything is going well for the guys I would love to live like that

[@marieantoinette3451]

Cost to set up your solar system in total?

[@oscarverduzcojr.5687]

How many hours can you run your A/C on your rv ?

[@russell7489]

First off bravo for you lots of hard work you're young 30 yrs hard work will give you a wonderful homestead as it did settlers 200 yrs ago. Is solar array enuf YES it's your loads you'll need to manage. It's enuf to ignite a gas stove / heater / hot water, run a micro water pump w a tiny gallon at a time water filet sm refrig led lites. Get enuf battery that y don't have to get up 3 am to start generator refuel it etc . Overall u need to buy some advice or stop you tubing. Buddy up w a good GC or architect. You have cool waterfall to trade for info. Maybe find one by going to church talking to minister about people in area who might help struggling people ... Before u do a bit about a problem find the solution you want to do so you don't expose yourself to anyone w an axe to grind against you. Wether yu do or don't always say we are going to follow all codes. You're can trailer storage shed What a mess. It's nice to see you opted to TEMPORARILY " GO GLAMPING " to enjoy the best of camping & having more room, elec, be able to move w the seasons etc still being able to have st head out for a "camping vacation" In my state it's illegal to live in a camper silly reason. Too easy to rid yourself of sewerage by running a hose to a gully!!!! Like anyone would crap on their own doorstep. Ha ha. Someone suggested storing trailer under a parking shelter, a roof on legs. Great idea Freezing water & UV tough on anything I'd offset it from your storage shed, like two rectangles next to ea other then offset so say it just lines up w porch on shed. On a rainy day you can get from shed to camper to work on projects w/o getting wet. Who knows some say u enc parking structure pour a slab naje it addition to storage shed If there is elec in shed & it's a code issue, take off all switches receptacles , get electric to "install" &:file iw SOB For your shed in tornado country, not a lot but big risk. Get footing under it tie down w hurricane straps. Set some concrete blocks 18;inches in front edge in a little trench to hold them in when conc added. Get some alum fl 4 inches wider than grade beam. Bend edges down install between ground & shed, right under shed as termite shield. Outer form for conc 2x 10! Shovel concrete & rock under pushing in untill it hit CB. Add rebar &:WWM

[@larryjanson4011]

if you have to ask. then double it.

[@ravenbloodommo]

yea I think that kit is roughly $9000.00

[@bonnieplastow7018]

❤

[@RunawayMattCass]

thanks so much for following along!

[@hdjohnk]

✌️❤️🍻

[@RunawayMattCass]

cheers friends!!

[@adriannicholson8819]

😀

[@roberthill4239]

You guys payed to much for your battery just buy cells and put your own together. And you will need around 90killowatts of battery storage. All said and done

[@CareyTarbox]

I love watching your videos and I think that you guys are really cool people

[@Robertrls01]

Why can't i get a bunch of free expensive stuff to just sit around and do nothing all day but sit around filming while the rest of us have to go to work everyday just to buy ramen noodles for dinner.

[@RichMunnichKaraokeGuy]

You aren't generating electricity at all with solar collectors. All you are doing is harvesting electricity. It's like a rain gutter. The batteries are the rain barrels.

[@CareyTarbox]

How long does it take to get the batteries fully charged and how long do they last if you don't have any sun and what all can you run off of them