Setting Up Solar Power At Our Off Grid Cabin

Cierra and I finally hooked up the solar at our off grid cabin. Game changer.

[@anthonyleslie6494]

For the chest freezer, a old trick to make sure things didn't thaw out is to put a small glass of water in the freezer, freeze it and place a coin on the top. At a glance, if the coin it on top, you're good. if not, things may be thawed out.

[@margaretbedwell58]

Neat idea.

[@troyfullerton889]

Wow good thinking 🤔 that's just awesome Ty

[@Rays_Bad_Decisions]

I like that!

[@shaunjackson6304]

Brother you got the life. Don't stop living your way.

[@grumpypumpkin1]

You grounded the SHIT out of the cabin - must be 8’ of pipe underground!! I thought it was funny that you calmly explained the grounding. Great videos!! Thanks for sharing the build with us ♥️

[@Crazzilla]

Lmao.. I was thinkin the same

[@dianeconklin6374]

Cierra and Kyle...what a great team! My 9 yr old grandson, Ryan, loves watching your videos with me. You are a wonderful role model, Kyle. When we watch your videos I make a point to him about your work ethic. He admires you and I thank you for that! Blessings to you and Cierra...you are appreciated. Safe and happy adventures to the dynamic duo!😊

[@KYLESCABIN]

Thank you! I’m glad your son enjoys watching the videos! Tell him hi from us

[@ruthrandall2451]

@@KYLESCABIN grandson Kyle...

[@streakofluck]

Kyle You may want to add some power strips to your plugs that have an on off switch and plug your appliances into those. You can use those power strips to turn some of those appliances completely off such as the coffee maker and TV which draw phantom loads to run the sensing electronics in the appliance. This will save a few watts of power a day instead of constantly running and drawing your batteries down.

[@brockm4047]

That's good advice if you don't have any awareness of what your devices are doing. Phantom loads were far more of a problem back when power supplies used transformers. The cost and inconvenience of turning things on and off with power strips usually outweigh the benefit of the often insignificant cost savings now. It's best to go through the house with a watt meter and check each item for its real power draw. You will probably find that only very old devices will be a problem. This will bring awareness to how much your devices actually use so educated decisions can be made. This way you're not wasting time turning things off if they don't actually have a real world power draw. I myself use solar and practice this.

[@caseykelso1]

You're right it's a parasitic draw and that TV set has got to be over a hundred Watts

[@fredbasset1711]

Strongly recommend that you look at a wind charger to supplement the solar. 4000 watt chargers are pretty reasonable on Amazon. You may want to look at 24 volt l.e.d. lights.

[@fishhookedinc]

Starting to come together nicely, y'all are doing a good job.

[@Cookiecrumbles93]

Percolating coffee pot, shit-can the kureg! Nice video, thanks for sharing.

[@marilynmeade2286]

My goodness with solar panels and generator you and Cierra are having comforts of electric without the bills Love Skeeter he is always bouncing and having fun Great job Kyle and before long your homestead will be complete Take care and enjoy your time at cabin and lake see you all soon

[@BigDreams_23]

Started watching from the beginning about a month ago. Very impressed with the solar panel and electric panel work. Excited to keep watching. Can’t wait to be caught up.

[@paulm.6437]

I don’t like being a bearer of bad news, but you should have put felt (preferably 30 lb) down before that metal roofing, so that the warm air in the cabin doesn’t condensate on the bottom of your roofing, during the ice cold winter months, and rain down on you. In 1982, I built a 30’x40’ log house in Northern Canada, and put vertical felt under each row of metal roofing. I never had trouble with condensation raining down. But my cousins built a house across the road from mine, and thought they were smart to go cheap, and put no felt under their metal roof. Condensation rained down on them, until they had enough of “go cheap”, took off the roof, and applied felt, and reroofed with the same roofing.’

[@tucsonguy62]

Yes, you do need a moisture barrier. I made a roof with OSB, then added tyvek then the metal panels. I used 2 x 6 in walls and 2 x 10 for the roof. The added insulation pays off.

[@johnemery9634]

Yes in deed. I'd do osb black paper then your metal. It work well on my cabin . A little more money but it's all done and no problems so far. Been 12 years

[@proehm]

From experience, the little fridge will draw around 500 watt hours a day. My 5 cu ft chest freezer draws about the same in summer (and about half that in winter.) You have around 2400 watt hours of usable power in your batteries (50%) and around 1600 watt hours of daily recharge capability from your existing solar panels. 400 watts * 5 hours * .8 (charge efficiency). That should work pretty for you for now. Don't lose sleep about the coffee pot. 1500 watts * 10 minutes of run time is only 250 watt hours. The important thing to plan around is that after the batteries are charged in the afternoon, you have maybe 300 watts of free electricity for tools, washing machine, etc.

[@KYLESCABIN]

Thank you for the information! That helps a lot

[@pete3028]

This is so helpful, thanks mate!

[@KJVILOVEJESUS]

I do this stuff at my job, I'm an electrician. This is fun to watch.

[@floritapfister8701]

Every Thing looks good??

[@KJVILOVEJESUS]

@@floritapfister8701 from what I'm seeing everything looks right.

[@jtmack77]

Scrap the 'BEAR' mini fridge, put the guts in the styrofoam fridge, forget the ice blocks in summer. Still have vented cooling in winter.

[@juniper9549]

Great idea!!!! 👍👍

[@juniper9549]

@@headsofhiphop root cellar always a good move 👍🇺🇸

[@sandrathomson1084]

Howdy Kyle, Ceirra and Skeeter 👋 Bravo Kyle it's all good 👏👏. Thanks for sharing your hookup with solar. I like your choice because it's simple but efficient and meets your needs. Excited to see what's next. Stay safe and God Bless 🙏✌❤😊

[@larrybell1305]

Nice system. I’m very happy for you to have quiet power. Since it’s been 2 years, you probably already know that you don’t want lead acid batteries gassing inside. The gas hot water heater burner is trouble, even if is on demand. It would be even worse with a pilot light.

[@123marlo]

Solar is the business because once you’ve bought everything that’s it from then on everything else is free and you’ve done really well fixing it all up well done you.👍👏👏👏👏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💪

[@robertphillips93]

Really good stuff, Kyle -- you should be happy with that MPP unit for a long time. There is a section in the settings menu where battery types are selected -- that selection will affect your low battery cutout range. The window AC is a bit of an energy hog -- but it's 4-500 watts well spent!

[@abialo2010]

you can get a external thermostat for chest freezers that make them into a fridge. good for saving power. you should check those out

[@juliesimpson3729]

Wow, I’m impressed by your knowledge in everything you do! So look forward to every episode of your build!

[@ChristianPretorius]

Thanks for this series! Really appreciate you sharing everything!

[@mickelimacmillan3572]

We are really enjoying watching your cabin come to life! Awesome job! Keep up the good work and the GREAT video content!

[@stanleygallman7800]

It's really good seeing the progress that's being made. I trust that the two of you are enjoying the new place more and more with each passing day. Enjoy your adventure, but stay safe.

[@connieroose8210]

Kyle, you are so inspiring to us. Enjoy your wilderness trip and stay safe.

[@josephineflatt74]

Thank you for the up date, enjoyed it. Your cabin is starting to come together nicely.

[@stephenpriebe944]

Y'all are doing a great job on your homestead. I love your channel.

[@kevinwilliamson7294]

When changing the cut off voltage, not sure if this will help, but hold the up or down button to change. Sometimes there is a time delay that has to be met before it will change the settings. Just a thought. Another thought on the solar panels. I would elevate them and have them able to rotate so different seasons you are able to get them in the light better.

[@a.phillips6892]

You are so smart to know how to do all that, congrats on the power system!

[@paulobaronceli]

Like your videos, raw and straight to it. Wish you success with the channel and the homestead.

[@IAM...1111...]

Nice. What a joy since I've been watching since you built the foundation. Coming along just fine. Thanks for sharing

[@gothicshadowstgg]

Hi Kyle, You will soon have all the comforts of home. So impressed with all that you have done. Enjoy you wilderness trip, are you going video any of it? I am glad you mentioned the cabin, I have been wondering about it. Take care.

[@bigbake3306]

I am enjoying and learning from all of your videos . Thats some good livin right there.

[@ehi3398]

I know what you were talking about with the solar confusion. I've been looking into solar myself and sometimes my head is just spinning and I know electric also.

[@rickmave7607]

It is hard to imagine productive and peaceful the same time. Your downloads are really appreciated. Thanks

[@sandfan1]

So glad for you 2. Great job.

[@jason199033]

Excellent video Kyle, I look forward to them, you are a great worker, keep up that excellent work,

[@stevecascaden6345]

Very informative. I would have thought that you would've needed more batteries. Thanks for all the videos you do. I really look forward to watching them.

[@larrymayberry2312]

Congratulations Kyle. You have an awesome place.

[@teddysmith457]

Kyle you’re doing a mighty fine job you’re a smart man thank you for sharing

[@rickneck2857]

All your work is so awesome, i enjoy these videos and im praying for your success, sierra, skeeter etc.. GREAT

[@strategist5278]

I have a off grid cabin and I been looking all over KZbin on how to hook up power to it just want to say thank you and I appreciate the information you have given this is awesome ✌🏾

[@Joeysjourney1977]

You are a kindred spirit my friend. I can’t wait to start my journey. I’m 46, divorced last year. I have two kids 10-16. I’m a Respiratory therapist. I’m going to work every hour I can till I’m living on my own homestead

[@andrewwillis1917]

Stumbled upon your channel Kyle - I live in a town in England and a very different world to your homestead but love your videos. Really inspiring. Great work

[@SandraCrockett]

Really coming along............Thanks for sharing it all with us... We have power, captain!

[@theoldgobbler2461]

First time viewer. I was checking out solar gens and watched ur video. Nice. I'll be checking out u're other videos. ENJOY and keep living the dream. I live S.E. driftless area of God's country in MN.

[@trulyhappy8855]

You’ve done an amazing job. Keep challenging yourself. Never think you know enough, keep watching other craftsman and learning. You’re already a heck of a craftsman, very well done brother.

[@rudyo8409]

Fantastic job " Impressed. Rudy

[@curtallen8129]

Thanks for sharing these videos, I learned a good deal with this one. Just like you, the more I researched the more confused I got. Thanks,and keep up the videos!

[@larrybell4599]

Great video Kyle. i strongly suggest that you rethink installing a propane water heater in the same room as charging batteries giving off hydrogen gas. I don’t want to read about a cabin explosion!

[@jeffstough6043]

I know exactly what you mean about being overwhelmed with information that’s out about the solar options. It’s crazy. Looks like you figured out what will work for you both so good deal all around. Like the content, keep it up!!

[@Citygamelabs]

Great video here my brother! Started watching a few days ago! Super fascinated with the whole solar power off grid and calculating the watts that each appliance pulls! Been watching all your videos in order! Amazing content

[@nancyl3843]

I am so impressed by you. You are so skilled and so young!?!

[@lorrilaque7311]

Great power system, I like the simplicity. Also cool bear claw fridge, that’s a keeper in my book! Thanks for sharing

[@tonyeden8381]

Yeah man…….you scored the life lottery with that guy taking down the resort. So good to see things coming together for you. Be good to see you at the log cabin and out on the lake 🔥👍

[@josephdebes3060]

In one of the videos, you mentioned having to go to a laundromat to wash your clothes. That can be expensive and also time consuming, and a pain in the winter. If you log onto RV world, they have small 6-9 gallons portable clothes washers , (yes they do run on electricity, but not much)…if you REALLY want a non- powered washer, you can buy the one that looks like a tiny cement mixer (can’t remember the brand, bought one for power outages…washes 3-4 shirts with socks and underwear or 2-3 pairs of jeans) The RV model is about the size of a 5 gallon paint can. The new model has 2 speeds for delicate and heavy duty. Does 4-5 shirts and 1-2 pairs of jeans in one load, and the newer version also spins them after wash and rinse. My model for my vacation house only did the wash and rinse( I had to buy a separate high speed laundry spinning dryer the size of a “diaper genie”). Both TOTALED about $220. It won’t fit large blankets or comforters, but it will also wash sheets and pillowcases. They shouldn’t drain too much solar, and I have mine stored outside the shower for quick use Also when you get around to that well, make sure you install an expansion tank (15-20 gallons). You can turn the well pump on, then let the expansion tank fill, then shut your pump off to save electric/solar. You’ll have pressurized water for shower/dishes etc with minimal well pump draw on your battery You guys really ROCK!

[@teyyet2004]

Awesome videos Kyle, keep em coming. I took the electrical trade and just a suggestion to put 2 ground rods 6ft apart with #6 copper wire one continuous loop. Unless you plan to put in a new service from the grid.

[@tomgrantham9992]

You are one KOOL dude. Nice work on the electrical set up. Good environmentally sound thinking.

[@MarkDeKruyter]

Thanks for sharing Kyle.

[@cliffordfreeman7829]

Outstanding work Kyle.Being self sufficent/independent is a major thing the way things are now,great job.

[@desireelivemore823]

Well done young man I am impressed with all your knowledge. Keep learning I am really enjoying your video. GOD BLESS love from New Zealand. Jobs well done.

[@carolaustin123]

So happy for you guys. Well done another job ticked off.

[@stevediduck9963]

Glad to see everything is going good for you. Look forward to you canoeing excursion. Hope you Video that. Steve

[@Larry-325]

Awesome job Kyle. All in one is the way to go. There is nothing wrong with simple. Solar has so many options👍👍👍

[@franceshenry2239]

Kyles you are very knowledgeable. Hello Skeeter.be safe.❤💗

[@jasonborn867]

Great job Kyle and a huge congrats on getting the homestead up and running. You deserve that time off on your trip and really hoping you'll include a fish catch and cook. I'm already finding ripe blueberries in the U.P. now so they should be ready for ya too. Have fun and again GREAT JOB!

[@WatchesBeAwesome]

My wife and I are looking at homesteading in the UP. How do you like it? How arr Michigan's laws and regs regarding homesteading?

[@jmcova23]

Amazing, enjoy watching your videos wishing you guys all the best on the build 🤙🏼 from San Antonio Texas 🤘🏼

[@mikefoss4962]

Awesome job!! Keep up the good work.

[@jennifergraham612]

Very impressive to see you build your own electronic system. It's coming together.

[@mictaylor9531]

Awesome as always Kyle - thanks 👌🏻

[@paulsccna2964]

Stay safe. Love the homestead. And, the key is, keep it simple.

[@teresafriend1733]

This is one smart kid.

[@Pashanny824]

Wow! You’re doing amazing.

[@christinemccarthy2197]

It looks great, love the place

[@sandravanlankvelt7975]

How exciting POWER so happy for you!!! Enjoy a few quiet days just to relax lol.

[@dougmiller8099]

Looks good Kyle. Congratulations.

[@fagetaaboutit3889]

Great job! Thanks for sharing!

[@mariafongoul]

Hi Kyle, Wow the solar is up and running that’s great news. Things are really moving a long nicely. Your hands have really taken a beating.

[@carolynsilvers9999]

Thanks for showing how solar is set up. I wondered how its grounded. Now I know.

[@jamescarid3448]

Great progress. Keep an eye out for a good deal on Lithium batteries. Used ones are available. Cheers.

[@d.j.robinson9424]

Great job Kyle, you explained everything perfectly with the solar. I hope MPPT fixes your inverter display; personally I would design options display for color and brightness, with individual changes for a better readout, Wi-Fi and data app for your phone for adjustments and monitoring...the place looks Awesome, maybe cut some trees for a bigger solar view, consider some citronella tiki torches for outside ambience. Really looking forward to the kayak adventure. 👍🖒💚🙏🙌

[@BigPineOffGrid]

Thanks for sharing! I am doing a similar setup with a growatt all in one 24v so this is super helpful reference when I go to install.

[@leighmonty13]

Cabin looks great 👍

[@BS.-.-]

You wont want the low voltage shut off at 23v. That setting will be reading the voltage at a load, so a decent sized load and semi low batteries the loaded battery voltage could drop even below 21v. You really need to get a battery monitor with a shunt. A decent one looks to be about $60-70 on amazon.

[@robertphillips93]

Yes -- in other words, voltage measurements are only a very rough measurement of battery capacity (this includes the state of charge indicated by the LED readout on the all-in-one). A shunt with meter measures actual wattage consumed and stored during charging, so you know when the battery has truly reached, say, 50% DOD. But if you don't mind checking and rechecking voltage and temperature levels a lot, you should be able to avoid serious damage to your batteries. Some people just allow for more frequent replacement, or upgrade to lithium iron phosphate down the road . . . and those are getting cheaper every year.

[@aday1637]

I'm on my 3rd hybrid all in one solar charge controller/inverter unit. The first 2 just quit. These are sensitive and even static in the air can trash them. So keep an extra on hand. Batteries are pretty much fool proof though as are the panels. I actually found a 120/240 volt all in one this time and it runs welders etc. I also replaced my lead acid batts with lipo4 lithium batteries. Well worth the cost. With solar, the more the merrier is the theme to keep in mind. We also purchased several EcoFlow power stations for portable power and as backup. You can charge them with a/c, generator, solar or car power outlets.

[@drjcwardjr]

Looks like you are making good progress…and doing good work! It is important to have skills!😎👍

[@ChrisTaylor-dm7nq]

Love your vlogs. You are an amazing couple! House coming along great. Rememberwhat theysay, new house, new baby.

[@piddy3825]

another thing you can do is place a couple of mirrors to reflect light onto the panels. it's a little trick that I learned that helps to concentrate more light onto the face of the panels making them more productive during those times when they aren't getting direct sunlight, especially in the morning.

[@ebanks6519]

So glad you went solar. Very cool.

[@tonyworrall7379]

Good job Kyle.

[@scottboyne8305]

Good job Kyle. Very nice

[@mikemcgown6362]

Seeing you connect your inverter and batteries and then checking things out before you connect to the solar panels makes sense. Limits things to check if there was a problem. No problems, so onward, HO! You can always add more panels if 400 watts isn't enough, but since you keep it simple you probably won't have to. Thanks for sharing the information! Good to see a young man using his head. Have fun on your trip! Looking forward to more videos!

[@jawaring]

I’m running my shop building with one of those MPP all in one boxes with some battle born batteries. And yes, it’s easier to change the settings on those control units through a laptop with the watch power software. Cool setup and love watching the build!

[@homefreeacres1791]

Great job young man.I used those same batteries from batteries plus but i kept it 12 volt for now.I used 8 of those batteries 2 each together for a 4 cell system at 12 volts.230 amp hr baterries together at 6 volts each still stayed 230 amp hrs but at a greater discharge rate,seems to work well with a 520 watt 2 panel system.You did not go over price yet which can be important beginners.I really like your channel and will continue to support it!Best Wishes!

[@prebensrensen9144]

No sparks, no smoke - IT WORKS !!!

[@troyfullerton889]

I'm happy I found your Channel a lot of the stuff I already know but it's always good to see somebody else's point of view on things I'm going to be moving up by Superior on my mom and dad's property going to build me something off grid I have got a lot of the stuff already cuz I was doing van life for a little while I think I'm going to build a hobbit hole I'm 50 years old been divorced for two and a half years now kid just turned 18 not too long ago thinking I'm going to go up there and halfway retire

[@charruza]

It's really coming together quickly now! Amazing to think that was a raw piece of land a few months ago!

[@barktwid7057]

I just installed a 400w system at my off grid cabin. I mounted the pannels on the roof edge so that snow would slide off and I had to remove less trees. The pannel are angled down with the roof pitch but still look good and work great. I also added a 100w pannel (separate charge controller) under the eves so if the snow covers the pannels or there is a failure I still have enough power to keep my batteries healthy when I am not there. The 100w idea come from a neighbor that froze some batteries when his pannels became snow covered.

[@shanemac5366]

Kyle wants his solar panels facing south. His roof's pitch is east/west. Attaching his panels to the roof defeats his view of optimal sunlight.

[@barktwid7057]

@@shanemac5366 You're not picking up what I'm laying down. I admit my description is week though.

[@fsworldfamous7914]

Oh man your killing it bro! Great work man!

[@wzars]

Great work. Enjoy your channel.

[@deraldwilliams8940]

You are the MacGyver of the 21st century!!! Awesome channel and a very nice cabin.