A SIMPLE OFF GRID CABIN SOLAR SYSTEM THAT ANYONE CAN BUILD AND AFFORD. DIY Simple Solar Installation

Showing a very simple solar panel installation that anyone can do an afford.
Homesteading off the grid and on the mountain certainly has its challenges but there's no place we'd rather live. We restored the old camp and transformed it into a cozy home for ourselves, then we cleared more land, built a workshop and greenhouse and spent the late part of the winter starting seeds and now we're busy planting our first garden on the mountain. Little by little we're reaching our goals of having a self sufficient homestead.
Link to RENOGY 200AH BATTERY: amzn.to/3rV6ZMg
Link to Solar Book: amzn.to/2PUzNXf
Link to GRAPE SOLAR 400 WATT SOLAR PANEL KIT: amzn.to/30GWu3r
Link to 410 watt inverter: This inverter has changed a little in design from when i bought mine: amzn.to/3qIQ4Lu
LINKS TO ALL THE ITEMS, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT THAT WE USE CAN BE FOUND IN ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION. FIND LINKS BELOW:
Homesteading Must haves: www.amazon.com/shop/thebossof... and Our Amazon Affiliate Link: amzn.to/2CZhNSs
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
FOR MORE CONTENT AND READINGS FROM MY PERSONAL MEMOIRS, COME JOIN OUR FRIENDLY CABIN LIFE COMMUNITY ON PATREON: / bossoftheswamp
View my PENCIL DRAWINGS and Enjoy our FREE RECIPES and PHOTO ALBUM at the FRIENDS OF FRANKIE AND THE BOSS page: frankieandtheboss.wixsite.com...
On my channel you will find videos pertaining to homesteading, gardening and living off the grid with fun DIY projects for self-reliance and SHTF emergency preparedness situations, with some campfire cooking and good old backwoods humor thrown in. Sharing knowledge and stories from over 30 years of living in the woods.
All video content is protected by copyright. Any unauthorized reproduction or posting will be subject to a users fee. Copyright JC Desclos 2017 All rights reserved.

[@452trucker]

It just blows my mind when I see a number of "thumbs down" on your videos, because I know you have put a lot of time & energy into them and the "catchy song" at the end just tops it all off. I find myself singing it as I drive down the road. What's not to like? Just rude people I think!

[@BK-oo1bl]

I think those people don’t have anything better to do than be negative I’ve watched boss for long time and has always had good down to earth educational videos

[@triumphmanful]

feel sorry for them. They are probably stuck in a crappy job , live in a crappy place and have to deal with crappy people every day. We are so thankful that we have some land, fresh air, a small garden, and our health & happiness. Praise the Lord. We thank him at every dinner meal. Amen.

[@EM-df6mo]

Josey, I agree 100% with you. These videos aren't just instructional they are definitely entertaining.

[@aWomanFreed]

They’re obviously communists.

[@tomhdk]

Fortunatly we cant see them anymore :)

[@ironwolfusa]

This video, by far, was the simplest method for installing a small solar system that I've seen so far. You da man!

[@cindystevenson9669]

Agreed!

[@alanj7306]

That’s why he’s the BOSS!!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you liked it!

[@ssfoste]

I always like it when some one makes something one thinks is complicated and makes it simple. Thanks Boss

[@leonarddavis3112]

Yes I agree. I think people who make things seem complicated aren't really trying to teach/help you.

[@beverlyrobertson6796]

THANK YOU.

[@kodyrowen1131]

Instablaster.

[@rickgreen9936]

I have no idea why I've been intimidated by solar. After watching this, no excuses. Thank you

[@jacksimper5725]

Finally I`ve seen how it`s all hooked up simply .Thanks

[@nordicstarhomestead7314]

Every time my phone goes off with an update for a KZbin video, by boys are hollering 'is that the boss's video Ma? They always hope to see Tilldy and Frankie.... but sit through anything you talk about.. lol they are after their dad to build a greenhouse like yours! Lol thanks again boss! As always, we learned something!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Good luck with your greenhouse :-))

[@TonyGeneseo]

Great video and something I’ve been considering ! My wife thinks I am completely freakin crazy walking around singing Frankie and the Boss after your videos !! Lmao. Take care

[@SilentStudioExplores]

i appreciate that you "didn't make a video on how to do something you didn't know how to do yourself." i question a lot of howto videos... im like this is for sure his first time doing this. its nice when they say it upfront. maybe if you filmed it, say up front that it's your experience learning to install them so it's less of a howto and more of a blog on your experience.

[@AutoCrete]

Great video on installation of a simple and small system. One bonus you didn't mention is, by elevating you panels a little off the roof you allow the warm/hot air to vent from under the panel, keeping your panels cooler. Cooler panels are more efficient than warmer/hotter panels so you generate higher voltages from your solar panels.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Great point and thanks for commenting :-)

[@AutoCrete]

@@thebossoftheswamp Probably more than you want to know but my MPPT charge controller (Outback MX-60) can take 100 volts up to 60 amps of input. Using 24V panels I was going to run strings of 3 panels in series. The output of each panel is very near 33 volts. On a really cold winter day with snow on the ground (reflected light) and the sun at just the right angle it is unlikely but still possible to exceed 100V with three panels in series. This would let the 'magic smoke' out of the charge controller making for a very expensive day. Sorry about the complexity of this explanation, I hope you get it. I'd comment more but don't want to appear pompous. Thanks for your really great videos.

[@versatec1]

For a long time i was never sold on solar..now I have it I wouldnt be without it😊👍

[@AutoCrete]

Things have improved a great deal even in the last 15 years. The cost of solar panels has dropped a great deal and the panels are better too!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

You're not kidding. It's very affordable now :-))

[@abbe1abbe156]

This is the simplest video I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deerdud6009]

Does this guy realize how smart he really is? Wow D frikin tailed. 👍

[@terryporche9059]

Always enjoy your videos JC. Stay safe and God Bless my friend. Until the next one.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

God Bless :-)

[@bobk.1428]

Great video! Thanks!

[@tjinnes]

Glad its all working our for you Boss. Simple and cheap! Way to go.

[@augustreil]

Who else sings the song at the end of the video ? I do, every time !!

[@brentrobinson6956]

Ya gotta sing at the end of the video . . State Law lol

[@augustreil]

@@brentrobinson6956, I bet it is !

[@notmyfield5391]

Yup...its a thing that just happens to everyone!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I'm singing as I type :-)

[@greyman5590]

Excellent video! God bless you too!

[@jeffgrier8488]

That certainly seems simple enough, thanks for the video!

[@taylieghlopez3154]

Thanks for your insight and wisdom

[@teresatillery7501]

During the recent snow storms in Texas, so many lost power for days! My daughter and son-in-law were in their little solar powered cabin living the life, but almost feeling guilty that they were so comfortable, when so many others were not!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I feel the same about everyone getting worked up over stuff they see on social media. We stay away from all that and just enjoy our days ;-))

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

Boss, I gotta say the solar power on my off grid cabin was a wonderful addition. Like you, just a couple of lights and charging small devices is about all we do but it's nice to have. I bought mine piece meal from Missouri Wind and Solar about 3 years ago. They have (had?) some informative how-to videos on their website. And, like you, I found some PT scraps in the pile and built a frame for the panel. Harvesting rain water, making your own electricity, burning your own firewood....all very satisfying. Thanks for all your great ideas and suggestions and encouragement over the last few years. I think your winter solitude video (the month you spent alone at your upstate NY cabin) was the biggest inspiration for me. Reminded me of why I do what I do. Enjoy every moment and live life on your own terms. A great message. Hope you are well and God bless. Tom

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I wouldn't trade this lifestyle for anything. It's physical and demanding but rewarding beyond words. Life is what you make of it :-)) God Bless.

[@danshively9960]

Very simple, easy and concise.

[@tamelatoggle2897]

oh goody ! this feeds right into our very first 80 degree day , talk about charged up ! ol hoss is dancing Tennessee walking ,flexing his muscles in the warm sunshine . flapping and clapping his new shoes 🐎 oh wait ...back in the 50's and rain tomorrow.☔ well it won't be long and we all will be tap dancing into spring time🌱 🐝 lawn chair Long neck's in the greenhouse are a pretty good distraction till then. have a great week 🍻

[@michelleweatherspoon8087]

Thank you so much. This is very self explanatory.

[@woodspirit98]

Yup. Yankee ingenuity and common sense. We are seriously blessed. Thanks.

[@gowest5145]

Thanks for your information. I will be watching this again.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aldoovercomer5473]

Your video helped me visualize a simple off grid system. Thank you!

[@Downeastwaves]

Thanks Boss! All the BEST to you and Laurie!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and the same to you!

[@jeanettec6212]

You simplify everything! God bless

[@michaelallard2640]

Couldn't have been more clear and informative. Thanks !

[@kybrancaccio]

Thank you! I appreciate your informative videos.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you like them!

[@yanknoz9710]

Thanks Boss. This was such a help. Took all the decision making out of the equation for me.

[@5yearsout]

Just the video I've been searching for these last few years, thank you!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad I could help! I'll be doing another similar setup at my other cabin soon. Will film it start to finish.

[@richardmiller3883]

Thanks for the info boss. I honestly thought it would be far more complicated than that. Bless you all.

[@kayakwesty]

Great Solar KZbin channel that keeps it simple and easy is Grumpy Mountain Man for those who want to learn and do it yourself

[@tanyajenkins919]

Glad for you guys having a bit of solar.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Me too :-)

[@terrencebrennan1702]

Your system works for you, and I actually think it will work for me as well. Thanks Boss!

[@tonybai1117]

Great work!!

[@mags102755]

Hey Boss. This seems pretty doable. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@lehampton1]

This video was powerful, electrifying, charged with energy! I’ll show myself out.

[@opossumly7789]

You got me choking on my own spit!

[@kathrynrodlun1624]

I saw that you answered my txt. Thank you so much! That fuse is so smart! I have been off grid for about 15 years, kind of like you guys. My kids think I need power. Been sitting on these solar kits for a while. Time to put them together. Thank you so much! Just needed a little push. This video was perfect for me. I really enjoy your videos. Thanks again!

[@HWhit9000]

As with everything in life, there is a learning curve. And switching from on grid power to solar power, you have to learn what your system can and cannot handle. (you may also need to adjust your system to meet your needs) I went through that learning curve over 6 years ago and have been off grid ever since. Not having a utility bill in over 6 years is priceless.

[@therenaissancewoman2080]

How many watts did you set up? Did you do the system for your house or cabin? I'm wanting to set up for my house and I'm wondering how many watts I should consider or at least start with, then add on later. I live in Canada and can access the Canadian Amazon if you have products to refer to. Thanks.

[@HWhit9000]

When I bought my land, I built a 14' X 16' cabin, on a full-size basement. I figured out what appliances and equipment I needed to have in my cabin, then I calculated how many total watts were required to operate everything for a 24-hour period and designed my solar system, using those figures. Being new to solar, I made the typical mistakes of using non quality equipment and learned the hard way to go with name brand, high quality equipment that will last. My system can be viewed in the videos on my channel, which is accessible by clicking on my name.

[@gwenmoody8323]

Thank you. Have a Bless weekend. Hugs from Oklahoma

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you! You too!

[@kathrynrodlun1624]

Thank you!

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing.

[@7oaksBuilds]

Everything is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@DevaultFamilyLiving]

Will's book is pretty invaluable when it comes to solar. He is a pretty "smart cookie". I watch a lot of his YT vids as well. It's amazing how much power you can get from such a small system.

[@donnavaughn5393]

Wow that cool

[@HotShotsFireVideos]

Hi JC - I use Renogy products too with no problems. I have a small panel that attaches to my RV's window with suction cups and it has a USB outlet on it for charging cell phones, etc. The other small panel I have has a variety of attachments that I use to keep my motorcycle or ATV battery charged when it's not in use. That one is portable as well and works great! Thanks for sharing your info!

[@thomasbrown5005]

Thank you.

[@ChileExpatFamily]

I think you are coming along well. The capacity to grow your solar is the key. I actually have two systems here: 1500w/24V and a 10,000w/48V I really like solar because for me year round it serves my needs and is very simple and maintenance free as well. thanks for the video. Jim in Chile

[@charlese.prospecting6627]

I'm glad to see the solar is working good for you on the mountain Boss. I to have grape solar/GS400 system here in Michigan. Loving it. Great video. God bless you and your family.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

God Bless :-))

[@crazycritterlady8788]

Thanks for explaining your system, I've seen others that are a mass of wires and thing-a-ma-jiggers I couldn't make heads or tails out of! Your system is much easier to do. Again thanks Boss. Say hi to Mama, give Frankie and Tildie hugs and a treat from me. Much love from So.Cal.💟

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it helped :-))

[@mikecook2714]

Thanks Boss, wife and I are in the process of doing this right .now !!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

You can do it!

[@1acrehomesteader43]

What a timely video! I'm about to add solar to my off-grid cabin myself. Picked up some good ideas from you. Thanks! 🌞🌞

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@roseymalino9855]

Thanks for saving me the time up front not to bother watching. I wish other YT posters would be so considerate.I hope your system lives up to your hopes.

[@aliciarains6245]

Thank you for your blunt honesty and making this so simple to understand

[@thebossoftheswamp]

My pleasure!

[@johnbrinton3873]

As usual good video Jim, cannot get enough on solar! Thx for sharing!

[@cooldude4053]

Good Vid. I set my solar myself. I was so surprised, It's just that simple.

[@barrybegley5379]

QUALITY information, designed with an eye to frugality and delivered to the viewer in a most understandable and logical approach. The video quality and theme music are also first rate. Thanks to You and Frankie for sharing. Greetings from Ontario, Canada.

[@davebeck3135]

Great video, Thanks

[@mainecritter3292]

You have such a knack for simply making beautiful things. :)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you for that :-)

[@WORRO]

Hey, God bless you too! Good video, thank you. Thumbs up ~John

[@DieSonneSchicktKeineRechnug]

Great!

[@kleineroteHex]

I wish I'd understand this stuff more, but what you say makes sense, so THANKS🤓

[@jacksonwyse514]

Sure is good to see you smiling and seemingly happy after your surgery, for some unknown reason, well at least to me unknown any surgery in the brain area can seem to put people in a real funk........Good to see you doing much better!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you kindly.

[@bobbytowesr3387]

I have an up comming project im working on, its 1 pannel, 1 battery and a pair of street lamps I built my self. The goal is to have fail safe lighting for my driveway to discourage theives. Eventually I would love to take my entire home and workshop off grid and no longer be dependent on the local utility system.

[@Heather-xm9ul]

Great video. I've things like this, because it helps me game plan.

[@RonInAVan]

As far as I’m concerned cheap is always good. I’m getting ready to build her off grid cabin/home out in the desert and I’m planning to do it as cheap as possible. Thank you so much for your videos I really enjoyed them and got some great ideas to boot.

[@cchomesteadfarm4064]

Always enjoy watching yall's videos. The young man that put the book out has a KZbin channel. He's very sharp fella on that solar power stuff and a heck of a life story to tell on his path in life.

[@mywoolmitten]

Appreciate this, thank you

[@carolhewett3756]

I've watched a boatload of videos and this is the first I've heard of inverters using up power in and of itself. That's very important info to know. Thanks.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kojoamin3846]

Good job my friend,very good and helpful

[@DarrenMalin]

I have always enjoyed your vids for years now , thank you very much Sir :)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

You are very welcome

[@davehogan4776]

Finally someone that can make it so simple that anyone can understand!!! Awesome Job!!! Thanks so much!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you liked it!

[@henryzoch1505]

Very informative, I might look into that, so thanks for great video on explaining it!

[@sandrathomson1084]

Appreciate you sharing your knowledge and skills with us. Love solar and looking forward to getting my own system. In our thoughts and prayers. God Bless y'all and the kids ✌❤😁

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you Sandra and God Bless :-))

[@stevenrussell2218]

Just love watching your videos brings back memories of my younger days watching n learning from my uncle n his inventive ways ... another way to harness energy is to hook up a cord to that lil ball of energy you call tildy lol she's awesome n so is ol Frankie lol ...keep up the good work on the videos

[@janied8831]

Amen🙏Janie D😊

[@davebrail7663]

God bless you sir. Thank you for the info.

[@hapiecampah6083]

This was my 1st introduction to The Boss Vlog,, Since watching it,, i have started from the beginning,, i'm currently 5 yrs (you just cut down a Maple for the Deeahs) behind,, I have never seen a better KZbin site,, you're Hilarious,, you're insight is spot on,, and Frankie is the Cats Meow.. (pun intended Frankie),, I followed a Dream 4 yrs ago and moved oversea's,, since the outbreak of The Wuhan Virus i've been locked down for a yr,, so next week i'm headed back to America where i will start my Off Grid Life,, you're Philosophy and Humor just re-enforces what i've always thought about Living off grid,, Stop by and help assemble the Yurt,, doors open,, oh an bring some Moose Drool..

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Your comment is the second one I've read so far this morning and it's put my day off to a good start. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and best of luck with your plans.

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Hi Boss thank you once again for showing how you did solar. I would love to do solar but don’t have enough sun for it due the the trees. Once I get thing squared away around here I may really look at it. We have outages all the time so I like the idea of solar and storage. Take care Boss, God bless you and yours.

[@seancanney4547]

Another great video. I followed a previous video you did regarding insulating floors. It worked great.

[@somelikeithot444]

Hello Boss,good video.Glad yr safe, spring is in the air.Until next time.God bless to you and yr fur babies.❤🐕🐕🌹💐🌻🌼😎

[@thebossoftheswamp]

God Bless :-))

[@ouroffgridalaskanlife3998]

Thank you for another amazingly informative video!

[@talentscout5135]

Glad I could help! I read this in a manual somewhere and it said it’s a common mistake people make. I did it the other way for two years but just recently learned this. Keep up the great videos.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for the info!

[@jenniferlee7167]

Watching you it all looks great, since it is all Greek to me, if you say it is good and proper, so be it. Thanks for the video. You made it look easy.

[@13prevailbushcraft]

Great video, Boss ! I just recently set up a 100watt solar panel with controller, inverter, and a deep cycle battery. Works awesome for what I need ! Thumbs up !

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Sounds good buddy. Solar has been a real game changer for us.

[@johnswick4593]

"Desclos Power & Light" haha! That's the Goldie Lox System, not too big, not too small. Nice job

[@dutchglobetrotter6464]

Thanks for sharing!

[@debbiewelch4073]

💖thanks!

[@L1vR-1948]

Thank you for this video :-) 👍👍

[@chrisclement893]

Always a great channel to watch love it

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Much appreciated :-)

[@IsrealForever-gy1vz]

Great video. Just what i needed

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it helped.

[@SwedenLover090]

Nice humble, informative video. Thank you sir. ⭐️

[@IraDuncan]

Very well explained. Thank you!

[@kevingarman1367]

Thank you for this DIY video. Hope you are doing well.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and the same to you.

[@estellaknox4488]

Well put together system very nicely I like it.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@katrinaheaton6697]

Thank you for making this video

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Hope it was helpful :-)

[@albertwaggoner3249]

Yes, the Boss covers it. Thanks my friend, clean and simple. References for us to get "all" the information, as you could never cover every possible issue. You do great work. Keep on young man, appreciate your hard word and great details. God Bless

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and God Bless :-)

[@romaldothomas8653]

Thanks great video.