Was Our Off Grid Solar System a MISTAKE?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

We try really hard to deliver a clear message in our videos; unfortunately, we missed the boat on The Real Truth About Solar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j33LnaBjnr95jKs We hope this video helps to clarify the purpose of that video and to encourage more people to go off grid and/or to reduce their footprint and energy consumption. Because if we can go from 60 kwh to 4 kwh, YOU most certainly can! (and NO, we are NOT living like cavemen! lol) More links are in the description and so is a link to our Guildbrook Farm Tee and Merch store. Thanks for watching!

[@thoughtsofanoldSoldier]

Guildbrook Farm - Off Grid Living You are doing great.. learning alot from your videos. Eventually want to go off grid myself.

[@j.b.6855]

It only makes sense to go slow with a new system at first. You need to see what it does and what you can do with it without overtaxing it and maybe doing some damage. The bright spot is that you dont have a $100-$200 a month electric bill. Saving that will pay for the system in no time.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

6 years

[@j.b.6855]

From what I have read solar systems still give 80% output after 20 years, so 6 years is not that bad to pay it off. Even if it only lasts 10 years its still well worth it.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Correct

[@rennells]

I think your solar set up is awesome. It was a challenge for me to remember to turn the lights off and not leave things running that didn’t need to run when I moved out of my parents house. I learned quickly how to control my electric bill.

[@yarpos]

amazing how that happens when you are paying the bills

[@AnimalFacts]

Good stuff. We're all so used to being wasteful with energy. I've been trying to cut back on electricity just to save money and getting the family to cooperate is the most difficult part.

[@theIAMofME]

One thing I LOVE about you guys is that you are very different (from what I've seen and watched) from any other homestead channel out there. I can't explain it really why. But, I love your channel. You both are very knowledgeable and smart. You do your research and it shows. Thanks for being a great channel. :)

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Thanks for joining the shenanigans 👍🏻😊

[@otherwiseoutside]

No religious zealotry, they both have degrees and they can speak English well. Pretty much separates them from the herd.

[@martinparmer]

One other thing you might explain is the 1 circuit in the trailer. Depending on the wire size, it's probably only rated for 15, maybe 20 amps so thats the maximum amount of power that one circuit will handle no matter how big your source is or what type source it is. One circuit only handles so much power volume. Good stuff yall!

[@carlinkay1151]

It really makes you think about how much power we use every day...maybe we all should go on a "PowerDiet", just say'n!!! Great content as per usual, well done!

[@BombastusParacelsus]

How much did it cost? the whole system. Can you answer this question?

[@SamsLiberty]

Earthship style house FTW!!! Best iteration I have seen used a standard concrete foundation (no tire walls). Basically, a berm house with convection greenhouse on the south side for passive solar heat and cooling tubes to draft cool air in the summer.

[@johnoneill5812]

Thanks for the clarification. I was confused by the earlier video because my impression was that your system was sufficient. Was not aware of the limitations of the electrical system of the trailer. I also appreciate that your journey towards self reliance includes a more back to basics lifestyle that some people don't get.

[@notsheeple2019]

Why not run a separate power panel out by the inverter and run a separate 10/2 run over to the Air Conditioner. Why chance an overload on the 1 circuit. Just thinking out loud. You could reuse the circuit later.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Because we would prefer to be overly cautious than to spend any more time or money on this trailer.

[@clintkay355]

I'd still run the second circuit, just saying, Bill and Rosa is right!

[@WildWonderfulOffGrid]

Great video! We are currently putting together a system and I'm hoping we are as successful as you have been! I really miss having a washer/dryer here Haha. Looking forward to seeing your house plans!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

I think the system is awesome, you guys know what your power needs are. Besides, I think part of the whole idea of homesteading off grid might be to reduce a person's energy needs. Great video.👍

[@jerrycoon4504]

I think you did a great job on the solar. You know a lot more about it than I do. Both of you do a great job. I noticed you're at 90K subs! Congrats!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Thanks Jerry!

[@sheilaperl4155]

Great video , very clear now! Thank you, by the way your hair looks great!

[@jjfamilyhomestead9547]

Just wanted to say how much my wife and I love your channel. We have been wanting to begin our journey to our own homestead for a while now. Thank you for the inspiration to just get it started already.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

😉

[@TheKiloG69]

Hi from TN off grid build. Your system I s Awesome . U can do anything off grid with in reason that U can on grid if $ allows .I ran 3/4 of my home in FL last 7 years mostly off grid ,But it is illegal in FL to do so . U can as I'm sure U know pump water while the sun shines into a say 500 gallon tank for back up .That's what I'm doing here, I also use every rechargeable tool, lights so on I can then charge with solar. U can use a diversion load to heat your water & or your home in the winter. Just spent the last 5 months carving a path into the woods here in TN & have almost completed My ( Grouse ) Garage house . Being OFF Grid is total independence some thing most ppl. will never know or sadly grasp the concept of. Next year FOOD. Garden ETC lots of game here Deer ,turkey so on.

[@HandsOff1000]

Nice! Truly, most people will not achieve what you are achieving. Many would love to, but can not. I am saddened by the number of people who just don't care! This may be lame for a city boy to tell an experienced country living person, but perhaps it will flick a light switch for somebody. Raising checks for fresh eggs has always appealed to me. Mind you I have never done it. The girl I live with does not eat meat or dairy, so this would not fly. I'm just doing what I can to achieve some conservation. What I have tackled first is electric transportation. Not Tesla! I started with an electric bike, and now have a flooded cell 6x12 volt NEV (Neighborhood Electric Vehicle). My Next humble goal is to power my computer with solar. No, I am not at you guy's level, but I am on a fixed income, and trying to take back at least some control of the things important to me. Transportation, & computer are import to me, so that is where I started. BTW, both DHL, and Cable for internet, work for me when the power is down as long as I can power the modems and routers. I'm sure that will vary depending on the extent of the power outages, and their cause. But still nice to know. Oh, if that was confusing, I ran computers and so on off of batteries, but have not been charging them off of solar, yet. I'm still working that part out!

[@offgridsweden]

Awesome video. Have a great time until next video, Andreas from Off Grid Sweden 🇸🇪

[@MarkNorman_NXTLVL]

Really appreciate you sharing your journey, We are starting an urban off grid project in New Zealand for homeowners who already have existing land available but hooking up to services costs to much or is not wanted.

[@BumbleBeeJunction]

So glad this has been a success for you guys ! Very happy for you ! Its been a long road, but you kept pushing and I hope the rewards are plentiful for your family.

[@Simmonsconstruction]

You should get a soft start water pump

[@ceeceety2320]

Absolutely appreciate all the vids you and your family make. Some of the most important things people need to know are coming from you. Just want to say thanks.

[@LittleKi1]

Great update. You're going to have a lot of fun with that system when your house is built!

[@jamisongbj]

If you're producing 25kw a day and only using 5 to 10 then you are losing out on 15 to 20 a day because your battery bank is too small. And you need breakers to separate your circuits. You're asking for a fire or premature failure. For what you have, you need more inverter capacity too. The lights shouldn't be dimming like that. I get the saving money to go off grid part, but don't be cheap about it like that. Cutting corners is how things fail.

[@dcawkwell]

Having spent a couple of months off grid in Portugal on a similar system running an outback inverter. The main problem you have is a limited inverter that can only supply 4400watts continuous. Having tank gravity fed water would be ideal as having the water pump kick in to supply water isn't ideal and a major saving of watts. As most off grid people find it isn't possible to use two heavy loads at once. I would certainly go up to a 6kw inverter to make running multiple appliances easier. Going around with torches and lanterns is a bit 3rd world especially if the trailer has lighting and led lights use next to nothing. Most off grid people end up resorting to propane/wood stoves for cooking and hot water. The ideal is a stream with a reasonable drop where you can implement water turbines for steady power 24hrs. Good luck in the future.

[@davefaddel6761]

Although I partly agree with you, it's only partly. Living off grid automatically "forces" you to reduce your power usage. We live off grid and do it very happily using a small 1200W full sine wave inverter. I have around 800w of solar panels feeding a 30 amp controller (PWM) in turn charging 6x Trojan 150A/H batteries (giving 24vdc) We run 2x pumps, top loader washing machine, vacuum cleaner, household appliances, electric power tools, TV, lights, HiFi and so on. The trick is to know when to use what. We will not for instance use the 800w pump (startup at 1300w) on a cloudy day, the same goes for the washing machine and toaster. You simply learn to live a slightly simpler life style and also refrain from using high usage items at the same time. We do not really miss anything apart from my large power tools such as Radial Arm Saw and welding plant. Our cooking & hot water use gas. So, as said although I see your point the whole idea of living off-grid is to reduce your carbon footprint while still being able to live a quality life. Would I go back to the city ... I will most certainly try and avoid it at all costs ... never say never but to give up my present lifestyle for one back in the city, no way.

[@GainSolarPower]

I hope all of those 120v loads are somewhat balanced between the two legs of the magnum. Over time, you will find out the magnum“no likey” unbalanced loads. If you changed the window shaker out for a 240v Minisplit the magnum will thank you. Is the well pump 240v?

[@vink6163]

If it's a single circuit (of I assume 120V) then I guess it's not balanced. What happens to the Magnum if you run it unbalanced for too long?

[@GainSolarPower]

Vink, It will wear out the magnum sooner. When you have an unbalanced load you have more amps on the neutral and the voltages will be different between the two legs, this can be bad four the real 240v loads if it is excessive. I believe it will wear out the transformer in the magnum, I'm really not sure about the "why", I just know magnum tells you to balance the 120v loads between the two legs of the magnum I'm not an electrical engineer, just a seasoned solar installer.

[@RedDevilRaspberry]

I can not wait to see the house plans! ~Peace

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Me either! Lol

[@RedDevilRaspberry]

hahaha... it will come, and I have no doubt it will be beautiful!

[@Masterclassonlife]

Would you consider doing a video on the home designing process? What features do you consider important? Will you plan on "aging in place"? What eco friendly items would you consider including? Thanks.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Possibly. Once we get to that point in the design.

[@1ken.cheniergmail]

You guys do a fantastic job in and with your video's...Keep up the great work !! Big love

[@dennisboyle232]

Thanks for the update! That previous video did say that you were babying the system. Really thought it more like a sports car being driven in a school zone:) Understand now that everything is on ONE circuit. It's not the system it's the circuitry. Sure you'll fix that problem in the new house. As guys it never matters but we hate to see the women in our lives go through the same hardships when there is no need:)

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Speaking as the woman, no hardships here. I can’t think of a thing I would need or want that I don’t already have. Especially after living so frugally on the old system! -Jaime

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Pretty sure Jeremy is more deprived without his xbox 😂

[@pedrogarces6876]

Excellent point on conservation. The battery bank size can be small if you manage your loads. Also, the cost of the system can be higher if you designed for large loads and in your case load management works well. Nice overview of the setup!

[@jodyflores601]

You guys are doing great! Thank you for sharin', I appreciate it. The LED lantern is super neat. I'm super excited for your house build. Blessings to you all. :)

[@MartinPHellwig]

Great video addressing 'public concerns' :-) Are you planning on a cellar in your house? As a kid I lived in an old German farmhouse which had one for the sole purpose to have a cool/dark environment to store canned produce from the seasons.

[@beverleysimmons7885]

Always interesting and informative. Can’t wait to see the start and plans for house.

[@dianehall5345]

Jeremy & Jaime, your system is great for the modern homesteader. Most folks today want to keep the same comforts, as they have on-grid and that is understandable. Our farm is situated in a small town that has an academy. If we lose the grid and need to use internet, the school has back up power and we can go there. Otherwise, we are gearing toward living the 1935 New Hampshire lifestyle. We may use propane for a fridge/freezer, but like you, we will pressure can meat, using propane or the kitchen wood stove. Your fine videos encourage people to try the latest solar alternative, where we would put up a Jacob's wind mill to generate enough electricity for 5 families, since our main farm is situated on a windy ridge. It can also pump water for our cattle. All the best with our new house plans!

[@Brood_Master]

Don't listen to those nea sayers who think your system is too small. What matters is it's working for you. My system is smaller than yours and it works for us...

[@vlvtopcat]

Thanks for taking the time to clear that up.

[@WillowCreekHomestead]

Very good Info guys!

[@brendastrandrigdon6201]

Solar is the way to go and where we be looking too.

[@easymac79]

Have you given much consideration to adding a circuit? I know you don't want to keep doing temporary things with the house build in the future, but $15 of Romex could enable you to use more of the energy you capture.

[@EastMesaUrbanHomestead]

Awesome, can’t wait until you start on the house!

[@JimfromIndy]

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to house plans.

[@cmc7106]

Great system!! Looks like it is doing the job!! Thanks for sharing!

[@lillyinthewild3298]

Nice system! House Plans? Cool! Can't wait.

[@beachlife1411]

I wish I have that on my 5th wheel trailer , super nice set up

[@RPS2443]

Very interesting commentary. I'd like to see a video where you explain the actual hookups in more detail, and also any permits and tax breaks you may have gotten. I'm in North Carolina as well, and technically inclined. A "nuts and bolts" video would be amazing, maybe even including a parts list and mounting systems. Also, is it frowned on by the state to mount on the ground as opposed to on a roof? Keep up the lifestyle and the videos ... You inspired me to start some minor homesteading with chickens this year, and raised bed gardening in the near future.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

We have a start to finish video playlist of our diy solar system. You can find a link in the description

[@straubdavid9]

"Also, is it frowned on by the state to mount on the ground as opposed to on a roof?" That's moronic ...... bunch of control freaks if that's the case!. I swear that a lot of this stuff is unconstitutional.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

The reason we live where we live and do what we do is because anyone who presumes to “frown on” anything doesn’t make it through the gate.

[@straubdavid9]

The NO-FROWN zone ~8^) Yep!!!

[@HandsOff1000]

Everything we do that lowers our carbon footprint needs to be done. We can't afford to keep on living without a though about tomorrow!@@straubdavid9

[@davidkilbourne6778]

Great video! Can't wait to see your designs of your house and I know that takes a while to get everything situated, me being a house builder of many years! see ya on your next video, a lot of people don't realize what goes into building a house, see ya man!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Yeah. It’s a LOT! 😳

[@rutefernandes315]

Thank you so much for your videos, i'm learning a lot because i'm starting to live off grid. I already made many changes in my house (preparing to the next step) and i'm going to live in a farm where i'll have only solar energy.

[@gregtabor1342]

Another thing to consider would be one of the Dyson style stick vacuums. Similar designs are made by Shark, and many others today and the competition is driving down the price. They are battery operated and trickle charge when in their wall mount. They may only run for 30-40 mins per charge, but you can do quite a bit in 30 mins. You could plug in the vacuum charger while the sun is shining and use it any time you desire. That reduces the high draw of the motor running off the wall outlet and frees you from the cord. They are coming down in price, though still not cheap, but in an off-grid situation, could be very useful. Also, consider a propane refrigerator/stove and maybe even a propane powered backup generator. With a 1000 gallon tank, you could go a long time between fill-ups given how far off the beaten path you are.

[@dandelion203]

Loving all these new videos guys! Keep up the excellent work!

[@johnralston5818]

.. lol... Lettuce face it Jeremy, MOST people in this society are hogs.... period... yet everyone is an expert because their union negotiated that in their contracts. ; ) Thanks for your efforts, they are informative, useful & practical, as well as entertaining & i look forward to the next one.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@markburrows1025]

Hello, we live in the mountains of San Diego, while our house, garage, well draws about 500 kWh’s per month. Im looking into going off grid. Plan to use a inverter 120/240 volt 8 kw. Also plan to use some used electric car batteries. Right now, the system looks like it will cost about 10k Also thinking of starting out with 12 panels. This ac output is 30 amps per leg.

[@MattLesak]

Thank you for following up and clarifying your setup.

[@frankz1125]

It will always flicker . The big test will be winter and how well the batteries take to the cold. Solar is great. Nice vid,thanks

[@rrdogface]

Wow, you are running a lot with your system. Excellent!

[@refusoagaino6824]

I'm sitting in my house at 9:00 am, it's 95 F and going to 110 F or so, I've just finished a six month project of replacing a section of roof and installing a state of the art Solar Edge 5.1 kw PV system with Resu 10 battery storage. I'm a licensed general contractor (California) and the home owner so I installed it myself, the two bids I got were too high and didn't include the roofing work, approx. $3500. My permit application to the City of Palm Springs required a "straight line diagram" which I cut and pasted into it, using data from the Solar Edge website. Also, the information on a straight line diagram is redundant, because it's included in the equipment spec. sheets. (pdf files) So they rejected my first application, but I was building the system an hour or two per day, so I re-submitted a plan with another cut and paste SLD, which they also rejected. The plan review is sub-contracted to an engineering company over the mountain in San Diego, so here in Palm Springs, there is no meaningful contact or dialogue available. The Palm Springs building department doesn't do anything, so they don't know anything. I could hire an electrical engineer to construct the diagram, at a cost of about $350 to me, but on the 2nd application they included a new deficiency, claiming the Amperage of a required Double Pole breaker was in a font too small to read. They didn't have that problem on the first submission, which was identical. A call to Edison re-enforces what I knew already; Without the permit and inspection from the City of Palm Springs, they won't allow an interconnection, no net-metering, and no rebate (85% of battery cost, about $4k). So I have a 50 year old house that I'm doing my best to make energy efficient, I've invested $20k in solar, and now I pay double. The old bills keep coming in, and I'm paying for $20k worth of state of the art solar that's baking in the sun. Hopefully I saved enough for a lawyer. Go Solar!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

You had me at “California” 🙄

[@MattLesak]

Can you get a relay switch and divert some of the loads that are grid attached to your solar setup?

[@yarpos]

so basically you decide to go cheap/DIY and it goes pear shaped, and now you are complaining about it?

[@gamingSlasher]

This sounds more reasonable. I was surprised that you got so little from your system in your previous video.

[@marksteven3534]

So you don't use any lights at night even though LED'S use almost nothing from the batteries, I don't understand.

[@TheRealTonyCastillo]

I'm surprised at the output you mentioned, my 2.7kw system will do 17 kw/h a day on a good sunny day with 10 panels, however I do run micro inverters and it is grid tied system, and I am able to adjust the degree of the panels to the 4 different seasons. I have observed that being off even 10 degrees makes a difference in production, minimal, but observable. Might be something to consider when doing your ground mount system. I was able to get my system for .67 a watt, labor was on me as I am a licensed electrician and saved some money there. I am however considering changing it up a bit to be able to run off battery power in the evenings, but man batteries are expensive!! It does seem that your one circuit is the limiting factor in the current design. Glad to see you guys got out of your old place as it seemed it was bringing you down, but the new place seems to be so much better with more possibilities for the future. If interested I do have a couple videos of my system if you ever want to check it out. Take care and god bless.

[@gonzalezpandura]

Thank You for sharing

[@jonlast4433]

Temporarily run 12 gauge minimum extension cords directly to your high powered appliances to the solar source. For safety you can add arc fault protection and GFI protection at the source.

[@gregtabor1342]

On your water pressure situation, do you use a pressure tank to regulate pressure or does your well pump have to kick on every time you use water? Suggest watching a youtube video on what Earthship Biotecture calls their Water Organizing Module, which uses a pressure tank, progressive spin down filters, and a ceramic filter to provide water for bathing and drinking from their rainwater capture/buried cistern system. You might be able to do something similar on the embedded side of your new build to supplement your wellwater and use a float valve to trigger when the well pump fires to replenish the cisterns.

[@JWTX]

Am looking forward to going off grid completely. 👍👍

[@Guildbrookfarm]

You can

[@HeathHunnicutt]

Did you see the Fate Unbound video where they added a slow-start circuit to their RVs DC compressor pump in the Air Conditioner? They had a problem with the inrush current for that motor. I saw engineer775 installed a similar Franklin slow start controller on a well pump. For an inverter, limiting the rush current may be the most important way to reduce the voltage drop. The other solution is big coils in the inverter, like size of a breadbox coils. But that is harder on the inverter output stage. What are you going to do with your leftover solar from the deep freeze? I sometimes watch videos here about loading a small hitch trailer with batteries and inverters, panelling with PV panels and awnings, and making a mobile power station. You could install a CB radio, a shortwave receiver, have a little internal equipment bay with a fold out desk, led lighting, organized paper maps, and racks of GSRM radios charging inside a metal trailer with a bulkhead and then a battery compartment or tray for the PV to charge and system to run off at night. Hmu if you want thoughts on how to harden it for things like em pulses. Br.

[@sailorcto]

Great series, thank you both! I am still in research mode, and more curious about the panel specs, how you wired them and any more info on 48v. Couldn't find a link to the panel model and specs. I'm a 12-volt guy trying to understand the 48-volt path for an off-grid arrangement.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

We have a whole series playlist on the entire system build

[@gregtabor1342]

You now own a solar array with backup batteries. Might want to look at an Islanding inverter in your new home so that when power goes out, you can switch to islanding and run off your PV/Battery configuration alone. I'm net metered with an electric car in a city. Power is underground so we've only experienced a power outage 2x in 10 years, but if we were more rural, and had already made the investment in batteries and a solar array, I'd definitely want an Islanding inverter.

[@craigsymington5401]

Thanks for clarifying, there was confusion and doubt after the last vid. Excellent production (i know you know) and I like the AC?DC T;D Please just wire another circuit in for the AC, Where I'm from AC always 220 and on dedicated circuit. Use a bit of off-cut from well cable? 1 hour job with less punishment to your gear. IMHO.

[@aljames7221]

I agree with Craig. You could get yourself a little load center and wire up a few circuits for your home. Little to no cost and you could run most everything simultaneously. You have more than enough solar/battery to spare especially on sunny days. I see your point though about using alternative methods...but if you got it...use it!!!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

I’m not spending another dime on the trailer. I’m building a house 😉

[@craigsymington5401]

Guildbrook Farm - Off Grid Living. You see what happens when your channel attracts engineers!? I've often been accused of getting too technical, but not often wrong (with safety). Re-use whst u have. A wiring fault can ruin houseplans while they are still digital. I don't wanna see that vlog :( Your ratings would drop! All can be incorporated inro new build. Anyhoe. Ill be packing for safer climes to emugrate to NZ, so WE'LL LEAVE Y'ALL IN PEACE ;D For now..,

[@OakKnobFarm]

I was confused by your title... I was thinking... this is perhaps the best DIY install I've seen. Mistake? I didn't think so. Bummer about the trailer being only one circuit. Got a spare spot in the panel? I'd at least run a dedicated outlet for fridge and AC if feasible. Maybe swap to half-height breakers? I know it's only temporary... but a little convenience is nice for $20 :)

[@Guildbrookfarm]

So far everything has worked ok without having to do that. 🤞🏻

[@OakKnobFarm]

I always worry about that time I'm out be-bopping-around and the fridge and ac start at exactly the same time by coincidence... And I lose a bunch of food or something. Murphy's law. I think my name should be Murphy. Had a chest freezer on a GFCI breaker. It popped and I didn't notice. Lost $1000 worth of food. Now EVERYTHING has a dedicated outlet if it draws any juice LOL

[@Guildbrookfarm]

We’ve been watching this setup like a hawk for 3 months now. Everything we can throw at it it eats and asks for more, so I have a lot more confidence now. Our old “system” had us gun shy.

[@OakKnobFarm]

Well, I've said it on previous videos, and I'll say it again, thanks so much for this series. I know all of the basics of solar, but you "connected the dots" in a few areas that I was unsure about. Especially the physical installation. It would be interesting to see you "test" your new system. Pick a sunny week, where you're certain you can recharge easily... and rip up a bunch of wood or something that uses unusual amounts of power. How many 2x4s can I rip until my batteries are 50% depleted?

[@TheRealTonyCastillo]

They do make GFCI devices that make a noise when they are tripped, cheap investment compared to loss of 1k of food.

[@tofan2622]

Can you explain 1 circuit? I think you need another inverter like you have tied in parallel. I think your bottleneck is that your inverter can only support around 35 amps continuously. If you added another one you would have a full 70 amps so you could run whatever at the same time.

[@recon66661]

I've noticed that you don't carry on video anymore is that because of utube or just because I carry every day in the house in the yard every where just wandering?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Nope. Camera operator always carries. 😏

[@recon66661]

Guildbrook Farm - Off Grid Living cool thanks

[@larryreagan6936]

I am new to the off grid being one year in. any hints in your videos would be appreciated! keep up the good work!

[@Guildbrookfarm]

We have several off grid playlists that may be helpful

[@robertfisher8741]

Seems to me for a small additional expense one could add significant square footage of REFLECTOR array around the solar cells to increase their power collection capacity.

[@olgabusch9184]

Yay house plans

[@yamamancha]

Yeah, the previous video left me confused because a 5.2kw system and a 20kwh battery should be more than enough. I also feel like the benefit of investing in these systems is largely diminished if your home doesn't have quality insulation (walls and windows).

[@mukkaar]

That's really good point. One of the main focus in modern eco houses is insulation and passive heating. Orienting house right way, placing mirrors in right places, using materials that retain heat where sun shines etc.

[@Skaterdon77]

Thanks for sharing so much with the community! Will you all be coming up to VA for the American Homesteaders Conference next month?

[@Guildbrookfarm]

Nah we aren’t really into the conference scene and have lots of work about to start.

[@Skaterdon77]

Fair enough. Y’all stay safe down there!

[@brianmarsh346]

Do any of your home plans consider having most of the house below ground for natural insulation year round? Just curious if you have looked into the cost analysis benefit or non benefit

[@Guildbrookfarm]

It will have a basement, shelter from the south ridge and overlook the north ridge. The location will be right for this property in this area of the country in terms of heating and cooling efficiency.

[@lindafisher8353]

Need to face south, to use passive solar, and for house plants and lighting.

[@Guildbrookfarm]

If we lived up North then yes. But the rules are different in the South.

[@oswaldspengler9718]

One curcuit? So you are not powering a "panel" with "breakers"?

[@nathaneulslavens4182]

What are you using to design your house and make said mistakes before buying material

[@jacobthellamer]

I just picked up a 12kw inverter and have a 10kw array, after a year on a 3kw inverter I have worked out I really want to the additional peak output that the 12 will offer. Luckily I an in a country with 230V power, we get much more power for our amps :)

[@Danaw0207]

What do you mean 1 circuit? You could actually get away with 1/2 the solar panels, but you need more batteries. If your having trouble with motors, use caps (super/ultra capacitors)

[@stefanrusso1]

Thank you for showing the whole system of solitary plates that you have, here in Spain everything that is self-supplying is directly prohibited or very engraved with exorbitant taxes, just so that the big electric companies continue to enrich themselves and the politicians of turn can become millionaires based on enslave their people they say they represent. A greeting 👍👍👍

[@wyrdwildman1689]

Great stuff

[@rodfer5406]

Put another circuit ?

[@wfrancis25]

Hey man Don'y let anyone put you guys down on your system, You are doing what I would love too do.My system is small but I'm learning. Keep up the good work

[@50shadesofgreen]

i am so jealous of you guys i so wish that i had the money to even to go partially off grid, but until then i'll carry on dreaming

[@dandelion203]

baby steps my friend!

[@dianehall5345]

Yes, take baby steps. We at the farm can be comfortable without the grid and without solar back-up. Partially off-grid = a propane Camp Chef, like Jaime demonstrated. Great for cooking outdoors and pressure canning. Camp lanterns, oil lamps, wood stove ( used in good condition). Propane kitchen range can be hand lit for top cooking.We have both an airtight large wood stove and a kitchen wood stove. Our two family farms share a Honda 2000 generator, same as Jeremy has. So good luck and start with the small stuff.

[@remotetrapper8991]

Great video !!!!. That is a top notch solar system you have there !!!! I will be installing a much smaller one at my 600 square foot camp on my trapline in Northern Ontario. I am looking at the 1.2 KW 24 volt system. My largest draw will be a 24 volt Sunstar Refrigerator.Keep up the great work !!!!

[@tonimas5140]

Good video . Your install its 24 o 48 volts . Thanks

[@StitchingUpChaos]

If it helps, the message in the Real Truth About Solar wasn't really that unclear - to my family at least. We've lived without power before and it's a completely different lifestyle. It doesn't feel like a burden or a sacrifice, it's just different. If anything, I was kind of thinking that your system was an epic surplus rather than too little. Knowing that it's all on just the one circuit clears it all up. Like trying to run a waterfall through a straw lol As ever, love your videos, thank you so much for sharing with us. Edit: Also, yay! House design! Are you guys using SketchUp, or something else? I'm in the early stages of designing a tiny house on wheels, is all, so I'm nosy about what programs other people might be using.

[@dollyperry3020]

Can't wait to see the house design :)

[@Cr666pn]

Rocket mass heater? Rainwater collection? Do y'all have plans for these?

[@1wolfpup]

Your system looks awesome!

[@lesleyharris3198]

Hi, good luck with the house plans

[@PaulPetrea]

If that is the case, why not put any heavy draw appliances on their own respective circuits? Leave your computer, fan, lights, etc., on the existing circuit. That would surely solve your issues. And, I don't see it costing a cow, a calf, and two bull yearling.

[@HeirloomReviews]

i know the solar was a mistake for me, its always cloudy

[@briana4431]

Just watched this video series. 2 things what do you do for the batters if it got below freezing? And 2nd them solar camp lantern what was the name? Keep the videos coming

[@Guildbrookfarm]

We are insulating the battery shed. The lanterns are Tough Light. Link in the video description.

[@ab6318]

Add another circuit? It will not even be that hard to do. Just run one for your window unit at least. Its like saying, I have a car that can get me from point A to B quickly, but I leave it in neutral and push it down the road so I can save on gas.

[@sistersurpremesassy1961]

I absolutely love your channel I hope you will all have luck when ever I need help I come to your channel ❤️

[@livyforever6618]

Sofia Carson # 1 fan I agree she is the best

[@heavenboundhomestead126]

My goal is refrigerator and freezer only. So far I've got 200 using 25 in each panel. How much do you think it takes to run those two things. I have not hooked everything up yet.

[@FranknCarriesHomestead]

Great Info

[@olewho2]

how much did they want to run power to your place?

[@cricketscorner6514]

Do you run any humidity control around your power bank ? And if not how's your boards handle it.😎👍