Living Off Grid: Solar Power for Self Sufficient Living

[@kevinkompolt8033]

A bad day fishing is better than….a bad day skydiving!

[@rastlach]

If you have the available space on your land I would suggest leaving them ground mounted. They are much easier to clean, work on, upgrade and you can also add a mechanism to angle them.

[@dwighthires3163]

So great to see these solar panels go up. Hopefully these will be a real blessing for many years to come.

[@roycelarson7582]

It's a great feeling to see the kilowatts coming in. Better late than never! So nice to see it up and running for you😊

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Yes! Thank you! Should have been done a year ago but like you said, better late then never😁

[@vickybentley3949]

Wow solar panels look great , i love your channel you and Von are so lovely together and so funny i love your videos xx

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@solarcharging9743]

Excellent decision choosing this heavy duty, low frequency, transformer based, XW inverter instead of one of those short lived, low surge capacity high frequency, transformerless inverters that all those, youtube hucksters are pushing.

[@sorij3560]

Yay for the solar👏👏👏

[@kristingrounds4163]

Solar is up!!! woohoo!!! This is a game changer for you guys!

[@heidideshazo5884]

I’m so so happy for you both, doing the happy dance for you both

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Right on!😂😁

[@robertbartmann8470]

That's going to be a one long saw mill shed. According to what you said you need at least 42'. Will it be on a cement slab and something like what Aric & Arielle constructed? Looks like you have some milling to do. That'll be a nice project to keep you guys busy. The place is really comin' together. Looking more like a homestead every day. Well, you have a wonderful Easter. Take care and all the best. Oh, every time I see Kobalt I miss my Dakota. He was a Siberian Husky, and he's the spittin' image of Kobalt, exactly. We had to put him down when he developed seizures that couldn't be controlled. We was my hiking buddy. We had 12 years. Miss him!

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

The plan is 45 x 14 and will not be on concrete. Plan is to build a gravel pad to build on .

[@pamelabuchanan6710]

Ryan’s hole in his glove matches the hole in his coat! Great job you two!

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

😂😂

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

I bet was extremely satisfying to get that installed 👍🏻 Very good

[@ruthbrown2186]

Yes solar power completed, I see all the snow you got and I’m sitting here in 80 degrees weather in Florida. I do miss the snow looks pretty.

[@sarahschlosser1203]

Another step to independence and freedom. Congratulations 🎊

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you 😊

[@skeetermalcolm1655]

What a beautiful sight the solar panels are, congratulations guys

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you😊

[@jewels7832]

Awesome on the solar panels.

[@SarahStuff-p5u]

Bet that unistrut outlasts them panels, extremely well done, not having to run that generator everyday will be worth its weight in gold.

[@SarahStuff-p5u]

Toss a bag of sacrete still in its bag on each kicker, probably all you need for it to be stable unless you get a tornado. Let the rain turn the mix solid, just toss em on for some weight.

[@lauraquigley6403]

So Happy you made time to go ice fishing which is my favorite thing to do. Congratulations on solar panels going up too!🙏🙏🙏Blessing’s

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Awesome! Thank you

[@kristyjones7657]

I came to join your channel because of my favorite KZbinrs at Simple Living Alaska recommending y’all…& realized I’ve already subscribed… so now I can binge watch your channel!🎉 God bless!

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you and welcome to the channel😊

[@OutdoorsandCountryLiving]

Heck ya. That’s awesome. Congratulations, Happy Easer and stay well. Great addition to your home. 😁

[@robertoler3795]

we have a system like this at the high cabin on the farm in MT and also here in Gig Harbor...it works great. you will want to mass down the back of the struts...other wise the wind will eventully move it. and GROUND the system at the arrays

[@jackierandall2230]

Your solar panels are beautiful..a perfect set up ..one little suggestion is to tie the panels off so that the wind will not make them into big tumble weeds.you guys are doing a fantastic job on your homestead...😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@normanmajor5591]

Good job on solar panels and enjoying fishing 😊

[@edmoores]

The solar system will be a game changer. Great job

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you 😊

[@steveradecki4608]

Hi, you may want to consider using an insulating material (Tesa or Duct Tape), between the aluminium panel and galvanised Unistrut to prevent corrosion due to electrolysis. When you relocate to the new wood shed, assuming you will be repurposing the existing Unistrut

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thanks for the tip😊

[@mariannemarkle6244]

I am so happy for you guys that your solar setup is up and running! I am sure each time you look at it, it brings a smile to your face!

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

We’ve been smiling for days😁😁

[@bretlawson924]

Love watching you two work together! America needs to take example for sure. I really was shocked at how simplistic the solar panel array is....I guess I just assumed bigger than I needed to. LOL the gentleman whom sold you the system really can spew out the info eh?? Wow! Happy Easter to you folks, live in JOY!

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

He’s very passionate about solar systems and off grid.😁 He’s the right guy for the job.

[@Susan.I]

Happy fishing!!😊

[@Hawaiigeko96789]

We really look forward to your video’s. Love seeing fun stuff and you dog buck. Couldn’t believe how thick the ice was though. If you don’t mind could you put the name of the lake I like to look up on maps to see where in that huge state you playing. Thanks a million. Keep smiling 😊

[@waderue]

wow, you have a wind turbine? nice now if you get it high enough and get it in, it will help a lot to give you power so having a system giving you power so nice job, and don't think I don't believe in solar I do I just think it where it should to get the most power from the sun

[@Angiewallenstein]

Hurray for solar panels 🙂

[@tracymankey9314]

That man was so smart he give me a headache on the solar system

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

He’s a fast talker. I have to tell him to slow down, so I can understand what he’s saying.

[@Susan.I]

Congratulations on you solar power array!!😊

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you!! 😁

[@dianehill6612]

Congrats guys on all your accomplishments. Looking forward to your next video. ❤️

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@acowboyinalaska4651]

Lookin good, in Tok on my way home to Anchor Point, think I will stick around for few day and wait out the wind/snow. Maybe catch ya at Fast Eddies

[@n411xbushpilot]

Solor System like yours set up with Advice from EDDY at RES will be the so nice years of Power. We stop running Generator in March and about November is when we have to start running it once every 2 days for about 2 hours. Great video.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you 😊

[@AlexB-km7os]

That was fun. I'd call that a smilestone🤟

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

😂😂love it

[@donw8319]

I enjoy watching you two recording your venture through life. It's amazing how well you two work together. The type of life you've chosen is tough, but it looks like you are handling it with ease. Thank you for creating the videos for our entertainment

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you so much!

[@jeaneelmlund5248]

Huge accomplishment!! Congrats

[@brendasmith6076]

When you get a project finished it sure makes you feel good. One thing finished and now check it off your list and go on to another. I hope a moose or bear wont get near the panels

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Hope not😊 it won’t be a concern when they’re mounted at their permanent home on our sawmill roof.

[@jackierandall2230]

Happy easter

[@randymatthews5263]

Corn and green yarn on a hook…..always worked in Alaska for me..

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Good tip😊

[@bentitmus5960]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but the hold down clips between the panels, can lead to broken panels. They need to be rotated 90 degrees. The hooked tab should not go against the panels, but should be used to separate the panels... just a little info from a solar service tech... otherwise congratulations on your new arryay... I love the unistrut temp racking.

[@bentitmus5960]

Just to clarify, the hold downs between the panels are horizontal along the long side of the clip, the clip needs to be rotated 90 degrees, so they will then run vertical along the long side

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you for letting us know that. We weren’t sure how they should be oriented.

[@elmercarroll2817]

2 kernels of corn and a drop of anise oil works well. Just a tip.

[@OffGridWithChrisandKristie]

Oh man, we built a massive array last summer and it sure was a feat! It’ll be great to be putting your investment to use finally!

[@jacketssprockets9842]

So awesome to be getting power. From your system. Fishing looked like fun. I think Kobuck was trying to tell you that the fish were over here. Lol. Love watching your videos thanks.

[@got2b4now]

That is awesome!!

[@octobersky64]

Sweet nice😊

[@RobinJones-ow9oz]

Thank you for capturing the Northern lights I bet there are a lot beautiful there than not seeing them on video but thank you for that that's my dream to see that. What's that dogs name mean never heard it before.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Glad you enjoyed it😊 Our dog name is Kobuk. He’s named after the Kobuk river here in Alaska.

[@OrganicPower-Australia]

Hey there! You might be interested in my up coming episode on off grid lightning protection A must for defending your valuable electronic equipment. Check out the pre-build video @OrganicPower-Australia 😎

[@clarke6436]

Awesome job, p.ease wear safety glasses when playing with solar you om Only get one pair of eyes.

[@mathewjaycox843]

I know of some people who have windmill/turbine for wind generation and they are not quiet.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Yeah we have a buddy who has one in our area and it loud. We would put it out behind the generator building g about 200 ft away from the house.

[@JEL66]

Hey y'all I love you!! 💜✨ Great video!! 👍Litl' work an a Litl' play!! Sending love and support from Florida 🌺💫💫💫

[@duaneklein4924]

That is great! One step closer! I like the windmill idea for winter. Thank you for sharing. I am very excited for you both. Keep on, keeping on! Let’s go fishing!

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

When and where😁 fish on🎣

[@Justice1911A1]

Exciting to have the solar up and running. Von is right, even a bad fishing trip is a good one 😂 💜from 🇦🇺

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

It sure is!😊

[@pinkywilliams8063]

I still remember the first time I went fishing with my grandparents at the age of five. I was hooked Solar panel check!!!! Congrats for solar power!!! Thanks for sharing

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

That is awesome!😁 we hope it’s the same for our grandkids.

[@kennethalmond8922]

Congratulations on Solar! We run a15kw PV array - 3 times the 12panels (5.2kw) you currently have. We're in Southern Oregon and get ~2000kwh+/month summer and ~500kwh/month winter consumable power with spring/fall in-between. I'd suggest in you're planning - leave room for more 435w panels in the future - e.g. 24 panels, (10.4kw), 36 panels (15.7kw), 48 panels (21kw). Solar panels are the lowest maintenance 'system' I have at my home - less trouble than keeping paint on the house. 6 years and the only thing I've done is 'look at them' :). But they take room / planning for the space - maybe up on the house roof at some point as well. Seen some interesting vids on bi-facials performing well in Alaska/snow country mounted vertically like a fence producing as much as tilted - might be an option for you're property and have the advantage of snow will not 'collect on them' so much since they're vertical.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

That is awesome!

[@jacquegrieve9061]

So happy for you. Happy Easter 🙂🐇🌷

[@sclivestock5943]

Great work folks. Everyday you’re getting closer to the finish line. Congrats. Have an awesome weekend. 🍻

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thanks! You too!

[@estellaknox9285]

Amazing i am glad for you guys

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thanks so much!😊

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

Interesting stuff on the house power supply plans. Usually there's no wind in winter high pressure periods. What studies have been done as to the wind strength and duration in your area ?

[@jennifergraham9679]

Good that you have your solar system running, will take a load off the generator.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Yes, it will be amazing.

[@Melissa16405]

Good Friday morning y’all. So happy you got your solar up and running. Hope everyone has a Blessed week, and a Blessed Easter.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you! You too!

[@charlenegrady8781]

So happy you have the solar panels up. Good job guys. Want to wish you both a Happy Easter🌸

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you😊

[@MrClivelupo]

So nice to see you like a kid in the candystore and i am enjoying your excitment

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

We feel like kids in a candy store😂😁

[@dawnmuringer9286]

Glad you had time to go fishing ,sorry you didn't get any! So happy for you on your solsr..will be a game changer for your homestead!!❤

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

The few days we’ve had it up have been amazing.

[@brendamower1412]

Happy Dance

[@rosemaryjasper1121]

Great video guys! Your videos always have a really positive vibe. Now you’ve got the solar up and running it will give you both even more to smile about! Looking forward to seeing the transformation now you’ve got all the muddying and finishing done on the bedroom, and bathroom. Just love you guys, you treat each other with respect are always polite when you speak to each other. You have fun just being together, it’s so good to see.❤

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

We love reading comment like this😁 Thank you for the uplifting boost.

[@domingolopez6394]

Great job by both of you.

[@willglueck3156]

🐰Happy Easter.👍

[@IWANASLAPTHAT]

WOW Brian Shaw doing the off grid. At the start when you was fishing your wife looked like she was late 20s. You make a great couple and I wish you all the best and I'm going to Subscibe. Stay safe and healthy.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Welcome to the channel and thank you for the sub.😊

[@CatheyJenkins]

Hi 👋 well done for your solar power on brilliant ❤❤❤xxx

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you! 😊

[@patriciamontague6035]

Looks good hi from Colorado Springs 😀

[@florencecampbell774]

You did a great job you two.🌺🌺👍

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you! 🤗

[@waderue]

So you have 12 panels and yes it might make enough to run home maybe but if you have a shop and other outbuildings that need power you need more panels and I watched this one show and they have over 50 panels to run their shop and small home and now they add a new bigger shop and they have set even more panels to run it so solar can be great as long as the sun is out and good thing you have backup generator and so does other channel I watch but like tell most people just hook to grid if you can and save you self from all issue you will have in long and all money you will have spend

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Panels are only a part of the equation. More importantly is the batteries. I would rather have more storage(batteries) than more panels. I can run anything a person on the grid can run, because we have lots of battery storage. When you have 50 panels and the sun is out, all you’re doing is wasting energy if you have nowhere to store it for when it’s needed.

[@savvy1803]

Legendary day , congrats Ryan and Von so happy for you both ... long may it ☀☀☀.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you😊

[@ewidmer1]

I laughed with youon your fun happy dance

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

😂

[@debbiecress7599]

looking good, have a very Happy Easter

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thanks, you too!

[@RaisedinAlaska]

Fun video, thanks for sharing.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thanks for watching

[@nathanurick8320]

You two are amazing people

[@jeffsizemore6869]

Congratulations on the solar guys Awesome video

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thank you!😊

[@rogerkinnis7099]

I love you guys your videos are awesome.

[@vanlifenomadfirekeeper]

Love your hat and gloves.(-:

[@beckypaddock9208]

Great fishing 🎣

[@ramiromarin4002]

Great job guys, Happy Friday and Weekend 😊😊😊, Love your Hair girl. GBU BOTH

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Thanks so much

[@Grandmashomesteadhaven]

I would love to know what brand the Solar Rack is?

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

It’s just a bunch of unistrut bolted together at a specific angle that’s best for solar production in our area.

[@Grandmashomesteadhaven]

Could you give me the measurments of the supports and tell me how they are connected to make the Aframe base?

[@rockylockhart7301]

How do you know what type of inverter, charge controller plus size of panels to buy for the amount of power you want plus future? Also size of batteries you need to have in addition to have power overall?? I know it’s a loaded question a tuff question but knowing helps more than you know.. Most people don’t know how solar can help save money.. the maintenance stance to cost is important to me and personally you guys are great teachers and your knowledge helps the newbie’s like myself grow.. Thanks wonderful video.. You guys are awesome

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

We’ll be doing a complete solar video in the future to cover all those questions.

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

The dog pissed on your snowmobile whilst you were getting ready.

[@Nannygoat]

Hi Von and Ryan Happy Easter! Another good video. Question. Will the diesel generator require yearly maintenance? Cheers and have a blessed weekend.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Not sure yet, we want to keep it in tip top shape for future use. I doubt that yearly visits to the mechanic will be required but this last year is the most that generator has ever run in its life. It’s been a great generator so far.

[@Nannygoat]

My dad was a diesel mechanic. That being said he professed the engines maintained will last 100 years. My little town has a big diesel engine that powered the town in 1920s that still runs!

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

@@Nannygoat Tok’s power comes from two big diesel generators. I agree with what your dad’s sentiment was. I figure if I spend a little $ now on preventative maintenance it’ll pay for itself in the long run.

[@danielcarmody7235]

Are the bolts made of a different material than what you are screwing into if so you might want to use Never Seeze on bolts cause you’ll be moving them to final position later (just a thought)

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

It’s all galvanized metal. I don’t see us having any issues with disassembly.

[@eremoshomestead7406]

What did you use to make the angle on the strut for the end mounts???? If you answer this in the video I appologize....I got excited and am going to use this to mount my panels.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Piece of bent flat iron, bent to the angle I needed and bolted to the unistrut.

[@heiditaylor5896]

Woohoo solar is working!!! Boo to no fish but it is always nice to get out for adventures!! I better save this video ao when we are ready to do this kind of stuff we know what to do 😂 How much does a system like that cost over there?

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

The panels are about 5k and the system in total is 42k.

[@heiditaylor5896]

@@wildwoodoffgridalaska That's not too bad actually. Does that include batteries as well?

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Yes, that includes a large battery bank.

[@fifesters]

Now your fishing like I do. Skunk city

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

You’re rubbing off on us.😁

[@fifesters]

@@wildwoodoffgridalaska it’s not such a bad thing it leaves more room in the freezer for red meat.

[@annobrien223]

Great hiv toy tqi

[@octobersky64]

Great job the both of you on the solar system. Very nice fur hat and gloves Von may I ask what kinda fur it is tks

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Both hat and gloves are beaver fur.

[@miephoex]

Were Eric and Ariel already there? Hope they left you some! 😂

[@brianiller2793]

Dang it Vaughn I see you still haven't fixed that coat yet come on girl 😅

[@jiminalaska]

where did you get the brackets to hold the panels? I am putting solar in my place on Point Mac. MEI wanted 13-15 K$ for grid. I figure I can do it for half and have no monthly bills and not loose electricity with every storm

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

We received them from RES (renewable energy systems) in Fairbanks when we purchased the system.

[@harlanmclain1719]

I dont see how u have goting & fish with what ur useing and if u get some tip ups with better bate u should get all kinds of fish u dont have the as many fishing there so cant be fish out but ur going to love haven panels up save $ i love mine haven't started generator but once all winter 🥶 got to love it...by the way you should find away to tie them down cuz if the wind 🌬️ catch them they might blow over and brake ur panels . & Believe you should have a set of wires to pv 1 and another to the next 6 panels to pv2 but id check so ur not feeding to much to ur box & dont agree with what they told you and people on here i wouldn't want to run them batteries cuz u have to maintain them where lithium u dont have to add water & all that but as far as wind Don't ask how i know this to be true lol good luck & god bless

[@mathewjaycox843]

One thing you are probably already aware of is that squirrels, rabbits and porcupines like to chew on rubber coated wires.

[@wildwoodoffgridalaska]

Squirrels get shot here, not many rabbits and no porcupines. The wires are temporary until the panels go on the sawmill shed roof, then they will be buried in conduit.