Very cool! I'm glad things are going well. Please consider putting in a ground rod at eash end of the array and connecting all of the panels to the grounds. That does a couple of things: 1) The ground connection will drain away any static electricity caused by winds. Remember, wood is an insulator, so you need an actual conductor to ground. 2) If lightning strikes, most of the current will go to ground and not into your house. Good luck!
Thank you, Dream Team. A corn friendly tip: Help your plants help themselves. Both seed and starter plants can benefit from healthy soil microbes to team up with and consume. Consider creating an aerated compost tea or extraction to coat your seeds and drench your starter plants. It starts with composting and teaming up with nature.
Hi Jim and Jess, One simple thing would make your rack almost bulletproof, boards on a horizontal to make a brace connecting the short posts to the tall posts to form a triangle. Also diagonal braces between the tall posts on the end and the next tall posts in from the end. Wind is a powerful force and it's really hard to collapse a triangle. Until next time
Agree. The diagonal braces on the high side would do wonders for the stiffness. (The earth works as the bottom connection of the triangle at each end) - At the moment it's just the shallow depth of the foundation and the short distance of the screws at the top who keeps it from falling sideways like a cardhouse. As you mention the wind is a powerful force, and with global climate change, we will see more and harder winds. Some diagonal braces are a cheap and easy way to really secure one expensive and vital part of your farm.
Great job and looks very sturdy! By the way, that looked like treated wood you used so you may want to seal the top of the posts, where you cut them, with a liquid preservative to protect against water and bugs.
I see the trolls are here again, not as strong but still posting. I think your framework looks good and efficient. "Measure twice, cut once" has paid off well and your sense of achievement is justified. It's nice to see Jess back at her bottle window, the colours are amazing from the inside.
Fun to see you two. Jessica is so calm, a good match for you Jim. The dogs will eventually get used to each other especially being in the kennels next to each other. We used to live in AZ. quite a ways from where you are, we were up in the mountains near Payson. We left in 2020 and bought property in Mo. We are in lower altitude here so our temps are not to different from where we were in AZ. We also had 2 dogs, our one was a older Lab. we had for 10+ yrs before we got a much younger Eng. Mastiff mix, who was very high energy, our lab got where she just ignored our younger pup. The younger one got growled at several times. and a couple of nips, she was much larger but sensed the older dog wouldn't put up with her. Eventually they adjusted and stayed out of each others way. Good Luck and God Bless You.
The shingles just get better looking with age. I follow another homestead channel Frugal Off Grid. He's done a really good job with a thermal underground greenhouse. He's growing year round. He planted all sorts of stuff in the swales. Pretty impressive. It may not be a bad idea to check him out. BTW your chickens are just gorgeous! I love the outdoor chicken garden that Tiny Shiny Home built as well
The rack looks great. Jim, you have learned so much since you initially moved to the property. Enjoying seeing you both trying your hand at new things.
Over time you're top and bottom plates will bow from the weight of the panels. The way to stop that is a angle nailed underneath on the diagonal. Look at how your old ones bowed. It will take longer with the new build but it will still do it.
Great job guys! As to corn, native Minnesotan here. Corn needs a rich loam type of soil that can hold water and lots of nitrogen. I realize you can grow it hydroponically, but it needs lots of nitrogen and water. It needs coolness when it’s building its leaves early on, then all the heat and humidity you can give it, why can I see Jim with a mister lol!😂
You might be able to teach the dogs to protect your chickens, even when free ranging. We had a dog that loved his chickens and let the babies ride on him. He cried tears when we had to process them. That even made my dad cry. I was watching with the egg, people say their dog doesnt know their strength, but they do.
Building stuff with your hands like a kid in a candy store ain't it that's what you look like keep up the good job keep it straight keep it honest you'll be blessed one day all hell you already blessed
I found your channel a couple of months ago and went back and watched all your videos. You are truly a remarkable couple with an amazing work ethic. I really appreciated your honesty and transparency with your experiences in taking a raw piece of land in such a harsh environment and turning it into a special secluded homestead. You are an inspiration to me and many others who may be facing their own day to day 'harsh realities'. Thank you from your neighbor just north of you in Utah.
I understand completely. I built my own solar rack. Phew we had up to 75 mph winds and it's still standing. Plumbers tape works great as corner straps.
Water collection: Space the panels apart slightly so water can drain over the sides. place gutters under the panels to catch this water. One gutter to catch for two panels. Tilt these gutters only enough to drain to more gutters placed at the bottom of the panels. If there is too much loss from the side gutters because they are too far away, some aluminum flashing hanging below the panels will direct the water properly. If the lower gutters are too low to allow drainage to a good location a buried plastic 30 gallon trash can and solar powered pump can move it anywhere. Works for me.
Oh, wow, Jim. That looks so strong! Jessica, I've really noticed you getting more relaxed and comfortable in front of "us." That feels so good on this side. ❤️ your smiles. (It was fun watching Lluvia play.)
Jim and your lovely wife are such hard workers and I just love the way you both get along so much love between you two awesome video dogs are so dang adorable Rosa
Just a hint about the corn - plant 2 seeds per hole (in a mound), make sure at least 2 rows near enough for pollination purposes check out videos of corn in the midwest states for an idea of how dense to plant. your yield will increase and the individual ears will have a full population of seeds. remember it is a grass. That is turning out to be an awesome solar panel setup. Good to see you measure twice - good for the uninitiated.
Don't know what direction your predominant winds come from but if they are out of the north, you could add gabion baskets around the taller posts to help anchor your solar mount.
The frame for the solar panels looks very sturdy and well built. The angle is very important with certain types of panels. Saw a TH-camr trying different angles of their solar panels last week. That easily brought 20-30 amps more power. BUT, if you can produce enough electricity all year round to charge all devices and batteries, then it is better to choose the angle so that there is not so much resistance in a storm. I think you both hit the nail on the head and you won't have any problems with it. I really had to laugh about the corn cobs - they looked so good from the outside and then 12 grains on one cob... Sorry 😂🤣😂
Btw if you sealed all the solar panels together you have a giant sail and you'd have to pile on so much more money to strengthen the racks then in a high wind you could lose a panel or two but tied together might lose them all
When I was a kid we grew corn that looked like that. Since then learned that the plants must be closely spaced together so they can pollinate each other.
@Green Dream Project. Perhaps it is possible to connect metal/transparent plastic roof panels under the solar panels to catch the rainwater. It will also help to build a sheltered place for storage or plants
HOWdy G-D-P, ... I like your attention to DETAIL on your Ground-Mount ARRAY ... I too utilized Stainless Steel FENDER WASHERS & Structural SCREWS to secure my PANELS to my Ground Mount ... COOP ... the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...
Hey buddy how you guys doing today keep up the good work I'll just make sure the dogs are doing okay I guess they got into it last time but I hope they're doing good this time God bless you guys
looks good the solar rack are you putting a row of nogs in the center to stop the 6 by 2 from twisting in the weather well at least fix a timber center 4 by 2 full length just wondering
Jim and Jess Jesus loves you and want's you to come to him for Salvation from your sins. Please seek him in these end of days before it's too late. Love watching your show, can't wait for it to come on each time.❤❤❤❤
Love it love it. From AG in PDX. Van Lifer working 9-5er doing the dream here with a question for yall on the request line: when are yall gonna do a raised bed garden?
Save the corn silk dry it. Put in jar when completely dry. 1 Tbsp silk in tea pot. Add boiled water. Steep. Filter to catch silk put back in pot. Add honey to tea cup. Sip. Clears kidneys bladder. I can attest to it
Jim, I think you're overthinking the gutter on the solar panels...just put a gutter at the bottom and direct it to the plants you want to plant underneath the panels.
The corn seems to lack proper pollination as the field is so small. Perhaps you could use a brush in the future and pollinate by hand from the top of the pland to the hairs that stick out of the husk.
I think of everything having a duel use for every structure water catchment or a shed roof for livestock chickens ,dogs run storage not super water tight more like garden shade structure as for the water catchment it would be using corrugated panels underneath the panels mainly between the panels and a gutter at base the idea is to catch as much as possible without using sealers and having the panels higher so to be able to have it for multiple uses great job as always
A simple idea for catching water from the panels is to use HVAC tape. It's silver metal like tape that will stand up to the sun for a while. It comes in 2" wide and even maybe wider. You can use the water for other things like mixing with cement, dirt or landscaping. Might cost you $10.
Jess, are you sure that "blown away" is how you want to describe how you feel about the new solar panels? I think "surely impressed" or "firmly secure that..." would be much better terms. 🙂
You need a some bright work lights with stand so dark it's like that where I lie but we have street lamps every two blocks which is better than no lights. Lights on out steps also. Be safe .You solar array is looking good
I appreciate, your hard efforts In sharing your love for her, but it's very apparent that she doesn't want it to be shown, quit embarrassing her, just saying she is shy and she dont like people seeing your affection
Hey Jim, just a little info from me to you I would’ve done leg boats zoo those boards crossbeams for simple reason it will hold out longer instead screws my dear brother and sister
In case you missed the last video, check it out here:
th-cam.com/video/Iul7X3BznyQ/w-d-xo.html
U can use the barrel as a pump no electricity..
Isn't making electric at night 🌉🌙✨😌 profitable for you
Very cool! I'm glad things are going well. Please consider putting in a ground rod at eash end of the array and connecting all of the panels to the grounds. That does a couple of things: 1) The ground connection will drain away any static electricity caused by winds. Remember, wood is an insulator, so you need an actual conductor to ground. 2) If lightning strikes, most of the current will go to ground and not into your house. Good luck!
Thank you, Dream Team. A corn friendly tip: Help your plants help themselves. Both seed and starter plants can benefit from healthy soil microbes to team up with and consume. Consider creating an aerated compost tea or extraction to coat your seeds and drench your starter plants. It starts with composting and teaming up with nature.
The inspector Jess approved the work , you passed the test. May God continue blessing you both💝💝🐮💝🐮💝
Hi Jim and Jess, One simple thing would make your rack almost bulletproof, boards on a horizontal to make a brace connecting the short posts to the tall posts to form a triangle. Also diagonal braces between the tall posts on the end and the next tall posts in from the end. Wind is a powerful force and it's really hard to collapse a triangle.
Until next time
Agree. The diagonal braces on the high side would do wonders for the stiffness. (The earth works as the bottom connection of the triangle at each end) - At the moment it's just the shallow depth of the foundation and the short distance of the screws at the top who keeps it from falling sideways like a cardhouse. As you mention the wind is a powerful force, and with global climate change, we will see more and harder winds. Some diagonal braces are a cheap and easy way to really secure one expensive and vital part of your farm.
This is a very good idea. Jim, you should slap some 2x4's up sooner rather than later. Just a suggestion!
Planting under the panel rack may be a good idea. Some of the big solar companies are doing that.
Makes the panels run cooler and protect the plants.👍
Great job and looks very sturdy! By the way, that looked like treated wood you used so you may want to seal the top of the posts, where you cut them, with a liquid preservative to protect against water and bugs.
Well done on the Solar racks, very good and looks strong, actually I enjoyed seeing your joy in finishing attaching those runner-mounts.
I see the trolls are here again, not as strong but still posting. I think your framework looks good and efficient. "Measure twice, cut once" has paid off well and your sense of achievement is justified. It's nice to see Jess back at her bottle window, the colours are amazing from the inside.
Fun to see you two. Jessica is so calm, a good match for you Jim. The dogs will eventually get used to each other especially being in the kennels next to each other. We used to live in AZ. quite a ways from where you are, we were up in the mountains near Payson. We left in 2020 and bought property in Mo. We are in lower altitude here so our temps are not to different from where we were in AZ. We also had 2 dogs, our one was a older Lab. we had for 10+ yrs before we got a much younger Eng. Mastiff mix, who was very high energy, our lab got where she just ignored our younger pup. The younger one got growled at several times. and a couple of nips, she was much larger but sensed the older dog wouldn't put up with her. Eventually they adjusted and stayed out of each others way. Good Luck and God Bless You.
You two make some of the best videos on this site. You’re awesome together
I agree! I look forward to every video
Right. I Definitely enjoy laughing at them
The shingles just get better looking with age. I follow another homestead channel Frugal Off Grid. He's done a really good job with a thermal underground greenhouse. He's growing year round. He planted all sorts of stuff in the swales. Pretty impressive. It may not be a bad idea to check him out. BTW your chickens are just gorgeous! I love the outdoor chicken garden that Tiny Shiny Home built as well
The rack looks great. Jim, you have learned so much since you initially moved to the property. Enjoying seeing you both trying your hand at new things.
Looks like it's strong enough to weather just about anything mother nature will bring on.
Over time you're top and bottom plates will bow from the weight of the panels. The way to stop that is a angle nailed underneath on the diagonal. Look at how your old ones bowed. It will take longer with the new build but it will still do it.
You guys are so cute together! Nice job on the solar. Lookin' good.
Wow, great job on your solar panel rack frame Jim! Looks really sturdy! 👍
Great job guys! As to corn, native Minnesotan here. Corn needs a rich loam type of soil that can hold water and lots of nitrogen. I realize you can grow it hydroponically, but it needs lots of nitrogen and water. It needs coolness when it’s building its leaves early on, then all the heat and humidity you can give it, why can I see Jim with a mister lol!😂
You might be able to teach the dogs to protect your chickens, even when free ranging. We had a dog that loved his chickens and let the babies ride on him. He cried tears when we had to process them. That even made my dad cry. I was watching with the egg, people say their dog doesnt know their strength, but they do.
I do love watching you. Jim always makes me chuckle.
You need a significant square of corn to get good pollination. I suspect you need to plant more
Building stuff with your hands like a kid in a candy store ain't it that's what you look like keep up the good job keep it straight keep it honest you'll be blessed one day all hell you already blessed
I found your channel a couple of months ago and went back and watched all your videos. You are truly a remarkable couple with an amazing work ethic. I really appreciated your honesty and transparency with your experiences in taking a raw piece of land in such a harsh environment and turning it into a special secluded homestead. You are an inspiration to me and many others who may be facing their own day to day 'harsh realities'. Thank you from your neighbor just north of you in Utah.
I understand completely. I built my own solar rack. Phew we had up to 75 mph winds and it's still standing. Plumbers tape works great as corner straps.
a dog that plays like she does shows high inteligence
I noticed as well
My dog plays allllll dayyyy she is the pack workout trainer
Nicely done! Looks like it will serve you guys well!!
Water collection: Space the panels apart slightly so water can drain over the sides. place gutters under the panels to catch this water. One gutter to catch for two panels. Tilt these gutters only enough to drain to more gutters placed at the bottom of the panels. If there is too much loss from the side gutters because they are too far away, some aluminum flashing hanging below the panels will direct the water properly. If the lower gutters are too low to allow drainage to a good location a buried plastic 30 gallon trash can and solar powered pump can move it anywhere. Works for me.
Great job, be safe you guys.
Much better, that should last a looong time! 🌞😊
For corn to work you need a LOT of plants together to ensure pollination. Or you can self pollinate.
Put foam caulk backing rod between the solar panels. That's what I did. Flexable and lets panels move
looks great just a note I would put metal caps on those 4x4 post you cut off so the weather dose not damage the tops God bless
Lucky man you are wonderful wife living a wonderful life, God blessed you
Rack mk 2 very nice and that comment peebyu thought Jim was going to burst into a country and western song 😉
Hey that freeze finally got to Dallas glad you hustled and got snuggly, frens
Oh, wow, Jim. That looks so strong! Jessica, I've really noticed you getting more relaxed and comfortable in front of "us." That feels so good on this side. ❤️ your smiles. (It was fun watching Lluvia play.)
Everything seems to be coming together nicely. Wish you the best of luck.
As always, Great job❤️🐾🐾🐾🐾👍
Greetings from Finland! Nice work , Guys , happy to such progress on your property.
Jim and your lovely wife are such hard workers and I just love the way you both get along so much love between you two awesome video dogs are so dang adorable Rosa
Jess did the hardest part moving that board LOL
This is exciting to see come back together.
Just a hint about the corn - plant 2 seeds per hole (in a mound), make sure at least 2 rows near enough for pollination purposes check out videos of corn in the midwest states for an idea of how dense to plant. your yield will increase and the individual ears will have a full population of seeds. remember it is a grass. That is turning out to be an awesome solar panel setup. Good to see you measure twice - good for the uninitiated.
thank you for posting this. My corn always looks like that too. The chickens really loved it though.
Great job! I am glad you're getting it done before the polar vortex blows in for the winter. #Keepupthegreatwork
with the wind you have you can never have enough fasteners add more!
that's a rack done right👍😀looks awesome
Nice job. You have grown so much in your building skills.
Great job Jim, the rack looks awesome
Don't know what direction your predominant winds come from but if they are out of the north, you could add gabion baskets around the taller posts to help anchor your solar mount.
GDP after Dark.
Wah Chik-a wah wah.
I'm roflmao.
Love Jim's Suttle humor 🤣
Well that was interesting I asked you about eating and you show me corn that barely had any kernels on it
Nice job on the rack it looks great
Nice carpentry trick! Tfs
Ive grown corn like that before. We always fed the old corncobs to the chickens. They would pick them bare.
Very nice solar panel structure!
The frame for the solar panels looks very sturdy and well built. The angle is very important with certain types of panels. Saw a TH-camr trying different angles of their solar panels last week. That easily brought 20-30 amps more power. BUT, if you can produce enough electricity all year round to charge all devices and batteries, then it is better to choose the angle so that there is not so much resistance in a storm. I think you both hit the nail on the head and you won't have any problems with it. I really had to laugh about the corn cobs - they looked so good from the outside and then 12 grains on one cob... Sorry 😂🤣😂
Btw if you sealed all the solar panels together you have a giant sail and you'd have to pile on so much more money to strengthen the racks then in a high wind you could lose a panel or two but tied together might lose them all
Sunshine is ahead.
When I was a kid we grew corn that looked like that. Since then learned that the plants must be closely spaced together so they can pollinate each other.
@Green Dream Project.
Perhaps it is possible to connect metal/transparent plastic roof panels under the solar panels to catch the rainwater. It will also help to build a sheltered place for storage or plants
Well that there is by far one of the nicest racks I have ever seen😂😂 Great job guys!!
Hello Jim and Jessica, your amazing. 💕NonnaGrace 🐓
HOWdy G-D-P, ...
I like your attention to DETAIL on your Ground-Mount ARRAY ...
I too utilized Stainless Steel FENDER WASHERS & Structural SCREWS to secure my PANELS to my Ground Mount ...
COOP ...
the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA
...
Looks great! Very sturdy!❤❤❤
It should be. I've modeled it after the best.😉👍
great
Nice racks! Maybe some diagonal bracing on the high side to make them even more bullet proof
Hey buddy how you guys doing today keep up the good work I'll just make sure the dogs are doing okay I guess they got into it last time but I hope they're doing good this time God bless you guys
looks good the solar rack are you putting a row of nogs in the center to stop the 6 by 2 from twisting in the weather well at least fix a timber center 4 by 2 full length just wondering
Nice job!!!
Getting Hammered W/ GDP AFTERDARK😎
Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love you guys
Dig a ditch to catch the run off from the panels and direct it to a small pond.
So excited to see this panel up
Jim and Jess Jesus loves you and want's you to come to him for Salvation from your sins. Please seek him in these end of days before it's too late. Love watching your show, can't wait for it to come on each time.❤❤❤❤
Nice rack!
I was thinking just build half of a roof, looks like that's what you did 👍
Love it love it. From AG in PDX. Van Lifer working 9-5er doing the dream here with a question for yall on the request line: when are yall gonna do a raised bed garden?
Save the corn silk dry it. Put in jar when completely dry. 1 Tbsp silk in tea pot. Add boiled water. Steep. Filter to catch silk put back in pot. Add honey to tea cup. Sip. Clears kidneys bladder. I can attest to it
yeah new rack!
Jim, I think you're overthinking the gutter on the solar panels...just put a gutter at the bottom and direct it to the plants you want to plant underneath the panels.
The corn seems to lack proper pollination as the field is so small. Perhaps you could use a brush in the future and pollinate by hand from the top of the pland to the hairs that stick out of the husk.
Love y’all
I think of everything having a duel use for every structure water catchment or a shed roof for livestock chickens ,dogs run storage not super water tight more like garden shade structure as for the water catchment it would be using corrugated panels underneath the panels mainly between the panels and a gutter at base the idea is to catch as much as possible without using sealers and having the panels higher so to be able to have it for multiple uses great job as always
A simple idea for catching water from the panels is to use HVAC tape. It's silver metal like tape that will stand up to the sun for a while. It comes in 2" wide and even maybe wider. You can use the water for other things like mixing with cement, dirt or landscaping. Might cost you $10.
Awesome
Our dog Carly, walked up to the Schwan's delivery guy while we were talking and Pee'd on his shoe! The guy never came back lol
You could pul a metal roof under the panels.
Nice work team!
Plant more corn closer together to get a great harvest
That is a delicacy corn in France farmer pay big $$$ inoculated with the fungus that causes that Frankenstein corn. Lol
Good
Jess, are you sure that "blown away" is how you want to describe how you feel about the new solar panels? I think "surely impressed" or "firmly secure that..." would be much better terms. 🙂
I have heard each corn silk goes to a carnal of corn
Maybe use a paint brush to pollinate them
maybe
You need a some bright work lights with stand so dark it's like that where I lie but we have street lamps every two blocks which is better than no lights. Lights on out steps also. Be safe .You solar array is looking good
I appreciate, your hard efforts In sharing your love for her, but it's very apparent that she doesn't want it to be shown, quit embarrassing her, just saying she is shy and she dont like people seeing your affection
It becomes one huge sail,
if they are close together...
good
Save the corn seeds. They will grow better next year.
Hey Jim, just a little info from me to you I would’ve done leg boats zoo those boards crossbeams for simple reason it will hold out longer instead screws my dear brother and sister
A little info from us to you. We used timberlok screws which are just as strong.
Nice job. Are y’all still working on dome top
oh I always wanted to be able to do a pull up ! i cant though!