The One Part Of My Off Grid System That Might Trigger Some! The Big Secret Comes Out!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ย. 2024
  • #offgrid #generator
    In this video Curtis talks about his diesel generator. How it works, turns on and off automatically and how much power it puts out.
    ▶️ FREE 7-Day Trial to FromTheField.TV: “It’s Like NETFLIX For Small-Scale Farmers” → freetrial.ftf.tv
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    About Curtis Stone:
    Curtis is one of the world’s most highly sought-after small farming educators. His book, The Urban Farmer, offers a new way to think about farming𑁋 one where quality of life and profitability coexist. Today, Curtis spends most of his time building his 40-acre off-grid homestead in British Columbia. He leverages his relationships with other experts to bring diverse content into the homes of gardeners and aspiring small farmers from around the world. Learn more at FromTheField.TV.
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ความคิดเห็น • 357

  • @ashforkdan
    @ashforkdan ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I have a yanmar 20 kw and it's been the best generator I have every had. It's been flawless for at least the last 10 years. I think it has 18000 hrs on it and the only thing I've done to it was change the turbo once for a couple hundred bucks.

  • @OffGridWithChrisandKristie
    @OffGridWithChrisandKristie ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Curtis your channel inspires us constantly! Not only to make our own dreams happen but also to make content.
    We are in the far north east corner of BC and there’s definitely a few things that we need to consider living above the 56th parallel in a forest!
    Your system is the best of the best, and those armchair warriors are only annoyed that they’re not able to do it themselves, either because they’re lazy or haven’t made the decisions that would financially allow them to be so free.
    Please keep doing what you’re doing, if you can get through to just one family, it’s all worth it!

  • @neelsscheepers8841
    @neelsscheepers8841 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Curtis, live your life the way you want and don't let others tell you how. Living Off grid is adapting to what electricity you have and not what you wish you had. Keep up the good work!!!!

    • @rongray4118
      @rongray4118 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The same windbags spouting what everyone else "should do" are the same windbags who "vote" to personal rights altogether...or so it seems these days.

  • @jeffdible8171
    @jeffdible8171 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    A very well thought out system with multiple redundancies. Site appropriate applications with site appropriate technology. Inspiring Curtis!

  • @michaellydon4119
    @michaellydon4119 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Kudos to you Curtis. Though you're not even finished yet, your site is significantly more sustainable than 99% of the homes that your viewers have. It's great seeing the state of the art in living off grid today, and hearing the issues/insights that present when doing that in real life. Thank you. Excellent job.
    And viewer's unconsidered + ignorant comments are sad. But such is the case with most humans. I wish you continued resilience in dealing with this reality of life. All the Best to You and Yours.

  • @dropshot1967
    @dropshot1967 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Aside from all other arguments about a generator or more solar, I think diversifying your power source is very important and has big advantages. It gives you options and reduces the number of single-point failures. I really like your setup ad what you plan to do.

    • @funghouls5498
      @funghouls5498 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Completely agree with you mate

    • @padraics
      @padraics ปีที่แล้ว

      Why not diversify further by tying to grid to make use of it instead of burning diesel in winter? Can still have the generator to be completely autonomous if power were shut off. Genuine question, not an argument

  • @grow-with-R-and-S
    @grow-with-R-and-S ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Another great video Curtis. Thanks for spending the time to film, edit and post all your vids. We have adapted some our gardening practices from the info you present. Keep the great job your doing. Nice generator!!! Enjoying our Gravenhurst winter

  • @TheWickerShireProject
    @TheWickerShireProject ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm seeing heat reclamation on the diesel pipes. Food for thought. Love the set up and how you explain the levels of off grid. No system is perfect except the one that works for you. I get the idea the True off grid is a cabin in Alaska but, again as you said you would never see or learn anything from that persons hermit lifestyle as it could never be shared out. We use a generator to keep the battery going on bad days as well. Why would anyone let their system crash? Ok watching.

  • @TABLESAWTIM
    @TABLESAWTIM ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I appreciate you Mr. Stone. I look forward to your future wood to electricity videos. My wife & I expect to emulate your families system, in Northern ID. Thank you sir.

    • @dcretney
      @dcretney ปีที่แล้ว

      I am definitely interested to see how Curtis does wood to elec.

  • @bendeleted9155
    @bendeleted9155 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is high-end but realist off-grid. I am envious. Nice work.

  • @montanaboobie
    @montanaboobie ปีที่แล้ว +2

    There is so many different led
    Lights out there. They truly do cover the spectrum. I have an off grid ranch in Montana

  • @NEW_INSITE
    @NEW_INSITE ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I love the hydronic heated concrete floors. I experience them first when I was in Korea back in the 70s. They had a small burning device outside the room that you put a round block of charcoal that had holes through it. In Korea it was called yeontan. Like remember having to go out sometimes in the middle of the night putting in a new block of charcoal as the other ones burned down slowly. But they worked great, they were efficient and safe. I also experienced the other type of floor heating in Korea which had basically a chimney system going underneath the concrete floor where the hot gases went through the chimney system and heated the concrete floor. That was called on doll Heating. The bad thing about that type of system was when the floors got a few years old they started to build cracks and you get carbon monoxide leaking into the room. If that happened and you woke up with just a headache consider yourself lucky, there were many deaths because of that type of heating system.P.S
    Liked and Subscribed.

  • @seek2find
    @seek2find ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Calculating the diminishing returns is an important part of making those kind of decisions like whether or not to add more solar panels etc etc.

    • @anthonygaffey9667
      @anthonygaffey9667 ปีที่แล้ว

      he did spend $14000 on the gen plus install, if he could get the solar to cover his needs for around that price I think it would have been worth it. But now that he has already got the generator the diminishing returns compared to the running cost of the generator no longer make since.

    • @marksmith4627
      @marksmith4627 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@anthonygaffey9667 Yes, but relying strictly on a system that can develop problems and in an environment that is not reliably sunny in the winter, makes having a separate generator backup more sense.

  • @DanielGraham-gj5it
    @DanielGraham-gj5it ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great video Curtis. I love the honest off-grid lifestyle perspective. Your Generator is AC coupled into this system.

  • @wx7slc
    @wx7slc ปีที่แล้ว

    You are right on and it is refreshing to hear someone honest, strong and brave enough to share your point of view. Best of success in realizing your project!

  • @BlainsTube
    @BlainsTube ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your videos come across like a snapshot of where you're at right now.
    I'm guessing you're not trying to say that you've arrived at the end of your homestead journey.
    You do a great job of explaining yourself and your situation. Keep up the good work along the way.

  • @roballan4944
    @roballan4944 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Happy to see you chose a diesel genset. Although I would recommend a low speed diesel over the 3600rpm one little guys. They don't really last and are not worth rebuilding. Keep an eye out for general construction /mining light plants. They usually run 3/4 cylinder Isuzu or Kubota engines and will run upwards of 20,000 hours. They sell for cheap at Ritchie Bros and Kijiji. They are usually 12-20kw and often offer 120/240v.

    • @1960ARC
      @1960ARC ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have a diesel smart car that is close to hitting 100,000 miles and no engine issues. I wonder if it would be possible to convert such a small engine to run a generator.

    • @smjones4238
      @smjones4238 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This Yanmar genset is an 1800rpm set, so NOT the buzzy (3600 rpm) little gasoline/propane burner.

    • @Refertech101
      @Refertech101 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I love my Isuzu Power plant, can be rebuilt in position is the big wining one for me, I can do a major over haul with not moving a thing.

  • @brotheralec8998
    @brotheralec8998 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I live on 2 acres and my family helps with projects from time to time. Our next project is a on site generator. Going with gasoline because of the need to convert to biogas in the future. We are actually looking to use an engine from a car. Possibly use the heat/ac components and use the radiator system as a source of heat. Along with charging 12v.

  • @BattleAx342
    @BattleAx342 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have to say I am very impressed with the way you can live up in the mountains off grid I wish me and my family could do that but being in our mid to late 50s is not going to happen. That generator is bad ass dude. Great video.

    • @beatrizviacava-goulet3450
      @beatrizviacava-goulet3450 ปีที่แล้ว

      Network many in ur situation ...maybe a group of u all can share land ...is coming those times ...hope this empower the many... these parasites ones are buying and chopping the lands ...let's get together and minimize the damages if we keep teaching and learning passing it forward is the key ...🧐😳🤔🫂👍🌎🗣❣️

  • @spacemanspiffy6596
    @spacemanspiffy6596 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Curtis, your doing awesome!!!

    • @spacemanspiffy6596
      @spacemanspiffy6596 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Love the rant, yes at some point, even if you might do a better job with DIY, its best to hire out. Family time is priceless and hard to catch up on. People without kids wont comprehend this.

  • @kevinasselta4632
    @kevinasselta4632 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You can save time and spend more money or save money and spend more time. It comes down to do, can you make more money in the time it would take to do the DIY project (CORRECTLY) or if you do yourself (CORRECTLY) would cost your lost in hour be lower. And there is a learning curve in doing project that can change the cost.

  • @mochoman5532
    @mochoman5532 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Curtis, look into making biogas from waste, and compost heating. Compress the biogas and run the generator.

  • @judyjahnz2363
    @judyjahnz2363 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Life is always trade-offs and choices, sacrifice for something better. Someone with power might not be able to do wash in a power outage either, which are happening a lot more often now. Being prepared for whatever happens is the idea. No one is fully prepared for everything all the time.

  • @duncancremin1708
    @duncancremin1708 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It took me a long time to find LED lights I can use to read by. I hate the blue/white ones that used to be all there was.
    My energy bill was such that I had to find ones that work for me. Now, at least here in Ireland, they’re commonly available. I need warm white and they have to be dimmable. Those are a little less efficient than the cold white ones, but they have a much more natural colour and, unlike the cool ones, they can even power a solar only calculator.
    For what it’s worth, changing all my incandescent bulbs to LEDs, did make a small, but noticeable difference to my bill.
    The biggest change we need to make, if we stay on grid, is to stop using electricity to heat water. But that requires a level of inconvenience I don’t want in my life, so off grid is my next idea.

  • @simon359
    @simon359 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well, I’m glad I don’t have to read through all your comments! Too many people who’ve never experienced going off grid and finding out it’s a long process and it’s a learning process too!
    I myself didn’t know anything about electricity, and it took years to get comfortable and finally build the system I wanted. But even after that, it takes time to figure out whether you did it right or you need to add here or there to it.
    If people could do anything in life, it should be less judgment on everybody else, and we’d all be a lot better off ! 🖖

  • @tamaradewilde9924
    @tamaradewilde9924 ปีที่แล้ว

    We have had bad luck with energy efficient appliances. Our repairmen that kept coming to our house for our energy efficient dryer and washing machine gave us a hint. He said to go buy rebuilt used older models of machines. Best advice ever!

  • @melissasmess2773
    @melissasmess2773 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I burn up about 20-25Kwh a day too, thinking about turning off the water heater. I probably won't use a generator just so that I can say I'm off grid. I love Yanmar, have one of their tractors. Nice place you're building. Thanks for sharing!

  • @richardallankellogg
    @richardallankellogg ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I really like your system. You have a good balance between ideal vs practical. I noticed that high tower with the wind power on it. I would love to have a property like that and would put a GMRS repeater on the tower to provide communications for miles around. Of course, you may not want or need such.
    One thing I haven’t seen from you (I’ve only watched the last 2 videos), is there utility power available to you if you wanted it, or were you forced to go off grid? (I realize you want to be off grid, but just curious).
    Keep up the good videos. I really liked this one.

  • @davidorcutt9246
    @davidorcutt9246 ปีที่แล้ว

    Never seen you before.
    You are just straight and open… I like that!!! Subscribed!

  • @benjaminp6924
    @benjaminp6924 ปีที่แล้ว

    Been doing laundry in a mop bucket for three yrs no prob, led lights have many options now like yellow Amber white specs, life is not about being comfortable it's about teaching our children the will of heavenly Father, thanks for your uploads they help those whom diligently observe

  • @Wrenchen-with-Darren
    @Wrenchen-with-Darren ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Dude, spot on!!! I use some l.e.d. but, like you... not in the house.

  • @jameefloch7530
    @jameefloch7530 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good for you!! LED is BAD!! Also energy saving off grid refrigerators start at 2K!!! Takes time. Off grid in the UP Mi.

  • @ugsisr
    @ugsisr ปีที่แล้ว

    We used to follow your channel but fell off awhile.... Your new place is very impressive... Congrats and may you and your family enjoy many years there..

  • @JoLe1991
    @JoLe1991 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    if you need efficient and natural light for extended time (e. g. >30 minutes) you should go for ceramic metal halide lamps, the top model from philips is actually more efficient than LED's and produces a full spectrum light. model name is MASTERColour CDM-T 70W/830 G12 1CT/12
    i have 2 of these bulbs along with the corresponding driver and there's nothing out there beating them in terms of light quality and electrical efficiency combined

  • @hendo19742
    @hendo19742 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    BIG CHANNEL, GREETINGS FROM THE UK!👍🇿🇦🇬🇧 SUBSCRIBED👍

  • @dc1544
    @dc1544 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I agree those who are not trying to get off grid have no clue. I only have to cover 75 days of not enough solar to cover my loads. In my research I found Heli 2.0 48V kit with 5 blades to be the best. I am seeing an average day with winds 5-15mph produce 14kw. Since you already have your poles you could add 2 of them or even make it just 1. For $2100 it could make a huge difference on cloudy days and save you diesel. I will be buying one this summer and installing it. I will leave the brake on till i need it since I see no reason to wear out bearings etc and have to use a dump load heater. besides my testing of it. I have 58kw of lifepo4 batteries with 9400 watts of solar. When I get mine up and running I will get you my data if you want.

    • @paulmaxwell8851
      @paulmaxwell8851 ปีที่แล้ว

      As Curtis mentioned in an earlier video, he simply does not have the wind resources at his location. I have several neighbours who spent tens of thousands on wind turbines, and yes they do spin nicely up there. But they rarely ever generate useful power, because we do not have significant wind. These folks did not do their homework, ie site appraisal. Spend your money on photovoltaic panels and don't waste your time and money on wind, unless a qualified energy consultant verifies you have the wind resources.

    • @dc1544
      @dc1544 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@paulmaxwell8851 In winter wind is higher. His are not spinning or doing anything because they are end of life. 4 months a year in late fall to early spring the wind doubles in all northern states. To catch the wind you need to be at least 30' up and his are higher. Not all Wind turbines are created equal. That is why I have been researching which ones actually perform. This is also why I said I will let him know how mine do in 5-15mph winds. Turbines at 12 mph produce about 25% of rated output. 20mph 50-65%. 28 mph is the sweet spot where you get about 100%. So with wind at gusts 5-15 mph it should average 400-600 watts per hour. 9,600 watts - 14,400 watts in a day. I bet he can attest to he gets wind over 10 mph a lot in winter. I see so many turbines not produce. That is why I researched which ones do at an affordable price. He already has the tower which is the most expensive part. So again I will test it and let him know. Then he can decide if he wants to do it. I ahve soalr/batteries inverters and I am off grid all but 75 days in the shortest days Nov to end of January.

  • @monkeymhn7
    @monkeymhn7 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

    From experience in generator installation and event power support I agree that Diesel generators are most efficient when run in the 40-80% range. Also the engine is less likely to wet stack and the gen head gives the most stable output and reliable service. Please explain what a tidy tank is and how it is different from the usual fuel oil tank.

  • @cranerigging3604
    @cranerigging3604 ปีที่แล้ว

    That's a nice generator setup and I like the way it's automated to start up ! 👍 Those Yanmar engine's are pretty bulletproof . We have one in a JD skid loader and all we have done to it is change oil & filters after 5,500 hours .
    We use a truck mounted gas driven welder /generator if the power fails for temporary electricity to the home .
    At 24:22 is the reason we stay with rural electric power company as if I do the math our annual power bill is around $ 2,000.00
    So $130,000.00 will buy a lot of energy for many years to come .

  • @carl8568
    @carl8568 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I purchased a blue light free, zero flicker LED bulb for next to my bed. I would have gone with an incandescent bulb but i'm only working with a mere 6.5kw of lead acid storage and my old incandescent bulbs literally used 10 times the power as this new one. I haven't noticed any real sleep disturbances as yet.

  • @bradcavanagh3092
    @bradcavanagh3092 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Just wondering what the go is for scheduled maintenance of your generator? Does your management system alert you when it's clocked enough hours or is it up to you to check the hour meter?

  • @camaro53085
    @camaro53085 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm with you on the LED lights. The light from them is very unpleasant and I can't stand them. I have stocked up on incandescent bulbs when they were phasing them out.

  • @northlander1948
    @northlander1948 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yanmar diesels are awesome, truckers love those things. I also have transitioned from single with no money and lots of time to family life with some money and much less time. So I 100% am with you on “is it turn key?” Lol

  • @zubek559
    @zubek559 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for all you've taught me Curtis!

  • @lesliekerr7952
    @lesliekerr7952 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Unnatural lights affect the endocrine system. Some people can feel this, others cannot, but it affects us all.

    • @ingevankeirsbilck9601
      @ingevankeirsbilck9601 ปีที่แล้ว

      The light coming from a fire apparently works well for mental well-being

    • @ingevankeirsbilck9601
      @ingevankeirsbilck9601 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I have old-fashioned light bulbs as much as I can. In the EU they can't be produced anymore but they can still be purchased and sold. The light is so much more beautiful. And they give off heat, which in my part of the world isn't a bad thing.

    • @CCRep123
      @CCRep123 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Agreed...spend more time outside

    • @ikyhwh
      @ikyhwh ปีที่แล้ว +2

      So drink liquid chlorophyll or mulberry leaf daily.

    • @fiskfarm
      @fiskfarm ปีที่แล้ว

      I did an experiment with our chickens and after molt, about January 15, I put a single ww led in their house on a 12hr on and they were back to laying in a week. Apparently they don't mind blue light. Saves a bundle on electric.

  • @torreysworld
    @torreysworld ปีที่แล้ว

    Can Power Diesel engine off of hemp seed oil as well. Only need to press seeds for oil and pretty much golden, very little refinement needed.
    Another reason to have Diesel engine for bad scenario, can generate new fuel w/ little homemade input

  • @dudeusmaximus6793
    @dudeusmaximus6793 ปีที่แล้ว

    We are looking at a wood gasifier to run the generator and charge the battery system.

  • @Choose_Fun
    @Choose_Fun ปีที่แล้ว

    incredible location. Very beautiful and certainly far from all. Logistics for you probably does not cost cheap ( And also I am impressed!

  • @joeykunz
    @joeykunz ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was with you about LEDs a few years ago but they are indistinguishable now vs incandescent. Check your color temps on the newer stuff, 3000-4000k. even the Edison led bulbs are nice now.

    • @jangolian5253
      @jangolian5253 ปีที่แล้ว

      Constant invisible blinking and emiting crazy amounts of frequencies is much bigger problem than color temps. Even new LEDs still use PWM modulation, nothing has improved.

  • @Miller_NotTheBeer
    @Miller_NotTheBeer ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You are one person, but when the pebbles grow to be rocks, they will be extra hands to work and put effort into the homesite, then grow into valuable people worthy of the name Stone.

  • @livingron9983
    @livingron9983 ปีที่แล้ว

    Not sure if its an issue for you in the effin cold climate but us in semi tropical need to add fuel 'conditioners ' or stabilizers to stop fuel going off when stored. Less of a problem for diesel, but you can still get microbial growth that can totally destroy your fuel and clog up the fuel lines and filters. Just something to be aware of.

  • @aaronhausken3226
    @aaronhausken3226 ปีที่แล้ว

    an extension pole and light broom or squeegie on them panels will yield more output.

  • @douggibson9084
    @douggibson9084 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    WOW, Curtis geny shed looks great. 80 20 best gain, excellent rant. Could you imagine if it would cost your viewer to rant $5/ rant. Can you imagine. Hahaha

  • @Refertech101
    @Refertech101 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gen will all ways be AC normally, I really aut to put in a master bypass but then again 21Kw plant is thirsty at partial load (3Kw cont) it uses 10L every 4H apx

  • @mpschaefer1
    @mpschaefer1 ปีที่แล้ว

    Like Polaris 6×6, I've had one for many years....✌️

  • @Zkpe02
    @Zkpe02 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done! Excellent review with detailed real useful information 👍

  • @jacalnan
    @jacalnan ปีที่แล้ว

    Super interesting projects! You do a great job explaining everything and thanks for sharing!

  • @tdewtx
    @tdewtx ปีที่แล้ว

    Love it, you tell those sily trolls.

  • @belieftransformation
    @belieftransformation ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome info & progress! Brilliant set up! Blessings to all 🤗💜🇨🇦

  • @johnfitbyfaithnet
    @johnfitbyfaithnet ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Insanity of removing incadescent lights from big box stores

  • @fortwoods
    @fortwoods ปีที่แล้ว

    I use a generator when I need to. I use it to charge up my batteries in the evenings or on mornings when I need it. Why? I figured out that running a generator is cheaper than just buying more batteries that I would use only on the few bad weather days we get in SE AZ. I figured that I could run my generator 2 hours a day for 10 years for the same amount it would cost to buy batteries to handle every eventuality.

  • @weliveonearth8012
    @weliveonearth8012 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Light bulbs produce heat, and heat the space they are in. LED are more important in a warm climate b/c not only are they a "less efficient" form of light, they also work against your Cooling unit. In a cold climate, they are slightly reducing your need for Heating so it doesn't really matter that they use more energy than an LED.
    However, if you say you don't like LED light that's probably your choice of bulbs. I once claimed to be bothered by LED lights until I found 3w "warm" bulbs (claiming 25w equivalent). We even use five 1w bulbs above our dining table. Early LED generally came in "cool" color and way too bright so I thought it was bad EMF or blue light but it's just not the case. Main source of blue light is sunlight.
    Keeping lighting dim and pleasant is of value More lights of a lower intensity so that your iris doesn't close, then a dimmer room seems brighter. Under counter lighting also helps in this way, even though it's less efficient as much of the light lands on surfaces you don't see. Overall, I agree that lighting is not a place to be trying to gain efficiency, just make it pleasant and save elsewhere.

  • @ricksanchez2090
    @ricksanchez2090 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You should run the generator under load for at least 15 minutes a week just to keep your oil circulated and to verify usability. Would hate for the shit to hit the fan and you haven't run it for 11 months

  • @racingtogreen2023
    @racingtogreen2023 ปีที่แล้ว

    Our "off-grid" art studio, with Mini split A/C and heat pump, in Texas, has a cheap transfer switch, as the shed is there to be used. It still provides about 9/10ths of it's power from the sun, and that is what I'm hearing here, do what works. We're looking to move to the tropics, which is why I'm training on off-grid, and watching your videos, has probably convinced me to put in a Diesel generator. Where we're going uses a lot of Diesel, so will be easy to get. I am testing panel movement. I do wonder if you get sun tracking at all that goes over the panels, if a simple, single axis tracker with linear actuators might provide an increase that is usable since you said you can tilt them yourself. The cheap $40 actuators can move 300lbs, per, and can be controlled by a $65 ebay tracker, which might be worthwhile looking into. I built one with an arduino, just because I do like to geek out and have the time. I had two of the 12" actuators running off three 18650 3.6v batteries. The actuators and controller, use very little power. But, it sounds like it's just easier to use the generator. I only suggest it, because it looks like it would be pretty simple to cobble onto your current system, and could be done for probably close to a $100 per rack. And hey, moving panels are cool...

  • @FalconEagleEye7
    @FalconEagleEye7 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I personally think your doing AWSOME - I've been 100% off Grid for over 5 years
    FORGET the IDIOTS - Keep it up
    VERY impressing system you have designed

    • @SolarTechFL
      @SolarTechFL ปีที่แล้ว

      7 years offgrid here
      Used to use my diesel gen constantly.
      Now I only use it 3 times a year.

    • @FarmsVilla
      @FarmsVilla ปีที่แล้ว

      Going on 5 months off grid here. It’s been a huge wake up call that’s for sure. I need a bigger battery bank as well as a bigger generator. 😳

  • @bastiat691
    @bastiat691 ปีที่แล้ว

    Check out Samsungs 3200K LEDs, they are very warm, comfortable light.

  • @nickkitchener6155
    @nickkitchener6155 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I once came across a diesel genset in Nelson, New Zealand that was inside a ground sheltered enclosure, and the noise was almost non existent.

    • @offgridcurtisstone
      @offgridcurtisstone  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's cool but wouldn't be cheap to do that properly, unless you bermed it or something.

  • @AdrianvanWijk
    @AdrianvanWijk ปีที่แล้ว

    On the viability of using the radiator heat from the Generator: 1 liter of diesel = 10kWh of heat. So 450 L of diesel (450 x 10 kWh) = 4500 kWh of heat blowing out the window. (Note: The electricity produced is in addition to the heat energy). So what's 4500 kWh of heat energy worth in the winter. Is the capital cost worth it? What is a comparable capital cost per kWh for solar?

  • @mikei6895
    @mikei6895 ปีที่แล้ว

    viessmenn used to make awsome hydronic solar panels for hot water heating , I want to try and heat a greenhouse with them connected to a 1000 gallon water tank

  • @scruples671
    @scruples671 ปีที่แล้ว

    Led lights can accuracy reproduce the light spectrum better than incandescent bulbs. Look at the specifications of the bulbs your buying. But where you are at below zero temperatures could be an issue at startup. But led bulbs are phenommely more efficient.

  • @kenyonbissett3512
    @kenyonbissett3512 ปีที่แล้ว

    Something I find interesting is a home enclosed in a greenhouse. A home in Norway 🇳🇴 at or above your latitude was successfully using a greenhouse for food and heating. The video is on TH-cam.

  • @michaelchownyk5255
    @michaelchownyk5255 ปีที่แล้ว

    Those server rack batteries have battery management systems already built into them except they do not communicate with your inverter.
    I think what you need as a Schneider Connext battery monitor. It’s a $900 item and it has a prescaler box which then connects to the major positive and major negative of the DC bus. All of the current that goes in and out of your battery pack goes through a 500 or 1000 amp shunt and it acts as a precision resistor to determine the current exactly. This is measured overtime and when programmed properly to the size of your actual capacity it will give you a read out in percent of full. That will provide a very accurate means to determine your actual state of charge. I have one. I live off grid too. Lithium iron phosphate batteries have a very flat discharge curve. It’s very hard to determine the actual state of charge through voltage. I like your system thanks for posting the video.

    • @offgridcurtisstone
      @offgridcurtisstone  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for that. Can you tell me the exact model you're referring to? thank you.

  • @Wrenchen-with-Darren
    @Wrenchen-with-Darren ปีที่แล้ว

    I love my water/water woodstove, hot water. Love your system. I thought mine was the best...... well, I'm #2 now. Lol

  • @ambersmith6517
    @ambersmith6517 ปีที่แล้ว

    this was down to earth a very awesome video!

  • @azoracooperative9102
    @azoracooperative9102 ปีที่แล้ว

    You can filter the LED lights with colour gel for photography, amber or along that spectrum of light. Very easy to retro fit

  • @postulatingspin4470
    @postulatingspin4470 ปีที่แล้ว

    My biggest personal roadblock for off grid living is the “physical plant” management required day to day, and weather induced variables. Sometimes, I am gone for 2-3 weeks at a time. My wife would never be comfortable assuming the role of managing the “off grid physical plant.” Basically, for me to be free to go on an adventure trip for a couple of weeks, I would have to have a “bypass to grid” switch….otherwise, I would be forever trapped on the homestead by an off grid system. My phone would be ringing endlessly otherwise. Without a grid connection to bypass onto,I would become a slave trapped on the homestead.

  • @mute7116
    @mute7116 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello Curtis, family (and crew).
    I came across you I think just before the covid debacle really kicked off...definitely before your move. I really liked what you had/have going on. And the political/life talks were a bonus.
    You and I made the property purchases nearly at the same time. I'm a year ahead of ya on my exodus. And it has been a wild ride for us during this shit show.
    We are all paid off and there is no debt. We are debt free and we absolutely love our imperfect property and more perfect location. We are blessed.
    We are on the more diy end of the spectrum but, definitely not out of arrogance; like off grid elitist snobs. Our position is one of worldview and financial. Of which our worldview has affected our financial...hahaha.
    My wife and I were both govt employed and while she liked her job working with elderly in a community connections capacity, I already was becming disenfranchised with govt polcies and public burdens that I was entangled in on a daily basis. Forward to CV. My wife was the first to exit her employment. She couldn't stand what was being done with the elderly and the the whole of the spirit of her job was being oppressed. She was greatly saddened and I supported her in her decision to leave. We were both, "no maskers" and our fight, though similar, were different. I was right in the fight due to the profile of my job and I felt double crossed due to a lot of reasons. First and foremost our county is a rural county on the opposite side of the state of oregon. We were and have already been in a fight for our livelihoods and culture. And my fight was and is of a position that, we can win. Through the years it started to become evident that, my community was too weak to win. Personally and individually too weak to win. The audacious thoughts that, "it is not our position to chop off the hand that feeds us" type bullshit; grant money clinging.
    CV sealed my fate and reinforced the bulwarks of my/our very existence. And so, I too left. It is quite a story ours. The details left unsaid here do no justice to the totality of both Canada's and America's struggle. But it is a story many know.
    Any whoo...never at loss for words to say this; you do you. I watch you when I can and am stoked for ya. Stoked I found your channel. And those of us who cannot or choose to not build at your capacity can always find scalability from what you are doing. From layout and resource arrangement to building styles and ideas. There is plenty to gain from, in information alone. Fk the naysayers.
    Happy to know your channel...sorry I cannot always afford the membership. I sign up when I can. But I have to make choices. And my choices lead to other choices...none of which are beholden to curtis stone's choices...or yours to mine.
    "Community" always has it's jealous cowards...and they should set themselves free. But they cannot. They are the clawing panicked victim of drowning, the lifeguard will not save.

  • @wageslaveuranus9596
    @wageslaveuranus9596 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What you really need is a producer gas system with gasometer.

  • @samueladitya1729
    @samueladitya1729 ปีที่แล้ว

    it would be nice if you could use the heat from the generator to the boiler, either from the coolant or the exhaust gas, or even both, so no energy going wasted!

  • @WarriorGnome
    @WarriorGnome ปีที่แล้ว

    THANKS for sharing!

  • @got2kittys
    @got2kittys ปีที่แล้ว

    I used to hate LED's, until they were manufacture as a warm white light. I don't like the blue wavelength either, but very acceptable warm wavelength units are available. Off grid 23 years.

  • @silverbackag9790
    @silverbackag9790 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Have you seen high CRI LED lights that also have good R4 (red) values and are flicker free? These are photo/video grade and are more expensive, but much much better.
    They generally don’t have all of the fluffy features such as dimming (which just slows flicker rates) or color adjustments, but they are incredibly good.

    • @firecloud77
      @firecloud77 ปีที่แล้ว

      Where do you buy them? Any brand names you recommend?

    • @a4000t
      @a4000t ปีที่แล้ว

      I have to use 4000K to 4500K leds ,i cant stand the 5000K+ ones that are on the edge of blue.

    • @silverbackag9790
      @silverbackag9790 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@firecloud77 Waveform lighting is the gold standard. American Green Lighting has some high bay shop lighting that looks interesting.

    • @silverbackag9790
      @silverbackag9790 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@a4000t I like 4000k for the most part. It looks the most "natural" for day to day although I have some 5600k photo/video lights that are really good.

    • @jangolian5253
      @jangolian5253 ปีที่แล้ว

      Flicker free just means higher flicker frequency (more than 100Hz). They are still blinking and emitting frequencies, only a bit faster.

  • @jimbertrand2499
    @jimbertrand2499 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your honesty and down to earth context. However I DO like LED lights. Just my choice...

  • @generalcoulter
    @generalcoulter 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    As of Aug 1st 2023, most incandescent bulbs became illegal to sell. A15 appliance bulbs can still be sold. Some of the halogen bulds have been done away with. Not all but some.

  • @bobmonztr
    @bobmonztr 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Obviously, a long-life generator, glad you have not run the gen in 2 months, good sign you have a proper sized power system. For poorer people 2k for a 13k propane generator works too. Nice build on everything. My lowest day was 5.6kw on a 8370 array with over 100 days straight overcast/fog. Nov 2023 4 hours of sun.

  • @VanillaAttila
    @VanillaAttila ปีที่แล้ว

    There's a case to be made that you should be paid to manage the forest / acreage you're on.

  • @timdaman8218
    @timdaman8218 ปีที่แล้ว

    I want to connect the generator engine cooling system to the wood stove to keep it hot using less wood. However I would plan to run the generator much more often but using waste oil for fuel.

  • @david7putvin
    @david7putvin ปีที่แล้ว

    They make “far red” LED lights that could produce better light spectrums than inefficient lighting. “Real Light” isn’t more real if you are able to mimic any range of light spectrum. I would agree in saying that it would be good to stick within specific light ranges for different rooms and time of day.

  • @ronaldcummings6337
    @ronaldcummings6337 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh, it's about off-grid. I thought it was about gravy. Cool.

  • @Mike-01234
    @Mike-01234 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Biggest issue for most is how do you make an income living far away from cities. 2nd biggest thing is typical people like being near others not 50-100 miles away from other people. There are properties near cities that have wells, septic tanks, and one can build an off-grid solar system. The question becomes will AHJ allow it? Some zoning and cities require power from the utility if it's on the property to be connected. I suppose could get it connected get occupancy approved then disconnect it. I have heard of this before I suspect it's more about the city just wants the wiring to be there for any future owner who may not want solar.

    • @offgridcurtisstone
      @offgridcurtisstone  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      We're not that far from towns. People can make income in smaller towns and online. Smaller towns of 2000-8000 people need lots of services.

  • @acd2505
    @acd2505 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your videos I’m working towards the same

  • @1960ARC
    @1960ARC ปีที่แล้ว

    I really get where you're coming from. There is nothing you do I don't like.
    I wouldn't do things the same as you, because I don't want as much comfort as you have. Having said that, we don't often see snow where I am, and that's a big plus for me, as heating uses up a lot of energy.
    There is no way I could afford as much land as you have where I am and I expect the property I move to, to be over 550,000 sterling and doubt I will even have half an acre. Don't wish to be too far from the kids.
    I pray to the Lord our God for guidence. I'm originally a Catholic and don't think I should have too much comfort after what Jesus went through because of my sin!
    God Bless!!!

  • @tracipapp8698
    @tracipapp8698 ปีที่แล้ว

    Pay no attention to the “armchairs”. Your vids are informative & inspiring! Thank you! I love what your have built for your family, but one word comes to mind: faraday. Protect you & yours; many economic ways to do it.

  • @Refertech101
    @Refertech101 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My back up is an Isuzu 21Kw power plant, diesel. I been pimping it up. As to LED's, you been choosing poorly then, they been doing very good in terms of spectrum, I know, I looked, get your self a spectrum analyzer if you wish to check for your self. been off grid for 20 years now. raise sheep, I keep it simple.

  • @tonyshipman257
    @tonyshipman257 ปีที่แล้ว

    Curtis, Thank you for taking the time to share this. This is the first video of yours that I've seen, so far. Know that I'm not judging. I'm merely asking questions to better understand your system(s). Do you have Bi-Facial panels? We would like to have solar and an off-grid generator setup large enough to run our entire property. We are working towards some of those goals. Maybe some day soon. Take care, Tony

    • @offgridcurtisstone
      @offgridcurtisstone  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No. They weren't available when we built the system.

    • @tonyshipman257
      @tonyshipman257 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@offgridcurtisstone Thank you for responding. Your setup is the kind we want / plan to do for our farm and outbuildings. (Outdoor furnace, solar and back up gen.) Tony (Ontario Canada)

  • @littlegriffoffgridalberta6837
    @littlegriffoffgridalberta6837 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome videos, I have a small solar system that works for my needs & big deal if you have to run a generator while you do laundry, I do to but everything else runs great , Good job :)

  • @trevorrisley5419
    @trevorrisley5419 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome stuff, man. You’re lucky to have snow. I really miss snow. I know that’d eventually get old having constant snow, but man, I miss it.
    I live in Kansas, which twenty years ago had tons of great snow.😢

    • @MadnessOfOurTime
      @MadnessOfOurTime ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I cant find any info to support that it snowed more in Kansas 20 years ago. I'd really like to learn more but Im having trouble finding it, I love this sort of stuff.

    • @trevorrisley5419
      @trevorrisley5419 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MadnessOfOurTime I have never looked into statistically, but I have discussed it with fellow Kansans an innumerable amount of times over the past decade. It has always been unanimous agreements amongst all of us born & raised Kansans.
      Darn near every Christmas was marked by very heavy snow; that beautiful kind that “crunches” and makes perfect snowmen. But now? It’s usually not too bad of weather on Christmas. It’s literally been t-shirt and shorts weather.

  • @seek2find
    @seek2find ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How big is your diesel tank? How often do you fill it? Or top it up?

    • @seek2find
      @seek2find ปีที่แล้ว +3

      600 liters I think you said

    • @seek2find
      @seek2find ปีที่แล้ว +2

      About once a year or so, I heard you say. Great setup!

    • @offgridcurtisstone
      @offgridcurtisstone  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      once a year or less for that one.

  • @yohjokromwood2327
    @yohjokromwood2327 ปีที่แล้ว

    nice setup i would try out the oil heaters the would make more sense you have fore ever burners to fore them you can maby even run your wood burner on oil heaters what can safe you huge amount of time and maby somthing to deal with the snow around and on the solarpanels

  • @speaklifegardenhomesteadpe8783
    @speaklifegardenhomesteadpe8783 ปีที่แล้ว

    ❣️🤗❣️💯💯Nice setup! 🕊️🦅🦁

  • @markymarkvancity
    @markymarkvancity 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I can heat and power most of a 3500sq/ft house with a 2100w inverter generator. For something you only use a month out of the year this is kinda insane.