I'm glad you showed the clip at the end of Eric losing his patience a little with Ariel. It's nice to know you guys are not perfect and are regular human beings with normal emotions. I give Ariel a lot of credit for trying to get Eric to have fun, but at the same time, I can understand him just wanting to get the job done. Love it!
@@texanfournow It goes both ways she knows how valuable he is and he knows how valuable she is. And they are married, so I'm pretty sure he knows shes awesome and loves his wife.
If anyone reading the comments has never installed an advanced solar/inverter/battery system like this before, this is one of the most realistic videos on TH-cam. No fake usage of the perfect wiring terminology or doing it 100% right from the start with no screw-ups. If you install one of these yourself for your first time and think it will go better than this, you are either wrong or an electrician 🤣. I have a lot of respect that you guys included the little mistakes, like the conduit size. Just so relatable from my own experience. Great job, love your channel, and thanks for sharing your lives with all of us!
Bandit's ready! Now you can breathe! The shop is enclosed, the garden is in/fenced, the solar is in (and working), the coal furnace is in, and you still have around 2 1/2 months until the risk of freeze happens. It's been a GOOD spring season for you two! Nice work and congrats. Now, get you some of those fiberglass markers with reflectors on them for defining your lanes of travel from the road and throughout the property to ease the snow removal chores. They use them up on the Slope and have silver reflectors on one side and amber on the other so you can differentiate which side of the roadway you're on during white-out conditions. Snow fencing to place your drifts where you WANT them to help with keeping it away from your shop doors, etc. But, time for a little fishing trip to reward you.
@@fringedwellermccatintyre730 I worked up on the North Slope for about a decade and for much of that time logged 200 miles/day on those roads. Been about as remote as one can up there. Enjoyed that aspect a LOT.
@@nicholas34silva There's many facets of life in Alaska that I miss, the 'skeeters in the summer and the darkness in the winter are NOT on that list. LOL In all, I spent 20 winters up there, half of them above the Arctic Circle.
You’ve heard it 10000000 times but oh my goodness, you guys are absolutely amazing and the hardest working folk I think I’ve ever seen. I discovered your channel during late night feeding sessions with my newborn, she is now two and we are both still avid viewers. She knows you both by name. Thanks, Eric and Ariel, for your lovely videos!
I love the way you two flirt shamelessly with each other. My aunt and uncle do that too and they have happily been an awesome twosome for more decades than I've been alive.🥰
My goodness! The “ honey, let’s do list” just got a big check mark. What you two accomplish by yourselves, is amazing! Eric makes it sound so easy to do all that electrical hookups, and Arielle helping every step of the way is so inspiring ! Does anyone else wonder what the next big project will be……finishing the shop or the greenhouse build? On the oth😊er hand….it doesn’t matter what it will be, we will all wait and watch! Love you both!❤❤
Cover the wire in the ditch with 12” of sand and lay a wide burial tape on top then bury it all. When digging later the tape and sand give you a bit of warning before ripping out your wire. 😁
You two are amazing. Eric, that solar hookup looked so complicated and you got it all to work. Jaw dropping. Arielle, you are a wonderful partner and helper. I liked the little break in all the wiring stuff when you showed the state flower and a bee on a flower. Keep teasing Eric, he loves it. Seriously guys, you should be so proud of all of your accomplishments. And now you have all the power you need. Love your videos - they're the best! Remember - never go to bed angry - stay up and fight. (just kidding)
@@videodistro He means that its nice to have someone like Eric with his knowledge that can do all these tasks and not have to hire someone else to do it.
Great job guys. I'm a carpenter and built our house in 1999-2000. I sure as heck didn't wire it.That little bit at the end ain't nothin in comparison to the 'fun' I had with my wife during construction. lol
Beautiful job guys!! Eric, words of wisdom, during those moments at the end, unless you’re operating on someone or fending off a bear or moose, stop, take a deep breath, smile, turn around and love on her!!
I found your channel last September when I was in bed after knee replacement surgery. Thank you so much for all the inspiration, I love how capable you both are. Ariel's skills as a Gardener are top notch. She actually inspired me to grow my own garden from seed. Remarkably enough my tomato plants are all 3-4 feet tall and covered with tomatoes. My different varieties of peppers are massive and I have already harvested an entire gallon ziplock of jalapenos for canning. I feel like I learn something new each time I watch you two. Enjoy your lovely Summer.
Congratulations, a new life begins with power. We went from a 12 volt 1900 watt system for 5 years to a 48 volt 13,000 watts, 5 -100 amp hr batteries, we never use more 24% of our batteries over night….entire new world. We run 3 freezers, 2 refrigerators, water pump, flat irons, blow dryers, 2 air fryers…needless to say life got easier for 4 adults. Can’t wait to see your videos with your excitement for your electric system & uses. Have fun!
My wife is the exact same way. She picks the most inopportune time to poke, hug or screw around 🤣🤣🤣🤣. It must be a learned behavior Eric. Awesome install!!!
I try very hard but I am not at all able to make sense of about 75 per cent of what was said, and I'm ok with that. Ariel,cim so glad you showed us some flowers and scenery shots . As long as you two understand and can build and use your wonderful projects, that's what counts. So nice to see Bandit living his best life with you. Thanks for a very different kind of video for me cause I'm still alive so maybe I'll learn a little bit. Love from Central Oklahoma.
@@SimpleLivingAlaska I love how honest you guys are, doing your own research for things you buy and then without any expectations or commitments give a review. Good or bad. A lot of channels get products for free and will always give a positive feedback even when it turns out not that great or need a lot of follow up and maintenance. Stay that way guys.
@SimpleLivingAlaska reach out to those companies before the videos and ask them if they'd like to sponsor, just don't tell them about the video before you launch it
@@SimpleLivingAlaska I hope you don't seek sponsorship as that would compromise the authenticity of your content. I love your "unbought" style, BUT I would still follow you if you had to make that financial decision.
As soon as this was published I went to bed, to watch it without interruptions, and it was so worth it. Eric your knowledge and confidence to keep track of all the bits to do with this installation was amazing, something even my logical and practical mind could not do. Ariel you are more than awesome, giving the cuddles and encouragement as you work alongside Eric, you are both equals in everything that you do, you balance each other out perfectly. I can just imagine how quite it will be without the generators, as you said you could hear the birds....bliss xx
Electrician, plumber, welder, carpentar, solar power officinado, cook, lumbar mill expert, generator mechanic. Scary cool and skills that can translate into work/income anywhere.
Yes, apart from this channel and a couple that I know personally, most of them are a bit annoying with their complaints about hardships and 'look how cool I am to be here' attitude!
I like when Erik explains things. Just like when my dad explains how to do stuff and it just goes in one ear and out the other, and then he'll do it for me. He works and I just yap, and I get to know more about his day.
I watch you two all the time and just marvel at what you accomplish. You have so many skills and so much project planning expertise. Amazing! You deserve all the bright lights and energy that you want.
You guys are genius. You guy’s wired all that together without someone helping you. Nothing short of brilliant. If you ever need a job, or start your own business, that’s your trade solar, and wiring inverters. To me that looked hard. I bet it’s amazing having power to your house. Thanks for sharing. That was mega interesting. ❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️
As a Solar power expert and operating a solar power company I must say hats off for you guys! That was an amazing clean installation better than many rookie installers would do. Well done guys!!!
You all have passed your electrical test your now certified electrical apprentices and your qualified to help others hook up their solar system. Congratulations on the great work on the installation, I'm very proud of you all........
The spirit that made America great is still alive and well, unfortunately all we hear on the news is the failures. There are tens of thousands of Eric and Ariel’s out there, they just don’t have youtube channels. That is one reason this channel is so important, it demonstrates that the American spirit didn’t ride off into the sunset with the settling of the West.
Erik & Arielle~, I've followed your journey since Oregon. To see how far you both have come in your endeavors. Thank you for bringing my husband and I boundless joy. Knowing people out in the universe had the same dreams as us and getting to watch you actually do it all, qounset hut, solar array, fishing and hunting, so many amazing things. Really thank you 💚. * Erik needs a name change to Mr. Smarty Genius Pants. Well, at least a hat or something. He kicked that solars ass.
FINALLY!!! I've been so sad watching you guys struggle for years with a janky 12V solar system and multiple generators, and saying "that's all we really need". You have no idea how much easier your day-to-day will be now! You'll still need the generator in the dark of winter, but that will mostly just be to recharge the batteries the most efficient way possible. The Sol-Ark 12K is awesome! and will pretty much carry any shop or house load you throw at it, including a welder! I predict you'll be expanding your solar array before next season. Congratulations!
I have always admired Eric's practical competencies but the installation takes this admiration to a stratospheric level. Just awesome to see him problem-solving - but obviously Ariel's unstinting support and co-operation is so impressive too - and she excels on her own in so many ways. What a couple - the homestead is coming on so well and it is impressive how you are harvesting food and energy from natural sources. Well done.
You guys I started watching your videos a few years ago. I know I have seen each one. Anyhow you have made Alaska beautiful with your photography. Sooo after fighting cancer my best friend brought me to Alaska. We visited Fairbanks, North Pole, Denali, Palmer and now Wasilla. It is surreal and I believe the most beautiful state. Thanks again for the inspiration!
Eric is definitely channelling the MacGuyver vibes - I've thought that from the first video I watched - this guy can fix/fabricate/create anything he puts his mind to. Ariel's skills with bread making and anything cooking/canning related are amazing - you two are the picture of a 'Power Couple'!
Hot diggity my Alaskan pioneers 😁👏 I would say that that is industrial strength solar compared to what you used to have 😄😉 excellent job I will admit it probably would have taken me longer to have figured it all out 😆 running wires not as easy as everybody thinks 😋 doing the panel was always left to the number one guy on the crew I guess that makes you the number one guy 👍 I believe you have enough lithium batteries to run a car 🤣🥰🇺🇸🐝
Eric Man be so thankful that your wife is lovey like that..embrace it, you’re a lucky man to have a wife like that, she loves to do everything you like, hunt fish and live that lifestyle, you’re lucky man!!!
You made a good choice Sol-Ark is an American success story. I bought one of Tom Brennan's first designs. He was starting out with two guys in a back room of warehouse rental space. I picked up my system because I always want to met the man behind the name. Tom is honest as they come and help me when he didn't have to. I'm proud of the work he's done as an American.
@@GusTulsa I was fortunate to have got to meet Tom early in his efforts. He's a good man, one that is concerned for others, the source of his dedication.
Agreed. I just put up the same question as it is Day 10 now here in Australia ... then I thought to check messages to see if someone has already posted something about what is going on.
Hola chicos .. los sigo desde el día UNO .. nunca hice comentarios hasta hoy ya que cuando los videos No son en ESPAÑOL creo que no los van a leer o que no somos importantes.. vivo en el sur del sur del mundo 🌎 Justo en el otro extremo de America... los felicito 😊 su hogar anterior era maravilloso.. su huerta espectacular..su gallinero genial .. se extraña ese lugar.. Tu nueva casa está queriendo Tener forma de hogar.. ya está encaminada Saludos 🤗 🤗 🤗
Times when I watch, and rewatch your videos it just amazes me, leaves me in awe how intelligent you all are!! Individual then as a team really something!!
What a proud moment for you both. Accomplished moments roll into wonderfully easier days. Every woman deserves a hair dryer, and a (?) Electric shaver for every man. I am positive you guys will continue to step up to whatever you need and want. That compound seems more complete each season. Pat each other on the back, you all accomplish great feats together.
It’s been 9 days since a new video. My wife and I look forward to each new video. We can’t wait until the next one. We love your program. You are one of our favorite Tube channels. The other is also in Alaska, it’s Montana Haven-Alaska Edition. Look forward to your next video.
@haroldthomas5508 we were beginning to think something was wrong. I checked on Facebook n Instagram, but nuttin'! We were delighted when this one popped up. We follow Montana Haven and the Somers, great families for sure! 🫎 🧊 ⛸️ 🌞 ⛰️ 🏔🌄
The Solark is a great choice. I installed Solark-12K about 4 years ago. It is just about to tick over 27 megawatts of power generated for my home. Looking forward to following your journey!
We have 2 separate 8k Sol-ark systems on our property and ha e produces 86MW . It has been bullet proof through many storms, electric service losses and we have full loads all the time. We are upgrading to the 12 k system in one month.
@@MaMa-st2eg Very cool. I was looking at the 15K recently but I can't bring myself to touch something that just works. I am installing a different inverter and more solar panels on an out building but they will feed the grid-in on the Solark so that I can run the large upstairs AC as well during the day to keep the house cooler.
@@vincei4252 I've had my 15k since the first batch that was sent out 2 years ago and I just crossed 32 MWh of total PV production (and way more than that sent through the inverter since I also do time-of-use shifting with batteries).
@@vincei4252 it was my heat pump (startup current was almost 120A), but after adding the soft starter my highest peak load is from my well pump (around 62A on startup)
I just know it’s so much easier to appreciate the things you have because yall just work so dang hard for them. Everyday I wish I could be like yall and pack up and move to AK!!!
I'm very excited you guys can finally put those solar panels to use. Should save you a ton of money on gas & generators. Must be really nice to power all the freezers in the summer for free, basically.
You put a whole new spin on the words Simple Living...I would be either frozen to death and more than likely starved by now...I love you two...and your adventures!!
Yipppeeee lights in the house w/o having to go check on generators Been following you two for Years & am so proud of what has been learned & passing stuff on to us ✨💫 AMAZING 👵🏻👩🌾❣️
Just some advice, using some Ferrules on the stripped wires ends are a good idea, especially for some of that high voltage and current lines. You guys are such a great example of great living. Good luck with everything!!
Greetings, love and much respect from Pittsburgh PA. You two are my "must see TV" every Thursday and Sunday! For some reason, your hard work brings me peace. ☺
You guys just amaze me every time about the things you are doing. I know nothing about solar and electricity so Eric figuring it out and installing all that equipment just blows my mind!!!
Eric you are a real gadget man,wanting to learn how everything works.You both are a great blessing for helping each other out.Congratulations for being off grid.Enjoy.🥰👏👏👏❤️
Another outstanding example of your skill level to figure out and assemble successfully your project with minimal outside help. Great job! The baby birds looked almost like they were napping. Awesome video
We can appreciate the effort and all that goes with such an endeavor. Thanks for sharing your journey to improve the homestead. You both are simply incredible!
Last video, Ariel was hot because Eric was putting out the vibe, and now this video ends with Eric hot, because Ariel is putting out the vibe. Classic! You two make me smile!
Now, your activities in your homestead will become a computation of watts and volts but your homestead will have a much stable power supply. Awesome, awesome video Eric & Arielle! Thank you very much❣️✅🎯
Great job. So proud of both of you. Just a friendly suggestion. For future trenches or cable placement, I would place caution tape with the cables about a foot up from the direct buried cables. This way if you are ever trenching again above or near the existing cables, you will expose the caution tape beforehand, making you aware that you're in proximity to the existing cables. As always, I look forward to your upcoming videos.
We love your work ethic..... You two are so smart! I know that your families are very proud of you. David understood all of what you were doing, Eric. I really didn't ; but loved seeing your accomplishments. Of course, your affection is the sweetest.
You guys are simply amazing. I’ve been following your Alaska journey for years and I’m continually impressed how hard you work and how self sufficient you are.
Amazing!!! 7 years left of mine and my husband's goal of moving up there. Loys and lots of planning and you two definitely help with that!!! ❤ Thank you both, bandit and pepper for sharing the adventure. ❤
Eric, we stumbled onto your channel a few days ago. When I was younger I had a dream of living "off-grid" in Alaska, never able to realize that dream. I've visited there a couple times but our lives are in the lower 48! Nonetheless, my wife and I are really enjoying your videos and being able to share small portions of your life! Thanks so much!
Oh my gosh, you have taken do it yourself to a whole new level!! Eric you are fearless when it comes to new challenges, and Ariel you are so good at filling in the gaps with your quick thinking skills. Hubby and I love watching you two learn and we learn right along. The end was so funny, when Eric is business he is ALL business, no distractions allowed!
We have a fully off grid property in NW CO and have snow for 5-6 months of the year and lots of wind. We actually have two arrays of panels - our new ones are bifacial and they are so much better, they pick up sun reflecting off the snow UNDERNEATH the arrays - so they feed from both sides. No joke on the generators, we have a 14K that is hardwired and is backup to our solar (since we upgraded to lithium it only runs during winter every few days for about 4 hours and during summer it only runs for 15 min every week for maintenance but it means we can run equipment like table saws and such without concern) and it runs off propane. Then we have a 8K as a backup to that which we can plug in to the power system and then a couple 2Ks and boy do you end up using them! When we first got the place we inherited a very old very small very limited system. Just a bit at a time. Oh and of course a big ol wood stove to keep the house warm!
I'm so glad you got around to hooking up your grid. By far, it's the prettiest and most powerful set up ice seen to date. I love that you two have such a great eye for laying out ANYTHING you do, from the garden to the solar panels to the wiring. Lovely stuff!!!
Awesome work 👏👍👏... We use dish soap or Vaseline or even a bar of hand soap to "grease" things that have to be connected. Makes it so much easier!! Hope this helps going forward!! We love you kids 😊😊
Congratulations to my favorite PROJECT MANAGERS!!! You have planned and implemented this project masterfully. We ow are I. Your debt for providing inspiration, leading with on good attitude and proving the benefit of perseverance.
I actually got a little emotional when the lights in the house turned on! Y’all have worked so long and so hard to get the system set up! Not to mention the hours and frustrations spent during intense cold trying to get the generators to work and have reliable power! If I got that excited, I can only imagine the relief and excitement y’all had in that moment was 100 fold! Congratulations and most sincere wishes that this coming winter will only be of videos with 100% constant power and no anxiety of when the generator will break again!! 🎉🎉
Wow. My first time watching you guys, thanks for the step by step process. I got the 15K Sol-Ark Inverter because we wanted to run the entire house; but we only have 4 batteries; so it will have to be partial for now. Its taking a while to finish the project because I have a buddy helping me; but he is super busy and lives about 3hrs away. Wish I had your skill set Eric and an engaging assistance like Ariel. You guys work great together. I love the realness of your relationship; the play and serious depiction of everyday interactions. Feel like I know you guys. Keep those little things going; it enhances your relationship. :)
@Simple Living Alaska @Eric and Arielle THANKYOU👏👏👏That was a powerful, awe-inspiring video from a totally dedicated couple installing the highly sophisticated solar powered system on their own . Neither are electricians and yet they made this intensely difficult job look easy. Eric, more than Arielle took the lead and truly understood the mission but Arielle, as always, was there as his loyal assistant. Always the joint effort , always the 2 of them, always such an intense learning curve. I'm blown away at the gift they have of understanding their personal strengths and weaknesses and make allowances for them. Your education of people whether in the garden or in solar electricity is incredible. Again I THANKYOU BOTH🇦🇺🤗💞🙏👍👌✌️👏🇺🇸
Loved the whole video !!! Eric was busy in getting the job finished for his Girl of his Dreams !!! Wants her to be happy that is what I saw !!! Love the solar power stuff that they showed us we all learn from it for all of us here in the world & USA !!!
Yeh what he said 👆. There ain’t no way I would ever be able to hook up a solar system like that. If it isn’t plug and play, I would never be able to do that. And on another note. There at the end it was so nice to see how well you too get along. It is very trying to be with each other 24/7, plus the heat. It would be so nice to see you hug and kiss each other and tell each other how much you loved them. You guys know that you were made for each other. THESES PRETZELS ARE MAKING ME THIRSTY. Good gob guys.
This is probably my favorite episode I've seen on your channel. In fact, I've watched it three times. Your ability to tackle every challenge and make it seem possible for an average guy is amazing. I was hoping that you would get the shop "buttoned" up for the season. Now you need the spray foam, interior light, etc. and the exterior siding and you are golden. Congrats and keep up the amazing work.
I'm glad you showed the clip at the end of Eric losing his patience a little with Ariel. It's nice to know you guys are not perfect and are regular human beings with normal emotions. I give Ariel a lot of credit for trying to get Eric to have fun, but at the same time, I can understand him just wanting to get the job done. Love it!
When husbands work serious wifes wants to play n taunt him a little bit... It's natural. I always do it. 😂❤
I bug MY Eric sometimes just because it's fun to make him mad.
@@texanfournow It goes both ways she knows how valuable he is and he knows how valuable she is. And they are married, so I'm pretty sure he knows shes awesome and loves his wife.
lol. I asked that question another time. Glad to see they are normal ❤
Agreed. I like this channel a little bit more than incredibly much now.
If anyone reading the comments has never installed an advanced solar/inverter/battery system like this before, this is one of the most realistic videos on TH-cam. No fake usage of the perfect wiring terminology or doing it 100% right from the start with no screw-ups. If you install one of these yourself for your first time and think it will go better than this, you are either wrong or an electrician 🤣. I have a lot of respect that you guys included the little mistakes, like the conduit size. Just so relatable from my own experience. Great job, love your channel, and thanks for sharing your lives with all of us!
Bandit's ready! Now you can breathe! The shop is enclosed, the garden is in/fenced, the solar is in (and working), the coal furnace is in, and you still have around 2 1/2 months until the risk of freeze happens. It's been a GOOD spring season for you two! Nice work and congrats. Now, get you some of those fiberglass markers with reflectors on them for defining your lanes of travel from the road and throughout the property to ease the snow removal chores. They use them up on the Slope and have silver reflectors on one side and amber on the other so you can differentiate which side of the roadway you're on during white-out conditions. Snow fencing to place your drifts where you WANT them to help with keeping it away from your shop doors, etc. But, time for a little fishing trip to reward you.
Hey ratdog, looks like you know what you're talkin about!
This guy is a fan
@@fringedwellermccatintyre730 I worked up on the North Slope for about a decade and for much of that time logged 200 miles/day on those roads. Been about as remote as one can up there. Enjoyed that aspect a LOT.
@@nicholas34silva There's many facets of life in Alaska that I miss, the 'skeeters in the summer and the darkness in the winter are NOT on that list. LOL In all, I spent 20 winters up there, half of them above the Arctic Circle.
@@nicholas34silva So am I!
You’ve heard it 10000000 times but oh my goodness, you guys are absolutely amazing and the hardest working folk I think I’ve ever seen. I discovered your channel during late night feeding sessions with my newborn, she is now two and we are both still avid viewers. She knows you both by name. Thanks, Eric and Ariel, for your lovely videos!
I love the way you two flirt shamelessly with each other. My aunt and uncle do that too and they have happily been an awesome twosome for more decades than I've been alive.🥰
My goodness! The “ honey, let’s do list” just got a big check mark. What you two accomplish by yourselves, is amazing! Eric makes it sound so easy to do all that electrical hookups, and Arielle helping every step of the way is so inspiring ! Does anyone else wonder what the next big project will be……finishing the shop or the greenhouse build? On the oth😊er hand….it doesn’t matter what it will be, we will all wait and watch! Love you both!❤❤
Cover the wire in the ditch with 12” of sand and lay a wide burial tape on top then bury it all. When digging later the tape and sand give you a bit of warning before ripping out your wire. 😁
Great idea!
Not needed on your own property
Great idea 👍👍👍
Dude, the trenches are filled. I thought the same thing with all the rocks, but what is done is done :)
Coyote-tc1ww...
It's not about code. It's about doing it properly so you help yourself later.
This was one of your most brilliant episodes. I learned more about solar in 45 minutes than I could have reading books
Eric shines with Solar ,while Arielle has a green thumb in the garden . You make a great team !
You two are amazing. Eric, that solar hookup looked so complicated and you got it all to work. Jaw dropping. Arielle, you are a wonderful partner and helper. I liked the little break in all the wiring stuff when you showed the state flower and a bee on a flower. Keep teasing Eric, he loves it. Seriously guys, you should be so proud of all of your accomplishments. And now you have all the power you need. Love your videos - they're the best! Remember - never go to bed angry - stay up and fight. (just kidding)
You need an Eric to be able to do these things! Us mere mortals are screwed!😎
????
And an Arielle! It's the TEAM that makes it work.
@@videodistro He means that its nice to have someone like Eric with his knowledge that can do all these tasks and not have to hire someone else to do it.
My father is a jack of all trades also similar to Eric...
Great job guys. I'm a carpenter and built our house in 1999-2000. I sure as heck didn't wire it.That little bit at the end ain't nothin in comparison to the 'fun' I had with my wife during construction. lol
Good people + Hard work = Great results
Totally agree 🤣👍👵🏻👩🌾❣️
Beautiful job guys!! Eric, words of wisdom, during those moments at the end, unless you’re operating on someone or fending off a bear or moose, stop, take a deep breath, smile, turn around and love on her!!
Congratulations on the upgrade. Simply living in Alaska is NOT for the faint of heart or the unskilled. And, you two have mad skills.
I found your channel last September when I was in bed after knee replacement surgery. Thank you so much for all the inspiration, I love how capable you both are. Ariel's skills as a Gardener are top notch. She actually inspired me to grow my own garden from seed. Remarkably enough my tomato plants are all 3-4 feet tall and covered with tomatoes. My different varieties of peppers are massive and I have already harvested an entire gallon ziplock of jalapenos for canning. I feel like I learn something new each time I watch you two. Enjoy your lovely Summer.
Congratulations, a new life begins with power. We went from a 12 volt 1900 watt system for 5 years to a 48 volt 13,000 watts, 5 -100 amp hr batteries, we never use more 24% of our batteries over night….entire new world. We run 3 freezers, 2 refrigerators, water pump, flat irons, blow dryers, 2 air fryers…needless to say life got easier for 4 adults. Can’t wait to see your videos with your excitement for your electric system & uses. Have fun!
My wife is the exact same way. She picks the most inopportune time to poke, hug or screw around 🤣🤣🤣🤣. It must be a learned behavior Eric. Awesome install!!!
Omg we loved the last few minutes. Not sure how Erik just powered through his task with ariel! So enjoy you two!
I try very hard but I am not at all able to make sense of about 75 per cent of what was said, and I'm ok with that. Ariel,cim so glad you showed us some flowers and scenery shots . As long as you two understand and can build and use your wonderful projects, that's what counts. So nice to see Bandit living his best life with you. Thanks for a very different kind of video for me cause I'm still alive so maybe I'll learn a little bit. Love from Central Oklahoma.
With all the free advertising you provide for so many products, these companies should offer you a sponsorship or affiliate deal.
Its hard to find good companies and products so we like to share when we do find them ;)
Yeah, Homegrid should comp them that 6th battery. They made a great testimony for these products!
@@SimpleLivingAlaska I love how honest you guys are, doing your own research for things you buy and then without any expectations or commitments give a review. Good or bad. A lot of channels get products for free and will always give a positive feedback even when it turns out not that great or need a lot of follow up and maintenance. Stay that way guys.
@SimpleLivingAlaska reach out to those companies before the videos and ask them if they'd like to sponsor, just don't tell them about the video before you launch it
@@SimpleLivingAlaska I hope you don't seek sponsorship as that would compromise the authenticity of your content. I love your "unbought" style, BUT I would still follow you if you had to make that financial decision.
As soon as this was published I went to bed, to watch it without interruptions, and it was so worth it. Eric your knowledge and confidence to keep track of all the bits to do with this installation was amazing, something even my logical and practical mind could not do. Ariel you are more than awesome, giving the cuddles and encouragement as you work alongside Eric, you are both equals in everything that you do, you balance each other out perfectly. I can just imagine how quite it will be without the generators, as you said you could hear the birds....bliss xx
Eric is spouting all the features of the solar system and I fight trying to add an app on my phone! Lmbo
Me too 😂
@@Smalfry47 I know the feeling. Thank goodness I have a very smart grandson who only lives an hour away who comes to visit me.
Electrician, plumber, welder, carpentar, solar power officinado, cook, lumbar mill expert, generator mechanic. Scary cool and skills that can translate into work/income anywhere.
I watch a lot of Alaska homesteaders and you are THE BEST, you two make such a great team. GOOD JOB you two.
Yes, apart from this channel and a couple that I know personally, most of them are a bit annoying with their complaints about hardships and 'look how cool I am to be here' attitude!
Hello
I like when Erik explains things. Just like when my dad explains how to do stuff and it just goes in one ear and out the other, and then he'll do it for me. He works and I just yap, and I get to know more about his day.
I watch you two all the time and just marvel at what you accomplish. You have so many skills and so much project planning expertise. Amazing! You deserve all the bright lights and energy that you want.
Right? It’s like … is there Anything you two can’t do ?
Amazing couple for sure 👵🏻👩🌾❣️
Totally agree!
It is not a commercial video. You've both a real inspiration, people working-class. Awesome in everything goes smoothly for everyone. 😊
You guys are genius. You guy’s wired all that together without someone helping you. Nothing short of brilliant. If you ever need a job, or start your own business, that’s your trade solar, and wiring inverters. To me that looked hard. I bet it’s amazing having power to your house. Thanks for sharing. That was mega interesting. ❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️
As a Solar power expert and operating a solar power company I must say hats off for you guys! That was an amazing clean installation better than many rookie installers would do. Well done guys!!!
I’ve had the exact same off-grid set up for just over a year now and it has been awesome. Sol-Ark with 4 HomeGrid batteries. Enjoy your new system!!
Great to hear!
You all have passed your electrical test your now certified electrical apprentices and your qualified to help others hook up their solar system. Congratulations on the great work on the installation, I'm very proud of you all........
Genius impressive electric work really. Love from kansas
You’re so lucky to have Eric because this is all Greek to me and he talks like it’s so easy!
The spirit that made America great is still alive and well, unfortunately all we hear on the news is the failures. There are tens of thousands of Eric and Ariel’s out there, they just don’t have youtube channels. That is one reason this channel is so important, it demonstrates that the American spirit didn’t ride off into the sunset with the settling of the West.
Erik & Arielle~, I've followed your journey since Oregon. To see how far you both have come in your endeavors. Thank you for bringing my husband and I boundless joy. Knowing people out in the universe had the same dreams as us and getting to watch you actually do it all, qounset hut, solar array, fishing and hunting, so many amazing things. Really thank you 💚.
* Erik needs a name change to Mr. Smarty Genius Pants. Well, at least a hat or something. He kicked that solars ass.
I am from the UK and I love your program. you are not afraid to tackle any job no matter how big it is. You are great people.❤
FINALLY!!! I've been so sad watching you guys struggle for years with a janky 12V solar system and multiple generators, and saying "that's all we really need". You have no idea how much easier your day-to-day will be now! You'll still need the generator in the dark of winter, but that will mostly just be to recharge the batteries the most efficient way possible. The Sol-Ark 12K is awesome! and will pretty much carry any shop or house load you throw at it, including a welder! I predict you'll be expanding your solar array before next season. Congratulations!
I have always admired Eric's practical competencies but the installation takes this admiration to a stratospheric level. Just awesome to see him problem-solving - but obviously Ariel's unstinting support and co-operation is so impressive too - and she excels on her own in so many ways. What a couple - the homestead is coming on so well and it is impressive how you are harvesting food and energy from natural sources. Well done.
Oh yeah. E & A on the tube! Gosh how I love 💗 you two! Blessings to you both!
That smile on Eric's face when the oven went on! ❤ Great job, you two!! ⚡⚡
You guys I started watching your videos a few years ago. I know I have seen each one. Anyhow you have made Alaska beautiful with your photography. Sooo after fighting cancer my best friend brought me to Alaska. We visited Fairbanks, North Pole, Denali, Palmer and now Wasilla. It is surreal and I believe the most beautiful state.
Thanks again for the inspiration!
Eric is definitely channelling the MacGuyver vibes - I've thought that from the first video I watched - this guy can fix/fabricate/create anything he puts his mind to. Ariel's skills with bread making and anything cooking/canning related are amazing - you two are the picture of a 'Power Couple'!
Arielle is the brains, bud. Didn't you know that?
Hot diggity my Alaskan pioneers 😁👏 I would say that that is industrial strength solar compared to what you used to have 😄😉 excellent job I will admit it probably would have taken me longer to have figured it all out 😆 running wires not as easy as everybody thinks 😋 doing the panel was always left to the number one guy on the crew I guess that makes you the number one guy 👍 I believe you have enough lithium batteries to run a car 🤣🥰🇺🇸🐝
Eric Man be so thankful that your wife is lovey like that..embrace it, you’re a lucky man to have a wife like that, she loves to do everything you like, hunt fish and live that lifestyle, you’re lucky man!!!
I'm pretty sure he knows!
Stop being creepy..
Crazy most of are here to learn and people like this are here watch... who knows
You are so amazing - your persistence with patience is your super power! I'm so glad I have you two to give me encouragement in daily life.
You made a good choice Sol-Ark is an American success story. I bought one of Tom Brennan's first designs. He was starting out with two guys in a back room of warehouse rental space. I picked up my system because I always want to met the man behind the name. Tom is honest as they come and help me when he didn't have to. I'm proud of the work he's done as an American.
I believe the same, Raymond! Sol-Ark has achieved great things and is here to stay!
@@GusTulsa I was fortunate to have got to meet Tom early in his efforts. He's a good man, one that is concerned for others, the source of his dedication.
The 2 of you never stop to amaze us. 😆⚘️💙🙏🇿🇦🇺🇲
You need them in South Africa!
Hoping all is well, I always look forward to your videos, and it's been 9 days.. No rush, take your time, I'll wait!
My wife and I just said the same thing. I hope all is well with them 🙏❤️
Agreed. I just put up the same question as it is Day 10 now here in Australia ... then I thought to check messages to see if someone has already posted something about what is going on.
Hola chicos .. los sigo desde el día UNO .. nunca hice comentarios hasta hoy ya que cuando los videos No son en ESPAÑOL creo que no los van a leer o que no somos importantes.. vivo en el sur del sur del mundo 🌎 Justo en el otro extremo de America... los felicito 😊 su hogar anterior era maravilloso.. su huerta espectacular..su gallinero genial .. se extraña ese lugar..
Tu nueva casa está queriendo Tener forma de hogar.. ya está encaminada Saludos 🤗 🤗 🤗
Gracias por tus comentarios. Estoy aprendiendo español y veo este canal. Es genial hacer ambos a la vez. Hola de estado de Washington. ❤
I don't speak Spanish, but it's lovely to see that we share a love for this wonderful couple and their adventures!
Times when I watch, and rewatch your videos it just amazes me, leaves me in awe how intelligent you all are!! Individual then as a team really something!!
I'd like to clarify Eric's Superman an Aeriel is Superwoman! Great job😊
and electrifying to watch!
???
So many people commenting here apparently didn't have a handy dad or grandparents.
So sad.
ATBE and Queen Ariel for the win.
Hope you folks are doing OK. Looking forward to your next video. Always blessed and impressed with your videos 😊
What a proud moment for you both. Accomplished moments roll into wonderfully easier days. Every woman deserves a hair dryer, and a (?) Electric shaver for every man. I am positive you guys will continue to step up to whatever you need and want. That compound seems more complete each season. Pat each other on the back, you all accomplish great feats together.
It’s been 9 days since a new video. My wife and I look forward to each new video. We can’t wait until the next one. We love your program. You are one of our favorite Tube channels. The other is also in Alaska, it’s Montana Haven-Alaska Edition.
Look forward to your next video.
@haroldthomas5508 we were beginning to think something was wrong. I checked on Facebook n Instagram, but nuttin'! We were delighted when this one popped up. We follow Montana Haven and the Somers, great families for sure! 🫎 🧊 ⛸️ 🌞 ⛰️ 🏔🌄
The Solark is a great choice. I installed Solark-12K about 4 years ago. It is just about to tick over 27 megawatts of power generated for my home. Looking forward to following your journey!
We have 2 separate 8k Sol-ark systems on our property and ha e produces 86MW . It has been bullet proof through many storms, electric service losses and we have full loads all the time. We are upgrading to the 12 k system in one month.
@@MaMa-st2eg Very cool. I was looking at the 15K recently but I can't bring myself to touch something that just works. I am installing a different inverter and more solar panels on an out building but they will feed the grid-in on the Solark so that I can run the large upstairs AC as well during the day to keep the house cooler.
@@vincei4252 I've had my 15k since the first batch that was sent out 2 years ago and I just crossed 32 MWh of total PV production (and way more than that sent through the inverter since I also do time-of-use shifting with batteries).
@@niktak1114 Nice. What is your largest load ? Mine is the AC and well pump otherwise during the day it is my computers.
@@vincei4252 it was my heat pump (startup current was almost 120A), but after adding the soft starter my highest peak load is from my well pump (around 62A on startup)
I just know it’s so much easier to appreciate the things you have because yall just work so dang hard for them. Everyday I wish I could be like yall and pack up and move to AK!!!
I'm very excited you guys can finally put those solar panels to use. Should save you a ton of money on gas & generators. Must be really nice to power all the freezers in the summer for free, basically.
You put a whole new spin on the words Simple Living...I would be either frozen to death and more than likely starved by now...I love you two...and your adventures!!
Yipppeeee lights in the house w/o having to go check on generators
Been following you two for Years & am so proud of what has been learned & passing stuff on to us ✨💫 AMAZING 👵🏻👩🌾❣️
Just some advice, using some Ferrules on the stripped wires ends are a good idea, especially for some of that high voltage and current lines. You guys are such a great example of great living. Good luck with everything!!
Greetings, love and much respect from Pittsburgh PA. You two are my "must see TV" every Thursday and Sunday! For some reason, your hard work brings me peace. ☺
You guys just amaze me every time about the things you are doing. I know nothing about solar and electricity so Eric figuring it out and installing all that equipment just blows my mind!!!
Congrats! Some things are worth waiting for. You two have created such a self-sufficient homestead. We absolutely love it!!! Take care! 🎉 ❤
Sharing your activities, Sharing your relationship, Sharing the skills and all that is along with your success. A gift to the world. Thank you.
Eric you are a real gadget man,wanting to learn how everything works.You both are a great blessing for helping each other out.Congratulations for being off grid.Enjoy.🥰👏👏👏❤️
Another outstanding example of your skill level to figure out and assemble successfully your project with minimal outside help. Great job! The baby birds looked almost like they were napping. Awesome video
Yes so incredibly happy for you guys.POWER
Wow ... not even July and look how far you've come with the necessary work. The two of you are amazing. 👍👍👍
We can appreciate the effort and all that goes with such an endeavor. Thanks for sharing your journey to improve the homestead. You both are simply incredible!
Last video, Ariel was hot because Eric was putting out the vibe, and now this video ends with Eric hot, because Ariel is putting out the vibe. Classic! You two make me smile!
Now, your activities in your homestead will become a computation of watts and volts but your homestead will have a much stable power supply.
Awesome, awesome video Eric & Arielle!
Thank you very much❣️✅🎯
Great job. So proud of both of you. Just a friendly suggestion. For future trenches or cable placement, I would place caution tape with the cables about a foot up from the direct buried cables. This way if you are ever trenching again above or near the existing cables, you will expose the caution tape beforehand, making you aware that you're in proximity to the existing cables. As always, I look forward to your upcoming videos.
We love your work ethic..... You two are so smart! I know that your families are very proud of you. David understood all of what you were doing, Eric. I really didn't ; but loved seeing your accomplishments. Of course, your affection is the sweetest.
Bravo on the power change! Last few minutes of video was awesome! You two are very real! Love it!💕🇺🇸💕
I understood about 12% of this video. Still enjoyed it 100%!
You guys are simply amazing. I’ve been following your Alaska journey for years and I’m continually impressed how hard you work and how self sufficient you are.
I'm glad you finally installed a battery. Love it and love your content.
Greetings from Germany
You both amaze me. Nothing intimidates you. You are always tackling horrendous projects. Have watched every episode on your channel. Love you guys.
The last scene: Thank you for being real people. That’s what we want. ❤
Amazing!!! 7 years left of mine and my husband's goal of moving up there. Loys and lots of planning and you two definitely help with that!!! ❤ Thank you both, bandit and pepper for sharing the adventure. ❤
Wow.. you guys are amazing! Look what you have created! You must be incredibly proud of yourselves! I know this community is!❤
Eric, we stumbled onto your channel a few days ago. When I was younger I had a dream of living "off-grid" in Alaska, never able to realize that dream. I've visited there a couple times but our lives are in the lower 48! Nonetheless, my wife and I are really enjoying your videos and being able to share small portions of your life! Thanks so much!
Oh, what a wonderful life !!! Eric I think Arielle wanted some attention🤩
Oh my gosh, you have taken do it yourself to a whole new level!! Eric you are fearless when it comes to new challenges, and Ariel you are so good at filling in the gaps with your quick thinking skills. Hubby and I love watching you two learn and we learn right along. The end was so funny, when Eric is business he is ALL business, no distractions allowed!
We have a fully off grid property in NW CO and have snow for 5-6 months of the year and lots of wind. We actually have two arrays of panels - our new ones are bifacial and they are so much better, they pick up sun reflecting off the snow UNDERNEATH the arrays - so they feed from both sides. No joke on the generators, we have a 14K that is hardwired and is backup to our solar (since we upgraded to lithium it only runs during winter every few days for about 4 hours and during summer it only runs for 15 min every week for maintenance but it means we can run equipment like table saws and such without concern) and it runs off propane. Then we have a 8K as a backup to that which we can plug in to the power system and then a couple 2Ks and boy do you end up using them! When we first got the place we inherited a very old very small very limited system. Just a bit at a time. Oh and of course a big ol wood stove to keep the house warm!
I'm so glad you got around to hooking up your grid. By far, it's the prettiest and most powerful set up ice seen to date. I love that you two have such a great eye for laying out ANYTHING you do, from the garden to the solar panels to the wiring. Lovely stuff!!!
Awesome work 👏👍👏... We use dish soap or Vaseline or even a bar of hand soap to "grease" things that have to be connected. Makes it so much easier!! Hope this helps going forward!! We love you kids 😊😊
There’s actually a specific lubricant just for electrical work, mainly for pulling wire through conduit. I’m surprised he didn’t buy a jug of it.
Congratulations to my favorite PROJECT MANAGERS!!! You have planned and implemented this project masterfully. We ow are I. Your debt for providing inspiration, leading with on good attitude and proving the benefit of perseverance.
Make sure you document the exact location of the ditch plus you should have used marking tape with electric buried lines love your videos
I actually got a little emotional when the lights in the house turned on! Y’all have worked so long and so hard to get the system set up! Not to mention the hours and frustrations spent during intense cold trying to get the generators to work and have reliable power! If I got that excited, I can only imagine the relief and excitement y’all had in that moment was 100 fold! Congratulations and most sincere wishes that this coming winter will only be of videos with 100% constant power and no anxiety of when the generator will break again!! 🎉🎉
Y'all are such inspiration for all of us even here in the lower 40. We should all invest more resources into becoming more self-reliant.
Wow. My first time watching you guys, thanks for the step by step process. I got the 15K Sol-Ark Inverter because we wanted to run the entire house; but we only have 4 batteries; so it will have to be partial for now. Its taking a while to finish the project because I have a buddy helping me; but he is super busy and lives about 3hrs away. Wish I had your skill set Eric and an engaging assistance like Ariel. You guys work great together. I love the realness of your relationship; the play and serious depiction of everyday interactions. Feel like I know you guys. Keep those little things going; it enhances your relationship. :)
Had such a good laugh at the end😂!! Typical banter between a husband & wife, yet still, funny.😂
@Simple Living Alaska
@Eric and Arielle
THANKYOU👏👏👏That was a powerful, awe-inspiring video from a totally dedicated couple installing the highly sophisticated solar powered system on their own . Neither are electricians and yet they made this intensely difficult job look easy. Eric, more than Arielle took the lead and truly understood the mission but Arielle, as always, was there as his loyal assistant. Always the joint effort , always the 2 of them, always such an intense learning curve. I'm blown away at the gift they have of understanding their personal strengths and weaknesses and make allowances for them. Your education of people whether in the garden or in solar electricity is incredible. Again I THANKYOU BOTH🇦🇺🤗💞🙏👍👌✌️👏🇺🇸
Awesome that you are getting solar power on your property
and in your workshop, have a great weekend and thank you.
🇺🇸👋👍
Intelligence, co-operation and a go forward attitude, Great to watch. One heck of a project....again!
Hang out for my time in Alaska every week! Hey from Western Australia 🙌
Loved the whole video !!! Eric was busy in getting the job finished for his Girl of his Dreams !!! Wants her to be happy that is what I saw !!! Love the solar power stuff that they showed us we all learn from it for all of us here in the world & USA !!!
Yeh what he said 👆. There ain’t no way I would ever be able to hook up a solar system like that. If it isn’t plug and play, I would never be able to do that.
And on another note. There at the end it was so nice to see how well you too get along. It is very trying to be with each other 24/7, plus the heat. It would be so nice to see you hug and kiss each other and tell each other how much you loved them. You guys know that you were made for each other.
THESES PRETZELS ARE MAKING ME THIRSTY. Good gob guys.
This is probably my favorite episode I've seen on your channel. In fact, I've watched it three times. Your ability to tackle every challenge and make it seem possible for an average guy is amazing. I was hoping that you would get the shop "buttoned" up for the season. Now you need the spray foam, interior light, etc. and the exterior siding and you are golden. Congrats and keep up the amazing work.