TOTAL COST Of Our Off-Grid Solar Power System | Powering Our Mountain Home

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 พ.ค. 2024
  • Let's answer your most asked questions and cover the cost of our entire lithium battery, off-grid solar power system.
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    00:00 We went HUGE!
    00:39 The Container
    02:33 Solar Racking
    04:13 Solar Panels
    05:15 Batteries/Inverters
    07:51 That Is A LOT Of Money
    09:02 The MOST ASKED QUESTION
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ความคิดเห็น • 2.8K

  • @AmbitionStrikes
    @AmbitionStrikes  ปีที่แล้ว +326

    What do you think, will this system be enough to keep us powered this winter?! ☀❄

    • @PPW865
      @PPW865 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      More than enough. We are following closely though. Headed to ID in the next month or so to look for our own little piece of respite from the craziness that is everywhere.

    • @freedomfreedom6544
      @freedomfreedom6544 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      I think you better have plenty of gasoline for that geni and propane or firewood for heat :). Regardless, it was the right move for the channel.

    • @kevinmills5293
      @kevinmills5293 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      You should have plenty if you conserve power during bad weather. You mentioned a daily usage of 20% (12kWh) but if that is what you actually take from the batteries each day and not total daily consumption I can’t imagine just how much energy you use each day. At the end of the day you could easily get your daily consumption to around 3kWh per day if need be.

    • @georgevangordon9728
      @georgevangordon9728 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I expect it will provide plenty of power through the winter especially given the fact that you also have other means of heat. It’s a perfect solution for your situation

    • @johnw3724
      @johnw3724 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      As you mention you are only using 20% of the battery capacity a day so even if that doubles in the winter due to being indoors more the only issue is replenishing that capacity. Solar capacity might be your issue.

  • @7luzny
    @7luzny ปีที่แล้ว +310

    I may have a pro tip, how to improve the batteries endurance in your system. You can mount a thermostat with a fan heater inside the container and set the temperature to 15 celsius degrees. You can use excess energy to keep the batteries in the optimal temperature just by adding this small system so you can enlarge their lives by a few years 🙂 Good luck!

    • @MClass2011
      @MClass2011 ปีที่แล้ว +28

      Heat pump system may be even more efficient

    • @johnvincentpajigar9007
      @johnvincentpajigar9007 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      In deed, heat pump is more reliable, way more effective and efficient in keeping your container cooler for summer and warm in the winter. 👍

    • @The_Humble_Servant
      @The_Humble_Servant ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Just need a small mini split

    • @sihamhamda47
      @sihamhamda47 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Also limiting the max battery charge in the controller (?)
      Limiting the max charge to 95% will also further prolong battery lifespan (prevents overcharging issues while still provides near full capacity)

    • @Egleu1
      @Egleu1 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

      @@sihamhamda47 most controllers do this behind the scenes.

  • @sotisimo
    @sotisimo ปีที่แล้ว +181

    Hi guys! if you paint the container bright white and spread white soil on the ground you will be able to get a higher generation with the bifacial panels due to a higher Albedo. Nice PV System, congratulations!

    • @jwstolk
      @jwstolk ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Snow under and around the panels would work too.

    • @violettownmicroenterprises1528
      @violettownmicroenterprises1528 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      hey Pablo.. please explain how that works ? I've heard a little about that but I dont quite comprehend.. yet.. help??

    • @G_Breaker
      @G_Breaker ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@violettownmicroenterprises1528 white stuff reflect the light

    • @jwstolk
      @jwstolk ปีที่แล้ว +17

      @@violettownmicroenterprises1528 Some solar panels can use light from the back of the panel. The panels usually use a glass-glass sandwich, instead of a plastic back side.They are usually used in large installations on white roofs. Modern solar cells are very thin (0.2mm) and partially transparent. Some have a mirror coating on the back of the cells, so the light that passes through the cell can be reflected and make a second pass through the cell. (these panels can't use light from the back of the panel, since the mirror layer reflects it before reaching the cell.)

    • @ReneRosa
      @ReneRosa ปีที่แล้ว +26

      or just insane amounts of cocaine

  • @Rat-Builder
    @Rat-Builder ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I don't know if anyone will read this comment, but here goes anyway. In 1995 My wife and I bought a small piece of property. (2 Acres) We put a nice 14x 70 mobile home on the property. We were only 2 power poles from power, but the Power company (Elko Nevada) want me to give them $12,000 for the privilege of paying them $150 bucks a month. This made me mad!!! At first we just had a generator, so I started to make our solar array mount. We had eight 80 watt panels. We had eight Trojan L16 six volt lead acid batteries. We had a Trace 2400 watt inverter, so that meant that we only had 110 volt for the house. We upgraded to an Onan 6500 watt generator powered by propane.
    The house had a propane fridge, a propane clothes dryer, a propane water heater, an infrared propane wall heater, and the existing propane forced air furnace. Since the insulation under the mobile home was all screwed up by animals, (we bought it used), I cut all of the underside plastic off, and installed 12 inches of fiberglass insulation, which was held in place with a system of special made brackets and plastic tarps and nylon rope. It worked so well that after doing that we never ever fired up the floor furnace. We also had a wood stove, but after 2 years of getting wood, hauling wood home, splitting wood, stacking wood, and dealing with the ashes, we just used the wall heater, which did an awesome job. The home had real good insulation and 2x6 walls.
    We had a well drilled and since the generator did not have 220, we installed a 110 volt pump in the well. We filled a 600 gallon water tank that lived in the battery room, and pressurized the house with an RV 12 volt water pump. Everything that I read at the time said that the RV water pump would not work long with continues use. But being the bull-headed person that I am, I did it anyway. The RV water pump worked just fine. It ran the dish-washer, the clothes washer, showers, toilets, virtually everything. I will admit that I supplied the pump with a 1" line right off the bottom of the tank, and then tied into the 3/4" pipe for the house. I did not know how long the water pump would last, so I had a spare. It lasted 4 years, and I changed it out in 10 minutes. Not bad for a $68 pump.
    All in all, I had $12,000 invested in my system, and I did not have a power bill for 5 years. There were things that had to be done differently than if the house was on the grid, but it was not a big deal. Like one thing was the the inverter would not run the spin cycle on the clothes washer, so we would leave the lid up while doing a load of clothes. When it went to the spin cycle the washer would just stop. Who ever walked by the washer and saw that the washer had stopped, they just had to walk 20 feet and push the starter button for the generator, close the lid on the washer, and turn off the generator after it was done. Like I say, not a big deal.
    They did not have these great batteries at the time that I did my set up. I could have just bought a 3600 watt inverter for the washer issue, but I am cheap. It was not a big deal. In the summer when it was too hot, I bought a window A/C unit for the bedroom, and it would run 1 hour before we went to bed, and then turn off 1 hour later. We had a swamp cooler too, but if we ran it at night it would drain my battery pack.
    Courtney and Riley are doing a first class job. I did not have the money to do mine like that, even if it were available at the time. I still have no regrets. I sold the place 20 years ago, and have not been back.

    • @tedebayer1
      @tedebayer1 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      side note on the plastic tarps holding up insulation...hopefully there is enough air exchange using tarp, seen some pretty nasty mold issues from trapped moisture with similar setup (full plastic sheets instead) as generally speaking, it would act as a vapour barrier, but on the wrong side

  • @timburk6097
    @timburk6097 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    I teach two off grid living classes at a local high school and wish to use many of your videos in my classes. I think my students could learn a lot from you both. Thanks so much for the awesome content.

    • @psycomutt
      @psycomutt ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Old comment, but could you recommend a couple books for off grid living? Maybe subsistence farming, canning, etc. Basically how my grand parents survived in the south (not that long ago). Any help would be appreciated.

    • @timburk6097
      @timburk6097 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@psycomutt sad;y, I haven’t found much in the way of useful books on this subject. Lots of TH-cam content though.

    • @psycomutt
      @psycomutt ปีที่แล้ว

      @@timburk6097 just shows the lack of quality books out there. Thanks anyhow

    • @woozy607
      @woozy607 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@psycomuttself sufficiency for the 21st-century is one I got, I got several more too, there are tons of books, just type off grid living in google and there are a lot

    • @mindfullygreen2870
      @mindfullygreen2870 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Literally like 3% of your students will ever be able to dream of having something this extravagant 😂

  • @walkerrodgers557
    @walkerrodgers557 ปีที่แล้ว +126

    This was the easiest video to watch about a home solar setup. Concise and informative in a quick pace.

    • @mtezman3465
      @mtezman3465 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My thoughts exactly. All just under 10mins.

  • @SylwerDragon
    @SylwerDragon ปีที่แล้ว +43

    Nice video. I have few advise on my experience from solar (if interested).
    So here it is :
    1. Make sure temperature during summer months in that container is pretty low. 20C Degree is the best so about 68F if you go above then inverters will suffer and it will show in long term.. If you can't then buy cheap aircon.. It will work only during summer months so no need to worry about extra electricity it will take..Also you can change mode on it when needed so it will heat as well when needed.
    2. Make sure SOC don't go below some limit if possible (about 20-30%)..it isn't problem for summer at all.. but for sure it will be big problem in winter time.
    3. Don't believe that nonsense that inverters don't need extra cooling.. Take out that blue sheet that is on top of the inverters (mostly during summer time) to reduce heat and improve air circulation as Victron Energy inverters will not start inside fan till temp is high or load is also high..
    4. Also after some time ..check your battery packs..they have BMS ..so you can checks each and every one(how much KWH they cycle)..I did see how you connected your battery packs and it isn't the best . You will find that some battery packs are cycled more than others and those will be first to go ..
    5. Be sure there are no bugs in that container...bugs like to go every where and that could kill inverters and all electronics..
    Even then Those battery packs will be first to go.
    Don't kid yourself with 20-30 years of life of your system. Battery packs will start failing about in 15 years ..if you are lucky and you do as i suggested then in about 20 years inverters and chargers will go ..So be sure to prepare small amount of money(every month) so when time will come you can buy it any time you want ..
    I wish you the best.

    • @jakeliujakeliu
      @jakeliujakeliu ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Very true, I’m thinking will battery and inverter last 10 years. All those spec talk, I don’t think people test it in real life🤣

    • @HutchinsonJC
      @HutchinsonJC ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jakeliujakeliu Those Batteries are Lifepo4. They WILL last 10 years and STILL have 80% of their rated capacity, and that assumes a charge/discharge cycle daily. They likely will last 15 years or more.

    • @jakeliujakeliu
      @jakeliujakeliu ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@HutchinsonJC I know I got couple LifePO4 too, I’m just saying nobody really use those battery 10 years yet. I see most people replace inverter within 2-5 years range.

    • @GregHassler
      @GregHassler ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Good solar inverters should have at least a 10 or 15 year warranty.

    • @SylwerDragon
      @SylwerDragon ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@GregHassler well should it correct wording..but in reality it is unlikely you will find such capacitors that would be able handle it for long they will eventually dry or explode or anything between and that will cause fets to spike in wrong time so it will damage inverter at the end ..Capacitors are real reason why any electronics doesn't last so long ..there are special ones that might last but you wouldn't able afford them .. In general normal ..even crapy inverters should last about 2 years..a bit better one about 5 ..very good one about 10 ..and after that it is only luck and ofc ..environment and all that and between..

  • @user-zk3og4zt3o
    @user-zk3og4zt3o หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Greetings from the Deep South!
    Smashed the like and subscribe button! I am old, retired and getting ready to take on a solo off-grid way of life. I am a big fan of shipping containers and their many uses. I have considered "planting" (for storage and storm sheltering) a container under the converted cargo trailer I built, that will be my sleeping quarters. Now I'm really liking yawls (had to, its required in the South) usage as a base for your solar display.
    I watch a lot of TH-cam and commend those who do not spit the bane of narrative speaking. I mean uh, well uh, uh, I uh, uh, uh. Uh can't stand it. Your editing was very nicely done and the information clear and easy to understand.
    I will defiantly check back to see if I can purchase any components featured in your build, here in Alabama, for my project as it gets closer. Otherwise, I am going to buy some "merch" as a token of my appreciation for your excellent channel.
    Yall' come see us ya hea!

  • @calvinboykin4777
    @calvinboykin4777 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    Besides your acquired skills, I think the underlying element of your success is that both of you are very intelligent.Most people can’t read a bulldozer user manual and replace a seal in the torque converter as Riley did or watch a TH-cam video and skillfully edit succinct videos as Courtney did. Don’t be too modest! I love your channel.

    • @mindfullygreen2870
      @mindfullygreen2870 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It helps to be rich for sure

    • @Weirdomanification
      @Weirdomanification 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@mindfullygreen2870⚠️Resentful loser detected⚠️

  • @franktyred9195
    @franktyred9195 ปีที่แล้ว +927

    My CPA wife wants me to remind you that the tax credit on your solar install for 2022 is 26%. Give your spreadsheet to your CPA and get the ball rolling. Take care.

    • @AmbitionStrikes
      @AmbitionStrikes  ปีที่แล้ว +106

      Thanks for the reminder Frank!

    • @keithviolette5870
      @keithviolette5870 ปีที่แล้ว +47

      @@AmbitionStrikes I am assuming that the $50k price is before the 26% tax break?

    • @AmbitionStrikes
      @AmbitionStrikes  ปีที่แล้ว +57

      @@keithviolette5870 That is correct.

    • @keithviolette5870
      @keithviolette5870 ปีที่แล้ว +56

      @@AmbitionStrikes I hope to be energy independent at some point - our power is not all that reliable, and our rates increased 40% this month. Love the use of the container as a foundation.
      Just a quick calculation - $37k for your system over 10 years would equal my average monthly power bill - about $300 for about 1400 kWh/month

    • @580guru
      @580guru ปีที่แล้ว +43

      Actually, since this began operating in 2022 and the Inflation Reduction Act is signed, the tax credit was bumped back to 30%.
      This only applies to new equipment and I'm thinking your SanTan solar panels are possibly used?

  • @GirdHerd
    @GirdHerd ปีที่แล้ว +124

    I really like your solar system. Money well spent. The only concern I have is the snow build up on the bottom row of panels since they are almost touching the ground at the winter angle. You may want to dig out a few feet below the panels for snow "storage". Plus, a couple electric heaters set at 40 or 45 degrees F will keep the batteries above the lower charging limit of 32 degrees.

    • @rgbuckl
      @rgbuckl ปีที่แล้ว

      Great idea!

    • @shackman1306
      @shackman1306 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pelonis disc furnace are very efficient and set and forget. They don't make them anymore as far as I know but you can find them for sale on the web.

    • @portnuefflyer
      @portnuefflyer ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You can get major power gains (when needed the most) with low to the snow arrays in the winter, the sun reflects off the snow! But yeah, gotta keep them clear. I accidentally discovered this when I saw higher charge rates then ever before, looked outside, and saw my 1 KW (at the time) array had tilted down to almost vertical.

    • @GaryVirta
      @GaryVirta ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Some of those reptile heating mat things stuck to the bottom of each battery would probably work great, plus that way you aren't heating all the air too, just the batteries.

    • @portnuefflyer
      @portnuefflyer ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GaryVirta No way that would be acceptable, consumption wise, in the winter. A battery can get by below well below freezing, they do all the time in our cars! I'm sure the manufacturer has a preferred operating range for their products, but it's not like they are going to freeze and burst. My 20' container solar equipment build (for a customer who sprays urathane foam for a living) has been in operation 10 years, unheated but the container insulated (foam of course).

  • @mikeberichon7169
    @mikeberichon7169 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    now I know right where to go during the zombie apocalypse. Thanks for building all this for me!

    • @Sciptopia
      @Sciptopia ปีที่แล้ว +2

      See you there 😊

  • @bonez2450
    @bonez2450 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Hope to see updates on things like battery life and efficiency of the solar panels over time. There are lots of vids of installs but it's harder to find honest videos about what happens in the years after and what troubles to expect. Most people struggle with the fear of the unknown, so it helps to know what to expect

  • @rlhenry99
    @rlhenry99 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    I love your honesty actually giving us a breakdown of exactly what it cost yes 50,000 is a lot of money that being said your sweat equity probably doubles or more the value of your system again thank you for being so honest of how you have Made this happen with the help of your viewers and your hard work! I am so impressed wow!

    • @carolewarner101
      @carolewarner101 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I second that. We are looking at putting in a grid tied system at our place, but are going to contact the company they got all their components from as we're here in the Pacific Northwest too!

    • @roywaite5793
      @roywaite5793 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      A monthly electric bill of $200.00 a month would take 20 years to get back $50,000.00 they spent. At that point you may have to replace batteries. Not to mention fuel cost of a generator on cloudy days. Where the savings? Not to mention the maintenance of a solar system. Solar pricing is still to high at this point in time.

    • @AndyMitchellUK26
      @AndyMitchellUK26 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@roywaite5793 After 20 years at their current usage they have estimated that the batteries should still be able to hold 80% of their original capacity which would be be 48kW. They won't need replacing for several years beyond that and at worst they could simply add another couple of batteries to restore original capacity if needed. Then as the older batteries start to fail they can be replaced individually.
      You also have to factor in the ever increasing costs of energy so in a few years time that $200 estimate could quite easily become double that. Battery technology will improve and hopefully become more affordable, more efficient and more durable in those 20 years so it is absolutely worth it.

    • @greggv8
      @greggv8 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@roywaite5793 Think of it as paying for 20 years of electricity up front. Then there's no monthly bill, ever.

    • @rlhenry99
      @rlhenry99 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@roywaite5793 I guess you didn’t hear the part of what it would cost for them to have power brought onto their property! I have had that done on property and it far exceeded the original estimate of the power company to bring power on to my property!

  • @IanDenchasy
    @IanDenchasy ปีที่แล้ว +29

    We are off-grid in the Central Coast area of California. We spent about 12k for the panels (15 x 400w) from Unbound Solar, inverter, and four 2.5kW Amperetime lithium batteries (for 10kW 800amps total). Because we put them on the roof, we were able to do most of the installation ourselves, calling in an experienced - and licensed - electrician to wire it all up (approximately $2500). As we're in CA, we get a LOT of sun, even in winter, so the system has been more than needed and we'll never have to pay a power bill again.

    • @doriangray6985
      @doriangray6985 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      What was your total cost?

  • @windhunters
    @windhunters ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Hi. Thanks for the video, I've enjoyed watching it. And I don't want to feel disappointed, but I want To share a few thoughts as a PV installer:
    1. Changing the array angle for winter is a good idea. But using the PV power optimizers (like Tigo) in your case would increase the system efficiency even more. You will have a lot of shade in winter, and the optimizers will help you to solve the problem.
    2. 445Wp panels for 230USD is 0.51USD/Wp. It's not a killer deal. It's actually 2,5 times more than what we pay as an installer for this kind of solar modules. It's normal price 0.195USD/Wp for container volumes. And 1848USD for 100Ah/48V battery is 1,5 times more than what we pay for it.
    3. I recommend you be extremely careful when changing the angle of the array. The bump may cause micro-cracks in solar cells.

  • @MichaelFrimlPhotography
    @MichaelFrimlPhotography ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Seeing something like this helps me realize to go back to building me fire place and getting some candles.

    • @playinragz8183
      @playinragz8183 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Lol… Those probably are created as propaganda to convince suckers.

    • @MichaelFrimlPhotography
      @MichaelFrimlPhotography ปีที่แล้ว

      @@playinragz8183I agree... for sure

  • @leifhietala8074
    @leifhietala8074 ปีที่แล้ว +96

    The "no monthly bill" part is tremendous. In addition to being $10K cheaper on day one, the solar system gets cheaper every day after that. If you have an EV or plug-in hybrid, surplus power can get folded into that and reduce your day-to-day costs even further.

    • @s.i.m.c.a
      @s.i.m.c.a ปีที่แล้ว +2

      yeah, let's just wait for EV based on LiFePo4 batteries...lol

    • @pieterbezuidenhout2741
      @pieterbezuidenhout2741 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My exact thought as well then start reaping the additional benefits instead of paying through your neck with modern feul prices.

    • @brunorigo
      @brunorigo ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Just wait a few months they will find a sponsorship

    • @marklar7551
      @marklar7551 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes, having an EV to do runs for stuff, maybe some E bikes to get around the property too

    • @JohnHMoore
      @JohnHMoore ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Electric D8 as a project coming?!?

  • @Whipkick2
    @Whipkick2 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Love the way you are open about the costs, and broke it down. It allows others to see what is in involved. Especially the modular build up.

  • @robhoffman510
    @robhoffman510 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for the spreadsheet guys, it’s Super Helpful!

  • @markkulusa
    @markkulusa ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love the enthusiasm of you both on your project, you both are excited on your project and support each other, you are match made in heaven 👍

  • @mschack63
    @mschack63 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    You two kids are great! Thank you for giving us long timers the opportunity to live vicariously through you. I was beginning to think I wasn't doing something right because we see so little of you. How is the driveway coming? How is the d8 running? Did you ever get concrete poured. I sure am looking forward to seeing the shop 100% done. Thanks again and God bless you both!

    • @AmbitionStrikes
      @AmbitionStrikes  ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Lot's more road content coming your way next week!

    • @carolewarner101
      @carolewarner101 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I'm thinking they're so focused on the road right now precisely so that they CAN get the concrete poured in their shop! It's much more likely the cement trucks will actually be able to get back in to their place once they get that road done.

  • @johnhartman3149
    @johnhartman3149 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Thank you for breaking this out, always wondered what the costs were. Would dig out the container and seal it, build a barrier wall and seal that with drainage and run off so the container doesn't rot. Might also dig a few feet down in front of panels so snow has somewhere to go when it melts off. You guys are SO great to watch!

  • @dairyair5371
    @dairyair5371 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Excellent video, love the way you lay out the price as you go along. I love the shipping container idea and the tilting array. Best wishes to you both.

  • @schrodingerscat1863
    @schrodingerscat1863 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    For a DIY system that is an excellent setup. Using a packing container is genius move, it provides weight and structural stability while providing a perfect housing for batteries and electronics. I am an electrical engineer and I can't really fault what you have built there. The price you paid all in may sound expensive but for the capacity you have there it is really inexpensive.

    • @schrodingerscat1863
      @schrodingerscat1863 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @owlhuman They built it themselves so it's DIY, the cost is irrelevant, they spent the money on this system rather than getting grid connected which is why it was worth spending that kind of money. I have seen a lot of DIY systems and built one myself and this is a well designed and implemented setup. If they had gone for a professionally installed system with this capacity it would have cost a lot more.

  • @johngraham1210
    @johngraham1210 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I have been in that part of the country in the winter time. It’s amazing how little sun light you have and how it even effects your body. So time will tell how the solar does during dark winter. 😂 But you have a few back up plains already in place. Wood stove,generators your camper and ability to move. You guys will be fine ! You adapt well and can handle anything with the right attitude! You two rock !

  • @optionstrader9637
    @optionstrader9637 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Another solution that could help with the wind issue is a deadman up on the hillside. Then put a cross brace at the top of the panels and use a cable ratchet to hold it in place like the tilting of the panels.

  • @user-tl4et2bj6e
    @user-tl4et2bj6e 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    The container for the housing and storage is brilliant. Maybe place some large rocks or create a wall on the back side to diver back-end winds from the North.

  • @foolsgold8486
    @foolsgold8486 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Great story of success.
    And it all came about because of your followers and views.
    What a win win for everyone.
    Society needs more of these kind of stories.
    Great work!!!! May you continue to be blessed.

    • @beefwantko7269
      @beefwantko7269 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Im Happy for you, and I appreciate the Solar approach, especailly considering my family has been living off of solar in bonners ferry for over 40 years.. but on the downside, I loath the fact that these videos are making more and more people move to north Idaho where it used to be such a beautifull place and a place where working class people could survive... not anymore becaues of the massive influx of people moving here from Cali, and other places where they couldnt afford to live so they had to move to our town and now the cost of living is outrageous.

  • @ccg4387
    @ccg4387 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    Given all that is going on in the world, that seems to be both a wise decision and a bargain. The attitudes you both show are uplifting. Thank you for sharing.

  • @CaptainKseadog1
    @CaptainKseadog1 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Hi guys!
    Thank you for the cost break down. I think the 50K is actually reasonable. Especially when you consider all of your labor. 60K to bring in grid power, then add in a monthly energy bill you will be in 10 years way ahead. As always, love to hear from you guys. You rock! 🌞

    • @Sindrijo
      @Sindrijo ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It's not even clear if those 60K to connect to the grid was a price offer or an initial estimate, the real cost might be much higher, and after all that they are still paying for the electricity from the grid.

    • @tomhoulihan1
      @tomhoulihan1 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Sindrijo And what about potential power outages associated with the lines coming out to the property....

  • @samirmadani4027
    @samirmadani4027 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I really love your setup! Have you considered building a sand battery silo next to the house in order to keep the the house warm throughout the winter? The thermal insulated silo contains a coil which heats up just plain old sand at around 600 degrees Celsius and it'll stay hot for months.

  • @stevennelms6567
    @stevennelms6567 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is my first video with y'all and found it amazing. I'm also working on my future home on a lot of acres that doesn't have running power to my location. I'm so glade I bumped into this video and has given me more ideas to work with. I gotta say I'm loving the price. Even if I could get someone else to due with and though of Tesla, their pricing on just the battery packs and everything built in was over 11k more then your system is and that's not including solar panel purchasing. Away to go and I'll sure be back to watch more things on your channel. Happy 2023

  • @fvrrljr
    @fvrrljr ปีที่แล้ว +15

    photovoltaic / solar thermal technician here: my hat off great job, i wouldn't worry about wind hitting the back, same thing goes with stand alone systems, you can add corrugated panels if you want to stop the wind from hitting the panels. love that you buried the container and that your panels tilts 👍

    • @shazzz_land
      @shazzz_land 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Is it feasable and worth it into scaling this idea for a multiple MW solar farm? Thus giving energy also at night for the grid? Assuring the containers keep optimal temperature for batteries and all that is needed? Giving you have some arid terrain where farming isnt quite productive?

  • @dobrzpe
    @dobrzpe ปีที่แล้ว +8

    i'm the same. never thought i'd be 'off grid'. ended up getting a beautiful house WAY out there that was already off grid. i upgraded some components of the system for how/what i need to do with the power. and now, i'd have it NO OTHER WAY. being self reliant is an amazing thing.
    for when the zombies attack, of course! ;)

  • @oldbutstillyoung2170
    @oldbutstillyoung2170 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I hope this works out for you. I've lived off the grid for seven years, and I get all my electricity from solar panels. Like you, I live in a place that has harsh winters. I have three concerns about your setup. 1. I think your batteries might get so cold in winter that they won't work. 2. I think some of your panels might get buried in snow, or at least partially buried, because they are pretty close to the ground. 3. I'm not so sure fresh snow will slide off the panels, even at "winter tilt." My panels stand straight up, 90 degrees relative to horizontal. I have them that way so the snow will slide off. Sure, the panels aren't at optimal tilt, but the good thing is that I never have to spend time removing snow from them.
    Good luck. I hope I'm wrong about all three of these things.

  • @mikewurlitzer5217
    @mikewurlitzer5217 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Using the shipping container for multiple purposes on this installation was brilliant. Very nice! Great forward thinking. On our little 6.5 acres, our house is oriented in the worse possible way to even consider roof mounted solar. This shipping container concept would almost be a no brainer for us. At 70+ years old, doubt I could recoup the costs though.

    • @jeremycrabbe7721
      @jeremycrabbe7721 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Lol have you looked at vertically mounted bi facial solar panels? Or with a white roof?

    • @daddio7249
      @daddio7249 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My system has the same number of panels, I have 2 6500 watt inverters and 20 kWh of batteries. Cost $20,000. I am in Florida so I use the most power in the summer, I can easily save $1000 a year. I am 71, my dad is 93, I should live long enough to recoup my investment even if the cost of electricity does not go up.

    • @mikewurlitzer5217
      @mikewurlitzer5217 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@daddio7249 Fantastic on your family's longevity. Decades of world wide air travel for business causing massive numbers of blood clots, Afib, uncontrollable BP, would seem to put me in on the net loss ROI end of the spectrum.

  • @danielnicholls6868
    @danielnicholls6868 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    only change i would make is to step your bifacials ahead to make them like a set of stairs and paint side of shed shiny. keep panels slightly more vertical winter and summer. put a short shiny wall back 8ft to deflect wind. looks good. will give you more power on cloudy days and in winter and keep panels closer to ground or you can raise up more

  • @MaddogCapt11
    @MaddogCapt11 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I am happy to see that you guys are living your dream. You have worked hard and you deserve it. I am also happy you are sharing the adventure with us.

  • @frb821
    @frb821 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I recently found your channel as I am looking to do some type of rural / off grid property so that when I hit retirement , that I will have a home to enjoy the great out doors and peace and quiet. Your channel has provided a lot of answers to some questions and to some I did not even consider. Both you and Courtney are real troopers and inspiration. Love your content :)

  • @rickwarda1838
    @rickwarda1838 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    That looks like a GIANT SAIL! OMG.
    I would have separated those solar panels a bit to allow airflow between them so as to not have a northern wind (which is the most common) blow that thing off the hill or at damage the solar panels.

  • @DavidD03820
    @DavidD03820 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    Both of you guys have done a great job! Looks professional and I'm sure it will last many years. You guys work great together, well done.

    • @ninjajack5568
      @ninjajack5568 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Many as in 10?
      Then it's back to a generator lol

  • @chiplawrence7178
    @chiplawrence7178 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I think this will work well with wood primary heating. Living here in the Selle Valley for over 20 years, we have seen so many variations in our winters. The general pattern of northerlies in winter and southerlies in summer holds true, the critical thing is cloud cover. No cloud cover means extreme cold and lots of clouds mean 29 degrees. I would encourage you to consider a simple rail wiper design to easily remove snow and I agree that you need some reinforcement for northerlies. Sadly, I suspect your road maintenance may be more time consuming than your power. To the good, when you eventually decide to sell your property there are lots of preppers, who will love your design.

  • @phillipsterling3677
    @phillipsterling3677 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The good thing about having power brought to the property was the fact that you do it once and never again. Not doing it in 20 yrs because you need new battery's etc. Plus the resale on the property with having power makes it worth it in the end.

  • @tzimme7639
    @tzimme7639 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great video. Just discovered you guys today and thought that it was really cool of you all to thank your viewers. Don't recall seeing that before. Kudos.

  • @joelongrid7625
    @joelongrid7625 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    You guys are so awesomely transparent with us your viewers as well as humble as you learn and transfer your knowledge. Keep up the great work.

  • @Trucker1970
    @Trucker1970 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Not the typical videos I watch. Your D8 dozer brought me here and your personalities kept me here. You both do really well operating the equipment and WOW you’re not afraid to dive in and do ANYTHING it takes to fix, maintain, and build whatever you need. I’m really impressed with both of you! Great channel I wish you all the success and happiness 😃

  • @dutchman1974
    @dutchman1974 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for making these videos. I actually learned a lot this way and it gave me a good feel for the cost involved. Great!

  • @GatheringJacob
    @GatheringJacob ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Proud of you guys! Keep up the good work!

  • @cheif10thumbs
    @cheif10thumbs ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Now it's time to Tackle the Water Question! Septic System? It's so much fun to watch you guys solve problems!

  • @user-pk3hk4oe5e
    @user-pk3hk4oe5e ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Hello from Ukraine. Freedom is worth the money you paid. Good luck guys.

    • @private15
      @private15 ปีที่แล้ว

      I hope you and your family stay safe and I hope your country prevails, WINS and finds peace soon. 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇺🇦 Forever🇺🇦. 🇨🇦

    • @chrhadden
      @chrhadden 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      wheres my 99 percent rebate?

  • @Yolleem
    @Yolleem ปีที่แล้ว

    I am coming across your channel for the first time, and I absolutely love this video. Thank you so much for sharing it and giving hope for others to do the same. I have solar panels on my house. I am not off grid but I love my panels.

  • @Electronzap
    @Electronzap 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Nice tour of tour system. It all looks well thought out.

  • @captainhappy
    @captainhappy ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Keep eye on the shipping container wall where the sand/dirt is piled to, it can have risk of that dirt eventually making pressure pushing the wall curved. It is at least one thing of concern you might check few times in future if it holds or not. Also anything related to rainfall water you might check the container corners stay dry.

    • @jarrettvalentine9530
      @jarrettvalentine9530 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The walls will rust out super fast being in contact with the dirt/wet soil

  • @davidjackman5773
    @davidjackman5773 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Great job, guys. I have learned a lot from y'all. I'm old and my retention span is fading, but I still enjoy learning, and living vicariously through you two fine young people. Keep on keeping on.

  • @peterk.4266
    @peterk.4266 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    True American spirit. Thank you for showing this to us guys.

  • @robinrobinson4457
    @robinrobinson4457 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another awesome video y'all, awesome content on your continued improvements. Greatly appreciated 🙏

  • @gods_soldier971
    @gods_soldier971 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Wow!! What an amazing accomplishment you two!! Congratulations and thank you for all the entertainment! God Bless

    • @AmbitionStrikes
      @AmbitionStrikes  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you! We can't believe how far the property has come in a year.

  • @prb4531
    @prb4531 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Please remember that the sides of the shipping containers aren't designed to have high loads on corrugated side steel. Floor, top and corners are the support structure. You need to make sure that backfilled side docent cave in.

    • @VinceBadovinatz88
      @VinceBadovinatz88 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's a good point

    • @bladerunner1680
      @bladerunner1680 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's a common mistake people make when burying shipping containers, the walls are weak and dent in a lot.

    • @51-FS
      @51-FS 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Dad has one thats been burned for as long as I can remember. If the walls has pushed in its not noticeable....

  • @Ionic_Projection
    @Ionic_Projection ปีที่แล้ว

    Stoked on your new solar installation! Also thank you for showing me the SOK battery setup you've installed the LiFeP04 cells and dimensions fit incredible well all around for an innovation I am creating!

  • @herbalannie7707
    @herbalannie7707 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Back to the landers has come a long ways from us hippies in the 60s and 70s. Wishing you much prosperity and a long life with many children.

  • @mrfarmer532
    @mrfarmer532 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Courtney is the only woman on TH-cam that can make overalls look great 😊
    Love your channel, you both inspire me to build more and complain less.

  • @backhoefred
    @backhoefred ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I've used solar on our properties for many years and recently helped a very good friend who moved from California to Montana. We installed some additions to his solar array system to boost his output in the winter. Basically he was DC coupled through charge controllers charging his batteries, then inverting and send AC power to his loads. This works very well in summer with a string connected system to your mppt charge controllers. HOWEVER, in winter was a VERY DIFFERENT STORY, he found that with strings partial coverage by snow was very problematic for output (ask your installer). I have the same problem in winter. My solution was to install a 5000 watt Enphase micro inverter array which is AC coupled to my system. There connected directly to the AC buss and bypass the charge cycle, by supplying loads first then if there is extra required for charging your inverters will charge your batteries works great in winter because snow only affects the covered panels. Food for thought FYI hope this may help if you need it later. PS love your channel. Fred

  • @WizardKing-Official
    @WizardKing-Official 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Good work you two have done.
    Really impressive and happy for you two!

  • @cashkutzztv3932
    @cashkutzztv3932 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love you alls chemistry on camera. And the fact you all build stuff. Just subscribed!!!

  • @gibson3304
    @gibson3304 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    These guys are actually super cool in real life, not just in their videos.
    They told us a little about their channel, but this is the first time I've seen their videos. My son & I helped them with their drinking water storage Totes. Nice to see their the same in their videos as they were when we met them.

    • @AmbitionStrikes
      @AmbitionStrikes  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks again for helping us find those totes. They have been perfect!

  • @andrepotgieter7083
    @andrepotgieter7083 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Seriously, you guys are absolutely AWESOME! Great choices and money well spent for sure.

  • @photerm7320
    @photerm7320 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Beautiful hard working couple! Blessings on you and stay safe.

  • @fgregerfeaxcwfeffece
    @fgregerfeaxcwfeffece 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

    My main concern was corrosion, but since you mentioned a drain and extra paint you probably considered that factor properly. And of course the wind after seeing the panels. But you also addressed that, nice!

  • @justacuppajoe
    @justacuppajoe ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I am forever amazed at what you two can accomplish. You really are an inspiration. Thanks as always for sharing. 🙂

  • @kiwiskiz
    @kiwiskiz ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Hi, I hope this finds you well, looks like a great system!! I've just installed a 12kW Hybrid system on my place in New Zealand.
    I've installed hundreds of systems, mainly in Australia... One suggestion that will make a BIG difference to your yield in winter is to lop those few trees down that will partially shade the panels... it's a shame for the trees but will will pay dividends as any panel in more shade will bypass (through its internal bypass diodes) to prevent them becoming a load.

  • @offgridal
    @offgridal ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video guy's! I'm researching solar now for my build starting this year. Love the way you have built it...

  • @iceman5891
    @iceman5891 ปีที่แล้ว

    Now that's what you can truly call " thinking outside the box". A challenge but you folks slaughtered this one. Great job & with a little determination, anything is possible..

  • @itninja9503
    @itninja9503 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The way his wife looked at him at 8:46 warms my heart. Seem like a couple of great people.

  • @larrymiller4
    @larrymiller4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I would just make sure that the con-ex (shipping container) is adequately anchored, because you have a surcharge (a lateral load) imposed by the rock and earth placed behind it, which will tend to push against the con-ex. Not only that, but you have the weight of the solar array trying to pull it away from the bank of earth. So you have two forces working literally against you. This from a former bldg. inspector. Otherwise, I like the way you folks think.

    • @greggv8
      @greggv8 ปีที่แล้ว

      I would've put in a concrete slab for the container to sit on. Get a portable concrete mixer and haul in bags of mix. Just need a source of water.

    • @abbersj2935
      @abbersj2935 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@greggv8 Would it be reasonable just to sink some piles, protruding up a couple of feet, beside the container, on the downhill side to resist the forces. If acceptable, what style/size /depth would you suggest?
      PS.
      Thanks guys for the really inspirational channel, even for an oldie like myself. Best wishes, take care.

    • @greggv8
      @greggv8 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@abbersj2935 would have to consult an engineer who knows all the fun stuff about loads, materials, soil/ground conditions etc. for such specifics. Should that container and the solar array mounted to it shift, fixing it is going to be a much harder job than putting in a concrete slab first would have been.
      One way I can think of to 'over provision' securing it back into the hillside would be to cut a long trench back from each top corner then set in long pieces of railroad track. Weld that to the tops of the upper anchor points on the container then pour concrete around most of the railroad track. Then push the dirt back into the trenches.
      Good architectural design and engineering is well defined, with a lot of lessons learned by disaster and failure. But some things any reasonably smart person ought to be able to look at and just know it's not right.
      For example the lousy job of how the spillway at the Oroville dam was originally constructed. There's a guy with a TH-cam channel covering things like this, and his videos on the failure and rebuilding at Oroville are especially informative. Among the Oroville WTFs were they didn't clear the site down to bedrock. They expected a lot of leakage through the joints between the slab sections, so they installed perforated drain pipes covered by gravel, retained by some type of mesh. Instead of trenching those into the base (IIRC the trenching was called for in the plans), they laid them on top of the base, making thinner, weaker spots in the concrete. The slab joints were just plain butt joins, no overlap or keying together to try and reduce water infiltration. The drain pipes were routed downward and up inside the sidewalls to dump leakage back into the spillway. That's what's spraying in through the jets along the sides in the videos of it falling apart. As I watched his video I just got more and more horrified at how *stupidly* it had been constructed, surely they could see in 1967-1968 there were many problems with it.
      For the spillway rebuild they cleaned the entire site down to bedrock and literally vacuumed it. They had a whole fleet of people out there with shop vacs sucking up every last loose particle. Leakage through the bad slab joins washed out the dirt under the spillway, which removed support. The plain slab joins were able to shift vertically, allowing more water through to accelerate washing away the soil beneath. The weak spots from the improperly done drains helped it collapse into the sinkhole. The new spillway has a solid base of roller compacted concrete. It still has a drainage system similar to the original, but the slab joins are keyed together to (hopefully) eliminate water getting through. Even if some penetrates, there's nothing for it to wash away.
      What I'd do with it is coat the entire thing in an extra thick coating of polyurethane truck bed liner. Make it totally seamless and 100% leak proof.

    • @abbersj2935
      @abbersj2935 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@greggv8 Thanks greg, I did see a video on the dam spillway some time ago, very interesting. There are as I see it, two main loads, wind on the panel and land mass on the uphill side pushing the container downhill. The pile restraint idea would stop the second but allow the potential for a small rotational moment, and as you said, top uphill side ties would stop that. It would be interesting to see potential loads using worst case wind +30%. I do wonder though if there would be some damage to the panel mounting before any container movement. All interesting points. But still a great installation which I would consider myself in a similar situation.

  • @juanalvarez3507
    @juanalvarez3507 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This has to be one the best, well detailed and explained how to do videos. God bless you. I know what to plan for now. Great info.

  • @Jan-awzal
    @Jan-awzal ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Well done folks, this is certainly a fantastic investment. I hope it brings many years of power to your home!
    Greetings from the UK

  • @markwilson9196
    @markwilson9196 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love the new solar system! I know you guys have a lot more property improvements to do, but being a Machinist/ Fabricator, I can't wait for you guys to get back to your fabrication episodes. BTW, what are your plans in future episodes? I'm assuming lots of fabrication while snowed in during the winter and maybe some camping adventures in the summer? Looking forward to it all!

  • @MelloBlend
    @MelloBlend ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Beautiful couple. I like what you guys did. I am fighting my HOA right now because they don't allow solar installation. My system without batteries is running close to 50,000 for an 11.6KW system. I like those panels you guys used. I will talk to my solar folks about those 440 watters. Good information you guys!!!!

  • @rtshchand
    @rtshchand ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man, I am saving up to do something similar in my home country Fiji Islands. Thank you so much, you both gave me many ideas. Good luck to you both.

  • @MrSkinahh86
    @MrSkinahh86 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Now this is amazing! Well I would love to see a winter update video for how this stands up with the current crazy storms coming in
    Especially since I should be finishing up escrow for my own land in Montana soon

  • @KC1RT-RickT67
    @KC1RT-RickT67 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great video / Break down / Explanation! It’s crazy that you can get that system cheaper than trying to buy a new vehicle! Next project idea- if you end up needing another box, install above the array, and make the side of the box reflect the sun to the underside of the panels (polished aluminum maybe? :-) As always - I enjoy the videos! Side note - it’s fun talking with people you know (at various get togethers) and discovering that you both watch your channel 😊

  • @islandvibes9076
    @islandvibes9076 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Hey, C & R! Great video! Would love a video like this with an update on the apartment (water system, heat, etc.). It's been a while since we've seen work on the house.

  • @MartyHuie
    @MartyHuie ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for being honest and a full breakdown. We are just getting ready to start a similar off grid build right off the Appalachian trail in North Carolina. Yet we are paying for the installation, and this comparison does help us understand the value and the extra expense we're paying for someone else's labor. Rationale for our system was almost identical for yours, for it was gonna be about $100,000 to bring power to our property. If the national forest would even permit it and their comment was no or it would take a very long time to get permission for we are 100% surrounded by the national forest. Plan on documenting it as well and trying to pay it forward not gonna use this channel that I'm replying on another one don't wanna take away from your experience, hoping to pay it forward to others

  • @RoyDollwet
    @RoyDollwet 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love it. A comprehensive breakdown of setting up a solar system. Best wishes.................

  • @donalddodson7365
    @donalddodson7365 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Great review and will be so helpful to those embarking on this type of project. Eventually most of the components will cycle through their lifespan. However, those maintenance and replacement costs will be offset by the very likely increases of electric utility rates and the politicians taxing consumption. I think you have a system that should keep performing until the next ice age. Well done!

  • @timbryan1564
    @timbryan1564 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It is crazy to go back and watch to see how much progress you 2 have made in a years time.......Keep it up

    • @AmbitionStrikes
      @AmbitionStrikes  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sometimes we get frustrated by how long a project is taking. It’s fun to take a step back and look at our total progress. It really puts things in perspective!

  • @mattr8750
    @mattr8750 ปีที่แล้ว

    you deserve every penny though. Its soooo hard to come by a simple realworld breakdown like this, that actually gives you the realities and the cost benefit analysis. Even governments don't seem to have these stats when they're talking about renewables, one way or the other..
    Most price breakdowns ive found in the past are from old school self sufficiency people still running lead acid setups...

  • @brendon2259
    @brendon2259 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thankyou for you're spreadsheet. Your solar power system looks amazing.

  • @jamesobrien4013
    @jamesobrien4013 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I think a good way to handle high wind situations would be to have a 0-tilt setting for your panels to go flat against the top of the container for any high wind events.

    • @colinnackerman7808
      @colinnackerman7808 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Great idea. A "stow mode" as we call it.

  • @jneyron
    @jneyron ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great video again. Now i need to think how i will go solar here on a farm in Thailand. You inspire us, keep it up. Cheers

  • @Google_Does_Evil_Now
    @Google_Does_Evil_Now ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Amazing to see 5,000 Watts of power coming from that 1 array. Makes me wonder why all new homes don't have solar panels.

  • @jackofblades6736
    @jackofblades6736 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just to move power to your area is 60k alone. That’s insane! You guys made the right choice. Here I am just trying to put together a solar panel work for my future Toyota Tacoma. I’ll definitely check out your links. Thank you for sharing.

  • @Mrbfgray
    @Mrbfgray ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Partial burying, 'integrating with the hill' is a huge aesthetic advantage, I'd think doing a little of that on other two available sides could further improve it in addition to possibly eliminating the need for guywires which have their own drawbacks.
    Large rocks and fill half way up on the downhill side would substantially secure it.

    • @Visionery1
      @Visionery1 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, the backfill on the uphill side is constantly 'pushing' on the container, something needs to balance that force. Securing some PU panels to the exposed sides would help to keep the container warm in winter, at this point it's acting like a heat sink, similar to the steel helmets worn by Germans fighting the Russians during World War II.

  • @MikeMessiah
    @MikeMessiah ปีที่แล้ว +4

    you two are very inspirational. Would love to do something like this here in India too.

  • @onlymise2758
    @onlymise2758 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great work .... Loved this vid ..Much respect from Dublin Ireland .... The container ... Stroke of genius .. Thank you

  • @David_Mash
    @David_Mash ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've learned our containers stay warmer if they get direct sunlight but they do get cold at night so hopefully your ground insulation has worked in your favor

  • @andrewshakespeare4978
    @andrewshakespeare4978 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Incredible setup. Nice work (AGAIN). There's an underappreciated beauty to making your own power from the sun/wind. I actually find solar panels and wind turbines really nice to look at (almost majestic), because I have a deep appreciation for what it means (reducing our reliance on fossil fuels). You two are leading by example.

    • @solinus83
      @solinus83 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      wind turbines are not really to be used anywhere, they make noise and are dangerous in winter and so on, solars are good but then you are slave to constantly replacing parts - panels have some lifetime, batteries also and these things are not cheap and must be taken into consideration in budget creation... nobody really cares at this moment and its mistake...
      What is the best really are water turbines, if you have any flowing water nearby and you can use it somehow, do it and with it I would suggest to build also double reservoir one above the other and let the water "fall" when energy is needed or "pump it" up when in excess. This is "natural" battery system.

  • @ripplesandleaves
    @ripplesandleaves ปีที่แล้ว +11

    An idea I wanted to offer with you both in case it's helpful. When your array is in the winter angle, you're going to want to ensure there's room for the snow to fall off the panels rather than pile up and shading them. You could snow blow it or push it, but that's a big pain compared to just leaving it. You may need more room than you think as it's the snow from the area of the panels piled up in one spot. Potential for erosion on that south side is also worth thinking about.

    • @williamwoods8765
      @williamwoods8765 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hello Andrea

    • @ripplesandleaves
      @ripplesandleaves ปีที่แล้ว

      @@williamwoods8765 hello? Do we know each other?

    • @williamwoods8765
      @williamwoods8765 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ripplesandleaves no we are not we are friends under the comment

    • @CW1116
      @CW1116 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I found out that exact thing. Unless you have a hard surface (read : concrete or blacktop) most snow blowers are just too hard to push because the leading edge keeps digging in. After 3 neighbors thought their machines could handle it (and couldn't) I came across a new Honda tracked snow blower that has an adjustable front lift that keeps the front scrapper either 1", 2", 4" or 6" off the ground so it glides right over dips, small racks and dirt clumps. It wasn't cheap but it works fantastic after some of out central Minnesota snow storms.

  • @bretgreen5314
    @bretgreen5314 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent. Well done. I know from experience that earth-berming makes for excellent insulation. Also glad to hear you are going to anchor the structure to the hillside. I couldn't tell if you provided a means to keep the bottom of the container from sliding outward from the hillside. Hopefully you have done something there. Really good video; thank you both. . .