My life in an off-the-grid solar powered pyramid 1/6

[strawboysmall]

@dustmudder I have 8 Trojan L16 batteries. They are 6 years old - still going strong. I did abuse them and they don't have as much capacity as they used to. If you equalize them every month and try not to withdraw too much of their reserve before recharging them (you can go down to 20 percent, but it's better not to) and keep them in a non freezing temperature, they could last well over 10 years. They are rated at 5 to 7 years, I believe, but I have a friend who got over 10.

[dustmudder]

How many years do your batteries last before you have to replace them?

[pangaloon]

Such wonderful and inspiring documentary. I have been trying to live off grid for years now,(UK) the land purchase and permission is always an issue, hence I am planning to move out of the country. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.

[pleasanthacking]

@pangaloon i was thinking on going to uk, but after seeing how hostile the environment is there regarding personal freedom i scrapped the idea. i think the sweden might be a good idea since they have official laws there that allow building a 15m2 (30m2 if you use some loophole) shed questions and permissions free :) i dont know how it is in spain since i would so like to go there, but i think the land there might cost an arm and leg after all the speculators bought it...

[strawboysmall]

@pangaloon Yeah, it can be tough with building codes and zoning and red tape - I hope you find the right place.

[NCsqrlkiller]

What's the song at the beginning of this film? I'm diggin' it!

[strawboysmall]

@NCsqrlkiller

It's called Out of Ink - on the album We Have Eyes. I'm glad you like it!

[meatloafzombie]

Im a fellow Montanan (Missoula). Good video and nice home. Looks healthy livin

[strawboysmall]

@davettalashley No, I didn't put up a lightning rod, I researched it quite a bit and then decided not to. We did lose a solar panel and a charge controller to a lightning strike 2 years ago... I don't know if a rod would have helped or not. It is a very debated topic as to whether lightning rods are effective or not and for me, it would be quite expensive for all the wire.

[haha48]

@strawboysmall Good grounding helps protect from lighting..

[TheWaldorock]

gave me an idea a pyramid made entirly of solar panels no matter where the sun is you get full coverage on one side

AND NOW I SHALL BUILD IT

[enlightenednihilist]

@TheWaldorock just design it around that optimal 45 degrees. might want to look into rammed earth method.

[WizzleThump]

I'm looking to do the exact same thing. This is an AWESOME documentary!

I can find land I can afford, and like, but can't find places that don't make me put in a thousands of dollars septic tank that takes months and months to even get approved.

Where you're at, you didn't have to deal with any of that??

[strawboysmall]

@WizzleThump

Out here in MT, outside of the town/city limits there is no building code or building permits required. There is an electrical code/permit process/inspection if you wnt to connect to the grid, but of course I did not. If I had wanted a septic system, which I didn't, I think I would have had to get a permit and tests etc. I think there are still a lot of places out west without building codes...

[WizzleThump]

@strawboysmall Thank you! I'm compiling a list for other people too that I'll put on the net. So everyone keep telling me where there are no permits or codes!

[michael970]

Very nice story.Great video also.I love the way you live. .I am a stay at home dad and every minute of free time I have I try to squeek out as much alternative energy as I can.even though it barley puts a dent in my electric bill It feels great to make my own power.check out some of my projects if you get a chance.Thank you for living the way you do and making the air a little cleaner for my children.TAKE CARE.I do plan to go full solar some day its just going to take some time

[strawboysmall]

Thanks for your awesome comment - made our night!

[bilko1971]

Thank you so much for posting this documentary. I have watched most of it now and i'm adding to my playlists as i go through it again.

Not only are you living off grid but your house is beautiful. I believe that is one of the biggest assets when building your own house. I wish you every happiness in your music and future exploits.

You are an inspiration.

[strawboysmall]

@bilko1971

Sorry for my late reply, but THANKS! Your positive comment means a lot to me...