Hey Solarcabin im just wondering how you run your tv at nighttime, i know you have batteries charged up but they wouldnt supply enough electricity for night?
How is that your solar plates do not break during storms. It is my understanding that they are very fragile. I hope that is incorrect. Also, it sounds that you started out small. And then expanded. Is there a small solar system that you would recommend for us less crafty folk? And is there such thing as solar heat without batteries? I thought rocks could sustain heat for a home during the day to heat a home at night. I could be incorrect. Just trying to learn. peace
Solar panels are very sturdy with safety glass. The Harbor freight panels are a good starter system. Passive solar heating is different than solar electric. I cover all of that in my book.
@lunayasha I'm 20 and it has been my goal now for only 6 months to create my own solar homestead. I agree that housing costs are insane and having bought every part of YOUR own home, having no debt, and knowing that you can live by the sweat of your own brow is, and will be rewarding. I first discovered "Homesteading" by visiting the Biltmore Estate in NC. I learned that it is a homestead and it facinated me. Now i am saving up to approx. $35,000 to buy a mountain side land and build my home
You should look into Wind Turbine and Solar Generators. They are just like the Gas type, but with a build in inverter. They don't cost a ton, but can provide you with around 400 Watts of power. Love the video, I plan to do something like this after I gather the money for some property after college. Keep up the good work!
wouldn't it be a good idea to keep those inverter in a dry location? btw, I have that exact same 400 black and decker inverter, got it for 20 bucks brand new!
WOW! Thats easy! If its my understanding you use DC for some appliances and lights,Can i ask why don't you use 100% AC power and How long do the batteries last until they need replacement?
@solarcabin ,so if you run DC off solar you don't need a building permit where you live compared to if you ran AC of solar ? And how long can the batteries go until replacement ?
@nomoreremakes I know a guy who sort of lives like this. He has a smart phone that he tethers his laptop to for internet. As for TV, he doesn't have one that gets cable.
Now If you invest in some more solar panels and then get power hooked up to your home you realize you can get your meter to spin backwards and then the power company will pay you.
being connected to electricity is a better backup for washing and cooking than generators I think. if the base fee isn't much.
you can quickly create a lot of work burden trying to be free..
does your cabin have good insulation? that's also key to low cost living even though it costs a bit more up front. it's just smarter to have really good insulation.
if you live in a very hot region and you use AC then paint the whole thing white. makes a huge difference in sunheat intake. also airtight
A little tip for better performance on your battery bank, if you run your connections for your feed on opposite cells your battery's will last longer . I E load balancing, you want all positives on one battery and all negatives on the other battery. reason for this, even if you are running thick ass cables, you still have the resistance of those wires between your battery's and if your run your feed line off only the one cells terminals, then that cell bares more load then the other,
i thank you are great, and i love what you have dunn with your home , i know it dont take much and any body can do it, people talk and say stuff , but the money you save in just one year would make them look stupid, keep up the video,s, best regards ,
Very nice cabin and solar set up. If I was single this is the way I would live. I would have a propane powered generator that way I could use the same fuel I used to heat and cook with to power it. Propane is less expensive to operate than gasoline. Living here in Mississippi we have a lot of hot months so I would also use that to my advantage by having a water storage tank that would heat by using the sun.
Earlier you said that microvawave oven requires 750 watts of power, but gas generator wich you use for feeding it, produce only 500 watts of power. How it works? Maby oven's 750 W is a "peak power"?
hmm, looks interesting. I wouldn't mind doing this type of thing with a cabin in the woods, but I know I am not as simple as this. I would need a lot more solar power, a large gas generator, huge propane tank and at least 400 sqare feet of living space. Neat though.
is there a way to put a fireplace in this setup, if so why not have one. My girl and I are very interrested on living this way so thanks for sharing the info
you talked about protecting the batteries, but what about the wires? Do they handle the extremes of cold winter being just free running on the outside of the house? How many batteries would you add typically for multiple people living in a home using appliances and other house related electrics at night, and running air during the summer?
Lamar. i haven't gotten to the part about how the electricity comes from the house to the batteries. Do you just install outlets in the house and then the outlets go to the batteries? That's the only thing i'm confused about in your ebook.
Well, I have antennae but satellite or cable could be run off solar. Cell phone works fine here and I use wifi for internet or you could use satellite internet.
what i have learned is: You dont give a flying fart and just do it foryourself!unfortunately most of people(around the globe)dont know whats good for them.
@nomoreremakes , oh yeah! its amazing how many people who know absolutely NOTHIING about are just SURE it can't be done......just gonna show them how wrong they are.. we're with you!!
@nomoreremakes Same exact story with my wife. Married 18 years, daughter almost grown. No retirement to speak of after all these years because I worked hard to make money so I could pay someone else to feed us and keep the lights and heat on - when I could have done it myself and saved TONS of money. I'm trying to show her A BETTER WAY, but she isn't buying it. What to do???
I just got through arguing with my husband about solar energy and how we should get rid of our dependency on the grid and oil. I told him about how much money we could save and all that and he won't even consider it. He'd rather work himself to death paying overpriced rent for a roach nest in New York City than look out his backyard and see grass and trees and smell fresh air.
So, what do you do when your family doesn't want to go off grid and you do???
@nomoreremakes sending them packing lol j/k but with the way times are getting it is time more people open up to what lamar is trying to show us i will keep ya in my thos and prayers hope all works out for ya
Very nice setup! The best solar dryer I've used is a clothes line between 2 poles. I do it cause it saves me some money on our electric bill. Later from sunny FL
It isn't that complicated or difficult to wire your own panels and system if you know a little basic electronics and most panels come with instructions.
Lots of good info on web for wiring panels and in my book.
Hillbilly, hell your a high tech redneck. Keep up the good work.
tallbalddude1 2 weeks ago
Good video, lot's of information, thumbs up.
jdhitchen 2 weeks ago
Where did you get your inverter and solar panels at? I would like to know please.
Akakitsune1 2 weeks ago
You kick ass!
TMac473 3 weeks ago
Hey folks if you like these videos please subscribe to my channel and post a link to your facebook, groups and forums!
Thanks- LaMar
solarcabin 4 weeks ago 2
any new updates
joe18370 1 month ago
@joe18370
I have 5 new videos on my new solar and wind system on my channel.
solarcabin 1 month ago
Im looking at doing this aswell as a wind turbine just need a bit more detailed info thank you
ninja999ize 1 month ago
@ninja999ize
I have videos on my channel for solar and wind turbine installation.
solarcabin 1 month ago
Hey Solarcabin im just wondering how you run your tv at nighttime, i know you have batteries charged up but they wouldnt supply enough electricity for night?
ninja999ize 1 month ago
@ninja999ize
A battery bank is fully charged in about 3-5 hours of sunshine and will power all my appliances for 3 days without sunshine.
solarcabin 1 month ago
How is that your solar plates do not break during storms. It is my understanding that they are very fragile. I hope that is incorrect. Also, it sounds that you started out small. And then expanded. Is there a small solar system that you would recommend for us less crafty folk? And is there such thing as solar heat without batteries? I thought rocks could sustain heat for a home during the day to heat a home at night. I could be incorrect. Just trying to learn. peace
gg010170 1 month ago
@gg010170
Solar panels are very sturdy with safety glass. The Harbor freight panels are a good starter system. Passive solar heating is different than solar electric. I cover all of that in my book.
solarcabin 1 month ago
I guess this whole idea wouldnt work in -40 canadian weather. to bad it looks like an awesome idea.
crewlla 2 months ago
First of all I want to say thank you for this.
Im 25 years old and I recently got an Associates.
I dont owe much on my school bills but its been hard trying to find job.
Anyway, I've always wanted to own a home, but the prices for houses are just ridculous!
I pray I'd be able to do as you did and own my land and build my home.
That way when I'd be able to save money and travel like I've always dreamed of doing.
I like what you've done with small cabin.
lunayasha 2 months ago 5
@lunayasha
Your welcome- it is possible and I am glad you are getting your education without going in big debt!
solarcabin 2 months ago
@lunayasha I'm 20 and it has been my goal now for only 6 months to create my own solar homestead. I agree that housing costs are insane and having bought every part of YOUR own home, having no debt, and knowing that you can live by the sweat of your own brow is, and will be rewarding. I first discovered "Homesteading" by visiting the Biltmore Estate in NC. I learned that it is a homestead and it facinated me. Now i am saving up to approx. $35,000 to buy a mountain side land and build my home
evanleclaire19 1 month ago
You should look into Wind Turbine and Solar Generators. They are just like the Gas type, but with a build in inverter. They don't cost a ton, but can provide you with around 400 Watts of power. Love the video, I plan to do something like this after I gather the money for some property after college. Keep up the good work!
kidrebel20002000 2 months ago
@kidrebel20002000
I have videos of my current solar and wind sytem on my channel.s
solarcabin 2 months ago
how about lightning protection for your house?
EcoDimension 2 months ago
@EcoDimension
The solar system is grounded at the batteries.
solarcabin 2 months ago
I was wondering ... if your batteries ever got too low, how long do they take to recharge on a partly sunny day?
MyFreedomChannel 2 months ago
@MyFreedomChannel
About 4-5 hours of good sunshine will completely recharge my batteries.
solarcabin 2 months ago
you should get a magnetic motor...that makes electricity for free or get a bore hole, that'll give you hot water 4 ever!!!
bluemonkeysLovered 2 months ago
Do u know what the capacity of the batteries are?
mrswizzful 2 months ago
@mrswizzful
180 Amp hours per batt for the Trojan T105
solarcabin 2 months ago
wouldn't it be a good idea to keep those inverter in a dry location? btw, I have that exact same 400 black and decker inverter, got it for 20 bucks brand new!
fullraph 2 months ago
Good idea of building up the system in stages!
momkatmax 2 months ago
There's another utuber that put 3 garages together to build a house. Enjoy your videos. How do you heat the house?
isabstmr 2 months ago
@isabstmr
I use a small propane heater and passive solar heat but you could use NG or a wood stove.
solarcabin 2 months ago
I gave you a thumbs up, i see you got 7 thumbs down, 7 people must like being slaves to the system!
RawFoodGuy99 2 months ago
WOW! Thats easy! If its my understanding you use DC for some appliances and lights,Can i ask why don't you use 100% AC power and How long do the batteries last until they need replacement?
RawFoodGuy99 2 months ago
@RawFoodGuy99
It would have cost a lot to get AC power and requires a building permit.
solarcabin 2 months ago
@solarcabin ,so if you run DC off solar you don't need a building permit where you live compared to if you ran AC of solar ? And how long can the batteries go until replacement ?
RawFoodGuy99 2 months ago
@RawFoodGuy99
Sorry I misunderstood. I run both AC and DC off solar and no you don't need a permit if you meet codes for wiring. Batts last 5-7 years on average.
solarcabin 2 months ago
I love idiot lights...only just a bit more than the idiot beepers on my inverters :)
Tenacious21 2 months ago
Comment removed
Tertion 3 months ago
@nomoreremakes I know a guy who sort of lives like this. He has a smart phone that he tethers his laptop to for internet. As for TV, he doesn't have one that gets cable.
cuntrytrash 3 months ago
i like your invertor and deep cycle battery set-up. thats cool and generator back -up. shoot you got it goin on dude. perfect set-up.
frezdead1 3 months ago
Now If you invest in some more solar panels and then get power hooked up to your home you realize you can get your meter to spin backwards and then the power company will pay you.
OHwrestlingIO 4 months ago
I love the idea LaMar has of getting off the grid cheaply and his videos have been very imformative, wish the haters would go elsewhere...
Darkyodajedi 4 months ago
you sir,have the right idea. love the videos!
mrmattvan 4 months ago
Incredible I'm loving this idea of living off the grid. I find solar power very interesting.
squareatheist 4 months ago
Where do you live? Does it even rain or snow?
Having any part of the power system like the controller would be a bad, bad idea here.
thedarkone2134 4 months ago
i cant stop laughing so funny "just a couple of idiot lights" great termanology love it great work.
andrewrides 4 months ago 11
@andrewrides
Glad you enjoyed it- I give more technical explanations in my other videos but this one is just a basic explanation for us hillbillies.
solarcabin 4 months ago 8
being connected to electricity is a better backup for washing and cooking than generators I think. if the base fee isn't much.
you can quickly create a lot of work burden trying to be free..
does your cabin have good insulation? that's also key to low cost living even though it costs a bit more up front. it's just smarter to have really good insulation.
if you live in a very hot region and you use AC then paint the whole thing white. makes a huge difference in sunheat intake. also airtight
DanFrederiksen 5 months ago
im just wondering how you can buy food? i want to live like you. :D
i expect you are still working somewhere?
ochgottnochma 5 months ago 2
@ochgottnochma
I rasie most of my own food and I own a small pest control business and two online businesses.
solarcabin 5 months ago 3
Is a generator too noisy for neighbors who may be at a close distance?
Gentilseulement 6 months ago
@Gentilseulement
Depends on the generator. I only use mine in daytime so as not too bother people too much.
solarcabin 6 months ago
How much is your power bill? I'm still using fire for my needs...
nyczumazooma 6 months ago
@nyczumazooma
I don't have a power bill at all but propane runs about $200 a year.
solarcabin 6 months ago
A little tip for better performance on your battery bank, if you run your connections for your feed on opposite cells your battery's will last longer . I E load balancing, you want all positives on one battery and all negatives on the other battery. reason for this, even if you are running thick ass cables, you still have the resistance of those wires between your battery's and if your run your feed line off only the one cells terminals, then that cell bares more load then the other,
Thepockets88 6 months ago
Excellent you are the best.
CPRATTBOSTON 7 months ago in playlist solarcabin
i thank you are great, and i love what you have dunn with your home , i know it dont take much and any body can do it, people talk and say stuff , but the money you save in just one year would make them look stupid, keep up the video,s, best regards ,
iamsnake21 7 months ago
Lot's info.Answered a lot of question's I had.Thank's
wisheeme93 7 months ago
Very nice cabin and solar set up. If I was single this is the way I would live. I would have a propane powered generator that way I could use the same fuel I used to heat and cook with to power it. Propane is less expensive to operate than gasoline. Living here in Mississippi we have a lot of hot months so I would also use that to my advantage by having a water storage tank that would heat by using the sun.
RyansGarage788 8 months ago
Yes, for solar power !!!
hawaiidoves 8 months ago
DC CURRENT... thank you nikola tesla... rest in peace
thegroove2000 8 months ago
I'd expect you to have a very nice fire pit by now... show us the goods! :)
4micaman 10 months ago
Thank you very much for these vids! How much power do your solar panels produce on overcast days?
csamw65 11 months ago
Oh, i listen inattentively
HungryGreeny 11 months ago
Earlier you said that microvawave oven requires 750 watts of power, but gas generator wich you use for feeding it, produce only 500 watts of power. How it works? Maby oven's 750 W is a "peak power"?
HungryGreeny 11 months ago
@HungryGreeny the gas generator is 1500 watts.
rclewis01 10 months ago
Summer is just around the corner..what about air conditioning to hot in Texas without it....
cherylynnej1 11 months ago
hmm, looks interesting. I wouldn't mind doing this type of thing with a cabin in the woods, but I know I am not as simple as this. I would need a lot more solar power, a large gas generator, huge propane tank and at least 400 sqare feet of living space. Neat though.
SAlexandra10 1 year ago
ever ran out of power ? if so for how long ?
Jack70903 1 year ago
is there a way to put a fireplace in this setup, if so why not have one. My girl and I are very interrested on living this way so thanks for sharing the info
bosshawg916 1 year ago
You're a single guy? Shock!
projenna 1 year ago
@projenna That's right, if you aren't made a slave for material possessions, you should be p****whipped into it!
TheDystopiaInside 1 year ago
you keep you batteries warm in the summer?
projenna 1 year ago
so approx $20/day run only on the genrator which would be $600/month
my electric bill is approx $100/month for a 3,000 sqft house- hahaha
metropool 1 year ago
The owners of the global institutions are working to prevent you from becoming self-sufficient.
FeelOfFriction 1 year ago
I recommend a MPPT charge controller so you get more power from your solar system. MPPTs get about 98 to 99 percent efficiency.
MSCompuServ 1 year ago
i think this might be the new america.
ilikesuzuki 1 year ago
you talked about protecting the batteries, but what about the wires? Do they handle the extremes of cold winter being just free running on the outside of the house? How many batteries would you add typically for multiple people living in a home using appliances and other house related electrics at night, and running air during the summer?
Timothy2035 1 year ago
You must have no crime where you live with all that stuff out in the open like that.
Other than that rock on man!
doug47130 1 year ago
make yourself a HHO hydrogen generator to run that generator they are easy to make and you will have free gas look on youtube how to make one
Iseekoutthetruth 1 year ago
Wow....you talk fast...but you covered alot of information......i like the setup....congrats
fivesuns 1 year ago
hey man did u consider using wind generators?
tkazokas 1 year ago
Lamar. i haven't gotten to the part about how the electricity comes from the house to the batteries. Do you just install outlets in the house and then the outlets go to the batteries? That's the only thing i'm confused about in your ebook.
akkkkll 1 year ago
Well, I have antennae but satellite or cable could be run off solar. Cell phone works fine here and I use wifi for internet or you could use satellite internet.
solarcabin 1 year ago
what i have learned is: You dont give a flying fart and just do it foryourself!unfortunately most of people(around the globe)dont know whats good for them.
Oh well...
nyishto 1 year ago
Does anybody else experience such closed-mindedness when they try to discuss off grid living with other people? If so, what do you do about it?
Signed,
Frustrated and Working Myself to Death in New York City
nomoreremakes 1 year ago 9
I hear your frustration and all I can suggest is keep after him and get books on off-grid living for him to read and maybe he will come around :)
solarcabin 1 year ago
@solarcabin Good idea! Maybe I'll start with yours. ;)
He acts like I'm trying to get him to try cannibalism or something. Sheesh!
nomoreremakes 1 year ago
@nomoreremakes , oh yeah! its amazing how many people who know absolutely NOTHIING about are just SURE it can't be done......just gonna show them how wrong they are.. we're with you!!
aaronready1 1 year ago
@aaronready1 Hey, thanks for the support, buddy! I sure could use it. :D
nomoreremakes 1 year ago
@nomoreremakes Same exact story with my wife. Married 18 years, daughter almost grown. No retirement to speak of after all these years because I worked hard to make money so I could pay someone else to feed us and keep the lights and heat on - when I could have done it myself and saved TONS of money. I'm trying to show her A BETTER WAY, but she isn't buying it. What to do???
possenti 1 year ago
@nomoreremakes We are the true 1% mate .... lol
Tertion 3 months ago
I just got through arguing with my husband about solar energy and how we should get rid of our dependency on the grid and oil. I told him about how much money we could save and all that and he won't even consider it. He'd rather work himself to death paying overpriced rent for a roach nest in New York City than look out his backyard and see grass and trees and smell fresh air.
So, what do you do when your family doesn't want to go off grid and you do???
nomoreremakes 1 year ago
@nomoreremakes sending them packing lol j/k but with the way times are getting it is time more people open up to what lamar is trying to show us i will keep ya in my thos and prayers hope all works out for ya
bobinmissouri 1 year ago
Very nice setup! The best solar dryer I've used is a clothes line between 2 poles. I do it cause it saves me some money on our electric bill. Later from sunny FL
mrbuki77 2 years ago
It isn't that complicated or difficult to wire your own panels and system if you know a little basic electronics and most panels come with instructions.
Lots of good info on web for wiring panels and in my book.
solarcabin 2 years ago
Lamar, this is the first time I've seen the actual connections on a solar system, inverter and all. Thank you so much!
KasinH 2 years ago