Powering Our Off-Grid Property | DIY Solar Install Sol-Ark + HomeGrid Batteries

So so Amazing on what you both can do 😊

Good job 😅

Why are you not using the Wind? You get a lot in winter? Are you a electrician ?

woiw you guys comme a long way

The last scene: Thank you for being real people. That’s what we want. ❤

with cold weather in Alaska, i think it is much better if you would put insulation on the wall. I hope your batteries do not get into trouble. I don't know if there is a temperature limitation.

Congratulations to you all for a new life

I have a question. If you were to put 10 more batteries in with those 5 you should be able to have them full for when total darkness sets in. Say the five batteries last 7 days of charge then 15 would give you 21 days of charge correct? That would mean running the generator less to charge them up right?.

Just a thought. Why wouldn’t you guys insulate the utility room?

no way i would attempt this with my wife lol ,good job u two.

It is not a commercial video. You've both a real inspiration, people working-class. Awesome in everything goes smoothly for everyone. 😊

Yall did an amazing job! You should be proud!! Wow, I’m so impressed with what all y’all are accomplishing! Love watching y’all work towards your dreams in beautiful Alaska!!

You guys are the epitome of cool! I’ve been watching since day 1. It’s so cool to see all your projects come to life and gives me inspiration to start planning for the future. You live a great life, the way it was intended to be lived. I’m planning my escape from the concrete jungle, and your vids are 💯 % the reason.

Super nice install. Neat, clean and professional install. Thanks for the video you two.

I like watching these DIY Solar projects......but, no one ever mentions the total cost.......Where do you young people get the financial resources
to buy in the wilderness and build your on compound of buildings and infrastructure? Inherited family money? What?

Can someone with no electrical experience install this solar system?

Funny how some folks want to experience first hand what most of us hope to never have to. Seems to me there would be plenty of time to do that if/when society collapsed.

What a grump

That’s my goal to get off grid down in the anchor point area

A suggestion: Purchase a torque screwdriver. With your wide temperature range each of your electrical connections should be torqued. The values are listed. Then each fall re-torque by loosening, wiggle, and re-torque.

You should be able to get your freeze dryer to use in the abundant summer sun with this system.

glad to see you two joining the solar world on a bigger scale...

Did I hear there you have 3kw worth of panels in a 12kw inverter? Most installs here have substantially more panel power than inverter capacity to increase the time that you are at the peak in the curve of production before it drops off. I run off the premice that you can never ever have too much power. Good work guys!

I think you need more solar panels. With 3.5KW of panels, up in Alaska, you may only get about 10kWh each day averaged over the year. Your Sol-Ark can take around 15Kw of panels, so you should be able to add more later.

Sol-Ark uses cheap high frequency, output transformerless inverter tech that provides no galvanic isolation between its DC boost stage and its AC output which can not only damage your AC appliances, it has the potential to set those appliances on fire. A much better and safer choice for your off grid project would have been to purchase a low frequency, transformer based inverter charger. They offer a much higher surge capacity, a far longer life expectancy and are much safer for powering your off grid home.

Those batteries can burn up be careful

Draw the fuel off the bottom off the tank. Bring the tank indoors right next to the generator. The fuel will stay warmer and won't gel. Or have your #2 diesel fuel blended 1/2 with #1 diesel. I'm a Master Electrician. Get an electrician out to your place. You have multiple violations of the National Electrical Code including wire sizes, lack of proper Liquitight fitting terminations and probable more things I didn't catch.. The NEC is there to protect you

How far away from the river are you can you put a watermill there which could help you during winter that's if the river doesn't freeze up

Outstanding Craftsman ship 👍Great JOB guys!😇!😇!😇!😇!

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'm thinking in due time your going to need more solar panels for all those batteries.

Keep the videos coming. You're doing great and I wish you continued success

Ariel you’re such a tease…😂

great job with attn. to detail with the electrical wireing , love erics drive to get things , dont forget to relax when you can !

Just a question? Should you put the systems on the warmer side of room and not near a cold wall?

Super! I liked the cross-section of the AC cable for the inverter.

you save SOOOOO much money! i hope you can find a wind power solution that can work for you, too! i hope you don't have any flooding risks, with those big batteries near the floor!!!! in canada we use a trip for lightning strikes on our main panels! saves all our big appliances! wouldn't it be convenient to transmit the energy from the shed to the cabin via microwaves, rather than cable?!

I'm concerned about the size wire you have between the inverter and the 200 amp breaker panel. It should be large enough to carry the max possible load the inverter will put out. Also if the inverter doesn't put out 200 amp you should change the main breaker in the service panel to the rated output of the inverter, to protect the wire and inverter. Another thing you can do, that inverter likely has an automatic transfer switch and a switch to start your generator... Just a thought, it could be nice having the generator close to the inverter, you'll hear it less and in the winter when the solar runs down it could swith to Gen on its own and keep it gassed up... All suggestions not knowing your plans so maybe that's what you're doing... Nice job

DC has its own ground, AC seeks ground. You only need to ground your AC panel, if you ground solar DC side it could be more susceptable to lightning and EMF.

How can you live those long and dark winter days? And that cold weather, geez.

Wow are you going to regret not having your siding on before running that electric. Also. It's not about needing 240v to power something its about not overloading 1 leg. If you only have 1 leg powering you cabin you are doing it wrong. Google what is an unbalanced electrical load.

Great show, can watch you guys All day, no bs just to the point. I can't even begin to say enough about your utube channel its the best ever, keep it up 😊😊😮

You guy's are just amazing in all that you do 🎉🎉😊

I think I missed the cost details.

Where are those tractors sold?

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. :)

Your panels are a LONG way from your solar shed! DC line losses are quite high so distance is important. There are online calculators for line loss calculations. Your AC distances will add even more line losses! My guess is that more than 20% of your solar generation is being lost. 🤔

Your cables from solar to inverter/charger look to be way too small for that distance, that would cause big power losses.

Hi guys good luck with the generator install, all the fuel tanks I have worked on with a line that pulls the fuel up from the bottom use a foot valve, at least that's what they are called in Australia, they are a form of check valve but don't have a return spring just a specially shaped slide inside. I hope this helps.