I'm been watching your videos for the last 12 years and bought the ultimate off grid package a few years ago. I plan on one day building a similar cabin and I love your music
Yep and I think I was the first to show people how it can be done on YT. Before that it was pretty big in Mother Earth News but when the housing market collapsed people started getting interested again.
I have a friend who's been off grid for years, built his own log cabin in mid '70s. He has a 10 watt panel he bought in 1979, it's still providing power and is part of his array! He started out with that panel, a car battery and some old car light bulbs.
The HF 45 watt panels still work but not very efficient compared to new panels. I have a 5 watt panel I still use for some led lights that has been running continuously for 10 years.
You guys that have been with me a long time have watched the changes over the years. New people just see the end result and don't realize the hard work put in to a homestead.
Lamar, my husband (66) and I (58) built a cute 100% off-grid cabin with your plans last summer. Of course, we modified it a bit, but it's the first thing that either of us ever built. Our solar powers everything from the well pump to the range that I use to bake the best bread every. We're slow as snails, so the inside is still studs and insulation. Nevertheless, we have all the comforts of a full-sized home. This year, I planted my tiny orchard and garden. Anyway, I'd like to send you a picture. How can I do that? And thanks for this channel and your book. Without these, we would have never begun this fun chapter in our lives. Have a lovely day. Again, how can I send you a picture?
Right on Suzy and send me some pics please. yes, it took me a few years to do the interior. Started with just basics and looked for deals on finishing materials. Good thing is you can fins odd and ends left over from big jobs on really nice materials if you look around and doesn't take much for a small cabin.
I remember your cabin. It’s way too humid here where I live to use the swamp cooler. Congratulations on learning to live as a Free Man! I like your cabin and your ideas!
Awesome, i really like the portable solar panels. I'm building a portable solar battery station, that would be much needed for this project. Great life man, plant your food get your rain water we all going to need to do that soon. God bless
Nice update. I still remember your early videos. You might consider a hand held gimbal to help with stabilizing the video. Also, your dog matches your jeep. Cheers.
I`ve been in the position where I lost my business and they were coming to turn my electricity off. And far too many times hurricanes have hit with very long power outages. I was homeless after losing my business and home and couldn`t work much because of car accident injuries and swore the first thing I would do if I had money again was get a source of solar power. Doctors had recommended I apply for disability but I wanted to try to work. So I applied, fought for it for five years, and won and was able to get a camper to live in, power stations, and a 300 amp hour lifepo4 battery. I need a few more things like a battery meter with shunt but right now if a hurricane hits I can power everything and have enough air conditioning to keep cool using a backup gas generator and the big battery. This time I`ll have a freezer and fridge too.
Good to see things are always improving out there for ya. I saw some DIY solar trackers you could build that would work out great for the matching 100 watt panels you have there. Build it a distance run the panels in series and get away from the shading your getting on the panels. Also, I started solar around same time as you tried several controllers and by far Victron MPPT is one the best. Also, offers bluetooth so see real time power generation from cell phone and has month long data log. You can download and save keep track.
One thing you could do is to build a bunker. Sure - it'd need concrete but a surface bunker, covered in a couple of feet of earth would be tornado proof and would maintain a more consistent temperature.
You mentioned you don't eat many eggs. Get this device I think you will consume eggs regularly. It cooks perfect eggs no overcooked crunchy sides. Nostalgia 550W electric griddle. I also got a 350W waffle maker you can mix a container of batter for waffles and refrigerator the excess. I make egg and cheese sandwich with mustard and mayo . I got the appliances bc lower wattage. I want reasonable way to prepare good food on the road. These 2 are really low wattage so far I've not used it in the car want to know what it's capable of before testing off grid low quality inverters. What I like is I can cook 2 separate eggs and don't have to worry about popping a breaker. Bc I have ac on same outlet. I've got a induction cooker which is great for hamburger helper or browning grnd meat but I turn off the AC when I run it.
Nice update Lamar. 👍 It shows how we can start where we can, and add as we can. Really like your portables on the trailer to angle with the sun. How deep is your well? We've been checking about solar well pump for our deep well.
My well is 300 feet and is artesian free flowing. I use the pump from the water storage tank under my sink and my cabin is set up like a self contained RV. I fill the tank from the well as needed. They do make in casing well pumps that are 12/24 volt that will pull water from 200 feet or more.
@@solarcabin Thanks Lamar. I'll go over that with my better half. We have a pressure tank and 50 gal hybrid water heater. I've understood without power we'd only have water till pressure tank is out, unless we manually remove water from the wh. RV analogy helps.
I've been looking online at southern Colorado land for sale. You can buy five acres in southern Colorado for what 1/4 of an acre costs in neighboring states.
Question.. Do you have to pay maintenance fees to power company for pole.. I was under the impression that a property that was ever connected to grid you can never untie from fees from power?
We had to buy our utility pole and loop out here so that belongs to me and no fee. They came and took the transformer a few years ago because I wasn't using it. Mostly being snotty.
This is great. This is what I want to do, sell my house and buy small plot of land and go off grid and without mortgage. I live in eastern Pennsylvania, any suggestions on how to start?
I use a low watt laptop for most of my stuff and watch movies online. I have a bigger laptop with dvd and a dvd player with it's own screen. They run fine off a small system like mine.
The only phone/internet provider (RURAL AREA...NO CELL SERVICE) is giving me issues about phone service because I live in a permanently parked camper. I have to be in contact with doctors at all times so this could turn into a lawsuit. They gave me a phone number, delivered the WIFI modem, BILLED ME, then have refused twice to give me service so I`m still stuck at my sister`s house with utilities on at my camper. Evil monsters. The Americans With Disabilities Act plainly says they MUST give me telecommunications service "if possible." I`ve emailed state representatives, the governor`s office for advocacy for the disabled, and the FCC advocacy for the disabled. Of course the state of Louisiana hasn`t responded. The FFC did and told me to try to reason with them first before filing a public complaint and then they`ll get involved. "Land Of The Free." "Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Not in America. Try to start a business and see what happens.
Check out Starlink, if you can afford it. (I doubt there's a subsidized version for disabled folks.) They have an RV option, so worst case, you could register your account at your sister's, then take the equipment wherever you park. Good luck with however you gotta get your service done!
I remember your cabin. It’s way too humid here where I live to use the swamp cooler. Congratulations on learning to live as a Free Man! I like your cabin and your ideas!
Yes, I like your cabin everything a single person needs. Nice layout! You have a good life going.
I was there for your early days, you’ve come a long way salute sir true pioneer!
You rock!
I'm been watching your videos for the last 12 years and bought the ultimate off grid package a few years ago. I plan on one day building a similar cabin and I love your music
Right on friend!
Been watching for 20 years … nice content. Yard looks great and much different than when you started.
Right on friend! Yes, I did get that yard cleaned up finally.
Congrats on 20 successful years!!!!
Thanks you, friend!
Your channel was one of the first off grid based on RUclips.
Yep and I think I was the first to show people how it can be done on YT. Before that it was pretty big in Mother Earth News but when the housing market collapsed people started getting interested again.
I’ve followed you since 2012. I trust your opinion. 👍👍👍
Right on, friend!
I have a friend who's been off grid for years, built his own log cabin in mid '70s. He has a 10 watt panel he bought in 1979, it's still providing power and is part of his array! He started out with that panel, a car battery and some old car light bulbs.
The HF 45 watt panels still work but not very efficient compared to new panels. I have a 5 watt panel I still use for some led lights that has been running continuously for 10 years.
Wow
I wanna do this...it's just such a pain trying to get straight answers from the county folk regarding what we can and can't build on the land...
@@freshguy54 if you have to ask what you can do, you aint in the right place or the right mindset. No man has authority over you
The property is almost unrecognizable now from what it was. Amazing
Thank you, fried!
Great perspective! Nice to see the overview of changes over the years.
I remember your super old videos and the algorithm recommended them again. Good to see you’re still happy out there.
Thanks,!
Yep … It definitely looks different now compared to the early days. I also know the sweat equity you’ve put in the place.
You guys that have been with me a long time have watched the changes over the years. New people just see the end result and don't realize the hard work put in to a homestead.
Lamar, my husband (66) and I (58) built a cute 100% off-grid cabin with your plans last summer. Of course, we modified it a bit, but it's the first thing that either of us ever built. Our solar powers everything from the well pump to the range that I use to bake the best bread every. We're slow as snails, so the inside is still studs and insulation. Nevertheless, we have all the comforts of a full-sized home. This year, I planted my tiny orchard and garden. Anyway, I'd like to send you a picture. How can I do that?
And thanks for this channel and your book. Without these, we would have never begun this fun chapter in our lives. Have a lovely day. Again, how can I send you a picture?
Right on Suzy and send me some pics please. yes, it took me a few years to do the interior. Started with just basics and looked for deals on finishing materials. Good thing is you can fins odd and ends left over from big jobs on really nice materials if you look around and doesn't take much for a small cabin.
It's been a while that I've seen your videos . Keep them coming brother.
More to come!
I remember your cabin. It’s way too humid here where I live to use the swamp cooler. Congratulations on learning to live as a Free Man! I like your cabin and your ideas!
Congrats on the 20 year mark. Awesome
Very cool!
Awesome, i really like the portable solar panels. I'm building a portable solar battery station, that would be much needed for this project. Great life man, plant your food get your rain water we all going to need to do that soon. God bless
Thanks friend!
Love your work Lamar! 👍
Thanks friend!
Nice update. I still remember your early videos. You might consider a hand held gimbal to help with stabilizing the video. Also, your dog matches your jeep. Cheers.
Lol, she is kinda camo colored. I will have to look at a gimbal.
I`ve been in the position where I lost my business and they were coming to turn my electricity off. And far too many times hurricanes have hit with very long power outages. I was homeless after losing my business and home and couldn`t work much because of car accident injuries and swore the first thing I would do if I had money again was get a source of solar power. Doctors had recommended I apply for disability but I wanted to try to work. So I applied, fought for it for five years, and won and was able to get a camper to live in, power stations, and a 300 amp hour lifepo4 battery. I need a few more things like a battery meter with shunt but right now if a hurricane hits I can power everything and have enough air conditioning to keep cool using a backup gas generator and the big battery. This time I`ll have a freezer and fridge too.
Sometimes you have to fight the system. Stay tough, friend!
Good to see things are always improving out there for ya. I saw some DIY solar trackers you could build that would work out great for the matching 100 watt panels you have there. Build it a distance run the panels in series and get away from the shading your getting on the panels. Also, I started solar around same time as you tried several controllers and by far Victron MPPT is one the best. Also, offers bluetooth so see real time power generation from cell phone and has month long data log. You can download and save keep track.
Right on, friend!
I just hooked up my refrigerator solar today. I hope it stays running all night. But I had to start some place!
One thing you could do is to build a bunker. Sure - it'd need concrete but a surface bunker, covered in a couple of feet of earth would be tornado proof and would maintain a more consistent temperature.
You mentioned you don't eat many eggs. Get this device I think you will consume eggs regularly. It cooks perfect eggs no overcooked crunchy sides. Nostalgia 550W electric griddle. I also got a 350W waffle maker you can mix a container of batter for waffles and refrigerator the excess. I make egg and cheese sandwich with mustard and mayo .
I got the appliances bc lower wattage. I want reasonable way to prepare good food on the road. These 2 are really low wattage so far I've not used it in the car want to know what it's capable of before testing off grid low quality inverters.
What I like is I can cook 2 separate eggs and don't have to worry about popping a breaker. Bc I have ac on same outlet. I've got a induction cooker which is great for hamburger helper or browning grnd meat but I turn off the AC when I run it.
Sounds like good appliances to have!
@@solarcabin They look like toys but cook excellent. Not sure off grid but I'm going to find out.
Nice update Lamar. 👍 It shows how we can start where we can, and add as we can. Really like your portables on the trailer to angle with the sun. How deep is your well? We've been checking about solar well pump for our deep well.
My well is 300 feet and is artesian free flowing. I use the pump from the water storage tank under my sink and my cabin is set up like a self contained RV. I fill the tank from the well as needed.
They do make in casing well pumps that are 12/24 volt that will pull water from 200 feet or more.
@@solarcabin Thanks Lamar. I'll go over that with my better half. We have a pressure tank and 50 gal hybrid water heater. I've understood without power we'd only have water till pressure tank is out, unless we manually remove water from the wh. RV analogy helps.
ALL LOADED UP WITH SOLAR POWER AND LOTS OF BACK UP SYSTEMS.
one is none, two is one.
Hi lamar, Where did you find recycled wood?
Check dumpsters at construction sites and places that build cabinets. Pallets are also another source.
I've been looking online at southern Colorado land for sale. You can buy five acres in southern Colorado for what 1/4 of an acre costs in neighboring states.
It is cheaper there. Just make sure you can get water.
Plus … Verify you actually have legal access to it. A lot of land locked parcels are sold online. Have it verified locally. It’s well worth the money.
👍
Ever consider a wood mass heater for heat?
I have not tried one but they look interesting.
Since I've seen some of your videos where it's snowing or blistering hot days care to share what part of the country you live in?
I am at the foot of the Rocky mountains in high desert country. We can get lots of snow and cold winters but summers are generally nice.
Question..
Do you have to pay maintenance fees to power company for pole.. I was under the impression that a property that was ever connected to grid you can never untie from fees from power?
We had to buy our utility pole and loop out here so that belongs to me and no fee. They came and took the transformer a few years ago because I wasn't using it. Mostly being snotty.
This is great. This is what I want to do, sell my house and buy small plot of land and go off grid and without mortgage. I live in eastern Pennsylvania, any suggestions on how to start?
Check the land auction websites for land in the area you want to live.
@@solarcabin Thanks.
Could you show yr computer set up?I want something offgrid,and I have dvd/s.Thanks
I use a low watt laptop for most of my stuff and watch movies online. I have a bigger laptop with dvd and a dvd player with it's own screen. They run fine off a small system like mine.
Does your solar power a washing machine, also?
Yes, I have a micro washer spin dryer I use.
Can I pay you to tell me what in inverter and other ne5ds I may have to make what i have already purchased work?
What equipment do you have and I will try to help.
The only phone/internet provider (RURAL AREA...NO CELL SERVICE) is giving me issues about phone service because I live in a permanently parked camper. I have to be in contact with doctors at all times so this could turn into a lawsuit. They gave me a phone number, delivered the WIFI modem, BILLED ME, then have refused twice to give me service so I`m still stuck at my sister`s house with utilities on at my camper. Evil monsters. The Americans With Disabilities Act plainly says they MUST give me telecommunications service "if possible." I`ve emailed state representatives, the governor`s office for advocacy for the disabled, and the FCC advocacy for the disabled. Of course the state of Louisiana hasn`t responded. The FFC did and told me to try to reason with them first before filing a public complaint and then they`ll get involved. "Land Of The Free." "Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Not in America. Try to start a business and see what happens.
Check out Starlink, if you can afford it. (I doubt there's a subsidized version for disabled folks.) They have an RV option, so worst case, you could register your account at your sister's, then take the equipment wherever you park. Good luck with however you gotta get your service done!
Hello
May I ask for the e-mail for business contact?
I remember your cabin. It’s way too humid here where I live to use the swamp cooler. Congratulations on learning to live as a Free Man! I like your cabin and your ideas!
Thank you!