That quote for $70 grand seems real steep. If your connected to the grid, you'll still need to maintain the line & be at the mercy of the power utility when they shut power off during fire season. I wouldn't worry about the selling aspect either since being power independent will be more important down the track. As I said in the previous video, use a mix of solar/generator/inverter setup. Clear some land well away from the dwelling for a solar farm, with a generator/battery shed. Edit: You want the panels at ground level so they're easier to clean also.

Solar on a pedestal is the way to go. That's what we did. We have propane as a backup to our woodstove. We use heat pumps (mini splits) for ac, but not for heat. Put the pedestal away from the house and the batteries ( we have lithium ion) need to be in a temperature controlled environment, not in a shed. Rooftop panels are a problem for firefighters if you ever have a fire (God forbid). They also will need to be replaced when you redo a roof over the years. There isn't enough rooftop space on those sheds. Trench to the house from the pedestal. We did our system for 40K three years ago. No more electric bills ever will be a selling point. We have to clean them off when it snows, but that's not hard to do. We're in northern VT. When we aren't home for a few days, we leave the propane heater on low. Never have had a problem. Being energy independent is the way to go. And when trees fall on the lines with heavy wet snow or if there are fires, your power lines are compromised. It will also be expensive to bring the lines to the house.

Solar on the roofs of the sheds. It's a no brainer. Using a shed for the batteries too is a great idea. Save yourself a lot of work clearing out all those trees along the road to run power on poles.

Solar is always a good direction and using the sheds is probably the best. If it was me, I wouldn't compromise the trees any more...compromising the charm and wind breaker of the trees. But hey, I'm not living in Nova Scotia, not even on the east coast. Good luck, it is a hard decision. 😎🥰

Definitely solar !!! Put metal roofs on the 4 shed's also. You could also add wind power system as I am sure its windy by the lake.

Only experience with solar is watching KZread videos, so I don't have an opinion. I really appreciate your clear explanation of things to be considered.

My insite, since the grid is ancient, and goes down in storms, those same storms, will take down lines in your land as well. Add that to waiting for the power company to get quick repairs first, and get around to you, the only option is Solar.Install the panels on the ground,4’ high, to aid in snow removal. Remove all trees within tree fall around them. All those negatives about Solar, are spread by Power Companies. I’ve had Solar for the last 10 years here in Florida, paid ZERO FOR POWER, and get a check monthly from our ex power company, for the power they buy from me!❤ (Florida Law) SOLAR,SOLAR,SOLAR!!! ❤ to your lil Heper!

Hydro for sure. Think about resale value in the future. People don't want to have to do any work when it comes to solar power. I know from experience. You won't get as much money if you ever plan on selling in the future if it is off-the-grid. I have been through this when selling my off-grid home, I ended up putting in hydro before I sold it, I got a lot more for my home and sold it much faster. The hydro installation more than paid for itself when I sold the house. When I tried to sell my home when it was off-grid it was for sale for 3 yrs and I only had 2 low offers. Once I put in hydro it sold well over asking and in 6 weeks. Also, think about when fuel/propane prices become prohibitively expensive in future due to limited resources and climate change. Also, you can't charge an electric vehicle at an off-grid home. More people will have electric vehicles in the future. No brainer, put in hydro. You may not be planning on selling right now, but maybe in the future. Too many things can go wrong with solar power and like you said you are limited if you want to add things in future to your house.

Could you use buried line from the cottage to the main road instead of installing 25 poles? That way you could remove what trees you want and follow the route thats best for you such as the road side or straight shot.

If I was going with solar, I would pick an optimum spot, and mount my panels on a rack system, with large poles in the ground. No need to disturb any roofs then. Good luck my friend.

Running power poles that far is going to be dear. But clearing trees out now is easier then when you do not have power lines in the way!I have been watching from the start . You have cleared a lot of trees and it is still close when you drive in . You must not have much time to enjoy your cottage and see your hard work and family !!! The cottage does look so much better.

Lots of knowledgeable suggestions in the comments. Personally, I am all about the benefits of being off-grid; that said, however, I think: If you still plan on using this beautiful lakefront property for short-term Air BnB type rentals, I think a practical business decision that would allow flexibility as you need it would be to keep it simple with poles and make sure the propane genrator stays easy-to-use for backup.

My thought would be to tie into the utility for all the reasons you've mentioned. You can always add a solar and battery back-up system later on. It doesn't seem like the battery back-up systems are cost effective yet, but they might be in 10-15 years.

Wow how pretty your hone and cottage look.. Be safe out there. Marie Denver Colorado USA

Hope you & your family have a Blessed Thanksgiving 🙏

That ram looks great.

What a handsome young co pilot. Bye bye guys. Good family.

Good video Brother. I can see and understand about the under growth and deadfall of the trees. Doing selective cutting and mulching of the deadfall and undergrowth is helpful to the younger growth, plus it cuts down on the fire risk. I’d run both, it’s always good to have a backup plan for power. Hi Mr Bauer

The slope on the sheds are not steep enough and to close together, clearing the snow off would be a lot of work for you. I think you could use rotating stand for solar but it takes a lot of space, I've seen those set up before. Either set up is costly. I really like your dedication on that project. Sorry if I sound hard to understand I sometimes think English and French at the same time.

When you mentioned windmills it reminded me of the ridge blade wind turbine that is made in Canada that goes on the very top of the roof and just blends in with the roofline. It works when wind blows from the front or the back to generate power. I'm pretty sure the company name is Ridgeblade.

Agree that ascetically speaking solar panels on the roof suck. Not to mention the roof penetrations that are required. With the amount of land that you have and the tools at your disposal I would look at creating a designated tower/bed for your solar array. Preferably one that follows the path of the sun. The location of the array can be such as it is out of sight and where it will be able to collect the maximum amount of power. There is always a compromise to be made so there will need to be some serious thought put into this...as you are obviously aware.

Hello my friend, great video as always, the cottage looks amazing now , I have no experience of solar , so I can’t help you decide, have a great day my friend 😄👍🌹

It seems there is a second benefit from running power in. Your road will be greatly improved in the process. That alone has a lot of value!

Great video. I would put in the poles and run the Hydro first. The would keep your initial cost down. Then you can ease into the Solar later as a backup. That way the high expense of the Solar would come later. I agree that the Solar option will detract from the beauty of the site. It would be better to have some time to design that. So my vote is for the poles now.

I like your idea of going solar. For me an on ground system seems best. Like you said your generator could supplement. Plus maybe a large propane tank if delivery is available... my 2 cents... Ha

If I could I’d go off grid solar. as long as NSP doesn’t force you to connect to their grid. It also felt weird filing an easement on our property for them to install their lines. I did put conduit in for some future solar panels.

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

With your field you have a prime location for solar ground mounts.

@TheRuralDad

8 ай бұрын

@@workplaytv definitely the plan for hopefully the short term future

I would go with Pole power for when you do not have enough wind turbines and hydro combination power. Then have the generator as the backup. I would stay away from solar because of the reasons you gave before.

No matter what you decide I agree with cutting back at least a few Yards each side of the road and keeping as much of the Forest area tidy, you have the equipment to do it and the work ethic to carry on. Will be a BIG job once then probably just need mulching? Just wondering, do you get reasonable money for the timber you take to the mill, I know you have loads of wood to burn probably just with dead falls let alone harvesting stuff.

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

Decent. More than I get if it just falls and rots that’s for sure

@user-bd1pk1rc1x

8 ай бұрын

@@workplaytv Thanks for the reply, suppose it must be worth your while or you wouldnt do it 🙂hope you come to a conclusion about solar or poles. Just got to be right for you, at least you have the Generator backup for the power cuts during the bad weather.

How cute Bauer is..!

Just chillin in front of the tv In brisbane and 💥 boom work play tv yeah baby😉🤣🤣👍👍

Good Morning 😃 from Georgia 🇺🇸. I haven’t been around lately but I’m so looking forward to catching up on your videos 👍🏻👍🏻. I do agree with the roof top mounting you’re talking about. I was thinking 🤔 what about a tall Tower Solar system ❓🤷🏼‍♂️❓ ya think 🤔 that would work 🤷🏼‍♂️❓🤷🏼‍♂️ Ok have a great day. 🇺🇸FFG 🇺🇸= 🇺🇸Friend From Georgia 🇺🇸

We built our house over 400 meters off the road. We looked into all of the options here in Ontario. The solar was going to cost more than burying the cable by double! Putting in poles and removing enough trees to be able to do so was going to cost almost as much as the solar. Then we talked with an honest solar installer. We were told that we would need to run the generator from November until May most years, adding to the cost. Plus, solar deteriorates, and the panels need replacing every 20 to 25 years!!!! For us, burying the cable was worth it, and we don't have any of the equipment that you have!!

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

Yeah it will be 25 poles and then bury the last 300’ feet so won’t be cheap

@papavan

8 ай бұрын

@@workplaytv the nice thing about burying the cable is that it offset the cost of upgrading the driveway to be able to handle most delivery vehicles. Including the two that brought our prefab home in!

NSP lines is not a bad idea for re-sale but, you can have both, doesn't have to be a very big solar system and you can sell the extra back to the grid, also can be a back up for the frequent power failures. Waffle type solar panel produce the best power and you can have the heated type which keep most of snow and ice away. It doesn't matter which way you look at it, the cost is present in both cases !! I'm not familiar with the air currents in your area so wind could also be a add on in the future.....kind of like edging your bets, sorta speak. :) Be well !

Solar my friend will help you a lot.

I have been reading a lot of the comments on this matter solar or hydro they both make good points it is going to be hard I think you are going to have to do some research and what makes the best sense for you getting a answer from your comments it’s going to be tough take care

I would set up the solar on a pivoting panel with motor so that it can follow the sun through out the day. Therefore it is stand alone and not attached to any dwelling.

I have solar now. Go solar ! I think you know the power is constantly going out especially if you live in Nova Scotia now matter what you have ? You also have a back up generator ? One thing thing to keep in mind is your panels may need updated down the road 20, 25 years, they deplete, degrade over time but having said that, they are getting cheaper. It's the future. Harder to get a mortgage for the next person buying, eventually that will be dropped as they conform to the new norm. Good luck with your decision !

Go poles. Once installed "no fuss, no muss". All the power you want with no infrastructure to maintain or troubleshoot. The gen set is still available as a whole house back up in times of power outages.

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

I’m leaning towards agreeing with you

I'd go for the solar and generator …you wont rely on Bc hydro anymore and if something goes wrong you have a back-up.......or a small nuclear reactor on site ;)

My neighbors had solar put on almost 2 years ago. There were multiple subcontractors who did not work well with each other or with the city inspectors. Their system is not yet up and running. If it's even possible try to find a solar company that does all the work and doesn't hire out for all the different aspects of getting it installed and connected.

Roof mount solar on our shop for 10 years , first 7 paid back last 3 have been net zero tied into house , solar has no move mechanical parts less maintenance

You could do them both. I’d do hydro for majority of power and solar for hot water.

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

Hot water is on propane

what about a standalone solar setup? built on its own frame. that way you could face it whatever way you want and at a pitch you like.

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

I don’t really want that eyesore to be honest

The major CON to solar panels is maintenance. During winter months keeping them clean. One question is there enough actual Sun during the winter? I live in Texas and I have never heard anything positive about solar panels, but we need ACs here. Wind Turbines?? Is there enough wind to make it worthwhile? Cleaning the deadfall and underbrush for Power Poles?? Is it worth the cost of having the poles and powerlines installed?? From what you are saying and the number of times NSPower was knocked out. Land management means you should clear the deadfall and underbrush due to forest fires. It is your property and you should use it to suit your needs. And all the Haters be damned. You mentioned Hydro Power, but you do not have a fast-moving river. So that would be a total bust. I would research Wind Turbines. Sorry to say there is no easy answer.

3 to 4 inches😊

Also, is there a geothermal drilling company in the area to come and do a survey to see whether drilling a geothermal hydrothermal loop bore is an option on the property? They are becoming more and more common in these "green" times. You mentioned hydro in the video title but not in the video when you were talking through options......

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

By hydro I mean poles

LOL no question solar power you have too many poles to install, here on the West Coast where I live its 10 grand a pole for a private powerline, the length of overhead line you'll need at least 3 transformers maybe 4. After that job is done you'll be walking funny you may not be able to sit down for a week or two. Yeah go solar it would be cheaper in the long run plus you don't have a right of way to deal with.

Go hydro, resale , security etc, don’t take down anymore trees by cotttage though!

How long is the road to the house, 2500ft?

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

25 poles

Hydro for ease of resale $$$.

I would not get solar because it will only give you 30% and the upfront cost is expensive.

solar screw NSPC

Better off with mains electric. Solar panels don’t last very long and you will be cleaning them nonstop!

Instead of solar panels did you ever look into solar shingles ? I don't know if anybody make them yet but I have seen videos of people talking. It might have been Elon Musk who was talking about making them. If that's an option then you wouldn't really see them. There would still be the problem of having to keep the snow off whatever type you and wherever you put them.

@gregh7457

8 ай бұрын

the price of those solar shingles is way more than surface mount solar. bad idea

@dalegereaux1863

8 ай бұрын

@@gregh7457 interesting, I never heard anyone mention the price, good to know !

Hydro. Bad experiences with solar. With your high winds and snow, solar is a big NO.

Do you really want to manage a 30 to 50 KW electrical system? It's complex and takes a bit of knowledge, experience and training. One system you sit back and enjoy the property, the other you "manage" power consumption and hope for long lasting reliability. You will always be wondering if the solar system is working okay when you are not there.

up early eh? :)

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

Lol been working for 2 hours

@TheRuralDad

8 ай бұрын

@@workplaytvI feel that😂

@CameronAudet

8 ай бұрын

Ok, inspired me to do something with my day. sweet cabin and location.

@jimgeisler1768

8 ай бұрын

Solar all the way

You only pay .16 a kwh with nsp! Have you done the math to see how long it would take to break even with such a cheap utility rate like that? I'm thinking a really really long time. You're already setup with propane and wood for the heavy loads so you're just sipping nsp juice anyways

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

Good points!

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

With the cost of 25 poles though it’s close for up front cost.

@gregh7457

8 ай бұрын

@@workplaytv Are there any neighbors close by that can share the cost? The diesel creek channel guy did a video a while back on putting in power to his shop which was quite a distance and he ran underground but he did all the trenching himself and laid the conduit himself and pulled the cable which saved a lot of cash. if you don't want to deal with snow accumulating on the panels you're going to have to mount them on a tilting array mount but it will also help with increasing output in the winter months when the sun is low on the horizon and you're going to have to insulate those sheds pretty good to protect the batteries. Is there a problem with theft there? those batteries and inverters are worth quite a bit. It's feast or famine with solar. In the summer you've got excess power and in the dead of winter you're probably going to have a few months where you're going to have to run the generator. The ambition strikes channel has a good video on their solar system and how they deal with snow in the winter but their array is IN YOUR FACE ugly but thats because of their latitude and the tilt.

Btw eagles how's them patriots doing 😂

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

I don’t watch football anymore lol

Wow you have really killed the beauty of that land. 😢😢😢

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

You live in a cottage in woods surrounded by large trees do ya?

Using wood to heat your home,,,in the uk you’d probably be jailed! 😂

@workplaytv

8 ай бұрын

Lol lots of trees here

@user-bd1pk1rc1x

8 ай бұрын

Wood used to be easy to get in the UK, so much so that folks would drop it off for me. I live in the Countryside with 2 Log burners. Having them on is mor of a treat now than purely heating the house. Luckily have Gas, Electric and Solar too.