I started out with harbor freight solar about 15 years ago. My knowledge and my budget grew over the years and I have been able to build a state of the art system that will power a good portion of my home in a power failure. The learning curve is great but it's a great hobby and it will eventually pay for itself.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

That's awesome! I can see there is quite a lot to learn that's why I started very simple. And with this place just being a little get away I don't think ill do much for upgrades, not right away for sure .

@acefire4050

Жыл бұрын

I didn't know harbor freight said solar panels 15 years ago I bought solar panels from harbor freight this year at the beginning of the year 4: 25 watt solar panels and a package like he did and I bought four hundred watt solar panels a month later but I had bought other solar panels in the past and if I knew however it had to the panels 15 years ago I would have started buying them from them and they would have been bigger than 100 watts to do believe cuz I believe they had bigger than 100 Watts then I know fleet farm did now look at my feet from has 20 watts solar panels and yet I bought 150 watt solar panels from fleet farm when they were getting rid of them and if I knew Stevens point had two 150 w solar panels other ran down there what should have been a little out of my way cuz I ran from one city to another city to buy one and another and then I would have ran to a student point to buy another two but I didn't know that at the time and then it got pretty late and then they told me but the time only got to Stevens point they would have been closed even though all I had to do is jump on the highway and drive straight there because the highway and then I would have nearly went almost all the way around my house or a semicircle I should say half a circle anyways and if I would have known of another solar panel yet besides already got that as well and I would have kept on going until I got them all I wished I would have known all that earlier that day then I might have had four 150 w solar panels or maybe depending which other fleet farms had them one to two solar panels from each which have been three other fleet farms going all the way around which is all an hour to an hour and a half away from my house to even 2 hours away from my house I have no fleet farm where I live but two of them are horse peace the second place I went to go get solar panels was a horse and half and the third place I could have gone would have been two horses I would have been willing to go three horses or four horses away to get to solar panels because yes I know what solar panels could do for me I mean when I bought solar panels back in 1998 they weren't very many wattage there was six of them at two different sizes they pretty much would run my TV my lights couple TVs maybe or at least a couple lights but if I hooked it up right you probably read all my lights but it made me more alert of electricity use and I saved a hundred bucks a month well my electric bill was $145 a month and after I get the solar panels they were $35 a month to pay electric but after that I get rid of my or didn't get rid of I just turned it off and never turned it back on the gas furnace sitting under sitting in the basement I haven't used since 2004. But now I roughly have 2,600 Watts well slightly over that but not much and it does not run my electric kitchen oven stove but if I save up to electricity it probably would cuz what time I get up to eat breakfast or the time I get my daughter up to go go to school I can make a breakfast but my kitchen oven just off electricity from the solar panels but I don't have a 240 volt yet and that's what my kitchen stove is and that's the same with my water heater but I think my water heater is a 220 volt but if I get the right inverter and some more solar panels I would hook up my complete house with solar but just for more than electricity in my house I need the electricity for also more for my kids health too who depends on electricity for some things for health which I won't tell you what is for which is more personal and more for the doctors in two hospitals and two clinics as well as me to know what your mother doesn't know nothing about what your mother has no contact and is not allowed to have contact with her and that can be part of the reason why. I really need a lot more solar panels to run everything in my house for everybody sake or at least in my house don't really want to say any bad news or any good news that had some consequences to it I like keeping things more nice. I am a poor man with a good heart with some power behind himself with some muscles that is really kind-hearted and would try to bend over backwards to help all people but I really don't have any money.

@TabithaRJohnson

Жыл бұрын

Wow I would love to know what I needed to run most of our house! Trying to learn.

@WV_Raised1983

Жыл бұрын

@@acefire4050 that is the longest sentence I have ever read

@acefire4050

Жыл бұрын

@@WV_Raised1983 I don't put periods in between my words sometimes does that really matter or can I really make a longer sentence than that yes I can I can make a very long sentence.

It’s so amazing watching people setting up simple and inexpensive off grid systems that work great! Keep up the great work.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks I will definitely try . I’m thinking of building an out house soon out of log cut off scraps a friend of mine has a shed building business hopefully the only thing I’ll have to buy will be the roofing.

@truckerenoch8824

Жыл бұрын

The "Bunker Hill 120 lumen" solar motion light HF sells is the 💩!!! I use it *EVERY NIGHT!* The panel is in my window charging all day and at night, whenever anyone goes to the bathroom, it turns on and lights the way. It's been maintenance free for 3 years. By far one of the best $15 investments I've ever made! It's been a life saver during a few blackouts!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

@@truckerenoch8824 that sounds awesome I might have to get one for a light in the outhouse

Woohoo! Excited to hear from you!!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex it’s so cool to know people are still interested 😁

Finally! Someone that concisely explains a simple set up without overcomplicating everything! Bravo! And thank you! Fantastic video. Much appreciated! 😊 ❤️🇺🇸❤️

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’m really happy you got something out of this video you’re very welcome. I did get quite a few comments that I should add some fuses , so pretty soon I’m going to do some kind of cabin update video to address a few reoccurring comments. Thanks again!

@silvursprings

Жыл бұрын

@@blackspruce1861 Awesome, look forward to the update video. Thanks again. 😊

Your narration is wonderful, videography excellent. You pointed out the important things with out a ton of fluff and useless talk. Spot on.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you!

all this wiring stuff just befuddles me but it's still so nice to watch the pros and see how it's done. 💚

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks ! I definitely would not say I'm a pro lol. It's amazing to me how much you can learn and still learn something new every day or phone a friend for help

Much appreciated that not only you used a harbor freight solor kit but also their tools as well unlike some others on here using promotional equipment and tools where most of us can't afford 👍

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

No problem I’m cheap too 😁 I’m glad you enjoyed the video

Just love how you kept it all simple and easy.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

thanks that's the way I like it too !

The pair of low voltage landscape wires are identifiable by their outer edge jacketing. One is smooth and the other has ribs that run the entire length of the wire. That's probably the only thing I can help you with. Everything else I'm clueless and you're helping me from my lack of building knowledge. Thanks for sharing. Fascinating to watch.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

yeah I realized that a little later on that one wire had writing the whole length . that is a much better way than marking it before you pull it . I'm very happy to share and even happier that you enjoyed it .

Always put suitable size fuse at both panel and battery positive connection. Cheap easy piece of mind 🔥 protection thanks for showing how simple it can be live the 12volt dream

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip . I like that the 12 volt dream

12:45 putting a screw though the end of the zip tie is a great idea for cable management!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I can’t remember who showed me that but it is a pretty handy little trick I used that for a fan cord in my workshop too works nice

Nice job, so much more efficient to stick with 12vdc. Avoiding those dc->ac conversions is always a 'win', thanks for showing how it's done.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Oh yeah my soon to be brother in law showed me the rope lights they seem to be really efficient. I’m glad you enjoyed it

Hey Ryan, awesome work on making your own outlet covers, they look amazing. You explain the wiring so well, those strip lights look so good, they look like they give out alot of light. Great work installing the solar panels, your cabin looks amazing, again great work Ryan.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you ! I was really happy how those covers turned out . I'm glad you enjoyed the video

We have 1.2kw of solar panels on our sailboat and 14.4kwh of Lifepo4 batteries that power our 20kw electric auxiliary motor and feed our 3000 watt inverter. We live like most do on the grid but have no electric bill. Installation of solar on a boat is a real challenge but the payoff is immense. Great video. Nice cabin.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

That sounds very cool ! I would like to see a picture of that boat it sounds like you would have to get pretty creative to get that many panels on it . thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it

Wow, Ryan! This is going to be my go-to, how-to for when I put my garage on the new home site! I was hoping you'd film how you light your place!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! I’m glad I could help . And so far I am really happy with everything especially the light strips

Just found this channel. Nice cabin. Can't wait to see more videos.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you! I'm hoping to get another one up soon

Find myself doing the same thing that I do with your brothers videos …. They show up on my feed so I rewatch ! Lol. Really should have a relike button too. Lol. Take care Ryan

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thats Awesome ! I find myself doing that with a lot of whitewater videos never really thought of people rewatching mine . very cool thanks Tony!

Look great. Wouldn’t mind seeing a review in a couple months.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks ! I have a few updates I’m thinking I will do based on some reoccurring comments and I might incorporate that into a video revue

Hey there I’m just going full time off grid in Portugal. Thanks for sharing I am learning new skills 😊

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thats awesome !! I'm glad you got something from it

I am an off grid full time. I have been living with solar for years. I have found that if you put a rubber matt folded in ½ for double thickness under your battery, it extends the life of the battery 3 to 4 times longer. I learned this trick long ago when I worked in auto parts.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

That sounds like a great tip thanks ! I’ll have to pick something up for that

@tonysextremerestorations9896

Жыл бұрын

Ohms law

@allenh7835

Жыл бұрын

Nope. I tried that with lead acid and lithium. Zero difference.

In the future lamp cord has 1 smooth side and 1 ridged side. Smooth side is always positive for DC and hot side for AC. LOVE your work. Fantastic work.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for the tip . It sounds like a lot of people use lamp cord for 12v systems. I might have to go that route next time. That’s awesome I’m really happy you like it thanks !!

Great install and very nice off grid cabin. I could almost live there.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

You're videos are good. Glad you're finding your "sweet spot". God bless and keep em' coming!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks I’m happy you’re enjoying them I’ve got a couple I’m working on should be ready soon

Chest freezer is another good use for car battery if you are in a hot climate. Doesn't take a huge amount of power.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

maybe I'll try that out

Thanks for the inspiration. My wife and I are going to build something slightly larger (we are going to build a murphy bed that also has an integrated table) and make this our weekend getaway. Glad the HF solar panels are working for you.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

you're very welcome ! that sounds like a great way to save some space! yeah so far they're doing a pretty good job of keeping the battery charged

Clean energy that extends the breath of our planet This is a good product.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

yeah its pretty nice no noise of a generator or exhaust, no reoccurring bill !! . I'm definitely happy with it

Nice set up my friend. Thanks for putting it out there.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks ! no problem

Great video !! This is exactly what I was looking for when I searched for ideas on how to deal with my needs at my camp. Well done!! 🤜💥🤛

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome I'm glad I could help!

Excellent video Ryan, you are a great teacher. Your video was very thorough and easy to understand. I hope you keep your content coming. Thanks for sharing. Slainte, DC

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you ! Teaching is something I never really thought I would be that good at so that is very cool for me to hear . I’ll definitely be trying to keep them rolling out

That’s a nice cabin!I love the way you neatly ran the wiring.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! It always pays to make it nice and neat . Glad you liked it

The "Bunker Hill 120 lumen" solar motion light HF sells is the 💩!!! I think it'd be a great addition to your setup! I use it *EVERY NIGHT!* The panel is in my window charging all day and at night, whenever anyone goes to the bathroom, it turns on and lights the way (would probably work great on a porch to chase animals away too). It's been maintenance free for 3 years. By far one of the best $15 investments I've ever made! It's been a life saver during a few blackouts!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thats awesome I'll probably get on for the outhouse I just built

One step closer! Looking good man 👍

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks !

Hey buddy, idk if you've ever seen the trick where you sand the back side of the block of wood and get a pile of shavings then mix them in with the epoxy. It makes the crack nearly disappear. Just a trick I picked up in my gun smithing days.

@blackspruce1861

9 ай бұрын

I’ve heard about doing that with wood glue but epoxy sounds like it would work pretty good

Thanks for the video. Ima look into this kit, it looks like a good deal.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

you are very welcome ! thanks for watching . so far I'm pretty happy with it . I like how simple of a set up it is ,and It does charge while its cloudy .I need to get out there and spend a few days at the cabin and give it a good test

Nice, neat install, you’re going to love it!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you ! I loved it the moment I saw the battery charging a flipped the lights on . its really cool making your own power !

@nena4215

2 жыл бұрын

@@blackspruce1861 we did our own system on our houseboat....game changer....got a mr coffee first thing!!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

@@nena4215 oh man a house boat sounds great . That’s something I’ve always considered building or maybe buying

@nena4215

2 жыл бұрын

@@blackspruce1861 ours started out as a trailer on pontoons, yup, it’s as easy as that! It has since evolved though, nothing fancy but nice, neat and tidy, we have all we need. Reach out if you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer, it is a totally off grid lifestyle.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

@@nena4215 wow I never thought of that you can use a trailer frame or camper frame that’s awesome

I'm still wanting to learn to do things around my little house 🏘️ Thanks Cynthia 👍

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

glad you liked it !!

FANTASTIC VIDEO thank you. you did a really nice job, very nice easy to watch/learn video, and great result.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

You are very welcome ! Thank you for the great comment perfect timing

Great video, appreciate the time you took to explain things.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I hope it can be helpful to some people, and I’m glad you liked it

Cute cabin and nice power setup. I have the same solar kit from HF. Thanks for the tips!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! How do you like yours any pros or cons ?

Cool video Ryan ! You do a great job explaining things as u go along ! Take care

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ! You too

Thanks for the all the videos...very informative and inspiring!!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

no problem glad you like them !!

Super video for a novice such as me! THANK YOU!

@blackspruce1861

8 ай бұрын

Thanks !!! Glad it was helpful!

Just subbed to your channel after watching the cabin video. I am binging all your videos now!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks ! that's awesome . I'm hoping to get another up sometime soon

@Shelleys4Seasons

Жыл бұрын

same!

Great tips and info. Cabin is looking awesome!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks !

This is a neat off grid cabin. This gives me an idea to add some solar lights to our kids playhouse. I generally don’t like Harbor Freight products for anything mission critical, but it would probably be just fine for what I need. I’ll have to go back and watch the other cabin video- I might be able to adapt it to a home office.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks ! I'm sure you could get away with something even cheeper for a kids playhouse . The cabin would make an excellent home office for sure .

Thanks for the video. Enjoy the cabin!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

you are very welcome ! we will

Just found this channel. Great explanation of the installation.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Hey buddy how are ya? Great build love the cabin. Your attention to detail is nice to see. I’m thinking you might be a contractor or in the trades. Great work!! Thanks for sharing can’t wait for the next video. God bless you and yours.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

I'm doing great how about you ? thanks ! my attention to detail comes from a nagging conscience lol, and a desire to see my ideas come to be . I've built a few houses but I spent most of my life building electrical substations. I've got another video just about finished up , god bless you too

@heyyoubuddy6749

2 жыл бұрын

@@blackspruce1861 I’m a retired utility inspector, mostly looked at new construction and flips. Now I live in the mountains and run a portable sawmill service . Life is good!! I’m thinking of a solar system with storage. California is getting really weird about power!! Not enough, grid issues and high cost. It’s crazy here, besides the Politics!!!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

@@heyyoubuddy6749 I used to have a band saw mill I loved running it but it was a home made mill , it was well built but had tires for blade wheels and was hard to get the right tension on the blade . I wish I would have kept it now . I can imagine California sounds like it has a very high cost of living .

@heyyoubuddy6749

2 жыл бұрын

@@blackspruce1861 I would move but my beautiful wifey loves her job in the Bay Area and doesn’t want to retire for 7 more years. I want to move to Alaska along the coast, but will be too old by then. Oh well do the best I can. Dave said you both have had mills. I’ve watched you guys run the HF mill, looks like it works just fine. I thought to build a sawmill and use a Diesel engine, but cost of steel is through the roof. Was cheaper to buy a mill. I would take forever to build it to, I want it just right so would take way too long. 2x4s here are a lil over 8 bucks a piece at the big box store, so cutting them from free to me logs is the best!! Been thinking of starting a KZread channel, “ Retired to the woods” not sure if I have enough content to be worth while??

Very cool little cabin!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Should have all the power I need (and then some!) as I've bartered for a 4 panel (160 watt per) and a pure sine wave inverter. I appreciate your wiring tips. And thanks for the lighting recommendations! The 12 volt strips should work great in the cabin :) Later, sir! God Bless

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

nice that sounds like a good system! I really like the light strips they put out a lot of light and don't use much power .

Great channel!really enjoying your content thus far👍love the cabin😁

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you ! I'm really happy you're enjoying it . I hope I can keep it going

Most practical off grid setup I've seen yet. So many people want to over engineer. Nice to see a small efficient system. Awesome job explaining too. If you get a chance to read this. I have a question. To have 2 batteries in parallel, still 12v. Would you recommend another 100w solar and charge controller running in parallel? I think this would work and be redundant and act like a backup. What are your thoughts? Also, do you feel pretty good about the battery being inside and in a wooden box? Thank you in advance. I'm planning my buildout exactly the same.

@blackspruce1861

7 ай бұрын

Thanks !! I like to keep it simple . you should look into the specs of your charge controller first it might be able to handle another 100 watt panel and save you the money. as far as the battery inside goes . I personally am not that worried but I guess there are better choices out there AGM batteries , lifepo4 . but they're a bit more money

Great video hey that inverter will run all your power tools I already tried it on a 750 watt inverter just for kicks I had a 50' power cord coming off the inverter with any power tool worked great.

@blackspruce1861

9 ай бұрын

really thats great , and weird I tried my circular saw and it wouldn't do it . it ran smaller stuff fine though

Excellent video 🤠

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks I'm I'm glad to hear that . after I stared at it for hours editing I wasn't really sure

Awesome Job. prep like there will be a zombie apocalypse. It covers every possibility. In your case, this is really great. It makes it much easier for the zombies to find you.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! 😂😂this is much more for enjoyment than zombie apocalypse or any apocalypse, but it is nice to have lights and heat without depending on society. Glad you liked it

Your work is awesome!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Nice demonstration Ryan.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Really nice video. Place looks great

@blackspruce1861

6 ай бұрын

Thanks !! glad you liked it !!

Love this cabin! Regarding the battery being charged indoors, keep in mind that they let off hydrogen gas when charging. Not saying it would be a problem or implying that you already didn't know that, just something I thought of and wanted to bring up. It might be safer to relocate just the battery outdoors. Love the channel!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!! I might just upgrade to lifepo or AGM battery that doesn't off gas at all and has much better capacity . but I thought and I may be wrong that they only really off gas when they are over charged

@mrbyamile6973

Жыл бұрын

This is a dilemma, I live in Colorado and its currently -8*F outside. That greatly limits battery capacity.

Can you and your brother Dave record audiobooks? You both have such soothing voices.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

I'm sure he would be game if it was the right kind of book . me I don't know

@DE2borknot2b

Жыл бұрын

Hubs & I took Voice Over classes @ a local college for fun. It was great! If interested, go & learn & have fun in those classes. You do have a good voice. It's a gift. You get jobs by having to demo your voice to various situations (reading, reciting, accents, etc.)

Good explanation.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks !! there are some things I maybe could have shown a bit more but I find if its boring me I have to edit it out

Nice work! Super! ⭐️

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Many thanks!!

I just bought this kit but haven't set it up yet. Cool video

@blackspruce1861

10 ай бұрын

so far I don't have any complaints works nice . thanks glad you enjoyed it !!

Thanks for the video! Very informative.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Awesome build!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

simple is often the best :) well done Sir.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

It sure is

You can buy connectors and channeling with a diffuser on amazon for the led strips. Just did this behind some built out crown molding in the house. Great stuff!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Nice ! I’ve thought about adding some of those at home too

Nice well done, thanks for sharing..

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks !

Thanks for sharing another great video. I think I would like trying the same setup you have for my small cabin a 16x20 in northern Minnesota which is currently running off of a generator. Thanks again.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome! I’m happy you liked it. Northern Minnesota sure has some beautiful country .Great place for a cabin

Dude you ROCK! Great one man building show!👈👈👈🖖🖖💯

@blackspruce1861

9 ай бұрын

Thanks!!

I even pause adblocker for you and Dave :)))

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

heck yeah thank you !

Gr8 vid Gr8 work Love the house!!😇

@blackspruce1861

7 ай бұрын

Thank you !!!

Love those LED light strips

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks !!! me too they work great and don't draw a lot of power

Solid video and good work brother.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thank you !!

Solar panels work so much better when there is no shade on them. Proper planning prevents poor performance. Just sayin'.😉👍 Excellent video!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I might build a stand for them. As they are now they’re in direct sunlight from about 8am to 5 but yes it could definitely be better

That cabin is sweet. I wouldve ran more wiring behind walls, charge controller up higher and hidden interter tho.. especially how clean and nice the cabin is tho. Enjoyed watchin u put it together and the lighting is excellent.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!! I personally don’t need anymore outlets and charging ports than what I put in . It’s just a little getaway cabin and I honestly am a bit surprised but I . hardly ever use the 110 for anything more than charging my laptop . I’m really happy you enjoyed it . I was a bit disappointed the other day I went to pick up more of those light strips for my work shop and couldn’t find the Same ones . I really like that lighting too

Nice little get-away you have here

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks !

The 1 thing I've learned about solar panels and batteries If you're gonna use it in a place that's not heated all the time you're gonna wanna use Led batteries led batteries don't lose a charge in the cold as fast as lithium does lithium instantly lose it when it starts getting cold below 30 or 40°

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

I agree . I briefly had a 200amp hour Lifepo4 battery it was self heated . it drained itself from the self heater . I would have had to upgrade the panels over 600 watts just to charge it in a day in warm sunny weather . Michigan has very overcast weather all winter so it wasn't a good fit for me .I'm sure they're great but only if you want to have a constantly heated cabin and a large solar array

Nice video with very good information. This set looks like it will work out nice for your cabin. Todd from da U.P.

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ! Todd from by Escanaba right ? I spent a couple months working in garden this past winter

@FordDude66

2 жыл бұрын

I actually live in the village of Wells which is right next to Escanaba. Garden Peninsula isn't too far from me. It's a nice place to visit.

Great video

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

This is amazing, subbed! We want more!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

awesome thanks ! are you saying more as in solar and that type of stuff or just more in general . I've got more in general in the works

@Perspari

2 жыл бұрын

@@blackspruce1861 solar, wiring, problem solving and any other off grid general problem solving / solutions. Its not something that is particularly well covered on KZread in relation to off grid cabins

Greatest investment I've ever made

@blackspruce1861

10 ай бұрын

awesome !

great video

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

thank you !

Very nice sir, very nice.

@blackspruce1861

23 күн бұрын

Thanks !! glad you liked it !

Cool stuff man...

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ! Im glad you liked it

Totally cool and helpful, thanks!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!! No problem glad you liked it

ZIP cord is polarized. One side is ribbed and generally used as the neutral.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

thanks for the tip !

Thanks for the video.

@blackspruce1861

7 ай бұрын

no problem I'm glad you liked it !!

I put a set of those self sticking LED tape lights in my kitchen as undercabinet lighting. They killed themselves after only a few hundred hours. I presumed from overheating since I stuck them direct to the wood and it was summer and no AC. I redid them with new ones, but I laid adhesive metal foil tape from the HVAC section first, then stuck the LED tape to the aluminum foil tape and that worked until the kitchen cabinets were ripped out and replaced. The foil tape acted to dissipate the excess heat. When you wired up the outlet, I noticed you used the two screws to daisy chain the power on the the next outlet. This is not such a great idea, as it will fail inspection, and the reason is that little link that connects the upper and lower outlets together will fail under prolonged heavy load situations. Better to connect the two conductors together, and run a six inch pigtail from that wire nut to the outlet screws. In your case, this is not a big risk since your 750 watt inverter will only provide half the amperage that a grid connected outlet will provide. But something to be aware of in a larger installation. That yellow plug you used to connect to the inverter. First, that tape you wrapped to the cable actually is important. The jaws that bite down on the cable are designed to bite into the outer jacket of an extension cord. the reason that this is dangerous in this sort of installation is that the plastics used to insulate house cable like you used are a lot thinner, and the insulation around the individual conductors will squeeze out over time if the strain relief screws are fully tightened or overtightened. Also, those are cheap plugs, and will not stand up to any sort of abuse. lastly, I didn't see any fuses or switches on the DC side in the battery box. In case of fire or electrical emergency, you want to be able to disconnect the battery and the feed from the solar panel. also, the battery itself is a fire hazard, especially when the mice get in and start chewing on the wires. Another way to protect your battery from setting the cabin on fire is to fill a couple of plastic baggies with vermiculite from the garden center. actual mineral vermiculite, not the plastic replacement stuff. Do a flame test to ensure it is nonflammable. In the baggies they are easy to handle and remove and replace when you need to work in the battery box. If a fire does start, the plastic bags will melt and the vermiculite will help keep the fire from spreading down the wires and hopefully keep the fire from burning the place down.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

I was considering putting some of those lights in my kitchen too I’ll have to remember the foil tape trick. I thought I mentioned in the video when I was wiring the outlets that I normally would pigtail the outlets but I didn’t have enough leftover wire but maybe i didn’t. I wasn’t really worried about it since for the most part I don’t plan on using much AC . But putting things out like this maybe I should explain a little more thorough . Kind of balancing trying to be informative and not boring people is tricky. I have had a lot of comments about fuses. Before wiring this cabin the only 12 volt wiring I’ve done has been 124 volt dc systems in control houses for electrical substations it all runs to a dc breaker panel , I honestly don’t know why I didn’t think to put fuses in it but . I’ll be doing a short cabin update video and address some of the thing people have pointed out . Some things people have pointed out were done I just didn’t get good footage . That vermiculite in the bags sounds like a really good tip too thanks I appreciate the tips and I hope you enjoyed the video

@dalesql2969

Жыл бұрын

@@blackspruce1861 Then I don't have to explain that breakers and fuses have different interrupting voltages for DC and AC to you. The vermiculite trick I learned from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. that's what they do with cable trays full of control cables to control cable fires. Lesson learned after the Browns Ferry reactor plant fire.

👍 great video!

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks I’m glad you liked it !

There’s a couple usb ports on the charge controller and they also have a couple lights in that kit. We have the same kit. We use it on our cargo trailer conversion. The light is perfect for a yard light after dark. It’s a great basic setup

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Cool I never even tried the light that comes with it . I should check them out

Thanks for the knowledge

@blackspruce1861

7 ай бұрын

No problem ! glad you enjoyed it !!

Good job sir.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thanks !

Great job

@blackspruce1861

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I have one of those kits, one of the solar panels started to Rot less than a year of owning it, where as the older 45Watt Kit is still like new after 12yrs...

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Really I hope I have better luck than that with it

@ravenlorans

Жыл бұрын

@@blackspruce1861 Not as Water Proof as the originals.. Get them Off the ground. That was my mistake.

Use smaller, finer diameter wood screws with finer threads. Carefully drill the holes. Drywall screws with coarse threads will split wood. Another option is small 6 or 8/32 machine screws with hex nuts. I think you can also buy blank wood covers and drill those.

@blackspruce1861

11 ай бұрын

I normally pre drill everything and it works well

I need to learn more about running electrical.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

It's a good skill to have . I learned a lot on my first house which I totally gutted and renovated . Then I learned a lot more on the next 2 houses I built, and a lot from work, and there's still a lot to learn ,

Well done .

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Thanks for the video!

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

You're very welcome ! I'm glad you liked it

Just a tip: Never stick LED strips like this. They will eventually fall off and they use their back side for cooling. Better and safer way (and neater) is to use an aluminium LED stripe mounting profile. The individual LEDs will spread their heat into the pofile and stick much better. Also the fire hazard is avoided that way.

@blackspruce1861

Жыл бұрын

I'll have to look into that I've never heard of it before thanks

@matthewgazo9645

Жыл бұрын

I use these same strips in my kids room for five years now. They are stuck and I mean really stuck there. Not moving at all, and the strips never get hot at all. If he would have gotten the really cheap ones they have at the Walmart checkout line then yes you are correct. But he didn't get those ones. He is perfectly fine.

@mrbyamile6973

Жыл бұрын

I must have the cheap ones, the adhesive on mine is garbage and came loose when summer heat softened it.