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OFF-THE-GRID, CHEAP SOLAR MONTANA CABIN IN A FOREST GARDEN

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  • čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
  • Renovating a 100 year old Montana Cabin in a meadow surrounded by pine forest: Living radical simplicity in an off-the-grid, passive solar design cabin with a cheap, simple, and efficient solar electric system, food-producing forest garden, and root cellar. There is a spring above the cabin that provides gravity flow water for the cabin's one sink and the garden, two 135 W solar panels, two 275 amp hour batteries, 80 acres of pine forest to manage for wood heat addition to the passive solar gain, and a blending of old technology and new technology.
    Email solar@Slate Creek Engineering.com for details on the solar system. For more on the forest garden system go to veganicpermaculture.com

Komentáře • 392

  • @ichoose2bhappy
    @ichoose2bhappy Před 10 lety +1

    This is how these videos should be made. No smoke and mirrors just the facts. Thank you very much for your time and insight into living green.

  • @adventureaisle
    @adventureaisle Před 11 lety +2

    How awesome is this?! I love that you're showing other women that we're also very capable of understanding things like electrical / solar systems! You're inspiring in every way!

  • @2012spacetraveler
    @2012spacetraveler Před 10 lety +5

    There are several comments left about putting a tarp of sorts over your panels which is a good idea, every time you sweep the panel you run the risk of scratching the glass and over time your panels will become less effective. Another option and I see it was mentioned was putting up a small wind mill, they are affordable and would help during those long cloudy periods during winter.
    Of course your bottom line is living simply and with minimum impact on the environment around you. Well done

    • @kenputer56
      @kenputer56 Před 9 lety +3

      Panels are able to withstand 1" hail so I don't think a broom will harm them.

  • @MormonAll
    @MormonAll Před 10 lety

    What wisdom and inspiration in just over 7 minutes. Enjoy Montana, we did for a while. Now we are back on the "flat land" and back to our farm. We are thankful. Thank you very much for a glimpse of your world. What a wonderful place.

  • @vancamerawoman7399
    @vancamerawoman7399 Před 4 lety +1

    I love the gentleness and kindness evident in your life.

  • @hasdrubal121
    @hasdrubal121 Před 7 lety +36

    Why not cover the solar panels at night with a tarp. It would be easier to just pull it off in the morning and protect the panels for longer. Nice vid thnx

    • @theopinion9452
      @theopinion9452 Před 6 lety +3

      hasdrubal121 She is getting some excercise while cleaning the panels?

    • @yonmoore
      @yonmoore Před 5 lety +3

      Haha a fine option that simply begs the question would you rather spend your time dealing with a tarp morning and night or booming off your panels after a snow in the morning. Either option will provide the same results.

    • @CriticalRoleHighlights
      @CriticalRoleHighlights Před 4 lety +1

      @@theopinion9452 She could just walk a few laps around the cabin instead.

    • @CriticalRoleHighlights
      @CriticalRoleHighlights Před 4 lety +2

      @@yonmoore "Dealing with a tarp"? How much work do you think it really takes just to remove a tarp and put it back again? First off, she still has to walk out to the panels regardless Secondly, solar panels need to be pretty much pristine in order to run effectively so it takes a lot more time brushing them off properly than it does removing a tarp from the now already debris free panels.

    • @johnmendoza5907
      @johnmendoza5907 Před 3 lety +1

      Food for thought.

  • @GardeningWithPuppies
    @GardeningWithPuppies Před 9 lety +14

    I love the idea of the indoor root cellar and the sunroom for heating. Thanks so much for sharing this.

  • @michellechristineaugust9494

    my daughters live in Missoula. Seriously thinking about making a big move and living a better life..in peace and tranquility!

  • @earthangel8730
    @earthangel8730 Před 4 lety

    Love the cold box. EVERY home with a 4 season climate could benefit from one. I use my 2nd floor attic for something similar. Especially when the power goes out. Your respect for the creatures you share the planet with is spot on. You are living the dream.

  • @AgrarianDreams
    @AgrarianDreams  Před 11 lety +6

    I sold my organic vegetable farm of 18 years, work 1/2 time consulting and live on 80 acres of family land.

  • @mcartr2003
    @mcartr2003 Před 10 lety +5

    Greetings, Love your video! I retired in 2010 have taken up off the grid living and love it. I now know my life goal is "Radical Simplicity". I knew what I wanted but just didn't know what it was called. Thanks

  • @healthfullivingify
    @healthfullivingify Před 11 lety

    Excellent video,Helen!
    This gives everybody, including myself who has studied all this for years but not yet DONE it a great proven PATTERN. Thanks, Helen.
    Love,
    Johnny

  • @Love2TravelAway
    @Love2TravelAway Před 10 lety +9

    Wow I admire you for making your dream come true...its a blessing how you live...wish many of us had the courage of getting up and living life like we desire...Your fuffy friends cute,,,adorable pet...

    • @rubyokosi8377
      @rubyokosi8377 Před 4 lety

      Wished I knew how to do it.live like that😊

  • @goose2die4
    @goose2die4 Před 10 lety +2

    What a beautiful place....You are so lucky to have it !

  • @Laura32562
    @Laura32562 Před 11 lety

    Please do more of your place, alot of us are trying to go simpler and your video shows us a glimmer of how to, one of the best videos i have seen. You have simply done it and minimized the technology of the idea of solar and simplicity to something easily understandable, please do more videos. Of you, your garden, your green house, your cooking..

  • @BroccoliBeefed
    @BroccoliBeefed Před 11 lety +1

    Interesting. And her eloquence is very much appreciated. I can't tell you how many times I've had to listen to others interject "uh" ahd "umm" in their speech which makes me want to pull my hair out.

  • @rkansas1
    @rkansas1 Před 11 lety

    Great way to live simply.I see the dog loves living that way too...lol.Nothing like the warmth of a wood stove.

  • @bruceforster1756
    @bruceforster1756 Před 9 lety +3

    My compliments on the Propane Stove. Only 20 gallons per year to cook is FANTASTIC! I REALLY want to learn more about that filter for the Modified Sine Wave Inverters. I have ONE light in my home that does not work with my 1500 Watt Modified Sine Wave Inverter. I DON'T buy the Carbon Footprint Bull Squat, OR the "Peak OIL" crap. I KNOW otherwise where Oil is concerned.
    That having been said, I genuinely applaud what you're doing. In these uncertain times, ANY thing we can do for energy independence is Right On!

  • @FreeLovingAmerican
    @FreeLovingAmerican Před 11 lety

    Love the off grid idea. Been doing it myself for about 3 years now. Your solar is in great need of a proper charge. To adequately charge a 370aH system, you should be bulk charging at between 7% and 13%. Generally 10% is used, so you should be charging at 37 amps. At your current rate of usage and with that setup, your batteries will die FAST.

  • @SoulSurvivorX2
    @SoulSurvivorX2 Před 10 lety +11

    Fantastic place you have there. Thanks for sharing :)

  • @blairbushproject
    @blairbushproject Před 5 lety

    They have industrial size window squeegees and you can get a pole for it and run a screw to attach it. And viola. We use it for a tarp that we have for rain catchment. In the winter the snow collects. When it melts we squeegee it and use the ice chunks in our cooler. And scraping the panels is so easy breezy. We also use the snow and shovel for watering the plants in our greenhouse.

  • @tallulahbell2844
    @tallulahbell2844 Před 10 lety +4

    You should have more videos. Love it and love the way you present yourself.

  • @StarryHilder
    @StarryHilder Před 9 lety +8

    some real neat simple ideas. i love the cold box and the root cellar idea. we live off grid and place our fridge outside during the winter. for the most part it does pretty well, but then the issue is warmer days and or too cold freeze days. so i try to clean the fridge out and keep just the necessities in it. We are your neighbors in idaho. Should do more videos and udates

    • @angiekrajewski6419
      @angiekrajewski6419 Před 6 lety

      Starry Hilder hi Starry .i have heard that in idaho people can’t grow gardens..is this true?...

  • @charlesgraham9954
    @charlesgraham9954 Před 6 lety

    When have alil 18×24 cabin. I ruff cut all my 6×6s. I did use cement to get the cabin 18" off the ground. I also used spray in foam in between my 10" floor joyses and between the rafters i have 10" and ontop of that i blow in the rest. Over kill iknow. Im not getting younger so i want low maintenance. I like how simple ur solor set-up is. Good for u guys. Looks awesome. U should be proud and happy.

  • @magentaangel5531
    @magentaangel5531 Před 4 lety

    I absolutely love your house, and the Windows are lovely. What a peaceful, serene and close to nature life you live. Thank you for sharing.

  • @alisonaddicks1584
    @alisonaddicks1584 Před 10 lety +10

    A glass squeegee is more effective for cleaning snow from solar panels.

  • @jalleman61
    @jalleman61 Před 11 lety

    This is impressive.I live in central Pa. and have a hand dug cold cellar that we have used for years.Anything from our fall harvest goes in there including all root veggies to apples that stay thru the winter.You may ask why, and I would have to say that I can and that its free.Just one of life's simple pleasures.Job very well done.
    Jack

  • @jeffreykreiley7265
    @jeffreykreiley7265 Před 10 lety +5

    Thank you for sharing how you live, gently in the world and with dignity.

  • @americanbluejacket209
    @americanbluejacket209 Před 4 lety

    A very nice setup. I have a similar one and understand how much work and effort it takes to get it working so well. Once a person is properly setup, it's a breeze. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Ahntara123
    @Ahntara123 Před 10 lety +3

    Your cabin and setup rules! I congratulate you and covet your lifestyle. You're an inspiration

  • @OffGridInvestor
    @OffGridInvestor Před 11 lety

    reminds me A LOT of me. i am in a place over 100 years old, surrounded by nature ( had a koala here a few weeks ago ), with a small solar rig. got a separate solar rig for a 12V fridge (used only 1.1Ah for the whole day a few days back). got the wood heater going behind me right now ( autumn here in oz and getting cold ).

  • @frankleon-guerrero2461
    @frankleon-guerrero2461 Před 8 lety +1

    My new dream of living out in the country completely off the grid. You have done an incredibly a Beautiful job! I hope to continue learning more. Blessings

  • @Hilshere1
    @Hilshere1 Před 9 lety +2

    All I can say is this is awesome! You are living the dream!

  • @jrnjacobsen3999
    @jrnjacobsen3999 Před 11 lety

    I couldn't call it 'radical simplicity', but I would call it *AWESOME*, and exactly what I would do if I could. thanks for the tour.

  • @fencefriend
    @fencefriend Před 11 lety

    With Thermo Rack, you will never have to sweep snow off modules in winter. Thermo Rack is a patented racking system that has glycolated water running through it. A heat pump draws heat from Thermo Rack improving module performance while giving you hot water but can also heat modules to remove snow, for example using ground water.

  • @charlesfulmer6482
    @charlesfulmer6482 Před 11 lety

    This is one the best videos I've seen on this topic, very well organized, informative, and aesthetically pleasing.

  • @normbograham
    @normbograham Před 8 lety

    Cool. I like that you have two systems in the house, ac and dc and do not needlessly convert from DC to AC. I'm sure you also have the generator somewhere, for those times when you need alot more power.

  • @josephdupont
    @josephdupont Před 5 lety

    During the winter you can use heat pipes and Freeze ice inside your home the minimize the use of your freezer

  • @BethGrantDeRoos
    @BethGrantDeRoos Před 11 lety

    Please make more videos. You have a lovely way of speaking and sharing ideas.

  • @SoulSair
    @SoulSair Před 2 lety

    Absolutely in love with this setup. Updates would be so easy to make if you wanted to. Amazing.

  • @gamingSlasher
    @gamingSlasher Před 9 lety +7

    Very good presentation. Well done and a beautiful house.

  • @mebhi2
    @mebhi2 Před 7 lety

    Of all the off grid videos I've watched, I like this one the best.....

  • @dobe762
    @dobe762 Před 11 lety +1

    Great video, I love your cabin, nice to see things done on a practical budget, please do more videos!

  • @stevew8191
    @stevew8191 Před 10 lety

    You've done a very good job there. The one thing I'd suggest is to build a box or baffle around the batteries, and vent them outside. The electronics in the same space , especially directly above the batteries is a safety issue. Flooded lead batteries expel flammable hydrogen gas as they charge, and any spark could cause a fire or explosion. Your place is beautiful.

  • @kjkbnapier
    @kjkbnapier Před 10 lety +3

    180 amps is not5 bad really. I would prefer to have around 350 or more but living basic your doing awesome. I love to watch your videos.

  • @marywebber854
    @marywebber854 Před 11 lety

    In the early 1950's, living in San Francisco, we had an Ice Box. The Ice Man would deliver a big square of ice! Us kids would run after him and catch the drips. He swung it over his back, which he had a rain coat type jacket on. :)

  • @MsSomeonenew
    @MsSomeonenew Před 8 lety

    You could also put a couple of large mirrors next to the solar panel for winter time. much cheaper option and should provide a decent boost of light onto the panels.

  • @InvisibleCitizen
    @InvisibleCitizen Před 11 lety

    Thanks for the very well organized simple video. I love your cabin and its simple off grid foot print. I purchased a 60 year old cabin about 4 years ago and have added a 12 volt wiring system to it along side the 120volt. I am not totally off grid but but very close. I have been reducing my foot print over time and will be there some day. After a bad tornado a few years ago I got to experience true off grid for many weeks and all went well.

  • @josephdupont
    @josephdupont Před 5 lety

    You could also use reflectors to help enhance the the amount of energy you get in the winter

  • @GardeningWithPuppies
    @GardeningWithPuppies Před 11 lety

    What a great system you have there. I admire you for what you have achieved.

  • @sunsensational
    @sunsensational Před 11 lety

    Very nice and cozy. I love the independence and solitude your lifestyle provides.

  • @farnorthhomested844
    @farnorthhomested844 Před 8 lety

    very impressed! I like the fact that a women is showing this whole video. not many women can deal with this way of life. hope to see more of your videos!

  • @michaelfrazer1807
    @michaelfrazer1807 Před 3 lety

    Beautiful beautiful thank You for sharing. Oooo how I miss Montana.

  • @speedracer6647
    @speedracer6647 Před 8 lety

    You don't need an inverter and without one just using all 12 volt fans lights and appliances you could make the solar system much more efficient. Also covering the solar panels overnight can save you the chore of brushing snow in the morning.

  • @Tarten46
    @Tarten46 Před 11 lety

    very,nice marriage of old school and new. strikes a really cool balance. well done!

  • @Parmesana
    @Parmesana Před 11 lety +2

    I love your place.. just watching this made my soul happy

  • @johnarizona3820
    @johnarizona3820 Před 10 lety

    You could add mirrors above, below and sides to maximize collection and a tracker would pay for itself.

  • @AgrarianDreams
    @AgrarianDreams  Před 11 lety

    Not much wind, good idea. Integrated systems are the best.

  • @homesteadformyfamily
    @homesteadformyfamily Před 11 lety

    we are currently building our own off grid cabin and are using your root cellar in the floor and cold fridge in our kitchen design! Thank you for the inspiration!

  • @YlvaBjarnson
    @YlvaBjarnson Před 9 lety +2

    I love that cabin. I love everything about it!

  • @AirMarksman
    @AirMarksman Před 11 lety

    I love it. I would love to have something like that. I have been designing something like this for myself for a few years. Including the 12v light set up. I have lived on sailboats off and on for years and I just figured I would implement that electrical system right in to a nice small cabin. So happy to see another person doing what I want to do.

  • @TheMrKrause
    @TheMrKrause Před 11 lety

    Very nice cabin. Simple solar setup. Good use of solar heating too.

  • @EarlRausch
    @EarlRausch Před 11 lety

    I don't understand why more people don't make a root cellar. I am in Wyoming and my root cellar is a huge money saver. I put wood on the floor and walls. I hang quartered beef and deer or Elk in the cellar
    Anyway have a good winter.
    Earl.

  • @dassschuppen4712
    @dassschuppen4712 Před 11 lety

    I agree with 1962moe, would love to see more about your simplistic lifestyle. We are not there yet, but working our way to live debt-free and to simplify our life in Texas.

  • @jeanineadele
    @jeanineadele Před 11 lety

    Yes, it is you, I saw this video on your website vegan permaculture. Good to see you are still making videos because you always share good information.

  • @MrsMika
    @MrsMika Před 9 lety +1

    Love your home and the simplicity of your solar set up.

  • @miracleshappen4483
    @miracleshappen4483 Před 6 lety

    Great woman, amazing dog and perfect dwelling for a person like me!

  • @ph1sh100
    @ph1sh100 Před 11 lety

    If you can get enough head from the spring you could make a water power generator Very small yet it would make great back up for winter.

  • @saidharrachi4344
    @saidharrachi4344 Před 11 lety

    I'm a fan and hope to do this very soon. I will be referring to you. thanks for sharing and spreading organic living w/ the rest of us. May the sun shine on your house and your garden always!

  • @jrnjacobsen3999
    @jrnjacobsen3999 Před 11 lety

    BTW, solar is now only about 1.oo buck a watt. It would be easy to add on. You may also consider a wood gasifier to power a generator and heat the cabin.

  • @writerconsidered
    @writerconsidered Před 11 lety

    my first immediate thought about the snow on the panels was to cover them with a tarp to A) protect the panels from Ice and abrasion from the broom and B) just flip off the tarps to to get rid of the snow

  • @CriticalRoleHighlights

    Another thing that could be a good investment for extra power is a thermoelectric generator for use on the wood stove.

  • @sliverson2114
    @sliverson2114 Před 11 lety

    Thank you for sharing your home with us! I look forward to convincing my husband to move our 6 person family off the grid!

  • @58_Powermaster
    @58_Powermaster Před 10 lety

    Very nice setup you have there. Thanks for sharing!!

  • @popoqwer
    @popoqwer Před 9 lety +1

    Radical Simplicity! LOVE IT!

  • @missmamtube
    @missmamtube Před 10 lety +1

    What a beautiful home you have. Thank you for sharing.
    Blessings to you and yours !

  • @rosenwo
    @rosenwo Před 9 lety +2

    I like your doggie..the dog stole the show..and the deer..

  • @josephdupont
    @josephdupont Před 5 lety

    Rotate them to track the sun it's fairly simple remove the remove the collectors a couple times a day and you'll pick up you'll probably double your your winter input of energy

  • @hobokengar
    @hobokengar Před 7 lety

    That was quite enjoyable to watch. I wish you continued good luck.

  • @towlebucket
    @towlebucket Před 11 lety

    This is my dream and you have done a fantastic job of both harvesting resources, as well as utilizing them.
    Color me jealous!

  • @KB1EPA
    @KB1EPA Před 11 lety

    I love the solar panel set-up. The video is very informative. Thank you for sharing,

  • @TheBillythekid2010
    @TheBillythekid2010 Před 11 lety

    This is the best off grid 12volt living I have ever seen! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see more of this type of living from you.

  • @ShakespeareAvenue
    @ShakespeareAvenue Před 2 lety +1

    You should cover them in the evening with plastic so you don’t need to sweep ice and snow.

  • @NoProGoPronto
    @NoProGoPronto Před 11 lety

    Absolutely beautiful! I can feel your spirit thru my computer. (not solar powered sad to say :) ). I wish we ALL could come together as a country and live this way. We have taken enough from nature. Now it's time to give back!

  • @jaronensley
    @jaronensley Před 9 lety +1

    I demand more in depth videos from you at once. Love your place!

  • @kristenthebarber2505
    @kristenthebarber2505 Před 11 lety

    I love it. You are getting away from the damage of the modern day. My husband and I want to get off the grid too =) Thanks for such a wonderful and educational vid!!!!!!

  • @LaikaMuttnik
    @LaikaMuttnik Před 10 lety

    That looks comfy and peaceful.

  • @gaetanproductions
    @gaetanproductions Před 11 lety +1

    Really nice, good going !

  • @_haabb_
    @_haabb_ Před 10 lety +1

    Beautiful! I am planning on selling my apartment and buying a cabin, that I can renovate to be simple and off-grid. Very nice setup!

  • @elhijode3543
    @elhijode3543 Před 11 lety

    A lucky woman: off the grid and with a dog company!!!!!...God bless you...

  • @TheBill70800
    @TheBill70800 Před 4 lety

    whimsical exterior looks good

  • @geoduncan952
    @geoduncan952 Před 11 lety

    I like your approach to minimalism. knowing how much is enough.
    I'm building off-grid at Drumheller Canada. Cabin is 290 sq. ft, build mostly from reclaimed materials. Also have a studio partially built combining timber, cord-wood, straw bale & barn-wood.
    Like that you have respect your furry neighbors.
    george duncan design

  • @MrEndz00
    @MrEndz00 Před 10 lety +1

    Really admiring what your doing I wish we all could do the same.

  • @rebeccasmith9536
    @rebeccasmith9536 Před 11 lety

    I love Montana summers! Thanks for sharing.

  • @bertThugh2
    @bertThugh2 Před 11 lety

    It came to me that if the wall on the outside of the building could be made to open & expose just the backside of the fridge,it could keep things cold in winter.Of course this would mean a fridge backside of just metal,but the outside cottage wall could actually be outfitted w/an insulated 'door'(from off the removed backside of the fridge?).Access to frig.would only be on the inside of the bldg.The outside 'door/panel would stay closed in warm months to keep the fridge cold off the solar power.

  • @malachy1847
    @malachy1847 Před 10 lety +1

    Would't a Propane Freezer.. be the way to go thus taking the load off your solar panels... you could always switch back to your existing freezer during the late spring to autumn season...

  • @larryjacobs5713
    @larryjacobs5713 Před 6 lety

    Absolutely amazing and simple. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate your sharing.

  • @econewpower
    @econewpower Před 11 lety

    Excellent design, you're an amazing woman for sure. Thanks for sharing

  • @reahalea1
    @reahalea1 Před 11 lety

    Wonderful vid! We have been giving much thought to moving to that area and want to live off grid as well. You show that it can be done. Thank you!

  • @northwoodstrapper8778
    @northwoodstrapper8778 Před 11 lety

    Great video, I have a cabin off the grid I plan on living in as soon as I can get my loose ends finished. This was great help.