How We Will Harvest the Sun | The Perfect Spot for Our Solar Panels
We select the perfect backdrop for our solar panel array and move the conex one again. After we install each terrifying 310 watt panel we can finally relax and enjoy the big screen!
If you are in Alaska and looking for solar installation and/or solar equipment we highly recommend Jason at Long Spring Solar - longspringsolar.com/
We appreciate you tagging along for our Alaskan adventure 😀
Thank you for watching and supporting our channel! 💙
- Eric & Arielle
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Crevasse - Aiyo
(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐄𝐭𝐬𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐢𝐞 𝐃𝐲𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐞: ♥ www.etsy.com/shop/SimpleLivin...
Visit our Amazon store to see the products we use and recommend:
www.amazon.com/shop/simpleliv...
Our Amazon affiliate link if you wish to support our channel: amzn.to/2Xi9CvE
Products shown in this video:
Sony a6400 Camera: amzn.to/3MxB2Hj
Chainsaw Chaps: amzn.to/3WLVUxv
Snatch Block: amzn.to/3Nb9es5
Synthetic Winch Line: amzn.to/3NbJ7Be
Compass: amzn.to/3CbNiXq
Bosch Angle Grinder: amzn.to/43bR3bh
Hi-Lift Jack: amzn.to/3WxeR74
Leatherman Wingman: amzn.to/438o8oq
QSP Pocket Knife: amzn.to/3WAyF9p
Don't want to miss an episode? You can 🅢🅤🅑🅢🅒🅡🅘🅑🅔 here: / simplelivingalaska
Our most popular playlist: • Eggs Benedict on the F...
𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐚 -
𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘: / simplelivingalaska
𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚: / simplelivingalaska
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I can’t say enough about how well you work together. So impressive and a great example for others. Such a pleasure to watch.
I agree, my husband and I can’t make a cup of tea without disagreeing 😂
@@Mama-tea LOL I know what you mean!
@@Mama-tea are you kidding ? Or drunk
Totally agree❤
I completely agree! Been following these lovely people for years. I’ve followed quite a few channels that are similar to this, but unfollowed them when they started to use their channel to hock their Only F@ns accounts ( dont get me wrong, people can do what ever their heart desires. But there’s a time and place. I dont go on KZhead to see half naked women in compromising positions… I’d go to OF if thats what a was looking for) I feel for the kids of those channels. I love how these two, work together. How Ariel is such an amazing role model for following generations. Eric, he treats his wife like a capable partner. You can see their love through the screen. I don’t live like them, but I wish I could one day! Maybe in 25 years when I retire!
The tractor was your best investment for sure. Also the machine that makes boards out of trees. I can only imagine how beautiful this land will be once completed. Y’all are always totally amazing and such hard working people plus you never give up. Love 💕 y’all!
These two folks are what homesteading is all about unlike another so called homesteader on KZhead who charges strangers to camp out on his "property" and do all of his work for him like digging a hole, planting his garden, building all of the structures on "His Property".
Yeah, the tractor is so well suited to your needs. It's great.
This panel can put out close to 100 watts kzhead.infoUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.
Arielle just did the nicest “I told you so” ever when she very calmly reiterated her stance on the tree not being strong enough🤣
I normally stay out of peoples business and let them do what they like unless there could be a real gotcha or safety thing. Becareful of galvanic corrosion between aluminum and steel. A rubber washer would stop it or some other sacrificial material would do the trick. The new place is looking great. You guys are expanding and I am VERY happy for you.
Its a rare homesteading channel that actually takes the advice of commenters. They should have made the array adjustable too, so it can be aligned better as the Sun moves & perpendicular when its heavily snowing, etc. The frame seems too light weight for the amount of wind they get, most Ive seen are sturdier. Im sure it will all work out.
@@proudgrandma138 I do not disagree with some of your assertions. I think the wind will be OK if they have enough weight in the cargo container OR have widened base added to the container. So giving that kind od advice is what I do not do. No one needs arm chair quarterbacking.. My solar is adjustable, theirs is not. It is a choice. This is similar to their previous system, and their previous system was also at a steep angle. They need the power the most when the sun is low in the sky and only up briefly. The fixed angle they are using will generate similar power all year. This so much bigger than their last one. I believe they are good people. I just let them do what makes them happy. I think they are one of the more sincere/honest channels on youtube.
@@proudgrandma138. Amen.
@@proudgrandma138 The weight of the solar panels seems a lot for the frame they are using and with strong winds that might be a problem but I have not experience on the subject.
You are absolutely correct. I mentioned the same thing last week. I have over 50 years experience working on naval aircraft and ships. Dissimilar metals are bad news.
I love how adaptive your animals are to any new place. Especially the cat.
That storage unit with the solar panels on it looks like professionals did the project. When a couple works together almost anything can be accomplished. We are 70 & 72 years old and my wife is helping build a 6x6 foot well house, it will have a metal roof using leftover material from the new roof on our house. Love you guys.
It's pretty reassuring to a mere mortal like myself that you two high-achievers make a few rare mistakes and don't try to hide them like so many other channels. As always, thanks for taking the effort to record and upload so we may share in your adventure. 👍🏼
Don’t you love it when a plan comes together! Never lacking in excitement and Wow, Eric & Arielle, you are both mastering the 🚜! I must admit, I was holding my breath when you were loading and securing those top panels! Once again, Congratulations on another amazing project! 🎉💞! Now let that 🌞 shine down on you !
Well done
I thought I would miss your garden this year but I’m so in love with the property and love that I’ve seen all the properties you have developed
We have some gardening for you in our next video :)
@@SimpleLivingAlaskaGreat I can’t wait to see it! Y’all are amazing, beautiful and kind people. Be well and safe and much love to all ❤
@@SimpleLivingAlaska and the chickens please :)
Any plans to dig in the base of your high hoop cold frame to extend your growing season? Long term could be to double wall the plastic with air between layers + full spectrum lighting for winter months. You are one of my favorite channels - love watching your problem-solving skills!
I might want to fill up the Conex with stones and/or other HEAVY things so the wind is less likely to be able to tip it over. Looks GOOD!
Eating breakfast with my little cousins (they are 7 yr old twins). We have been binge watching y’all’s channel. Currently Cason wants to be “a tough cool awesome boy like Mr. Eric”. Kenzie wants to “be a nature pretty princess like Mrs. Arielle”. Your channel has such a positive influence on the word and I’m so thankful for y’all’s content. Many blessings and much love from TN ❤
Thanks guys :)
Yay! It’s a good day when Eric’s on the Branson. You guys amaze me. Both of you have a tremendous work ethic. “If you quit then that makes you a quitter.” Is some darn deep Eric wisdom. You guys should put that on a t-shirt and sell it! I think Bandit needs a hillbilly hot tub to replace his mud bog. It’s warm and that boy wants to splash around. 😉
The fun thing about you is that you dont ask people if it will work you just figure it all out..good job!!
It was great watching the two of you assemble what you had carefully conceived. Once again, you are thoughtful in your processes, using good judgment in your construction. Arielle is a hoot, driving the tractor like she was born to it. Eric, you learn and apply knowledge, building considerable knowledge base. All this makes for a wise use of resources and success in your endeavors. As usual, thanks for making us part of your Alaskan experience!
Animals need continuity, I am quite certain because you two give off the vibes that create the security they need hence the quick adaptation to the new place. Amazing achievement as usual. Cheers.
That tractor is really saving you two a lot of work. It's really awesome. Thank you for sharing your life with us, you both are just terrific people
I am really loving the move 😎 it’s kinda sort of like going back in time when y’all first moved to Alaska,, but with more knowledge 😂
You guys are now for sure in my "can't wait till you upload a new video" rotation! Such great videos! Content, info, length, editing, personality... everything! Keep 'em coming.
We did three rows of four, and built a wooden cover to hold it. Hubby has a peaked room up top that houses part of the converter, and all the rest of the electrical goodies are inside the connex. So far, it’s been a wonderful off grid system. Even put our washing machine in there. Wish I could figure out how to send pics. You both work amazingly together. Ariel, I love how you stop to give hugs to Eric. I do the same to my husband of 40 years. Yours is my favorite channel on You Tube. Bless you both❣️🙏🏻
Same here, we have been married over 56 years and I still get him hug too. Met my husband when I was 15.
@@maryadams5969 ♥️🙏🏻
Very happy you're upgrading the solar. I've had a Solark 12K for almost 3 years now and couldn't be happier. Totally off grid with almost zero electricity bills. Good job.
We have had our 2- 8K SolArk systems for 6 years and no issues.
@@MaMa-st2eg Nice. Great product.
Ariel, you're so right! It is a movie screen. Drape you a white sheet over the panels when it gets dark at a decent time again. Build y'all a nice cozy fire and enjoy movie night outside. Projectors are so inexpensive now. I am so looking forward to the shop build! I cannot wait to see what y'all have in store for it and imagine all the projects that will come out of that spot. Congratulations on the solar upgrade as well!
Good job on moving the hen Co-op, now the chickens have a warm place for the winter. And lot's off eggs for winter great job...
That tractor has payed for itself several times over already!!! Good call!!!
I would mount steel roofing on backside of panels to break wind a snow coming from the backside. Keep pitch same and snow will slide to ground instead of packing up on the roof.
Good point.
Do it right and have 2nd floor storage with step up to it.
Nice job on the solar, and painting the conex! I pray you have enough support for the windy and stormy times!
I was thinking the same
Awww Pepper kitty supervising and inspecting! Lovely work!
my engineering mind says maybe some additional bracing from the top of the frame to the back two corners of the conex.
Your tractor seems to be the star of the show. Excellent buy. Thanks for all the entertainment and information.
I just love watching the two of you work. I can’t wait each week for your program on your channel to come around. It brings back memories for me of when I used to work with my dad, him cutting down trees and me stacking the wood after chopping it all. Love to you both. Vicki QLD Australia ❤❤
coming together nicely for you two. Just a suggestion for next time with cables and pulling, put a coat or something like a heavy towel over the cable. If it were to break under tension, the coat absorbs the energy keeping it from whipping and could save you from injury or worse.
So happy for you guys. You can hear the excitement in your voices!
The dream is coming together! Your hard work, along with the tractor, makes your "dont give up attitude" a win-win!👏
ty eric for wearing safety gear whilst using the chainsaw, it is considered so dangerous as a tool here in australia a licence is required to operate one
It’s crazy to see that huge array of panels up there after these last years looking at those two you have used since you moved up there. Super happy for you and really enjoying watching you both use that tractor! Thanks as always for the effort you put into brining us all along with you! I can’t tell you how much it means to at least be able to watch people live as you wish you were living.
You both did an awesome job on this project. Bravo 👏 Looking forward to see how you will wire your solar system. It is going to be awesome.
Thanks Lilly ;)
Yes I to would like to see the setup and info on energy production.
Holy cow! You both never cease to amaze! You guys did an AMAZING JOB! 👏 It looks better than professional. Such hard work...omg A couple who are true inspiration of just what 2 people can accomplish. You both set an exceptionally high bar and your on top of the world. BRAVO 👏 I'm really excited to see your beautiful homestead flourish. Sending positive vibes and blessings from Northern Indiana
Between you guys and Shawn James-My Self Reliance….just awesome independent human beings…..God…you people are wonderful to watch and learn from
One thing that I admire with you guys, TEAMWORK. You both operate whatever machine or equipment you have. I’m so excited every time you have a new video. I enjoy long videos. You are so fun to watch, no matter what you do. Love you guys and the fur babies ❤❤❤❤
Unless you do something to tie that conX down to the earth, you may come out some morning and find it down on it's side. Wind load is critical in Alaska.
Great work! I will say it again, I cannot wait to join you on your future adventures and projects! Thanks so much for sharing.
We stole your chicken coop idea. We stole your sprouting feed idea. We are stealing the solar idea. We don’t feel bad about it 😂😉 You guys are great, give Bo and Bandit a belly rub for us!
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
Try building the solar frame with a hand crank so the panels angle can be adjusted to capture more Sun. Lots of homesteaders hav put in Solar arrays & they can be more versatile. Ck out Red Poppy Ranch.
I love you problem solving skills. Time and time again.
Great job, guys. One big suggestion: you need to have a way to protect the solar panels from the inevitable winds that will come. Just looking at your mount, the first thing that came to mind was to engineer a way to slide the whole assembly down the side of the container. Then you could strap it in place until the heavy winds pass. But I'll wait to see how you figure it out. Used to live up there in the '70s. Sure miss it. I'm living vicariously through your vids. Great place you two have there. Cheers.
The tractor was the best investment you’ve made! Congratulations on a job well done.
Holy smokes that's a huge solar panel setup. Amazing!
I don’t exactly know you guys experience with felling trees so please forgive me if I’m being redundant in my suggestions. If you’re dropping small trees this doesn’t apply but on something you wanna drop in a specific direction do this. When you make your front “wedge” cut to direct the tree, make your back cut start 6-10” above the front wedge and cut at a downward 45 degree angle towards your wedge cut. What that does is keep the tree from falling backwards the opposite direction you want it to go. Sometimes nature does what it wants and no amount of technique can stop it. Love your videos and can’t wait to see the continuing progress on the homestead!
“Thrilling “ probably a understated description.
You should cover the rope with some type of arrestor like a tarp or sleeping bags, in case that rope snaps while using the pulley setup. Good way to get your head taken off if something lets loose.
Now your next tractor implement….a grapple! Love your videos, you both do such a good job
You two really are my young heroes…👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 What an amazing job well done!!
I am so glad that those solar panels are up ! You two are very smart, brave, and such hard workers; but, some projects put me on edge ( I'm old enough to be your mother). Your channel is the very best. You have a " way" with our presentation and your content is always excellent! Thank you.. Lee
YOU TWO ARE SUPER, Love every thing you do. You think everything out before you do it. you are number one in my book. Thank you for taking time for the videos and keeping us informed.😊❤🌹🌹🌹🌻🌻🌻
You two are fearless and brave..thank goodness you bought that tractor..it has been invaluable
Another little tip when you’re drilling through steel plate, you should drill slower, and even use a little oil for lubrication. You will not go through as many drillbits this way. Takes a little longer, but saves money in the long run.
Arielle and Eric have been doing a really great job on the land and they are living in paradise out here and Thank You for your videos. 🌳🌳🚜🚜🚜🚜🌲🌲
Fantastic, congratulations with the connex and solar panel project! You guys are doing great and I am waiting in anticipation for your next project. Kind regards👍🏻
What a surprise to see you today. You just made my day. The solar panels look great. Thank you so much for sharing. Looking forward to the next video. Love you guys take care and stay safe✌️🇺🇸❤️
Fantastic job!! I am amazed at what you two can do. Love your channel. I miss Bow hope he is doing ok.
You two are an excellent team .Amazing what you can accomplish together..love watching….♥️🇨🇦
Now all you need are Fuel Tanks (2) one for Diesel and the other for gasoline (aka petrol).. and make a shed for the outdoor fuel tanks.
Alaska time!
Looking good. But that is one large solar sail. I'm thinking a little more bracing on the ends and some cross bracing on the back. You don't want is racking and don't forget you like in earthquake country.
I just can't say anything hardly I'm just Spellbound since I found this show. I just love these two and they put on such a sensational show. This is the only show that is "can't miss"
Way to go Ariel. Up o a ladder on top of the Conex. Would never know you don't like heights. Great job both of you.
I would have placed the conex far enough away from the trees so if one ever comes down it will never hit the conex. It's only a matter of time before one of those surrounding trees comes down due to ice/wind. Hitting the conex itself may not be a big deal, but hitting the solar array might. It's a cool array mount. Did you look at building any system where you could custom tilt the panels for different times of the year? That would be a sweet setup. Looking forward to the quonset hut build, I've always liked those buildings
That tractor is really impressive.
I agree Eric, perfect set-up! I loved how your dog was wanting your attention with his tug toy. Loved seeing the cat! Hope you both have a nice week.
Love you guys. I always get excited to see your videos.
Wow amazing how good you are to put all that together ! It's perfect an your tractor is really helpful! You don'tneed another man helping you Ariel equal two of them!,😅😊❤ Good job guys !👍👍👍
Nice job, I hope you will make sure the wind can't blow over the conex and solar panels. Maybe some concrete ankers into the grould or the ankers that the utiltiy company's use to secure poles that screw into the ground.Thanks for great video's.
💚 Wow, that looks great, a pretty large array of panels, should serve you well. Love that color you got for the Conex. Yep, the tractor is a great investment!💚
We really enjoy following you “kids” on all your projects and adventures… Can’t get over how you research, plan all your projects. Sanity check… wouldn’t you need a larger Fire Break around your structures? Be safe and take care my friends..,
Great job guys!! You two Rock !! I live off grid and it’s always interesting figuring things out !!
Laughed hysterically … “Run, Forrest!”
THANK GOODNESS NEITHER ONE OF YOU FELL. PUTTING UP SOLAR PANELS.
You guys rock!! What a great job
Yipee..our favorite show!…I would suggest using as much cross bracing on that array since it’s one solid piece since the wind’s going to hammer that!
Yes, you work sooooo well together. Eric said it, “ we are not afraid’ , you are young, strong and brave. Enjoy it all and always BE CAREFUL. An accident would be disastrous. The 2 of you did good.
Gosh, guys! I was really excited as I watched you guys travel to get your tractor and bring it back home. It is so clear that it is probably one of the smartest investments ever! What a workhorse!
Great team work you two, looking forward to the next project starting.
Great job y’all. Really looks good. The color couldn’t be better.
The color reminds me of cappuccino! Beautiful light brown color.
Being that close to the snatch block and cable gave me flashbacks of having a snatch block come apart yrs ago. Lucky nobody was hurt.
If you get a thumb for the backhoe attachment it will make live easier. Thanks guys great channel. "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~ Marcel Proust
That contraption to get those last 2 bolts was definitely OSHA approved. HA I am excited to see the shop and this solar all done.
Awesome job ... remember to anchor the container down with ground anchors. The solar panels will act like a giant sail and in high winds may turn it over.
Fantastic job guys! In years to come, you will look back and say, how did we ever get it done!
Love our SolArk systems we have 2 for 7 years. Keep your array run under 300 feet to the Inverter. We also installed EMP shield on our SolArks to protect against EMP and Lightning. Just a thought. You will not regret capturing early morning sun. We did the same thing, early morning is when your panels arw the coolest and most efficient. It is also when you use the most electricity and your battery bank needs recharging. That Tractor is the Bomb....great choice. Ariel is such a trooper and you all never stop amazing us with your hars work, knowledge and teamwork.
You all are amazing! I just love your new place! I can't wait to see the next new adventure! 👏👍🌞
“Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world. ” ― Archimedes ... Beware the Strong Wind
What a great couple! You two plan everything out and it always comes together! So happy for you both and this new property of yours! Lots of entertainment coming in the next few months! ❤
you'll definitely need chains for the rear of your tractor this winter. maybe order them now so you don't have any supply chain issues when you really need them. things look great!
I believe he needs beet juice in his tires also and maybe some tire weights also ❤
I love how well you work together.
Your Logo should be put on the conex ….. would look awesome! You two can do anything!!
I do miss the garden videos and the canning but I'm loving seeing what yall are oing on the new property.
Amazing video as always guys keep up the great work!!
Good job!! You are becoming experts. The tractor is the hero on the property❤
Aww that ending shot with Pepper is so cute, love it
To say that my heart stopped a couple of times is an understatement. I think I held my breath the whole video.
Great work! I'm hoping that the Conex doesn't turn into a sailboat in big winds :)