OFF GRID LIVING | Building Another Solar Array 

I swear, you're the only channel where a 19 min video, feels like it's only 5 mins long. Always sad when I hear the end tune. ❤

*Love the portability of this solar panel unit. **Generater.Systems** Easy to grab and go and doesn't take up space!*

This panel can put out close to 100 watts ru-vid.comUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg 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.

Have you ever done a full walkthrough of the interior of your completed home? Your both so talented. And Spencer is better than all the DIY home TV's going. It would have taken you years and years as an apprentice in 10 trades to learn what this experience has taught you. You have natural talent. You can write your own ticket to build anything now. Hats off to you both!!!💗

I think if you're going to put an aerator in the pond, which should help with the alge you need to add a fountain as well. It will aid the aeration and be nice to listen to and be pretty. Just a thought.

Okay I was just blown away when you showed us Saturn and you can see the beautiful rings.... I had no idea you could see that in a telescope. Truthfully, thank you so much for sharing that with us...

I truly wonder if you two have any idea what joy you bring to those of us watching and wishing we had lived our dreams when we were young and able to accomplish them. I absolutely love your laugh, Kenzie, and you are such good parents, spending time with your little ones and teaching them things they will cherish when they are adults. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us! And your home is fabulous!!

I remember when you guys started this. You guys & a dog & a dream, Now look at ya, 2 kids, 2 dogs, a house.....but what you really built was a Life. I am Proud of You, Well Done!

Holy cow I never saw the rings of Saturn with the naked eye.Your yard is like a planetarium at night.Very nice!!

There's always something to do on a homestead. Keep finding projects you guys are a great team.

Bear is such a sweet soul, love when he shows up in the video's. He's joined the gray muzzle society.

Every project from here on out will be different for you guys. You now have the comfort of your beautiful, cozy home to retreat to after a hard, long day. It's absolutely amazing what you two have accomplished. You truly are creating a paradise all your own. PS. The affection you have for each other is so sweet. Keep that love throughout life and your life will be rich.

Oh the view of Saturn was so cool !!!! Love what you're doing with the pond can't wait to see the transformation.

Ponds are like big aquariums and require maintenance to get them balanced and pristine. There is a ton of science behind it and can be very interesting. Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Have dug my share of post holes with a hitch auger here's tip. I looks like your PTO shaft is pushing on the drill head so you're starting not vertical. If your PTO shaft slip joint doesn't slid easily enough to allow the bit to hang vertical, try cleaning and greasing or what I do is lower the bit until the tip engages the ground, then backup the tractor (or pull forward) until the bit is vertical then engage the bit power. Also as the bit gets deeper, you'll need to back up a little at a time to keep it vertical. With a little practice you'll get the hang of it. Keep up the great work.

Suggestion: once the system is fully operational,it would be interesting to see the change in the pond through time lapse photography,i.e; take a daily picture over the course of a year.👍 🙂✌️❤

I truly respect the hard work that you and your wife has done. The videos are wonderful keep up the great work.

Hearing the closing music start,it's always,'Oh no,it's over already?'.Thanks for sharing the errors as well as successes.Nothing goes totally right.That's a great plan.I hope it works well too.Are you including an outlet to plug things into as well?Like a pump for a garden hose when needed,or lights etc when setting there.?

I am always amazed and in awe of what 2 people can accomplish when they really want something. The design and stain color for the skirting around your home and your porches is so perfect and beautiful. I never get tired of seeing your family together and finally able to have lots of family times. Just one favor I would ask, please have your pond water tested before you get in it. I have been hearing and reading about an increase of fatal diseases and parasite infestations, so I am worried about you all. Stay happy and enjoy making many more memories with your beautiful children. God Bless and Protect You All!

I can be having the worst day, and I take the time to watch your positive, uplifting, peaceful, gentle video, and I feel recharged. Thank you for putting your light into the world!

absolutely fantastic, once you get the aeration going the pond will look and smell much better

Now that here is power - you could hook up an automatic gate opener to the gate. And maybe hang a light a pine tree.

That little solar mount is so cute I could just hug it.

I know that others have commented on the use of the three point hitch, so maybe this is redundant, but here are the tips I have for you on it. 1. Don't engage PTO until bit is on the ground and PERFECTLY vertical. Causes much less binding issues, and it is more likely to bite into the ground. 2. Also, keep it vertical as the auger drives into the ground, so move the tractor back slowly as it sinks into the dirt. 3. If it doesn't want to bite....make it!!! I usually used a piece of sucker rod (solid metal dowel from the oil field) to force it. I would wedge one end into the gap between the auger hinge and the three point assembly, and basically create a lever and fulcrum situation. Then put all of my weight on the other end of the 6-8 foot piece of sucker rod. Often times that would force the auger to bite and if it still doesn't, water hose and a good soaking of the hole also helps. Like I said it might have been redundant, but I have dug SO many post holes in my time and I swear my brother and I got it down to a science. All that being said, make sure you do have everything greased well, and good teeth on the bottom of the auger, and they aren't bent. Lol. And finally, the obligatory: Love all the videos, admire all of the hard work and energy you have put into all of this over the years. Keep up the good work! Jake

i must say the way you edit and make your videos with the music is really very entertaining! thank you for the effort!

Great idea for the pond. Can't wait to see it all cleared up ☺️.

Hi Mackenzie and Spencer, how are you? My husband and I haven't missed any videos of you all these years, we love everything you post. 'It's a dream to live like this, isn't it true? I believe that it must also be very difficult to build everything without the help of any contractor. You have a lot of perseverance and that is very important. I can't imagine that you guys have already 2 beautiful children, the time goes so fast. Congratulations on your projects, we wish that all your dreams come true. 😘❤🥰

I use two of these in my pond - FlexAir 9" Disc Air Diffuser - They work great and keeps a hole open all winter. I had a fountain at one time but it evaporates so much water in the heat of the summer.

Yay! I’ve been commenting about putting a pump in that pond for so long!!

I'm always waiting for a snake to pop it's head up 🙄

Another great vlog. Everything looks wonderful. The children are growing so fast , love those fur babies. You and your husband have done a awesome job at making a beautiful home for your beautiful family, God Bless.

Try to get each hole started, even if it's just a foot or so deep, pour about 5 to 10 gallons of water into the started hole, let the water soak in, and then give it another try with the auger. If still to hard, add more water. Definitely goes faster than hand digging.

Oh I hope it works!! My sister did the same thing to her pond and it worked for her, but her pond is not as big as yours. 🤷‍♀️ She also bought a paddle boat and the grandchildren love it! 🙏❤️

I’m sure you’ve done your research on adding aeration in ponds. Some people have killed all their fish because they didn’t run the pumps the way they were supposed to. You have to start off slowly and add a little more run time every day until you can run it full time.

Ive been watching from the very beginning, and am so happy to see such great progress!! Spencer has defiantly proved himself as a master do it your selfer!!! Rock on with your little family and dreams!!! youre killin it!!!! Meaning good. love the channel and little fam!!!! much love from New Hampshire!!!!

From one self taught welder to another, that stack of dimes was sick. Congrats

Where there's a will there's a way and Spencer always find it. 🙂

Cat fish are bottom feeders.. you could also stock the pond with an abundance of algae eaters to help to keep the pond cleaner

First 3 videos I watch I got a Step Brothers reference (so much more room for activities). Two Office references (“Parkour” and that’s what she said) also got an ace Ventura reference. So I’m hooked 😂. Absolutely love your family. Keep up the great work.

I truly enjoy Your Life......My Husband & I started with Y'all......Praying for Y'all! Thank God for the Rain.

Every thing looks so good. the cattle is no help getting in the pond stirring up the bottom plus the water is like a switch that makes them relieve them self no matter what

You can also try pod dye to turn the water blue so the sunlight won't penetrate it as well and the algae won't grow as well.

I commend your adventurous side GO FOR IT! You won’t regret it

Great thinking, putting in another solar array to accommodate an auxiliary load. I'm taking that approach, as the load external to what our main arrays will support, I will install auxiliary arrays to support those loads and provide additional battery backup when needed.

The pond will look great when it clears with the new aerator system. Nice view and a great area to have a picnic with the family. Your property looks so well groomed folks. Very pretty location. Hopefully the snakes will move on to a more wild and natural location. Such a beautiful night sky. Beautiful by day and just as beautiful at night. What did your whole project cost so far and your approx. outgoing costs by month. This would be such interesting info for those wanting to do the same thing. Great job on your whole homestead folks.

you are an amazing welder and I am so excited about getting the water a natural color. This is awesome idea. You are so creative. I love that pond so much and where you placed it. Again love how the kids are growing up in this great home life with two awesome parents, Keep up the great job you are doing

I think the reason why your family is so appealing is because your really no mask wearing this is your life and we are Blessed you share it with us….

What I find so pleasant is that you always have a nice laugh.

There are plants that can help you in the aeration of the water. Plant them alongside the pond. Eventually you’ll be able to even swim in the pond. It will also make the pond look beautiful.

We need more uploads per week. It always makes my day to warch your productivity and progress. Maybe a garden? Or walk through? Oooh maybe a kids play area??

Y’all are amazing! We enjoy every single thing you do!

First time I have seen Saturn like that. Thank you so much.

There are a few reasons why ponds go green. The one that stands out the most to me is that the water isn't moving. If you compare it to the stream running through your land you'll probably notice it's much clearer. So ether you should channel the stream into the pond at one end and out at the opposite end or you set up some kind of filter system.

I loved the short video portion showing Saturn and it's ring's. That was really awesome 👍. Recently I was able to view Jupiter without a telescope it awesome to see it with my own eyes. You guys have done an amazing job with your home.

Reeds do a great job of clarifying ponds. Love your work 👍

Another project off to a great start. Thanks for the update.

Your videos are so well put together I love the content and the appreciation of how nicely done the videos are, from the music to the video quality and the pictures are all amazing!

I will miss you if you stop building and posting. I think you have another when you install the aerator for the pond. Would be nice to see the results of clearer water

Spencer my hats off to you for never backing down from doing any project. Whether you figure it out as you go or research it. Living in Miami you will never find harder ground than hear unless your going through granite rock. Here is my expert advise for your 3pt hitch. Look up hydraulic piston for 3pt hitch auger. You will need to weld a pair of brackets to mount the cylinder so you can apply downward pressure and also get an auger bit with rhino tips vs soil teeth. You will pluck holes in les than 15sec. Goodluck on your pond renovation

Really looking forward to your plans for the green pond! Your welding quality looks so good now - very impressive.

Each day you areate 1 hour the first - 2 hours the second - 4 hours the 3rd day - 8 hours then 4 th day - 16 hours the 5th day and only the 6th day can you leave it 24/7. You might also more than likely have a fertilization problem there isna channel on here where they built a 5 acer pond and they had to add lime to the pond but you MUST have it tested

I would suggest not only the pump, but to add What plants create oxygen in water? The primary source of oxygen for a pond is from microscopic algae (phytoplankton) or submerged plants. In the presence of sunlight, these produce oxygen through photosynthesis and release this oxygen into the pond water.

EARTH! She’s so smart. Love it!

Thanks! It’s so nice to see you, and the children! What a beautiful family ♥️‼️

I love your family, Spencer is such a great man for being so hard working for his family and you as well.. great editing skills I ❤ your editing style!

@Spencer G'day from Australia, mate. There a product people use to turn their ponds a nice deep blue, it conditions the water and kills the algae. It's blue pond dye. I know it's a chemical, but it is apparently safe for stock to drink, once treated. Love your work, mate. I really admire your patience, work ethic and hard work. God bless you all.

Thanks for continuing to share with us! Please keep it up!

Love your photography skills and imagination.Always enjoy your videos.You guys rock.

Excited to see the pond aerator

You should add blue pond dye. I follow some people on RU-vid that have ponds and that seems to help a lot with the algae.

I've lived in Texas and I have seen first hand what those snakes in the water can do. Leave a fishing pole with a little bit of bait on and that snake will be all the way up on the pole, it's whole body, something that I will never forget.

I love your videos. I always look forward to them because they are so well done. I think you guys are one of the best channels on YT. Keep it going.

Terrific content, “real life living”, artistic video composition… And the hits just keep on coming.”

My favorite Time 🤍 missed you guys

bro make a concrete pad like a grow table on ground, just run things like lettuce and other greens. fill the pad up with lava rock or expanded shale. you use a small water pump that fills the pad and then an overflow for the water to go back to pond. The plants will filter and condition the pond. It will clean it real nice. obviously the more grow tables you set up the more the pond gets filtered. The plus side is perpetual food supply. run cabbage and rhubarb and cold loving plants in winter months. You could also set a hoop house over some of them and grow tomatoes potatoes or water year round,,,, also instead of lava rock you can also make biochar and quartz sand which will better filter

This is an amazing idea. I can't wait to see the water clear up. thanks

you need to put some caps on the fenc posts. they gonna rot away when they get wet like this.

It sounds unreal to me ever time i think about how I have been following this channel since the first video they uploaded. Life uncontained has come a long way.

Already at 2:20 we had a pond and had a fountain and yea they nibble... I grew up with Jaws so floating on a blow up thing with your feet in the water and that happens... Awesome you got the solar to run the system!!

The clearing around the pond looks so nice

The mount looks like a piece of modern art, that's pretty cool. I'm also glad you took my suggestion about putting a fountain in the pond, can't wait to see what it looks like after a few weeks of running.

Well, another episode in the can. Great job on the solar panel array. I only had one concern, and that's the area around your storage container. I don't know about you but walking around that area, is prime for snakes. Just be cautious. I've seen aerators in sewage ponds and they have the piping going out to the center of the pond. I don't know if that's your plan. It's just an idea. See you next week, we hope.

Thank you for sharing the view of Saturn . I have never seen it like that thru a telescope. Amazing. I truly respect both of you for all the hard work you have done to be off grid and not relying on someone to provide that for you. Love watching your tube tube channel. I live in FL and we are having such hot weather but soooo much rain , wish I could send some to you in Texas. Keep up the excellent work.

Your tractor can be plumbed to have down pressure. If you have hard soil you will need this option installed. Recently retired Country club equipment mechanic and city parks mechanic 46 years.

Love watching you guys. I've been watching your channel since the beginning. Keep up the good works.

I've been ponding for awhile, mostly smaller stuff. The algae may clog your aerator line. What you could do is pump water through UV light filters and into one or more aerators to be returned to the pond. If you use enough UV lights, the pond will be a clear as a swimming pool. The problem with that is your fish are benefiting from the algae. It is a food source for them as well as hiding them from predators (mostly birds). Also, you would need to pull the UV lights in freezing weather. My feeling is that if you want some clear water to swim in, make a swimming pool. That's a project that can wait until your soil softens during rain season.

I am excited to see how all this works with the pond!! Thanks for sharing! Take care,have fun and be safe out there!! 👍❣❤❣👍

Nice weld's Spencer ! Thanks for sharing Mack and Spenc 👍

Just started the video and can’t wait to watch…just love your channel 👏🏻

I can’t wait to see how that works. Having a fountain sounds like a great idea too 😊 still hoping for you all to build an affordable storm shelter would love to have your input.

I so look forward to your videos. Enjoying seeing how you tackle each and every project. Keep on keeping on

Love that you are expanding your experiences of off the grid to the pond. Can’t wait to see what it’s going to look like. The kids will love it in the future.

Love you guys

Spencer: I'm concerned about your design for the solar panel stand. There are many failure modes around this type of approach - most having to do with sustained winds. The angled beam you added to take the torsional stress out of the beam will concentrate that stress over a smaller length - the length from the concrete to the bottom of that beam - about 4 or 5 inches from what I can tell. The panels will act like sails, and sustained winds will cause them to oscillate - like a stop sign does in a hurricane. All of that stress will be focused at the base of your stand. This will eventually result in the main beam bending, snapping, or grinding itself loose from the concrete. Concrete has great compressive strength. But it doesn't have nearly as much tensil or shear strength. There are a few simple things you can do to solve this without re-building the stand. One is to just sink anchors at 4 corners and then string guy wire, in cross-bracing fashion, in order to reduce or eliminate the oscillating action in wind. Another is to build a wind break around what you have. It doesn't have to be too close to the structure. 4 or 5 feet from the base per side, 4 sides, of lattice (use steel u-channel for posts - you can just drive them into the ground - no concrete, no digging holes) and slightly above the tallest point of the panel would do. You can then plant evergreen or deciduous foliage around the lattice structure. There are myriad options for wind breaks. Do both, and it's unlikely you'll have issues. The goal is to significantly reduce the chance that the panels will act like sails in sustained winds and put enormous, oscillating, torsional stress on the main support emerging from the concrete. I hope you'll give this some thought and engineers other than I, who've also been following your impressive work, will chime in. (see Tacoma Narrows Bridge.)

Looking so forward to that clear blue water. It'll an absolutely beautiful and refreshing.

Wow! Thank you so much for showing us 🪐 That was super awesome!!! As always I'm amazed at all that you do! Glad you have a few modern conveniences to help, but still, it's just amazing! Glad you got some rain!

Yo!!! That image of the planet was bananas!!!

I would love to build my own home. Make it like no other homes

Great video ya'll!! Love ya'lls homestead good job on the solar panels lookin great. We had a sump pump with piece of pvc pipe stickin up as a fountain worked great cleared our pond up nicely. On the post hole digger when you get bit where you want it you can move tractor back or forward to get it straight mine had a bar on top where you could actually pull down on it worked pretty good. You can prolly weld you up somethin stickin out back. Those kiddos are darlings. Thanks for sharing be safe have fun enjoy ya'lls family and homestead

I can't wait to see what the pond ends up looking like!