My Off-Grid Cabin Vids

Hi folks, I am new to this forum but a long time off-grid homesteader. I went off-grid about 15 years ago in a small camp trailer with just a 45 watt solar panel and old truck battery for lights and a water pump. I lived that way for two years while I saved money to build a small 14x14 cabin. The cabin was built for under $2000 from new and many recycled materials. Windows, doors, porch and trim are all recycled. All of my appliances are recycled from my camp trailer including lights, water pump, sink, shower, cabinets, water tank and lots of plumbing and wiring.

I have reduced my propane use to almost nothing with a wood stove and I use passive solar and a 580 watt solar electric and 400 watt wind turbine system for power. I own a small business and online business so having internet and cell phone was important and pays for itself. I grow a garden, raise chickens and rabbits, and fish for much of my food needs and i am planning on raising a cash crop of sweet corn and raspberries to further reduce any need for money in my life.

If you are interested in the cabin design and my off-grid systems you can see my vids on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/solarcabin

I hope to make some friends and share some ideas!

LaMar

Cool, I do think I have seen your videos before out on Youtube. I would be interested - if the request is not too intrusive - what your cash requirements are annually for your current set up.

I am hoping to be debt free in just a few years now and the annual cash requirement is what I am working hardest to forcast - along with how much I need to produce here at home.

LaMar Alexander wrote:

If you are interested in the cabin design and my off-grid systems you can see my vids on youtube:

http://www.youtub.com/solarcabin

LaMar

LaMar, there's a slight problem - the missing "e" in youtube broke the link. http://www.youtube.com/solarcabin should work.

Jeanine Gurley wrote:Cool, I do think I have seen your videos before out on Youtube. I would be interested - if the request is not too intrusive - what your cash requirements are annually for your current set up.

I am hoping to be debt free in just a few years now and the annual cash requirement is what I am working hardest to forcast - along with how much I need to produce here at home.

My property taxes are $170 a year. Food and gas for my truck and genny is under $200. Propane for winter is about $30 a month. I have internet/cell phone which is paid for by my business.

I make enough from my property, garden and homestead business to pay all expenses and put away savings.

LaMar

dave brenneman wrote:

LaMar Alexander wrote:

If you are interested in the cabin design and my off-grid systems you can see my vids on youtube:

http://www.youtub.com/solarcabin

LaMar

LaMar, there's a slight problem - the missing "e" in youtube broke the link. http://www.youtube.com/solarcabin should work.

Thanks Dave- good catch!

http://www.youtube.com/solarcabin should work.

I have really enjoyed your youtube videos. I find it a great resource as I am in the beginning phases of planning my move to new land in northern california. Thanks for sharing the info!

Gabe Miller wrote:I have really enjoyed your youtube videos. I find it a great resource as I am in the beginning phases of planning my move to new land in northern california. Thanks for sharing the info!

Thanks Gabe, I am getting some more vids ready and should have them up soon.

LaMar

Hi LaMar,

Funny thing, I happened across some of your videos last night. They are so helpful! We're going to need to go off-grid next year when we move but I also have an internet business that I have to maintain. Hadn't thought about the USB modem, so I checked into it and we'll end up paying less for the USB modem than we do currently for our DSL Anyway, keep it up, your videos are really helpful.

Bethany