Unplugged Live - DIY Solar

Unplugged Live

Unplugged Live is a weekly livestream and podcast for DIY solar enthusiasts, off-grid builders, and anyone working toward real energy independence. Each episode features practical discussion, real-world experience, and honest conversation around solar power, batteries, inverters, home energy systems, and the lessons learned along the way. Hosted by Adam De Lay, Eric from East Texas Homestead, and Rodney Hunt, the show focuses on what actually works in the on your property, not theory, hype, or sales fluff. Expect breakdowns of current builds, viewer questions, troubleshooting, industry news.

  1. 10 APR

    How I Used 4,000+ kWh & Paid $111! (March Solar Results)

    Is Solar Really Worth It? My March 2025 Bill Just Arrived! ☀️💰How do you use over 4,000 kWh in a month but only pay $111? Join us for an interactive DIY Solar & Self-Reliance livestream as we break down the real-world numbers from my system this March. I’m pulling back the curtain on my production versus grid usage and showing exactly how I saved over $400 in a single month.Whether you're just getting started or are deep into your off-grid journey, this is the perfect place to talk tech, crunch numbers, and connect with like-minded solar enthusiasts.On the Agenda:The March Breakdown: 3,536 kWh produced vs. 559 kWh from the grid.The Financial Gap: How I dodged a $530+ electric bill.Maximizing ROI: Tips for getting every cent out of your DIY setup.Live Q&A: Bring your technical questions—let's solve your solar hurdles!Show Us Your Setup! 📸Want to showcase your own solar array? Send pictures to live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged" and let us know:What does your system look like?What was your biggest challenge during the build?What would you do differently if you started today?From overcoming technical bugs to exploring innovative battery solutions, we’re here to help you achieve energy independence. Let’s connect, learn, and unplug together!🔗 Support the ChannelSignature Solar: https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=unpluggedCoupon Code: SAVE50UNPLUGGED ($50 off orders over $500)Current Connected: https://currentconnected.com/?ref=Azz...#DIYsolar #EnergyIndependence #SolarSavings #UnpluggedLive #OffGridLiving #SignatureSolar #CurrentConnected

    1hr 5min

  2. 27 FEB

    Overpaneling, MPPT Behavior, and Inverter Performance in the Real World

    This episode of Unplugged Live dives into real-world solar performance tuning. The community shares production numbers from across the country while the panel discusses inverter behavior under clouds, MPPT tracking differences, and why some systems outperform others despite similar panel counts. Topics include: Overpaneling: when it helps and when it doesn’tMPPT behavior in partial shade and cloud coverVoltage vs amperage strategiesArray sizing relative to inverter capacityClipping and real-world lossGenerator integration and battery charging strategyExpanding an existing solar array correctlyLessons learned from undersized or imbalanced systemsIf you’ve ever wondered why your system isn’t hitting the numbers you expected—or how to optimize before adding more hardware—this episode walks through the realities.

    1hr 11min

  3. 20 FEB

    Meshtastic vs MeshCore: Building an Off-Grid Communication Network

    This episode of Unplugged Live dives deep into off-grid communication systems with Average Joe leading the discussion. We break down Meshtastic vs MeshCore, how LoRa 915 MHz networks function, and what it really takes to build a resilient, decentralized mesh network with no monthly fees. Topics include: How mesh networks actually pass messages What causes the “snowball effect” and packet stormsRepeaters vs silent clientsPower consumption: ESP32 vs WisBlockSolar-powered repeater setupsAntenna quality and connector matchingFlashing firmware (Chrome / Chromium requirement)HAM, GMRS, CB and traditional radio options900 MHz interference concernsSecurity and privacy considerationsStarlink Mini as a backup optionThe live audience shared real-world builds, solar production updates, and communication strategies for when traditional infrastructure goes down. If you care about resilience, preparedness, or simply reducing dependence on centralized systems, this episode is a must-watch.

    1hr 9min

  4. 13 FEB

    Winter Solar Reality: Frozen Pipes, Well Pumps, and Backup Heat

    This episode of Unplugged Live turns into a real-world winter preparedness workshop. From well pump failures and frozen pipes to septic system sizing and battery heating strategies, the community dives deep into what actually breaks—or gets stressed—during extended cold spells. The live audience shares solar production numbers from across the country, with systems ranging from modest setups to 150+ kWh battery banks. At the same time, discussions surface around inverter performance in cloudy conditions, generator runtime strategy, and why backup heat planning matters more than you think. EQUIPMENT TALKED ABOUT HERE: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ASTMWAEUQPRM?ref_=wl_share (affiliate link) Topics include: Soft-starting well pumps Winterizing plumbing properly Preventing frozen pipes Septic tank capacity considerations Diesel heaters, propane heat, pellet stoves Kerosene heater safety and CO monitoring Battery heating solutions Inverter performance differences in cloud cover Powering medical devices during outages FEMA generator assistance Real-world outage stories lasting weeks If you live in a cold-weather area—or just want to stress-test your system thinking—this episode is packed with lessons.

    1hr 7min

  5. 6 FEB

    Solar Diodes, Shading, and the 125% Rule (With Dexter from Current Connected)

    This episode of Unplugged Live turns into a full-on solar classroom as Dexter from Current Connected walks through one of the most misunderstood topics in DIY solar: diodes, shading, and overcurrent protection. With real examples, live questions, and audience interaction, Dexter explains how bypass diodes actually behave, why the 125% rule exists, and what really happens when panels are shaded by snow, trees, or even bird droppings. The conversation moves beyond theory into the kinds of mistakes that cause melted combiners, tripped breakers, and underperforming arrays. The live audience plays a big role, asking sharp questions and sharing real-world data that help reinforce the lessons. Topics covered: What bypass diodes really do inside a solar panel When (and when not) to use blocking diodes The truth behind the 125% rule Parallel vs series strings under shading MPPT behavior during partial shading Snow, cold weather, and edge-of-cloud gains Why cheap components cause expensive failures Tools that help visualize shading before you build If you’ve ever been confused about fusing, shading, or array design, this episode is one you’ll want to revisit.

    1hr 9min

  6. 30 JAN

    Ice Storms, Grid Failures, and What Actually Breaks First

    This episode of Unplugged Live captures real-world experiences from a major winter storm affecting viewers across the U.S. and Canada. Eric, Rodney, and Adam are joined by a highly engaged live audience reporting grid failures, ice damage, frozen pipes, and battery drain in real time. The discussion moves past theory into what actually happens when solar production drops, generators run longer than expected, and outages stretch into weeks. Listeners share firsthand lessons—from mini-split performance in sub-zero weather, to fuel shortages, to why ice storms are often more destructive than snow. Topics covered: Ice storms vs snow: why ice causes longer outages Batteries hitting critical SOC with no sun Generator sizing mistakes and fuel realities Mini-split limits, defrost cycles, and hyper-heat units Solar panels in snow, ice, and reflective conditions Frozen pipes, water monitoring, and alerts Load prioritization during extended outages “The epiphany moment” that pushes families toward backup power If you’re planning for winter outages—or just lived through one—this episode reflects what actually matters when conditions get extreme.

    1hr 11min

  7. 23 JAN

    Extreme Cold, Ice Storms, and Backup Power: Real-World Winter Prep

    A major winter storm is moving across the country—and this episode of Unplugged Live turned into a real-time discussion on how people actually prepare when extreme cold, ice, and long outages are on the table. Rodney and Eric are joined by a highly engaged live audience sharing firsthand experience from across the U.S. and Canada, covering everything from solar performance in ice, to generator fuel choices, to how cold is too cold for propane, diesel, and batteries. This episode goes far beyond theory. It’s a snapshot of how real systems are being used right now as temperatures drop well below zero. In this episode, we discuss: Preparing solar systems for ice and snow Battery behavior in extreme cold Propane, gasoline, diesel, and natural gas reliability Generator sizing and real-world runtime expectations Clearing ice from solar panels (what works and what doesn’t) Charging batteries from generators (Chargeverter discussion) Wood heat, pellet stoves, and alternative heating options Monitoring outages and knowing when the grid goes down Lessons learned from past winter storms and blackouts If you live where winter can shut things down—or you’re planning backup power—you’ll hear real answers from people living it.

    1hr 6min

  8. 16 JAN

    Can Your Family Run Your Solar System Without You?

    What happens to your solar system if you’re not there to run it? In this episode of Unplugged Live, Eric, Rodney, and Adam discuss one of the most overlooked parts of DIY solar and home energy systems: usability for spouses, family members, and future owners. The conversation covers everything from documentation and labeling to transfer switches, cold-weather performance, EV charging habits, and real-world examples of systems that are simple—or dangerously complex. Listeners also share practical ideas during the live show, including checklists, videos, QR codes, and “in case something happens” plans that actually work. In this episode: Why many solar systems fail when the owner isn’t present Simple ways to make complex systems understandable Cold-weather lessons from across North America Batteries vs solar panel expansion decisions Planning for emergencies, resale, or long-term reliability If you’re building a system that others may one day rely on, this episode will challenge you to think differently.

    1hr 8min
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About

Unplugged Live is a weekly livestream and podcast for DIY solar enthusiasts, off-grid builders, and anyone working toward real energy independence. Each episode features practical discussion, real-world experience, and honest conversation around solar power, batteries, inverters, home energy systems, and the lessons learned along the way. Hosted by Adam De Lay, Eric from East Texas Homestead, and Rodney Hunt, the show focuses on what actually works in the on your property, not theory, hype, or sales fluff. Expect breakdowns of current builds, viewer questions, troubleshooting, industry news.

Information

  • Creator
    Unplugged Live
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Unplugged Live
  • Show Website
    Unplugged Live - DIY Solar

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