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. 17h ago

    FCC Inverter Ban: What It Means for DIY Solar

    The FCC just banned approval of all foreign-made inverters. Here's what that means for anyone doing DIY solar right now. Read Eric's full article with primary government sources: FCC Bans Foreign-Made Solar Inverters: DIY Solar Guide On July 28, the FCC ruled that no new foreign-made inverter can receive FCC certification unless 65% of its component value is US-sourced. If you already own an inverter with an FCC ID, you're fine. But new models, hardware revisions, and anything with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular communication may never reach the US market. We break down the actual ruling text from FCC.gov, talk about who's affected (EG4, Victron, SMA, SRNE, and every power station brand), and share our predictions for what comes next: communication-less inverters, a boom for Solar Assistant, and a possible component-based workaround via Victron's Cerbo GX. Plus: Adam's 12000XP is finally running, Rodney drove a Tesla Model Y Performance, the Sunshine Report hits 2 megawatts, and we answer viewer questions about solar yield reporting, adding a second FlexBOSS 21, and dongle setup on the V2 12000XP. Chapters: 0:00 Welcome and what's happening this week2:40 Rodney test-drove a Tesla Model Y Performance4:09 Adam's 12000XP is running (6000XPs are out)7:14 The FCC inverter ban: how we found out8:12 TL;DR: what the ruling actually says10:00 65% US-made requirement and who's affected (Victron too)12:30 The DJI drone ban parallel15:30 Existing inverters are safe, but what about updates?18:25 Chat Q: What does FCC have to do with solar?19:07 The Wi-Fi dongle workaround idea20:08 Reading the actual FCC ruling text25:00 Wireless vs. wired: where's the line?28:30 Power stations (EcoFlow, Anker) are affected too29:00 We're going to RE+ 202630:00 Predictions: communication-less inverters and Solar Assistant31:00 Victron's Cerbo GX loophole38:48 Tangent: Flock cameras and surveillance39:10 Sunshine Report: community solar production45:25 Mid-show recap and podcast reminder52:22 1984 and George Orwell53:54 Q&A: How to read your solar yield55:15 Eric shares screen: 12000XP solar yield (43.9 kWh)57:17 Q: Orient Power battery settings on Mac vs PC58:52 Q: Adding a second FlexBOSS 21 and dongle setup1:01:12 What's coming up next1:02:08 Adam: Starlink 1-year review, FCC video, EV side-by-side 90 days1:04:50 Rodney: Bluetti charge controller testing1:05:31 Sign-off Watch us live every Thursday at 8 Eastern on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unpluggedsolar Watch and follow the Unplugged crew: Unplugged DIY SolarAdam DeLay DIYRodney HuntEric | East Texas HomesteadHome Energy Independence Want to share your own solar setup? Send pictures to live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged". Affiliate links: Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com (use code UNPLUGGED50 for $50 off orders over $500)Current Connected: currentconnected.com Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Unplugged may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Safety note: DIY solar, batteries, transfer switches, generator interlocks, inverters, and backup-power wiring can involve dangerous voltages, fire risk, fuel/CO risk, and code requirements. Consult qualified professionals and follow local code.

  2. 6d ago

    Hidden Budget Killers in DIY Solar: What You Forget to Plan For

    When planning a DIY off-grid solar setup, most people price out the "Big Three": panels, hybrid inverters, and battery banks, and think they have their total budget figured out. The reality? Balance of System costs, heavy copper wiring, specialized tools, and ground mount prep can easily add thousands to your final bill. In this Unplugged LIVE replay, Adam and Eric walk through the hidden budget killers that catch DIY solar builders off guard. They cover where you can safely save money, where cutting corners will cost you big time, and the 30% rule: plan to spend at least 30% more than your Big Three components cost. Topics covered: The "Big Three" vs Balance of System: what you forget to budget forExtra wires, battery cables, and AC wiring costsCopper wire pricing: Eric's real-world #6 to #3 AWG upgrade storyCircuit breakers: why cheap DC breakers are dangerous and name brands matterClass T fuses and surge protection devices (SPD) as cheap insuranceMultimeters: why you need a DC clamp meter, not just a cheap onePanel mounting: roof vs ground mount, torque specs, and fire ant damageInverter self-consumption: how idle draw changes your battery sizingThe 30% rule: budget 30% on top of your Big Three for hidden costsEric's 12000XP upgrade from 6000XPs: breaker and wire gauge changesLightning and EMP protection: SPD ratings explainedAnker Solix E10 battery monitoring limitations vs server rack batteriesSolar roll call: weekly production dashboard and community updatesEric's upcoming content: 17 episodes of porch build and solar shed projectWatch and follow the Unplugged crew: Unplugged DIY SolarAdam DeLay DIYRodney HuntEric | East Texas HomesteadHome Energy IndependenceWant to share your own solar setup or be considered as a guest? Email live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged". Affiliate links: Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com - use code UNPLUGGED50 for $50 off orders over $500Current Connected: currentconnected.comDisclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Unplugged may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Safety note: DIY solar, batteries, inverters, and electrical wiring can involve dangerous voltages, fire risk, and code requirements. Consult qualified professionals and follow local code. Watch us live every Thursday at 8 Eastern on YouTube: youtube.com/@UnpluggedSolar

  3. Jul 17

    Building a Solar Plan Live: Beau from Better Together Homestead

    Beau from Better Together Homestead (311K subscribers) has 4,000 watts of Sungold solar panels on a ground mount, and right now almost none of that power is being used. No inverter, no battery bank, just portable power stations. In this Unplugged LIVE replay, Eric, Rodney, and Adam build Beau a real solar plan on air. This is a live consultation, not a product pitch. The crew walks through Beau's electrical setup, his 200-amp panel, his 230-foot underground aluminum run, his daily energy usage, and his goals for off-grid capability. Together they work through inverter options (EG4 FlexBOSS 21 + GridBOSS vs 12000XP), battery sizing, wiring planning, and how to phase the build from panels to batteries to a full 14,000-watt array. Topics covered: Beau's homestead background: 7.5 acres, converted shed home, Texas4,000W of Sungold panels on IntegraRack ground mount, no inverter yetAirSpool micro inverter and portable power station stopgap200-amp panel, 230-foot aluminum underground run, 3% voltage lossDaily usage: 1,400 to 1,500 kWh/month, 46 to 50 kWh/dayEG4 FlexBOSS 21 + GridBOSS for the house (hybrid, grid-tied with battery)EG4 12000XP or 6000XP for the shed/building (off-grid)GridBOSS manual bypass for emergency backupBattery installation and expandability with quick connectsAnker Solix E10 as an alternative plug-and-play systemMicroinverters (Hoymiles) as a cost vs simplicity tradeoffPhasing the build: panels first, batteries second, expand to 14,000WFollow Beau: Better Together Homestead on YouTubeWatch and follow the Unplugged crew: Unplugged DIY SolarAdam DeLay DIYRodney HuntEric | East Texas HomesteadHome Energy Independence Want to share your own solar setup or be considered as a guest? Email live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged". Affiliate links: Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com - use code UNPLUGGED50 for $50 off orders over $500Current Connected: currentconnected.com Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Unplugged may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Safety note: DIY solar, batteries, inverters, and electrical wiring can involve dangerous voltages, fire risk, and code requirements. Consult qualified professionals and follow local code. Watch us live every Thursday at 8 Eastern on YouTube: youtube.com/@UnpluggedSolar

  4. Jul 10

    $1,000 Backup Power Plan: Generator, Battery, Solar or Power Station?

    If you had $1,000 to start preparing for a power outage, what would you buy first? In this Unplugged LIVE replay, Rodney, Adam, Eric, and the live chat compare practical beginner backup-power options: generators, portable power stations, 12V and 48V batteries, budget inverters, used solar panels, plug-in solar, wind turbines, and simple setups for keeping essentials running. This episode is for people who are not ready for a full whole-home solar system yet, but still want a realistic path to keep a fridge, freezer, internet, fan, electric blanket, or small loads powered during an outage. Topics covered: The $1,000 backup power challenge Generator vs portable power station vs DIY battery backup Used solar panels, budget inverters, and cheap starter hardware Why plug-in solar does not work when the grid is down 48V batteries and small power stations as a budget combo Hot-weather and cold-weather outage priorities Wind turbine ideas, Harmony Turbines, and RidgeBlade discussion Why “one is none” matters for backup powerWatch and follow the Unplugged crew: Unplugged DIY Solar Adam DeLay DIY Rodney Hunt Eric | East Texas Homestead Home Energy IndependenceWant to share your own solar setup? Email live@unplugged.solar with the subject “Unplugged”. Affiliate links: Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com - use code UNPLUGGED50 for $50 off orders over $500 Current Connected: currentconnected.comDisclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Unplugged may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Safety note: DIY solar, batteries, generator interlocks, inverters, and backup-power wiring can involve dangerous voltages, fire risk, fuel/CO risk, and code requirements. Consult qualified professionals and follow local code. Watch us live every Thursday at 8 Eastern on YouTube: youtube.com/@UnpluggedSolar

  5. Jul 3

    Summer Solar Q&A: Heat Wave Production Drop, Panel Sizing & Community Chat

    Adam and Rodney host a casual summer night of DIY solar Q&A and community discussion. They cover how extreme heat is reducing solar panel efficiency across the country, check in with last week's SolMax Solutions contest winner Jacob, and talk through ground mount vs roof mount solar, large vs small panel tradeoffs, string sizing for the MidNite THE ONE inverter, and FlexBOSS MPPT amperage limits. Eric joins from a 1000+ mile road trip to share his cheapest electric bill ever and gas price observations across state lines. Watch and follow the Unplugged crew: Unplugged DIY SolarAdam DeLay DIYRodney HuntEric | East Texas HomesteadHome Energy IndependenceTopics covered: Heat wave impact on solar panel efficiency and productionSolar roll call: community hits 2.7+ MWh of daily productionContest winner Jacob (SolMax logo designer) planning his first ground mountMidNite Solar vs MidNite Power brand history explainedLarge vs small solar panels: hardware costs, shipping, and shading tradeoffsString sizing for MidNite THE ONE: 300V per string across 3 MPPTsFlexBOSS 21K MPPT 26 amp limit with large format panelsTIGO TS4-AO optimizer specs and cost vs benefitAdam testing Anker Solix E10 at full 10kW capacity claimAir conditioner startup tests planned in 95 degree heatEric's cheapest electric bill ever: $42 in MichiganUtility rates across the country: California at 70 cents/kWh, Chicago at 29 cents/kWhOff Grid Wannabe sold 1 MWh back to the utility in JuneE15 ethanol gas warning for vehicles older than 2001Eric's road trip: gas prices from $3.40 in Texas to $4.35 in IllinoisBitcoin mining with excess solar production (paused due to heat)Bahamas resort producing 16.84 MWh of solar in a dayHappy 250th Independence Day and Happy Birthday RodneyWant to share your own solar setup? Send pictures to live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged". Affiliate links: Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com (use code UNPLUGGED50 for $50 off orders over $500)Current Connected: currentconnected.comDisclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Unplugged may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Safety note: DIY solar, batteries, transfer switches, and backup-power systems can involve dangerous voltages, fire risk, and code requirements. Consult qualified professionals and follow local code.Watch us live every Thursday at 8 Eastern on YouTube: youtube.com/@UnpluggedSolar

  6. Jun 26

    Plug-In Solar, Battery Hacks, and the SolMax Solutions Rebrand with Jeffrey

    In this Unplugged LIVE replay, Jeffrey from "There's a Trick for That" joins Eric, Rodney, and Adam to talk about DIY solar builds, plug-in solar systems, battery hacks, and real-world product testing. Jeffrey shares his solar journey from camping power stations to a 111 kWh "Tower of Power" battery build, his 240V plug-in solar system, and cold-weather battery testing with the EcoWorthy QBix 100 Pro. The episode also includes the live announcement of the SolMax Solutions rebrand (formerly MidNite Power) and a three-system giveaway. Watch and follow the Unplugged crew: Unplugged DIY SolarAdam De Lay DIYRodney HuntEric | East Texas HomesteadHome Energy IndependenceThere's a Trick for That (Jeffrey)Topics covered: Jeffrey's DIY solar journey from camping power stations to full solar buildsThe "Tower of Power" - 111 kWh of battery storage240V plug-in solar systems and how they workBalcony solar legality across U.S. statesEcoWorthy QBix 100 Pro battery with cold-weather chargingAnker Solix power station hacks and upcoming contentWattCycle adapter cables for EcoFlow and PecronSolMax Solutions rebrand announcement (formerly MidNite Power)Three complete solar systems given away to viewersSolar roll call - community hits 4 MWh of daily productionWant to share your own solar setup? Send pictures to live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged". Affiliate links: Signature Solar: signaturesolar.com (use code UNPLUGGED50 for $50 off orders over $500)Current Connected: currentconnected.comDisclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Unplugged may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Safety note: DIY solar, batteries, transfer switches, and backup-power systems can involve dangerous voltages, fire risk, and code requirements. Consult qualified professionals and follow local code. Watch us live every Thursday at 8 Eastern on YouTube: youtube.com/@UnpluggedSolar

  7. Jun 19

    MidNite Power THE ONE Inverter Deep Dive, Permits, and Viewer Q&A

    In this Unplugged LIVE replay, Rodney goes solo for a full deep dive on the MidNite Power THE ONE all-in-one hybrid inverter and the MNPowerflo16 LiFePO4 battery. We cover the specs, pricing, who this system is built for, and tease a huge giveaway coming next week. Plus viewer questions on DIY solar permits, battery setups, and PV fuse holders. Topics covered: MidNite Power THE ONE inverter specs (11.4kW, 3 MPPT, 600V PV, 120/240V split phase)MNPowerflo16 battery overview (16.1 kWh LiFePO4, plug-and-play)MAP pricing: $5,499 inverter / $4,499 batteryWho this system is built forPulling your own permits for DIY solarPermit requirements and workaroundsTrailer mounted systems and portable setupsViewer battery setups: Jackery, EG4, off-grid configurationsMidNite Power rebranding contest and voting infoNext week's giveaway announcement: complete MidNite Power system (over $10,000 value)PV fuse holder issues and troubleshootingLinks and resources: MidNite PowerVote on the MidNite Power rebrandSignature Solar (code UNPLUGGED50 for $50 off orders over $500)Current ConnectedWatch and follow the Unplugged crew: Unplugged DIY SolarRodney HuntAdam De Lay DIYEric | East Texas HomesteadHome Energy IndependenceWatch us live every Thursday at 8 Eastern on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@unpluggedsolar Want to share your own solar setup? Send pictures to live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged".Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, Unplugged may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Safety note: DIY solar, batteries, transfer switches, and backup-power systems can involve dangerous voltages, fire risk, and code requirements. Consult qualified professionals and follow local code.

  8. Jun 12

    Where Does Your Solar System Stand? Backup Power Tiers & Big Giveaway Announced.

    Where does your backup power plan really stand? In this episode of Unplugged LIVE, Rodney, Adam, and Eric walk through five practical tiers of energy preparedness and help you figure out what level your solar, battery, generator, or off-grid setup is actually at right now. Watch us live every Thursday at 8 Eastern on YouTube to participate in the discussion: Unplugged Solar on YouTube The conversation starts with a simple question for the audience: are you still fully dependent on the grid, do you have a basic emergency generator plan, have you added a small solar and battery setup, are you running a larger hybrid system, or are you truly off-grid and self-reliant? The guys break down what each stage means in the real world, what it can and cannot power, and what it takes to move up to the next level. Rodney also shares a recent issue with his GridBOSS and hybrid inverter system, where the setup unexpectedly started pulling from the grid in the middle of the day. That leads into a larger discussion about why even a great system needs a backup plan, why screenshots of your settings matter, how communication issues can create single points of failure, and why simple off-grid inverters like the 6000XP can still have a place even when hybrid systems offer more automation. The hosts compare different ways to build resilience into a solar setup, including transfer switches, interlocks, spare inverters, generator inputs, battery expansion, and keeping a path to power critical loads if one piece of equipment stops behaving. They also talk through audience examples, including systems with multiple 6000XPs, 21 kW of solar, 64 kWh of battery storage, and people working their way from basic backup toward full hybrid or off-grid capability. This episode also includes the latest Unplugged solar roll call, where viewers check in with their daily kWh production and location, plus a big announcement about upcoming system giveaways connected to MidNite Power's rebranding contest. The guys discuss the chance to win an MNPower One inverter and MNPowerflo 16 Battery package through the name and logo contest, plus an additional live-chat giveaway planned for the June 25th stream. Along the way, the crew gets into real homeowner realities too: rising utility costs, property taxes, government solar incentives, community-scale solar ideas, water usage, and what it actually takes to keep a home running when life, weather, and equipment do not cooperate. Topics covered: The five tiers of backup power and solar preparednessHow to know whether your system is grid-dependent, hybrid, or truly off-gridWhy small solar and battery systems still matterGridBOSS, FlexBOSS, 12kPV, and 6000XP reliability considerationsWhy every system needs a bypass or fallback planTransfer switches, interlocks, generators, and spare equipmentSolar roll call and audience kWh productionMidNite Power rebranding contest and system giveaway detailsUpcoming guest Jeffrey from There's a Trick for ThatIf you are building a DIY solar system, upgrading your backup power, trying to get off the grid, or just figuring out what your next step should be, this conversation is a practical reality check. The goal is not just to own solar equipment, but to know what your system will actually do when the grid goes down. Hosted by: Rodney, Adam, and Eric from Unplugged LIVE. Watch live every Thursday at

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.