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. 6 DAYS AGO

    Addiction to Solar Power: Insights and Experiences with Johnny from Johnny's Weekends

    In this episode of the Unplugged Live podcast, hosts Adam and Eric welcome Johnny from Johnny's Weekends to discuss the compelling addiction to solar power and the journey it inspires. Johnny shares his background transitioning from a mechanic and electrical work into solar, explaining how his YouTube channel helps demystify powering homes, RVs, and EVs using a variety of energy sources—from solar panels to gas generators. 🔗 Check out Johnny's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@johnnysweekends They dive into the technical challenges of high-voltage systems versus traditional 48-volt setups, sharing real-world experiences with equipment like the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra and LG battery systems. Johnny highlights his approach to product testing and comparisons, helping viewers make informed decisions about solar gear. Listeners can expect insights into scaling solar systems, overcoming startup loads for devices like well pumps, and the evolution of solar technology toward higher-voltage, more efficient designs. The hosts also touch on community engagement with their new solar production reporting feature implemented in their streaming software. Whether you're starting small or looking to expand your off-grid setup, this episode offers practical knowledge and an honest look at the solar lifestyle. Join the conversation and tap into the collective solar enthusiasm shared by Johnny, Adam, and Eric. Solar Roll Call: - Host production: Adam: 35 kWh (MI) | Eric: 1.5 kWh (TX) | Rodney: 95 kWh (NC) - Audience stats: 24 submissions | Avg 29.1 kWh | Median 24 kWh | @DMIINC2013 led with 86 kWh (NE) - Top audience producers: @DMIINC2013 (86 kWh, NE) | @aurelius1955 (76 kWh) | @kenh7521 (73 kWh, TX)

    1hr 16min

  2. 24 APR

    How to Divert Excess Solar Energy into Water Heating, EV Charging, and Crypto Mining

    When your solar battery hits 100% and the sun keeps shining bright, what do you do with all that excess energy? In this episode of Unplugged Live, Adam, Rodney, and Eric dive into practical strategies for diverting surplus solar power to maximize your system's efficiency and utility. Tune in as they explore solutions like connecting a second water heater to soak up extra energy, using smart dumping loads for space heating, and setting up electric vehicle chargers that only draw when your battery is full. Rodney shares his real-world experience running a crypto miner powered by solar — a surprising off-grid heat source — and they’ll break down the specific inverter models from EG4 and others that support smart load diversion. This episode covers: • How to use smart ports on hybrid inverters for diverting power • Setting triggers based on battery state of charge to avoid wasting energy • Comparing inverter capabilities including EG4’s 6000XP, 12000XP FlexBoss, and GridBoss • Real-world examples of excess power use in water heating, EV charging, and crypto mining • Cautions and best practices to avoid damaging your system when using dump loads Adam, Rodney, and Eric also engage with live chat, sharing listener input and answering questions about their setups and experiences. If you’re eager to stop losing free solar energy and want actionable insights on how to capture every usable watt for water, warmth, or wheels, this episode has you covered. For additional visuals and project examples, check out East Texas Homestead Unplugged SolarAdam DeLay DIY, and Rodney Hunt on YouTube. Solar Roll Call: - Host production: Rodney: 149 kWh (NC) | Adam: 47 kWh (MI) - Audience stats: 25 submissions | Avg 44.8 kWh | Median 30 kWh | @SurgeonTech led with 200 kWh (AZ) - Top audience producers: @SurgeonTech (200 kWh, AZ) | @billbarker5468 (153 kWh, KY) | @kenh7521 (73 kWh) 🔗 Affiliate Links:Signature Solar: https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=unpluggedCoupon Code: SAVE50UNPLUGGED ($50 off orders over $500)

    1hr 3min

  3. 17 APR

    How to Calculate Your Solar Panel Needs and Optimize Your Inverter Load

    In this episode of Unplugged Live with Eric from East Texas Homestead, Adam Delay, and Rodney Hunt dive into the nuts and bolts of calculating how much solar power you really need for your off-grid or backup power setup. The conversation centers around practical aspects such as: • Determining the right number of solar panels for your inverter and system • Understanding the differences between series and parallel panel configurations • Real-world panel wattage, string sizing, and electrical considerations • Sharing live solar production numbers and how weather impacts output • Troubleshooting and learning from community members’ experiences While Eric offers a beginner perspective with a few panels on his homestead, Adam and Rodney share insights from managing multiple solar arrays and strings. Throughout the episode, the hosts and live chat members discuss and clarify key technical points for all skill levels. If you’re figuring out your next solar step or want to understand how to size your system to better match your power needs, listen in for clear, experience-based guidance. Solar Roll Call: - Host production: Adam: 14 kWh (MI) | Rodney: 146 kWh (NC) - Audience stats: 14 submissions | Avg 50.8 kWh | Median 48.5 kWh | @billbarker5468 led with 108 kWh (KY) - Top audience producers: @billbarker5468 (108 kWh, KY) | @beefitter (105 kWh) | @kenh7521 (77 kWh)

    1hr 7min

  4. 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

  5. 3 APR

    Unplugged LIVE: Let's Hang out Together!

    Join us for an interactive DIY Solar & Self-Reliance Live Stream! Whether you're just getting started or already deep into your off-grid journey, this is the perfect place to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with like-minded solar enthusiasts.We’ll cover:• Real-life DIY solar experiences• Tips & tricks for maximizing your system• Live Q&A — bring your questions!Want to share your own solar setup? Send pictures to live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged" and tell us:- What’s your system like?- What challenges did you face?- If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?From overcoming common challenges to exploring innovative solutions, we’re here to help you work toward energy independence. Let’s connect, learn, and unplug together!🔗 Affiliate Links: - Signature Solar: https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=unplugged Coupon Code: SAVE50UNPLUGGED ($50 off orders over $500) - Current Connected: https://currentconnected.com/?ref=AzzpK9Fl#DIYsolar #OffGridLiving #Unplugged #CurrentConnected #SignatureSolar

    1hr 10min

  6. 27 MAR

    DIY Solar Talk w/ Guest: Minute Man Solar

    We’ve got a special guest joining us this week — Ben from @MinuteManSolar! Never heard of him? Perfect — this is your chance to get to know him. We’ll be sitting down to talk all things solar, including what got him started on his DIY solar journey, along with hands-on experience from a variety of projects, system builds, real-world performance, and practical insights you won’t want to miss.🔗 Check out Ben’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@minutemansolarJoin @AdamDeLayDIY, @rodneyhunt, and Eric from @EastTexasHomestead / @HomeEnergyIndependence for an interactive DIY Solar & Self-Reliance Live Stream! Whether you're just getting started or already deep into your off-grid journey, this is the perfect place to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with like-minded solar enthusiasts.We’ll cover:• Real-life DIY solar experiences• Tips & tricks for maximizing your system• Live Q&A — bring your questions!Want to share your own solar setup? Send pictures to live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged" and tell us:What’s your system like?What challenges did you face?If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?From overcoming common challenges to exploring innovative solutions, we’re here to help you work toward energy independence. Let’s connect, learn, and unplug together!🔗 Affiliate Links: - Signature Solar: https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=unplugged Coupon Code: SAVE50UNPLUGGED ($50 off orders over $500) - Current Connected: https://currentconnected.com/?ref=AzzpK9Fl#DIYsolar #OffGridLiving #Unplugged #CurrentConnected #SignatureSolar

    1hr 13min

  7. 20 MAR

    DIY Solar Expert Q&A with Dexter Monroe

    For this DIY Solar Expert Q&A, we are bringing back Dexter Monroe from @CurrentConnected to answer your tough questions. Hosted tonight by @AdamDeLayDIY, @rodneyhunt, and Eric from @HomeEnergyIndependence Whether you're just getting started or already deep into your off-grid journey, this is the perfect place to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with like-minded solar enthusiasts. Battery Cable Configurator: https://www.currentconnected.com/product/custom-battery-cables-design-your-configuration 🔴 Live Q&A—bring your questions! Want to share your own solar setup? Send pictures to live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged" and tell us: - What’s your system like?- What challenges did you face?- If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?From overcoming common challenges to exploring innovative solutions, we’re here to help you work toward energy independence. Let’s connect, learn, and unplug together!🔗 Affiliate Links:Current Connected- Adam: https://currentconnected.com/?ref=AzzpK9Fl#DIYsolar #OffGridLiving #Unplugged #CurrentConnected

    1hr 9min

  8. 13 MAR

    Unplugged Live - DIY SOLAR Livestream

    Join @AdamDeLayDIY and @rodneyhunt for an interactive DIY Solar & Self-Reliance Live Stream! We’re hanging out, talking all things solar, and diving into real-world experiences from our own off-grid adventures. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into your solar setup, this is the perfect place to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with like-minded solar enthusiasts.We’ll cover:⚡ Real-life DIY solar experiences🌟 Tips & tricks for maximizing your system🔴 Live Q&A—bring your questions!Want to share your own solar setup? Send pictures to live@unplugged.solar with the subject "Unplugged" and tell us:- What’s your system like?- What challenges did you face?- If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?From overcoming common challenges to exploring innovative solutions, we’re here to help you work toward energy independence. Let’s connect, learn, and unplug together!🔗 Affiliate Links:Signature Solar: https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=unpluggedCoupon Code: SAVE50UNPLUGGED ($50 off orders over $500)Current Connected: https://currentconnected.com/?ref=AzzpK9Fl#DIYsolar #OffGridLiving #Unplugged #CurrentConnected #SignatureSolar

    1hr 9min
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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
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Unplugged Live
  • Show Website
    Unplugged Live - DIY Solar

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