Unplugged Live - DIY Solar

Unplugged Live
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  • TECHNOLOGY
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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. 6D AGO

    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)

    1h 7m

  2. APR 10

    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

    1h 5m

  3. APR 3

    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

    1h 10m

  4. MAR 27

    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

    1h 13m

  5. MAR 20

    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

    1h 9m

  6. MAR 13

    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

    1h 9m

  7. MAR 5

    Why DIY Solar? Is It Really Worth It? (Episode 10 - Season 2)

    Spring is right around the corner, which means we're getting into the start of solar season! ☀️ A lot of people begin thinking about installing solar this time of year, so tonight we're talking about why many of us chose to go the DIY route instead of hiring an installer.Was it the cost savings? The ability to customize your system? Learning how everything works? Or maybe you just enjoy building things yourself.We'll talk about some of the pros and cons of DIY solar, things to consider before starting a project, and some of the reasons people decide to tackle it themselves.I'd also love to hear from you in the chat:- Did you DIY your solar system?- Did you hire an installer?- If you haven't installed yet, which way are you leaning?Join @AdamDeLayDIY, @rodneyhunt and Eric from @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 SolarSignature Solar: https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=unpluggedCoupon Code: SAVE50UNPLUGGED ($50 off orders over $500)Current Connected- Adam: https://currentconnected.com/?ref=AzzpK9Fl#DIYsolar #OffGridLiving #Unplugged #CurrentConnected #SignatureSolar

    1h 7m

  8. FEB 27

    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.

    1h 11m
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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
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Unplugged Live
  • Show Website
    Unplugged Live - DIY Solar

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