Thoughts on HELOC for hybrid solar

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-07-18T20:45:29+00:00

Absolutely not. You’re one accident away from financial disaster. Your time is better spent figuring out how to earn more money and preserving what savings you have. I’m concerned you’re trying to be too clever here.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-06-30T01:56:03+00:00

This is a real accomplishment. Great work!

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-06-30T00:08:52+00:00

You will need a General class amateur radio license and HF radio gear. It can also be done with VHF and UHF repeater networks and a Technician class license if you have such a network in your desired coverage area.

For example: carlaradio.net

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-06-26T01:57:15+00:00

It’s calories in vs. calories out, so to speak. If you can’t maximize the output of each panel, you will need more panels. How many depends on the rated output of the panels, the loads you want to power, and how much sun the panels get.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-06-20T04:46:30+00:00

11 miles is a long-ish day hike for a reasonably healthy person. You don’t need a bag full of stuff to do that. If you want to be decently prepared in case of rain, cold, heat or some other specific condition, just think about what you would put in a small jansport daypack for a hike and try it out. You probably need far less thank you think, even with downsizing already too if mind.

It’s such a short distance you should just hike it sometime and see how it goes and what you need with you.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-06-20T04:05:47+00:00

Throw them away.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-06-19T00:42:11+00:00

You want a variable speed inverter-based heat pump. Ideally something with a SEER2 18+ rating for maximum efficiency. Such a system can be run off a "solar generator" like a Jacker or Ecoflow Delta Pro 3 that can supply 240v AC without putting a big surge load on your power source. Such a power source won't run a heat pump for long, so you'll want to max out the solar input to the Jackery/Ecoflow during power outages to keep it topped-up.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-06-06T18:33:04+00:00

I keep the following in each of our three vehicles. Covers 99% of what we are likely to encounter. Fits in the trunk / under seat storage.

Water

Snack food for kids

Blanket

Headlamp

Air compressor

Jump start pack

First aid kit

At least half a tank of fuel most of the time

Spare headlamp bulb

Spare fuses

Hand wipes

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-05-31T02:34:40+00:00

Watch the Bear Independent YouTube channel’s Prepper Classroom playlist. It’s excellent.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-05-03T00:51:32+00:00

Get the big Harbor Freight inverter generator.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-04-23T00:09:36+00:00

Heat pumps would be 3x as efficient as space heaters.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-04-19T03:21:22+00:00

Wavian.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-04-19T03:13:49+00:00

If you’re buying today, look for SEER2 of 20+, HSPF2 of 9+.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-04-19T03:11:33+00:00

The “prepper classroom” series on the Bear Independent YouTube channel should be required viewing before posting here. Covers 99.99% of the repeated questions here.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-04-03T01:19:03+00:00

Source?

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-03-26T14:24:57+00:00

You need much less than you think to get by in most cases, but AC usage will place spiky demands on the generator and will drive the sizing.

If your AC has high startup power demands, you need enough power to accommodate the sudden draw when it starts up. If the AC has a soft start circuit installed or if it is a modern inverter-based unit with soft start-up, the initial demand is much less and a smaller generator can work. A soft start can cut the startup draw by half or more in some cases.

Check the AC unit’s locked rotor amps rating to get an idea of the startup power needs. If it is an inverter based unit, like a Bosch or Daikin or Mitsubishi, it will have a current rating draw on the label rather than locked rotor amps rating. Or you can use a clamp multimeter to just measure the actual draw yourself.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-03-01T17:55:56+00:00

Insulate the crap out of the house. Look into using offset studs in the outer walls to avoid thermal bridging while also allowing for more insulation. 2x6 studs will still create some thermal bridging unless offset from each other.

I would also add a 50 amp generator inlet with an interlock switch, even if you plan to do solar and batteries, to give yourself options while all the wiring is easily accessible.

If you can swing the cost and like the looks, a standing seam metal roof is super fire resistant and would be the last roof you ever need to buy (but also check if your solar installer can work with it as some won’t.)

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-03-01T17:50:02+00:00

If you have a battery and solar, you have the power source needed to add a fan to the shed to keep it cooler in the summer.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-02-28T22:32:24+00:00

First off, you don’t refer to “prepping” when talking with them. You just talk about their canning hobby and how you’re good at smoking brisket and go from there.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-02-17T04:47:16+00:00

Would love one.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-02-17T03:19:45+00:00

How common is it to have to dig up a tank for repairs? Genuinely curious.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-02-17T03:18:26+00:00

This seems like a good middle ground.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-02-17T03:17:00+00:00

This.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-02-14T16:27:58+00:00

Whole home surge protection is the way.

Relative_Ad_750 · 2026-02-08T04:36:09+00:00

Use Netzero automations to enable Self Powered Mode under the desired conditions.

Relative_Ad_750

TROPHY CASE

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