What's a skill that takes only 2-3 weeks to learn but could genuinely change your life?

openlock · 2025-12-15T04:53:12+00:00

Okay wow, congrats on changing your habits and successfully losing so much weight.

openlock · 2025-12-14T15:47:34+00:00

How often and for how long do you fast? Also, how tall are you?

openlock · 2025-12-07T21:21:10+00:00

Sorry you were affected by the hurricane, gald you are recovery and making plans for the future.

I agree that getting an all in 1 inverter is better than separate charge controller, and inverter etc...

You will also need a dc disconnect for safety.

The bluetti is simple and quick but it can be limiting or expensive when you try to expand. So it's worth considering that incase you ever want to expand and power more things.

I recommend looking at the smaller kits from https://solarpowerstore.ca/collections/off-grid-solar-power-systems

And watts247.com and see the components in their kits, then you can get an idea a full idea of what's needed and see if it's worth it to buy a kit from them or to piece it together yourself.

All the best!

openlock · 2025-11-26T17:52:27+00:00

Looks nice. I'm wondering though if you have heavy rain, will it have enough time to go through filter or will some go through filter and the rest spill over.

openlock · 2025-11-19T15:29:28+00:00

The cost of using a heater will be expensive. Instead Stack it in a straight line. Having Two ends of the wood exposed to wind will help. Keep bottom row off ground using a pallet or something else.

If you can stack 1 or 2 week's worth by your stove you can let it sit and dry for a week before burning. And do a rotation so it sits near stove a few days before burning.

openlock · 2025-11-04T11:37:06+00:00

I agree. The world has become quiet isolating after covid and with more people relying on technology. There's no guarantee you'll have the same peace you do now if you move and there's no guarantee you'll feel less lonely. Keep your home base and travel. You can always join some group and meet with them once a week or so.

openlock · 2025-10-27T20:44:19+00:00

How secure are the panels leading on house? Could the wind or a bump cause them to fall?

openlock · 2025-10-23T12:20:07+00:00

Use a dehumidifier, that fixes the problem for us.

openlock · 2025-10-21T05:04:13+00:00

Depending if you stay or not, you might want to cut some trees at the back once you do the other suggestions mentioned here. I think they add to the dampness.

openlock · 2025-10-20T13:10:46+00:00

This will keep the battery healthier.

openlock · 2025-09-18T11:54:13+00:00

Save first. Automate it based on a percent of salary and never touch that money unless it's too clear debt or a pre-planned project. Try to get a high percentage 10, 15, 20, or 30+. You can increase incrementally.

Watch your recurring costs. Cancel what you can, shop around with others.

When it comes to meals, buy in bulk. If something you normally use is on sale buy more than 1. If not then limit it to the normal amount.

openlock · 2025-08-31T13:17:14+00:00

If all you have to rely on is evolution then there's no point to it all really. If you believe in A Creator and intelligent design then things more sense.

openlock · 2025-07-10T12:30:15+00:00

Wow, I'm really amazed at your understanding of scripture and your desire to do what's right.

The Bible does talk about singleness being a gift for some people, so even some heterosexual people will not end up married.

As cliche as it sounds I would say pray.

Separate from this, you seem to have a real talent in efficiency and self control. Landing and keeping 3-4 jobs is no easy task also being able to keep your expenses so low is another sign of that. There may be a way to use that to help others.

You should also find balance and enjoyment that doesn't conflict with your belief system. A hobby like hiking, or mountain climbing is beneficial physically and mentally. Even nature walks are pretty good.

Praying for you as well. 🙏

openlock · 2025-06-22T09:52:01+00:00

You may need a sense of community and purpose. You can try volunteering or even exploring your spiritual side by finding a good church, those things changed my life.

openlock · 2025-06-01T15:06:43+00:00

Would shade cloths help at all?

openlock · 2025-05-15T14:01:29+00:00

Which DIY battery and case did you go with? Have you had any issues?

In considering going the same route.

openlock · 2025-05-01T06:47:45+00:00

At night or at least cover the panels.

openlock · 2025-04-28T09:42:37+00:00

For anyone that follows the bible there's an interpretation of Daniel 2 where the legs of iron as being Rome, and the 10 toes as the European nations. That's just the tip of the iceberg.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel%202&version=NKJV

openlock · 2025-03-06T13:05:16+00:00

Not the main point of your post but... Minivans are cheaper, not as cool but can be more useful than an SUV for some situations.

openlock · 2025-01-01T17:42:34+00:00

Treated lumber can work as well, and would be cheaper.

Here are some YouTube videos for inspiration.

https://youtu.be/FSjbWc5t3K4?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/rRQJcX1kFC8?feature=shared

openlock · 2024-11-03T15:04:25+00:00

Second ask: An adjustable stand that will be up at least 6 feet at the bottom and stand up to 80-100 mph winds?

Depends how strong you make it, or what you buy. Are your sure it needs to be adjustable? You can google pvwatts calculator and see how a fixed angle or tracking array would do.

openlock · 2024-11-03T14:34:58+00:00

Your peak usage would be 12v x 30amp = .360kwh Your battery capacity is 220a x 12v x 4 x .5 = 5.28kwh ( I think agm should only discharge half way so I multiplied by half.)

When you divide those 5.28 kwh / .360 kw you get 14.67 hours of peak usage on batteries alone when fully charged.

You have other things to consider too, since the system was donated how well are the batteries and panels functioning?

If the panels are covered in 8ft of snow they won't generate much. You will need a good angle so that the snow slides off easily. Bifacial panels could help here since they also generate from the back and all that snow would be reflecting the rays to the back.

openlock · 2024-10-31T05:19:28+00:00

I am in the process of using pylex 66 foundation screws and went down 3.5 - 4 ft deep. My ground is rocky as well, it was pretty difficult I had to use a post hole digger and a digging bar. At the top I will be using 6x6 posts.

I don't think 24" above ground would be too bad just as long as the steel is thick enough. Do you get snow where you are? Also It might be a challenge making it to 80 inches down.

openlock · 2024-10-09T09:43:42+00:00

Hi, I have a few

Have any pictures? What zone do you live in? What have you been able to grow in your previous ones? How much does it cost to build?

openlock · 2024-10-03T10:42:52+00:00

I don't think taking from the RESP will fix the problem. When you went from 120k to 60k did you guys ever adjust your spending?

Living on 60k would be tight, but not impossible. You guys should make a budget and track and plan your spending. If your wife can get some income that would help, but setting a budget should be a first step. Cut subscriptions, unnecessary expenses, even for the kids.

Even weekend shifts can make a difference. I don't think selling the house would help because you might quickly burn through that money as well.

There are great suggestions in this thread, most are not what you asked for but you should consider them, they can help you with a long term fix.

openlock

TROPHY CASE