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

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 [https://www.youtube.com/@unpluggedsolar] 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 preparedness * How to know whether your system is grid-dependent, hybrid, or truly off-grid * Why small solar and battery systems still matter * GridBOSS, FlexBOSS, 12kPV, and 6000XP reliability considerations * Why every system needs a bypass or fallback plan * Transfer switches, interlocks, generators, and spare equipment * Solar roll call and audience kWh production * MidNite Power rebranding contest and system giveaway details * Upcoming guest Jeffrey from There's a Trick for That If 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

DIY Solar Lessons from Jasonoid: Power Stations, Battery Hacks & Honest Testing

In this Unplugged LIVE replay, Jason from Jasonoid [https://www.youtube.com/@Jasonoid] joins the crew to talk portable power stations, battery expansion hacks, honest performance testing, transfer switches, plug-in solar, backup power, and real-world tradeoffs for home, camping, and RV power. Jason explains how his channel moved from 12-volt fridges and DIY batteries into portable power stations, then digs into product naming confusion, third-party battery expansion, high-voltage ports, server rack battery limits, transfer-switch setups, EcoFlow DPU troubleshooting, Flex Boss 18 / 12KPV communications, and what real-world testing shows that spec sheets often miss. Watch and follow the Unplugged crew: * Unplugged DIY Solar [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAdK92vIqSr6v8H5gvMTvcA] * Adam De Lay DIY [https://www.youtube.com/@AdamDeLayDIY] * Rodney Hunt [https://www.youtube.com/@rodneyhunt] * Eric | East Texas Homestead [https://www.youtube.com/@EastTexasHomestead] * Home Energy Independence [https://www.youtube.com/@HomeEnergyIndependence] * Jasonoid [https://www.youtube.com/@Jasonoid] Topics covered: * Jasonoid’s channel background * 12-volt fridges, camping power, and LiFePO4 batteries * Portable power stations and home backup * Honest power station testing and grading data * Battery expansion ports and DIY battery hacks * Plug-and-play solar and smart home load offset * Transfer switches, generator inlets, and outage prep * Server rack batteries, BMS limits, and series connections * EcoFlow DPU, Flex Boss 18, 12KPV, and Grid Boss troubleshooting Chapters: * 0:00 Jasonoid joins Unplugged LIVE * 5:00 Solar roll call and host updates * 8:18 Portable power stations and home backup * 13:49 Honest power station testing and grading data * 20:10 Expansion battery ports and 48V loads * 24:57 Confusing product names and solar marketing * 32:12 Solar production roll call results * 34:39 Plug-and-play solar and smart home offset * 41:19 Expansion ports, charge controllers, and voltage limits * 47:59 Flex Boss 18 / 12KPV troubleshooting * 50:01 Most powerful power stations vs DIY systems * 55:07 Home loads, transfer switches, and power outages * 58:41 Two transfer switches on one panel * 1:01:53 Wrap-up, Jasonoid’s channel, and community updates Share your solar setup: email live@unplugged.solar [live@unplugged.solar] with subject “Unplugged” and tell us what your system is like, what challenges you faced, and what you’d change next time. Affiliate links: * Signature Solar: https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=unplugged [https://signaturesolar.com/?ref=unplugged] Coupon Code: UNPLUGGED50 — $50 off orders over $500 * Current Connected: https://currentconnected.com/?ref=AzzpK9Fl [https://currentconnected.com/?ref=AzzpK9Fl] Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. 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. #DIYsolar #OffGridLiving #Unplugged #PowerStations #BatteryBackup

Living Off-Grid Since 2007: Rudy Wright's Decades of Solar Experience and DIY Lessons

In this episode, Eric, Adam DeLay and Rudy Wright take a deep dive into over a decade of living off-grid with solar power. Rudy, a seasoned installer and solar enthusiast, shares lessons from building his off-grid property since 2007, evolving from a simple battery backup setup to a comprehensive solar-powered homestead. Topics discussed include: • The realities and challenges of transitioning to full off-grid living • Creative solutions for AC coupling and repurposing existing wiring • Insights from Rudy’s experience as an NABCEP certified installer • Pros and cons of DIY solar kits and common pitfalls seen in the field • Managing battery capacity and system upgrades for winter and low-sunlight conditions • Using home assistant and standalone command centers to monitor solar systems independent of internet connectivity • Balancing off-grid renewable energy with practical needs like biodiesel and water wells Whether you’re considering off-grid living, working on a DIY solar project, or interested in professional installation insights, Rudy’s long-term experience and candid advice offer valuable perspective. Join Eric, Adam and Rudy for a conversation about solar self-sufficiency, technical troubleshooting, and the realities of powering a modern homestead off the grid. Solar Roll Call: - Host production: Adam: 48 kWh (MI) | Rodney: 175 kWh (NC) - Audience stats: 26 submissions | Avg 48.1 kWh | Median 40.3 kWh | @DMIINC2013 led with 132 kWh (GA) - Top audience producers: @DMIINC2013 (132 kWh, GA) | @beefitter (101 kWh) | @kenh7521 (98 kWh, TX) Resources mentioned include Signature Solar, East Texas Homestead, and Unplugged Solar; see the episode links for details.

Why Solar Systems Alone Fail During Extended Outages and How to Prepare

Many solar users assume their system alone will keep the lights on during a blackout. But as this episode reveals, real outages often coincide with weather conditions that limit solar power—like clouds, storms, ice, or snow. Hosts Rodney and Eric explore the typical duration of extended outages and why relying on solar alone often falls short. They discuss practical strategies for preparing to survive several days without grid power, highlighting the key role of a properly sized generator and adequate fuel storage. The conversation covers: • Typical outage lengths during severe weather events • Why solar production usually decreases when it’s needed most • The pitfalls of running generators 24/7 and best practices to extend runtime • How to size a generator for efficient battery charging and essential loads • Planning fuel storage for at least a week of use • Real-world tips for managing power consumption during emergencies By focusing on designing systems engineered to function through the worst conditions, this episode offers realistic advice to help listeners maintain comfort and safety in prolonged outages. Whether you’re new to backup power or looking to optimize your setup, Rodney and Eric share hard-earned insights to sharpen your preparedness planning. Solar Roll Call: - Host production: Rodney: 196 kWh (NC) | Eric: 2.5 kWh (TX) - Audience stats: 25 submissions | Avg 45.6 kWh | Median 33 kWh | @AWESOMEGODDIVER led with 179 kWh (FL) - Top audience producers: @AWESOMEGODDIVER (179 kWh, FL) | @randya9143 (135 kWh) | @DMIINC2013 (79 kWh, GA)

Solar Trivia Challenge and Product Updates: FlexBoss Installation, Washing Machine Repairs, and Power Station Testing

In this lively episode of Unplugged Live, hosts Eric and Rodney join the conversation to share hands-on experiences with solar and off-grid living. Eric discusses his recent installation of the FlexBoss 18 in his well house, highlighting its straightforward setup and reliable performance. Rodney shares his journey adding more batteries and panels to his solar setup, along with his practical adventures fixing multiple washing machine issues — a deep dive into keeping off-grid life running smoothly. The hosts then put listeners to the test with a solar trivia challenge inspired by "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, " covering key concepts like what PV stands for in solar power and the function of inverters. Live audience participation shapes the fun, with real-time answers and friendly banter. Also featured is a teaser about a new power station undergoing a longevity test, going well beyond its advertised runtime — a promising glimpse of future off-grid power solutions. After the trivia, the show wraps up with a solar roll call showcasing audience solar production submissions topped by @snakecreepsdown from Michigan with 77 kWh for the day. Plus, exciting giveaways of midnight solar surge protection devices reward active participants. Whether you’re new to solar or a seasoned DIYer, this episode offers practical insights, real-world troubleshooting stories, and interactive learning to empower your off-grid journey. Stay tuned for more hands-on updates and community engagement from the Unplugged Solar team.