Energy
Off-grid power, portable stations, solar setups, fuel storage, and grid-down priorities. The category where buying smart means understanding watt-hours, not just brand names.
Top picks in Energy
Curated by topic, not commissionAll curated
US-Iran War, Round Three
Analysis of escalating US-Iran tensions, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and implications for global energy security and great-power competition.
Russian Gas Is Still Flowing to Europe. Here's Why
Analysis of ongoing Russian natural gas supplies to Europe and the geopolitical and economic factors sustaining the trade relationship.
Off-Grid Solar and Battery Installation: 30 kW System Walkthrough
Complete installation walkthrough of a 30 kW off-grid solar system with lithium batteries, inverter, transfer switch, and wiring configuration for household energy independence.
Final Battleborn Video: Overheating Cells
Troubleshoot lithium battery thermal management issues in off-grid solar systems and learn preventive maintenance strategies.
Manufacturing A Global Energy Crisis
How US strategic reserve depletion, Russian export halts, and EU sanctions are reshaping global energy markets and pricing.
Grid Failure: Dangerous Heat Waves Will Stress The Grid And Triple Energy Costs
Analysis of how extreme heat waves threaten electrical grid stability, examining vulnerabilities in US power infrastructure and recent near-collapse incidents.
Battery Hacks: Extend Your Phone's Runtime
36-second walkthrough of smartphone battery-saving tweaks—screen brightness, low-power mode—to extend device uptime in emergencies.
Split logs like a pro with just a small axe
Technique demonstration on efficient log splitting using a small axe for firewood processing and self-reliance.
Think You Need a Massive Axe to Split Huge Logs? Think Again.
Demonstration of axe selection and splitting technique for processing large logs efficiently, emphasizing tool choice over brute force.
The Camping Stove That Became a Coffin: Carbon Monoxide Safety in Enclosed Spaces
Why propane stoves and portable heaters must never run indoors, and how to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning during power outages.
Installing a 76-Year-Old Vintage Wedgewood Cook Stove: Testing Everything
Step-by-step installation and functionality testing of a restored vintage wood cooking and heating stove in an off-grid mountain homestead.
Integrate any Shelly Smart Switch as PV Inverter in Victron Venus OS
25-minute technical walkthrough: use Node-RED to integrate Shelly smart switches into Victron energy-management systems, creating virtual PV inverters for off-grid monitoring and control.
The Strait of Hormuz Is Closed Again
How closure of a critical shipping chokepoint affects fuel, fertilizer, food supplies, and modern supply chains — and what households should consider.
Run Small Portable Freezers with 100-Watt PV Solar Panel + Diodes
Four-minute walkthrough: powering a small portable freezer directly from a 100-watt solar panel using diode-based voltage regulation, no battery required.
Putin's Hopes for a Trump Security Deal Fade
Analysis of Russia's energy crisis, battlefield momentum, and diplomatic strategy as Ukraine conflict escalates and Western support solidifies.
What It Really Cost to Build Our Off-Grid Homestead
Complete cost breakdown of a seven-acre off-grid homestead, from land purchase through solar, well, and septic systems.
U.S. Attacks Iran; IRGC Closes Strait
Analysis of US-Iran military escalation and Iranian strait closure, with implications for global energy markets and supply chains.
Walmart Camping Stove: Amazing Value & Accessories
Two-minute review of a budget camping stove, its propane adapter, stand stability, and fuel versatility for portable outdoor cooking.
I Built This to Power My Entire House!
Ten-minute walkthrough of a DIY off-grid solar system using four server-rack batteries, a 3kW inverter, and solar panels—component selection, wiring, and month-long real-world performance testing.
First Friday Live Stream: Off-Grid Electrical Systems Q&A
Live technical Q&A on off-grid and mobile electrical systems, featuring product updates, installation services, and expert troubleshooting from the Explorist team.
I Tested 7 Emergency Indoor Cooking Stoves | Which One Wins?
Comparative testing of seven emergency cooking methods (butane, alcohol, canned heat, hot plates, lantern cooker) for power-outage readiness, with real-world performance data on boiling, fuel storage, and safety.
The First Hour Decides Everything in a Power Outage
Seven-minute walkthrough of immediate actions and gear priorities during the first hour of a power outage, covering communication, cooling, food safety, and carbon monoxide risks.
Fuel War - The NATO Russia Conflict
Analysis of fuel supply disruptions and energy market impacts from the NATO-Russia conflict.
Iran's Hormuz Gambit Sets Off Oil Price Rollercoaster
Analysis of Iran's strategic moves in the Strait of Hormuz and their potential impact on global oil prices and energy markets.
US-Iran War Reignites, Oil Markets in Chaos
Analysis of escalating US-Iran tensions and their immediate impact on global oil markets and energy prices.
2.5 Years in a Tiny Home: The Honest Truth
Two and a half years into full-time off-grid container-home living in rural Australia: what actually works, what surprised them, and whether small-space self-sufficiency is sustainable.
New Commodore Power Hubs Coming to Life
29-second workshop walkthrough of completed battery-storage and inverter Power Hubs designed for off-grid and hybrid residential power systems.
Israel Threatens Trump; Russia Fuel Crisis; Hormuz Strait Analysis
Assessment of geopolitical tensions involving Israel and the US, Russian fuel supply disruptions, and Strait of Hormuz energy security risks.
Battleborn Batteries 9 Year Test: Capacity Degradation Analysis
Long-term capacity test of Battleborn lithium batteries over 9 years at various discharge rates.
Massive Drill Rig Arrives—Securing Water & Power for Our Homestead
Norwegian couple documents drilling a new well, installing a frost-free hydrant, planting potatoes using no-dig methods, and building layered backup systems (old well, wood heat, future solar) while grid-connected.
Which Solar Battery is Right for You?
Breakdown of SunGoldPower battery options matched to different energy scenarios: RVs, cabins, whole-home backup, and off-grid systems.
US-Iran Deal Is Dead, Strikes Resume. Hormuz Set To Close as Oil Reserves Run Low
Analysis of renewed US-Iran conflict, Strait of Hormuz closure risk, and global oil supply disruption scenarios.
My New Portable Solar Panel Strategy
Overview of portable solar panel systems and off-grid communication gear (Meshtastic, SenseCAP nodes) for household energy independence and backup comms.
The Cheapest Way to Buy Solar Panels (Per Watt)
Comparison of solar panel costs per watt across 100W to 590W sizes from 10 brands, with bulk pricing tiers and real-world sourcing options.
Optisolex 400 Solar Bag
19-minute review of the Optisolex 400 portable solar panel bag for emergency power and off-grid charging applications.
How To Test a 12V Lithium Battery: Beginner Friendly! Voltage/Internal Resistance/Capacity and More
Learn to measure voltage, internal resistance, and capacity on 12V lithium batteries using affordable test equipment.
Keep Your Family Powered When the Grid Goes Down
Three-tier backup power strategy for grid outages: generator sizing, portable power stations, solar integration, and non-electric alternatives from 25-year off-grid practitioners.
Convert Any Fan Into a Free Air Conditioner | DIY AC That Actually Works
Nine-minute walkthrough of a no-electricity cooling hack using a fan and frozen water bottles to drop room temperature during heat emergencies.
Crimper Competition Part 2: UL vs Budget Crimper, Pro vs DIY and Secret Crimping Method
Comparative testing of professional and budget crimpers for battery cable termination, with performance analysis across price points.
EG4 FlexBoss/GridBoss Outdoor Installation
Learn how to install and configure EG4's FlexBoss and GridBoss battery systems for outdoor off-grid power setups.
Iran War Fallout Keeps Building: US SPR Still Shrinking
Analysis of escalating Iran tensions and implications for US strategic petroleum reserves and energy markets.
Solar Mini Split After 1 Year: Did It Survive a Texas Summer? | EG4 12K Review
One-year real-world performance review of the EG4 12K hybrid mini-split on an off-grid system in Texas heat and cold, covering efficiency, noise, features, and whether it's worth the investment.
Litime Batteries: UL1973 or Not?
Evaluate Litime lithium batteries against UL1973 safety certification standards for off-grid solar systems.
Gobel Power Project X: 35kWh Battery Shelf Review and Upgrades
30-minute hands-on review of a DIY solar battery kit with 35kWh capacity, covering assembly, component evaluation, design flaws, and recommended upgrades.
Groundwork Begins Our Biggest Homestead Project Yet
34-minute walkthrough of off-grid infrastructure work: installing water and power lines, land clearing, access roads, and renovating abandoned stone structures on a 5-acre rural property.
AFERIY P180 Review: Portable Power Station Testing and Comparison
Twenty-minute hands-on review of the AFERIY P180 1024Wh power station, including load testing, solar panel integration, and direct comparison to the P210 model.
I Read the NEC for Solar Systems: This Is What I Learned
Eight-minute breakdown of NEC Articles 690, 705, 706, and 710 covering rapid shutdown, arc fault protection, disconnects, grounding, battery ventilation, and labeling for DIY solar installs.
The Off-Grid Garage and House: Fully Off-Grid with a Single 5kW Inverter
21-minute walkthrough of converting a house to off-grid solar and battery power, including transfer-switch installation, dual-inverter load balancing, and real-world power-management lessons.