Stories, Lessons & Practical Tips from the Homestead

Explore our blog for real-life insights and hard-earned lessons from our off-grid journey. From DIY projects to everyday challenges, each post is packed with hands-on advice and personal stories that bring homesteading to life.

Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into self-sufficiency, you’ll find helpful tips, relatable mishaps, and plenty of inspiration to fuel your own path toward independence.

  1. Featured image for “Generac Generator Starts But Won’t Stay Running? COSense Fix (GB6500)”
    August 3, 2026

    Generac Generator Starts But Won’t Stay Running? COSense Fix (GB6500)

    Generac generator starts but won’t stay running? The COSense board is likely failed. Here is a step-by-step fix for the Generac GB6500 and GP6500 that takes 30 minutes with basic tools.…

  2. Featured image for “How I Cut 95% Off My Electric Bill Legally Using Batteries”
    August 2, 2026

    How I Cut 95% Off My Electric Bill Legally Using Batteries

    How I cut my electric bill from $475 to $27 per month using batteries to shift consumption from peak to off-peak hours. Complete equipment list, sizing guide, and ROI breakdown.…

  3. Featured image for “Starlink Mini Review: Portable High-Speed Internet Anywhere (2026)”
    August 1, 2026

    Starlink Mini Review: Portable High-Speed Internet Anywhere (2026)

    Hands-on Starlink Mini review after extended use on our off-grid homestead. Real-world speed tests, power options (USB-C, 12V), service plans, and whether it is worth buying.…

  4. Featured image for “First Week With the Kandi Innovator e10K Electric UTV: Honest Review”
    July 31, 2026

    First Week With the Kandi Innovator e10K Electric UTV: Honest Review

    Honest first-week review of the Kandi Innovator e10K electric UTV after 40 miles on our homestead. Specs, real-world performance, pros, cons, and whether it is worth $15,999.…

  5. Featured image for “FCC Bans New Foreign-Made Solar Inverters: Complete Guide for DIY Solar (2026)”
    July 30, 2026

    FCC Bans New Foreign-Made Solar Inverters: Complete Guide for DIY Solar (2026)

    The FCC banned new foreign-made solar inverters from receiving FCC approval on July 28, 2026. Does this affect off-grid DIY solar? Which brands are safe? When does it take effect? Complete breakdown…

  6. Featured image for “Portable AC for Camping and Survival: Cybertake S2 Review”
    July 30, 2026

    Portable AC for Camping and Survival: Cybertake S2 Review

    Cybertake S2 portable AC review for camping and off-grid use. 5,100 BTU, battery-powered, 8 hour runtime. How it compares to EcoFlow Wave and Zero Breeze.…

  7. Featured image for “Upgrading from EG4 6000XP to 12000XP: What I Learned”
    July 29, 2026

    Upgrading from EG4 6000XP to 12000XP: What I Learned

    When I started my solar journey, I went with three EG4 6000XP inverters. They served me well, but as my homestead grew, I found myself running them at 80-90% capacity during Texas…

  8. Featured image for “EG4 12000XP Review 2026: Is It Worth the Upgrade Over the 6000XP?”
    May 21, 2026

    EG4 12000XP Review 2026: Is It Worth the Upgrade Over the 6000XP?

    The EG4 12000XP is much closer in price to the 6000XP than many DIY solar buyers expect. Here is when the extra inverter makes sense, and when the 6000XP is still the…

  9. Featured image for “EG4 6000XP Review 2026: Why It Is Still One of the Best Off-Grid Inverters”
    May 21, 2026

    EG4 6000XP Review 2026: Why It Is Still One of the Best Off-Grid Inverters

    The EG4 6000XP is still one of the strongest off-grid inverter options for DIY solar in 2026. Here is what it does well, where it fits best, how it compares to the…

  10. Featured image for “How to Connect a Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent-Free Blue Flame Propane Heater to a 20 lb Tank (Parts + Video)”
    February 2, 2026

    How to Connect a Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent-Free Blue Flame Propane Heater to a 20 lb Tank (Parts + Video)

    What you need to know about the Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Propane Heater If you’re trying to get reliable backup heat for a barn, shop, cabin, or cold room, this guide shows…