When summer heat rolls in, staying cool becomes an expensive battle, especially for those living off-grid. However, one TikTok user is showing how a solar-powered setup can help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
In a recent post, content creator Zak Collings (@zak.collings.offgrid) shared how he keeps his trailer — or as he calls it, his "tin can" — cool during the summer.
@zak.collings.offgrid Staying cool Offgrid 🥶 Heating and cooling is usually a struggle when living in an rv. They aren't particularly well insulated so they require a lot of energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. Here is how I've been staying cool this summer. #rvlife #offgrid #rvliving #rvlifestyle #offgridliving #homesteading #solarpower #airconditioning #summer ♬ Heavy country music with strong blues color - New Air
"If you are going off-grid in a tin freaking can," Zak said, "my biggest recommendation is park it under some trees or try to get a cover for it because otherwise, you might as well be walking on the sun."
Zak explained that he once used the rooftop air conditioning unit, but it required so much gas and power that it wasn't sustainable. Now, he uses an in-window AC powered by a power bank that runs off solar energy.
"With this current setup, I can run that AC unit for about eight hours straight before I run out of battery," he said. "I can keep the trailer about 72 degrees if I run the AC all day long."
The hack not only saves money on fuel, but it also highlights a key perk of the off-grid lifestyle: resilience. Off-gridders aren't at the mercy of local power grids, having to deal with blackouts or price spikes during extreme weather.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number![]() Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
While living off-grid isn't for everyone, small-scale solutions similar to this one can still inspire mainstream moves toward cleaner living. Off-grid setups typically use far less energy and can save homeowners tons of money. Plus, clean energy solutions such as Zak's solar setup cut down on heat-trapping pollution, contributing to a cooler, cleaner future for us all.
If you're considering lowering your own summer power bill, solar is one of the easiest ways to do it. Installing solar panels is the ultimate home energy hack that can bring your electricity cost down to at or near $0. EnergySage makes it simple to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installation. Solar panels also make running appliances, such as heat pumps, cheaper. If you're in the market for a money-saving HVAC, check out Mitsubishi's line of efficient heat pumps.
Viewers were quick to cheer Zak on.
"Summers can be brutal," one commenter wrote. "I've got a window unit in the cabin, need another one."
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
How much do you run your AC during the summer? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
"That's awesome you were able to get it all figured out," another added.
A third summed up the appeal of the whole system: "That's a nice setup to be comfortable and not needing fuel is awesome."
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.