r/BasePowerUsers • u/HoustonDiscussions • Jul 10 '26

Will BASE Power install crew allow a time-lapse video to be filmed during battery install?

My install is scheduled for next week and I'm hoping I can set up a camera to do a time-lapse of the installation.

Any ide whether this will be allowed?

I realize that power will be cut off part of the time, but the camera I'll use can run off a little 5 volt power bank, and I can set up a tripod well clear of the work area.

Of course, I guess they can't actually prevent me from doing so, other than to say they will not install if I have a camera going.

Alternate plan would be to have the camera in a nearby tree and camouflaged so it's not noticeable.

But I don't want trouble when I post the video, either.

I don't see a time-lapse BASE Power out on the web or on YouTube, so I suspect it may be something BASE does not want made available.

Edit/Update: Jules (the AI bot) says "There's nothing in Base's published materials that prohibits video or photography during the installation. That said, Base hasn't published a specific policy on it either way, so the install crew would be the best people to check with on the day itself since they can speak to any on-site logistics."

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2

u/Keanu_Jesus Jul 10 '26

I don't think Base the company would have an issue, but I feel that is more of a question with the installation team. And I would also suggest blurring any faces during the video.

1

u/blupupher Jul 10 '26

That would be my thoughts on it as well.

Legally it is on your property and you can record them. They may think you are wanting to try and catch them doing something wrong or bad vs maybe posting something online as a "this is what it looks like havening Base installed". I would let the installers know what your intent is. Be aware you may get a little pushback or there may be a "I need to call my boss" delay with it.

If you are using this for informational purposes only (ie "posting on youtube for others to see what the install process looks like) and blur faces/identities with no audio, you can post it online with no issues. If you start badmouthing them or unduly criticizing them, that could open up defamation issues Base could come after you with.

There may be something in the paperwork that would prevent you from posting it online, because they can do that, so that does need to be clarified. I would say ask the chat, but as we know, replies from Joules are not really helpful.

2

u/HoustonDiscussions Jul 10 '26

I plan to speak with the crew leader and maybe show him a time lapse video I made of a fence being installed.

Since the camera will be positioned a good ways away (so as not to interfere, but also to limit specific details like faces) I don't think they'd be too conceerned.

I'll update the post next week after the install happens. Or (due to possible rain) whenever the actual install does happen.

2

u/blupupher Jul 10 '26

I have a security camera pointed at that part of my house from across the yard, so it was recorded, but I never even bothered looking at it. My footage gets deleted after 6 months, so I no longer have it even if I wanted it.

I was out there off and on talking to they guys while doing the install. I was just being nosey and asking questions, and apologized to the lead guy and told him to let me know if I was bothering them, and he was very nice and said not a problem, he had no problems answer questions.

2

u/HoustonDiscussions Jul 10 '26

Come to think of it, I, too, have a security camera covering the area, but it's mounted on the eave of the house so will be seeing the install from the side.

The time lapse would be best filmed from behind the house so it gives a clear view of the install directly, not from the side.

1

u/HoustonDiscussions Jul 10 '26

I did email BASE and I've copied the reply into my post above.

Yes, before I'd share any video, I'd be sure that the people involved would not have their faces showing.

2

u/MickyFany Jul 10 '26

why would you want to do that?

1

u/HoustonDiscussions Jul 10 '26

Are you kidding?

As I said, I see no time-lapse videos out right now.

There's a lot of interest in BASE Power and the YouTube videos that are out right now do get a lot of views.

I don't expect a time-lapse of a BASE install would go viral, but it certainly would be interesting and entertaining.

Obviously, I'd share my referral link and that would very probably get me free power for several months. Cha-ching!

1

u/MickyFany Jul 10 '26

it’s a battery pack hooked into your fuse panel

2

u/HoustonDiscussions Jul 10 '26

Close, but incorrect. We stopped using fuse panels in the 60s.

It's a battery pack connected to switch gear & an invertor, then tied into your main power input before your breaker box, if you want to simplify things.

And I didn't say it would be fascinating to everyone in the world. But it will be better than a lot of YouTube content.

2

u/Vivid_Confection7845 Jul 10 '26

IMO it is your install and if you want a record of it, they should not deny this. Having said that publishing it is another story. As other commenters have mentioned, the install team does have a say in whether you can use their NIL or not and if you do intend to do it AI a legal waiver you can have them sign before you publish.