Makers - How to Power an Underground Bunker Room

How to Power an Underground Bunker Room

Zack Nelson from the YouTube channel @JerryRigEverything is known for tackling projects that are a bit out of the ordinary—but building a hidden underground bunker in his backyard? That’s taking things to a whole new level. In his recent video, Zack shows off one of his most ambitious DIY projects yet – a custom-built, solar-powered sliding hatch for his underground GroundX Bunker.

Not everyone needs—or wants—a bunker in their backyard. But for Zack, creating one was about having a unique space to work on projects, relax, and escape the everyday routine. Instead of a traditional shed or workshop, Zack wanted something a bit more hidden and unusual, and a fully underground space fit the bill. He selected a 12-foot diameter corrugated stormwater drainage pipe as the primary structure. Engineered for underground use, this pipe is designed to withstand the pressure of being buried under tons of soil and to distribute weight evenly, making it ideal for the application.

Bringing Sustainable Power to an Underground Space

Zack wanted to keep the bunker powered and functional without relying on electrical lines or a generator. His DIY challenge was incorporating an off-grid, renewable energy power source that maintained the bunker’s hidden nature. The result? A solar-powered sliding hatch that not only conceals the entrance but also powers the entire space. The design uses bifacial solar panels that capture sunlight from both sides, maximizing energy generation even when mounted flat.

One of the trickiest parts of the build was designing a mechanism strong enough to move the heavy solar panels and withstand harsh conditions. Instead of opting for expensive custom parts, Zack used a bit of ingenuity and turned to Unistrut—standard framing components you’d typically see in electrical or plumbing projects.

He paired these with custom-built rollers to create a sliding system capable of supporting hundreds of pounds while staying smooth and secure.

Another unique element Zack added to the build was a protective layer over the solar panels. Since the panels are installed flat and could be exposed to accidental foot traffic, Zack opted for a thick layer of acrylic—similar to what’s used in bulletproof glass.

A thick layer of acrylic protects the solar panels

The panels sit securely in a custom frame he designed in SOLIDWORKS.

Zack’s unconventional use of everyday materials like Unistrut and acrylic illustrates how to solve complex problems with simple solutions. While it’s not every day that you see a solar-powered sliding bunker hatch, the underlying principles of creativity and problem-solving can apply to just about any DIY project.

Watch the Video and See the Full Build

Check out Zack’s full video to see how this solar-powered hatch came together and get inspired for your own DIY builds. Zack shares the challenges he faced along the way, the tools he used, and the unexpected solutions that helped him overcome obstacles during the build enabling him to run power to the bunker successfully.

Watch the full video: Bulletproof Solar Panel Bunker Door Build – Unlimited Energy!

Ready to start designing your own projects? Explore SOLIDWORKS for Makers for the same CAD tools Zack used to bring his bunker door to life. At just $48/year, it’s a great way to dive into CAD and turn your DIY projects into reality.

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Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. offers complete 3D software tools that let you create, simulate, publish, and manage your data. SolidWorks products are easy to learn and use, and work together to help you design products better, faster, and more cost-effectively. The SolidWorks focus on ease-of-use allows more engineers, designers and other technology professionals than ever before to take advantage of 3D in bringing their designs to life.