You did really well with the photos. I have the same problem photographing my pantry, no room to get far enough back.

We got lucky when we were evaluated for solar. We ended up with a system much larger than they originally thought we needed. (Hmmmm, awkward sentence. Eval'd for 12,000 KW, given 10,000KW system biggest allowed.) Even with the 5 freezers, 2 dehydrators, the cold room/AC, we still make far more electric than we use.

The current root cellar was built after the foundation was put in, so it has a cement floor. The new one will have a gravel/dirt floor.

The original house was not supposed to have a basement. But it only measured 16' x 18' with a 12' x 6' shed for the pantry/entry. Just not enough room and no place for a wood stove. So we put a basement under it.