Most of us know by now that it is possible to go 100% off-the-grid with your home. We also know the many benefits of going off the grid: It’s better for the planet, your utility bills are cheaper or free, and (as disaster preppers know), going off grid frees you from dependency on the vulnerable power grid.
However, most of the off grid homes we see are either really rustic (think outdoor latrine) or really complicated (think expensive wind turbines and other systems).
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Luckily, there is a really strong off-grid movement going on around the world. Many architectural firms are making prefab off grid homes. That means you can order your home and move in almost immediately.
Are these off grid homes perfect? No. Would it be better to build your own off grid home to your specifications? Probably.
But these prefab homes show that it is a lot easier than you probably thought to get off the grid.
ZeroHouse
ZeroHouse is a small, prefabricated off grid house which can be shipped and put together very quickly. Some of the cool off grid features of this home include: Solar panels plus its own power bank, Rainwater collection system, a “Digester” below home turns waste into compost, and all off grid features run automatically and are fully customizable.
Hive Modular Prefab Homes
Hive Modular homes have gotten a lot of attention in architectural magazines because of their unique design. Even though they are compact in size, the design makes them seem large. The homes are marketed for their eco-friendly materials and process, but you can also get off-grid features as add-ons. These include: Geothermal, solar, green roofs, and rainwater collection. Learn more here.
Cabin Fever Prefab Homes
The company Cabin Fever makes prefabricated homes and commercial buildings. They offer an Off-the-Grid package which includes options like a house battery bank, rainwater catchment system, compost toilets, solar panels, solar water heaters, and windmill. The build time is typically just 6-8 weeks to get your off grid home built. Learn more here.
Living Homes
This firm offers a really large selection of prefab homes that are designed to be eco-friendly. They aren’t off-the-grid by default. However, they have a “Zero 6” vision in which they work to get the energy and waste loads of a home down to zero. This makes it really easy to turn one of these prefabs into an off grid home. Learn more here.
Method Homes
These prefab homes are also targeting the eco movement, which happens to mean that they are great for those wanting to live off grid. They are prewired for solar and made with super-efficient features. There are options like grey water, off grid septic, and more. Learn more here.
Ark Shelter
This prefab cabin can be shipped almost anywhere in the world. Aside from being portable, it includes off grid features like rainwater catchment, a wood stove, and is designed to last a lifetime. Learn more here.
Ferris Off Grid Homes
Ferris makes prefab custom homes in California. Their off grid home option includes solar and are zero-net. Learn more here.
Minim Homes
A basic Minim Home is estimated to cost about $70,000. That includes everything for the home including shipping the container. Aside from being sustainably small, there are off grid options like water, sewer, and electric. Learn more here.
Green Modern Kits Solar Homes
If you are on a really tight budget and want an off grid cabin, consider Green Modern Kits. Their prices are around just $30,000. For that price, you can get a Zero-Net home with solar. Learn more here.
Ecocapsule
Is the world ready for off grid living in a tiny egg-shaped home? I guess so, because the Slovak company who makes Ecocapsule has been a big success.
The Ecocapsule doesn’t need to be plugged in at all because it runs completely off the grid on solar and wind, and collects rainwater. It costs 79,000 Euros to buy, plus VAT and shipping/customs fees if you are outside of the EU. Learn more here.
Build Your Own Outdoor Cabin.
Want to build your own off-grid cabin or shed? Download 12,000 cabin and shed plans with step by step instructions.
Download Now By Clicking Here
I'm Jacob Hunter, founder of Primal Survivor.
I believe in empowering people with the knowledge to prepare and survive in the modern world.
More about Jacob here.
Hi,
Grateful for any information that you can provide regarding sustainable living.
We are looking for land to purchase at the moment and then we will obviously be looking at house plans to build !!!
My mom left me off the grid property in Cave Junction Oregon! Help! Need to strat the process to build my home there!
Thanks
Darlene Johnson
Hi Darlene. Tons of info around on the net – what specifically are you looking for?
I am currently designing a home that is 100% off-grid, and generates most of its power through a pedal-cranked generator (stationary bike) wired to a bank of NiMH batteries with solar as a backup. The generator would also power a water pump that moves water through pipes to absorb waste heat from the batteries and channels it through the walls to heat the home in winter and through inline water heaters in the summer to keep the house cool. What other ideas can I incorporate into my design?
Hey Robert – sounds like an awesome set up. Have any readers got any more suggestions for Robert?