From Lamar Alexander’s blog “Simple Solar Homesteading,” retrieved on September 15, 2008:
The cabin is 14 x 14 and aproximately 400 square feet with a full loft. It includes a kitchen, dining area, bathroom and living area downstairs and a large bedroom and office upstairs.
I built this cabin by myself from new materials for under $2000 (not including windows, doors, and porch). I live in this cabin year round. My electricity comes from the solar panels you see on the roof and a small backup generator. This power runs all my lights, water pump, tv, computer etc. My heat is primarily from direct solar gain through the south facing windows and I use propane for a backup furnace, fridge, stove, and on demand water heater. My propane bill for last year was less than $200. I use a tracfone pay as you go cell phone for emergencies.
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