Cavco Off-Grid Lodge
Last year Cavco introduced their first off-grid park model and I published a post on it. For 2010 Cavco is introducing a new park model called the Off-Grid Lodge and it was recently placed in the KOA campground in Herkimer, N.Y.
The 400-square foot unit has solar panels on its roof, which are capable of producing 2 kilowatts of power. The unit also has a prototype backup propane generator, bamboo flooring, LED lighting, recycled axels and tires, recycled lumber composite decking, rinnai on-demand water heating, energy efficient heating and air-conditioning.
The unit has also been equipped with a complete assortment of eco-friendly cleaning and bathroom products, including coreless toilet paper that leaves no cardboard core at the end of the roll. Even the unit’s Amish-style furniture has been manufactured from recycled milk jugs and recycled hickory wood.
“We are very proud of this unit,” said Tim Gage, Cavco’s vice president, after trucking the 400-square foot cottage 2,600 miles to the Herkimer Diamond KOA campground in upstate New York. “It demonstrates not only the extent to which campgrounds are pursuing green initiatives, but it shows what Cavco is capable of producing as a company.”
Tim tells me that they are getting so many emails and requests for smaller homes and of course solar. With all the Green elements and 2KW of Off Grid Solar it will be available for $68,000 to the public. Freight, Generator and set-up is additional. One other item that I wanted to mention was that GENERAC is using a prototype propane generator for off grid living on the lodge. Very quiet when running.
For more information on Cavco’s eco-friendly park models, please contact Tim Gage at (602) 763-5488. www.cavcoparkhomes.com
17 Responses to “Cavco Off-Grid Lodge”
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This looks awesome. Here’s a question for any solar experts out there — a 2 KW solar system, what does that mean for practical purposes i.e. in layman’s terms? For example, could you run a full complement of appliances? Or just a couple light bulbs? Or…? Anybody have any websites that can help explain this? Thanks, Nick
Interesting concept, I’m reminded of the Ideabox house. I’m having a little trouble matching the images to the plans. It looks like the Freedom 5 model, but I can’t figure out where the bunk beds next to the bathroom are located. NBD. Its a very nicely laid out plan for 400 s.f
I’m trying to see if I can get a floor plan from Cavco, if I do I will post it ASAP.
Hello, Nick S:
A 2 kW/h solar power system provides “minimalist” power. This is 2000 watts. It provides basic power and essential power, but is insufficient for heavy-duty power output. Here are some examples of power requirements for everyday household items, taken from the Michael Blue Jay web site:
Coffee maker: 900 watts
50-56″ LCD television: 260 watts
Desktop Computer & 17″ CRT monitor: 150 to 340 watts
100 watt light bulb: 100 watts (duh!)
CFL light bulb (60-watt equivalent): 18 watts
Electric oven, 350°F: 2000 watts
Clothes dryer (electric): 4400 watts
Clothes dryer (electric): 57 to 160 watts
48″ ceiling fan (high speed): 75 watts
Window unit AC, medium: 900 watts
Electric space heater (medium): 900 watts
Elec. furnace, 1000 sf, warm climate: 7941 watts
Elec. furnace, 2000 sf, cold climate: 26,500 watts
Here is a link:
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/howmuch.html
Lester,
Thank you for that cool information- I think I will use it to modify and lessen my energy consumption in my current house while I wait to sell and find my little dream home…
:->
It never fails to amaze me just how spaceous and beautiful 400 sq ft can be!
The high ceilings, large windows, and careful floor plan all working together to make tiny living so loveable
Thanks for keeping us informed…
“Very quick when running.”
I do hope you meant “quiet” — I hate chasing generators all over a campground!
I just checked with Tim and he said it should be “quiet.” I’ve edited the post and he plans on getting me more information on the generator.
KOA has made a corporate commitment to the small house concept, we call them “KOA Lodges”. This project was very time consuming but the R&D learnings that it has supplied have been invaluable. We have designed nine different floor plans that are used for guest lodging units. All of these plans are available from Cavco and this plan is based om the KOA 10 floor plan. The KOA plans have all been designed and refined by KOA’s engineering staff and are available to the retail buyer but are proprietary to KOA for commercial use. The Generator is a Generac and will be available to the public late this summer or early fall and is very quiet, <65 db. As far as power consumption, this house pulled less than 20 amps, full on!
Great photos. Using solar panels is a great way to run power to lodge! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome for a prefab park model! A nice break from the generic looking park models.
[...] via Tiny House Blog [...]
Absolutely sublime.
One of my ultimate goals as of late is to have an off grid abode to call my own. A small, humble and cozy little lodge like that, with plenty of space to grow food.
I love this. It helps me visualize that goal even more!
Here is an article that you may be interested in! It’s what is green about pressure treated wood!http://bit.ly/9TVMH9
Add water collection and storage, and a composting toilet and its almost perfect!
I am assuming there is no laundry in it, but fridge and heat could be propaine.
Decking and porches seem like such a waste of our precious resources – sitting on the lawn is great!
how much does a place like this cost?