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CNN
11 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
These sleek, sustainable homes are breaking the stereotype for pre-fab construction
Oil & gas HomesFacebookTweetLink Follow Colin Goodson knows more about energy than most people. The tall, bearded Mainer is an engineer on an offshore oil drilling ship in the Gulf of Mexico. But when it came time for him to build a home in Southern Maine, Goodson largely bypassed fossil fuels. The house he built is entirely off the grid, powered from rooftop solar and batteries that convert the sun's energy to electricity. Electrons power much of his two-story home; it is heated and cooled with heat pumps, and Goodson and his wife cook meals on an induction range. Incredibly well-insulated, the entire home is heated by a small wood stove. Goodson loves his new house, even though it has raised the eyebrows of his drilling ship colleagues. 'All the guys at work think I'm crazy,' Goodson said during a recent tour of his home. 'They think I'm living in a shack out in the woods somewhere and I go outside to use the toilet, but that's clearly not the case.' The house, built by New Hampshire company Unity Homes, is a far cry from a shack. Modern and spacious, it has running water and three bathrooms. Despite also having initial concerns about her husband's off-the-grid aspirations, Katie Goodson is a convert as well – especially after the lights stayed on during an intense storm that knocked their neighbors' electricity out. 'I would never go back,' she told CNN. 'When I tell co-workers or neighbors that we live off-grid and they see the house, they're always like, 'Whoa, this isn't what I was expecting!' It's really fun surprising people; I live a totally normal life.' The Goodsons are part of a small but growing number of homeowners who are choosing to build energy-efficient 'panelized' homes that are pre-made in a factory. The homes are better for the climate, and although they have a high upfront cost, several homeowners say their energy savings, quality of life and overall cost of living has greatly improved since moving in. Unity, a brand of custom home company Bensonwood, is one of several companies in New England building homes in a factory. It's a modern spin on the 1900s Sears Roebuck catalogue of mail-order houses, now with energy efficiency front of mind. Companies like Unity and Maine-based BrightBuilt Home offer several basic designs that owners can customize. At Unity, much of the design is done ahead of time, before the house's walls, windows and doors are assembled inside the company's Keene, New Hampshire, factory, then wrapped tightly in reusable plastic and put on a truck bed. Once it's on site, a panelized house can be built in a matter of days. It is a very different model from traditional 'stick-built' home construction, where the structure is built 'stick by stick' on site and can take months to finish, all the while leaving wood and materials exposed to rain, snow and wind. 'There's a logic to building a structure in a climate-controlled environment. That really resonates with a lot of folks,' said Parlin Meyer, managing principal for BrightBuilt Home. The number of factory-made homes still pales in comparison to traditional stick-built homes in the United States — just 3% of all single-family homes as of 2024, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The trend is much more popular in Europe; in Sweden, most new homes are built in factories. 'That's been relatively flat for a number of years,' said Devin Perry, an assistant vice president at the National Association of Home Builders. 'But anecdotally, there seems to be momentum behind that method of construction, and people looking for energy efficient options.' Three New England companies specializing in factory-built and energy efficient homes told CNN they are seeing a rise in interest. Pre-fabricated homes used to be associated with cheap, poorly made housing, but that has changed. 'I think for a long time, modular homes had a bad reputation, both earned and not,' Meyer said, adding that more manufacturers are leaning into energy-efficient homes and being willing to customize them has spurred consumer interest. As the US grapples with a shortage of housing, Unity's sales lead, Alison Keay, said the company believes this model is 'the future of construction.' The Goodsons didn't start out intending to build a home. The couple scoured the southern Maine housing market for nearly two years, striking out time after time. 'We put in offers on probably half a dozen houses well over asking and were perpetually beat out by people who were paying cash, coming up from Boston or New York,' Goodson said. 'The housing stock was nonexistent, to say the least.' House-hunting in cities comes with the same problem. When Tim Buntel and Cynthia Graber started looking for homes in Somerville, Massachusetts, they kept finding condos listed for far more than they were worth. 'They were often very expensive, and they were flips,' Graber said. 'Developers come in, they take old properties and do a lot of things that are pretty in their eyes. And it's really crappy quality.' Massachusetts is one of the costliest states in which to buy a house. The greater Boston market has remained stubbornly expensive, with low inventory clashing with high demand. Graber and Buntel eventually found a property with an old cottage they considered renovating. But after several sky-high quotes from architects, they decided to demolish it and build a new home with Unity. 'It was more flexible for our (urban) setting,' Buntel said. 'Bringing the panels in on a flat pack and assembling them here was just more feasible, given the constraints of the streets and the neighborhood.' Unity Homes started with the intent to offer quality, sustainable homes at a lower price point than the bigger custom homes built by its parent company, Bensonwood. The final price can range widely depending on how big the customer wants to go, or whether it comes with features like a porch or a garage – anywhere from $300,000 for its smallest home up to $900,000 or just over $1 million for its biggest builds. BrightBuilt's houses range from $275,000 to over $2 million, Meyer said. High costs are still a big barrier to prospective customers, said Alan Gibson, principal at Maine-based builder GO Logic, where a shell for an ultra-efficient, two-story, 1,400 square foot home with three bedrooms can cost around $600,000. Homeowners also need to factor in additional costs, like buying and developing a suitable plot of land, and in some cases, getting access to water, electricity and septic, Gibson added. The way to bring down costs, Gibson believes, is more panelized, multi-family housing. 'It can be done so much more efficiently,' Gibson said, 'and there's a lot more repetition' for the developer, making the process faster and less expensive than custom multi-family builds. Goodson, the homeowner in Maine, was able to save big money with his engineering background and penchant for DIY. He installed a rooftop solar system and electrical improvements himself, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process. He wound up spending around $500,000 in all, which he estimates was $200,000 less than he otherwise would have. 'It's a big number to swallow, I'm not making light of that at all, but it's not that far out of what's reasonable,' Goodson told CNN. It's also not considering the long-term savings he will experience with no utility bills. He was also able to take advantage of federal tax credits that reduced the cost of his rooftop solar, which saved him more than $10,000 on his panels. Those tax credits are now endangered with House Republicans' tax bill. 'That was huge,' he said. 'It's fairly unfortunate they're looking at doing away with it.' Unity and BrightBuilt factory-built homes share an important feature: They are airtight, part of what makes them 60% more efficient than a standard home. GO Logic says its homes are even more efficient, requiring very little energy to keep cool or warm. 'Everybody wants to be able to build a house that's going to take less to heat and cool,' said Unity director Mark Hertzler. Home efficiency has other indirect benefits. The insulation and airtightness – aided by heat pumps and air exchangers – helps manage the movement of heat, air and moisture, which keeps fresh air circulating and mold growth at bay, according to Hertzler. Buntel, a spring allergy sufferer, said his Somerville home's air exchange has made a noticeable difference in the amount of pollen in the house. And customers have remarked on how quiet their homes are, due to their insulation. 'I'm from New England, so I've always lived in drafty, uncomfortable, older houses,' Buntel said. 'This is really amazing to me, how consistent it is throughout the year.' Some panelized home customers are choosing to build not just to reduce their carbon footprint, but because of the looming threat of a warming planet, and the stronger storms it brings. Burton DeWilde, a Unity homeowner based in Vermont, wanted to build a home that could withstand increasing climate impacts like severe flooding. 'I think of myself as a preemptive climate refugee, which is maybe a loaded term, but I wasn't willing to wait around for disaster to strike,' he told CNN. Sustainability is one of Unity's founding principles, and the company builds houses with the goal of being all-electric. 'We're trying to eliminate fossil fuels and the need for fossil fuels,' Hertzler said. Goodson may drill oil by day, but the only fossil fuel he uses at home is diesel to power the house battery if the sun doesn't shine for days. Goodson estimated he burned just 30 gallons of diesel last winter – hundreds of gallons less than Maine homeowners who burn oil to stay warm. 'We have no power bill, no fuel bill, all the things that you would have in an on-grid house,' he said. 'We pay for internet, and we pay property taxes, and that's it.'
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
DJI Portable Power Station Gets 55% Off as Part of Amazon's Surprise Early Deals, Limited Time Only
Most of us don't think much about electricity until it's not there. Until the lights go out during a storm or you're packing for a weekend trip off-grid and you realize hey! You need power! That's why a reliable portable power station is always a good idea. It can go from a luxury to a necessity in a flash. And when you're counting on one to keep your laptop, phone, fridge, or even medical equipment running, quality and performance really matter. So with that in mind, it might be time to invest in this deal. See at Amazon Check out Amazon to get the DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station for just $449, down from its usual price of $999. That's $550 off and a discount of 55%. Stay powered up during any emergency DJI is best known for drones and camera gear, but the brand has quietly made its way into the world of portable power with the same attention to detail and premium build quality. The Power 1000 isn't just a beefy battery pack with some outlets slapped on. It's thoughtfully engineered to give you serious power, fast charging, and flexible options whether you're at home or off the grid. And right now, it's available at a solid discount that makes it much more accessible. Inside the unit is a 1024Wh battery that can deliver up to 2200 watts of output. That means it can run a wide range of devices, from laptops and phones to coffee makers, power tools, and even small fridges. It can handle up to 13 devices at once with a mix of USB-C, USB-A, and full-size AC outlets. It also recharges faster than many other models in this category, going from empty to full in just over an hour with the included wall charger. If you're using solar panels, it's compatible with that too. It's not the lightest device, but it's still compact enough to move easily thanks to a built-in handle. The digital display gives you a live view of your power input, output, and how much battery life is left, so you're never caught off guard. If you've been looking for a reliable power solution for emergencies, camping, or mobile work setups, the DJI Power 1000 is a fantastic option. And think about it, because you're saving a legitimate 55% off here, that's $550 off. Nothing to sneeze at. And with this current markdown, you're getting premium performance without paying full price. It's the kind of upgrade you don't know you need, until you do. See at Amazon
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Off-grid Energy Storage Systems Market: Trends, Investment Opportunities and Analysis to 2031
Dublin, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Off-grid Energy Storage System Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis to 2031" has been added to global off-grid energy storage system market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 11.1% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the rising demand for reliable power in remote areas, the growing adoption of renewable energy, and the increasing government incentives & environmental future of the global off-grid energy storage system market looks promising with opportunities in the family backup power, industrial UPS, and unattended equipment markets. Features of this Global Off-grid Energy Storage System Market Report Market Size Estimates: Off-grid energy storage system market size estimation in terms of value ($B). Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions. Segmentation Analysis: Off-grid energy storage system market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B). Regional Analysis: Off-grid energy storage system market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type, application, and regions for the off-grid energy storage system market. Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the off-grid energy storage system market. Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter's Five Forces model. Leading Market Segments Within the type category, lithium-ion battery is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period. Within the application category, industrial UPS is expected to witness the highest growth. In terms of region, APAC is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period. The factors responsible for driving the off-grid energy storage system market include: Technological Advances Government Support and Incentives Reduction of the Cost of Storage Systems Gaining Demand for Renewable Energy Solution Enhanced Energy Access in Remote Areas Challenges in the off-grid energy storage system market are: High Initial Investment Expenses Poor Infrastructure in Isolated Areas Energy Storage Efficiency and Reliability Issues List of Off-grid Energy Storage System CompaniesCompanies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies off-grid energy storage system companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer of the off-grid energy storage system companies profiled in this report include: EnerSys Samsung LG Sonnen Fronius Toshiba Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sumitomo Electric Industries Enphase SAFT Off-grid Energy Storage System Market by SegmentThe study includes a forecast for the global off-grid energy storage system market by type, application, and [Value from 2019 to 2031]: Lithium-ion Battery Lead-acid Battery Others Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]: Family Backup Power Industrial UPS Unattended Equipment Others Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]: North America Europe Asia-Pacific The Rest of the World Country-wise Outlook for the Off-grid Energy Storage System MarketThe off-grid energy storage system market has picked up an impressive pace as energy demands change and the call for cleaner power solutions rises. Off-grid energy storage systems, which supply power in off-grid or isolated places that lack access to central grids, are crucial in powering rural communities, remote businesses, and emergency standby uses. These systems are increasingly being used all over the world, fueled by technological innovation, government initiatives, and increasing need for renewable energy solutions. United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan are leaders in these trends, making every effort to achieve energy independence along with environmental needs. United States: The United States has seen strong growth in the market for off-grid energy storage, fueled by growing demand for renewable energy sources in rural regions and increasing concern about grid reliability. Solar and wind energy systems complemented by battery storage solutions are helping drive the de-centralization of power in the country. Recent advances consist of federal tax credits that encourage off-grid energy storage projects, with most companies looking into maximizing battery storage systems and lowering costs. The U.S. is also investing in microgrid technologies to provide local power generation and storage for important infrastructure and communities. China: China, the world leader in energy storage and renewable energy use, has made great advances in off-grid energy storage technology. The country is heavily investing in solar and wind energy, combined with high-capacity battery storage solutions, to overcome energy access limitations in rural and remote areas. Additionally, the government of China has played an important role in supporting off-grid systems through subsidies and policy support for promoting storage system deployment. Several Chinese firms are also developing lithium-ion battery technology, with increased performance and lower costs, making off-grid energy storage cheaper and more convenient. Germany: Germany has a rich tradition of renewable energy enthusiasm, and Germany has made considerable strides in mainstreaming off-grid energy storage solutions. The growth of solar power systems, accompanied by efficient energy storage systems, has become central to Germany's energy transition, or Evergreened. The government of Germany continues to fund decentralized energy solutions in the form of funding schemes and incentives, enabling homes, businesses, and even communities to be powered by off-grid systems. Recent advancements have seen improvements in the application of smart grids, which maximize energy storage and distribution, such that excess energy produced during peak hours is stored for future use. India: In India, off-grid energy storage systems have emerged as a central component of the solution for delivering secure electricity in rural and underserved regions. As the population increases and electricity demand rises, India is increasingly looking towards decentralized energy solutions. The government of India has launched a number of schemes to encourage off-grid energy storage, including the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Gha Yojana (Subhaga Scheme), which seeks to provide electricity to every household in rural India. India is also considering the integration of solar microgrids with battery storage to combat energy shortages in far-flung areas and supply stable power for farming, medical care, and schools. Japan: Japan is heavily investing in off-grid energy storage systems as part of its plan to increase energy security and decrease its dependence on fossil fuels. Since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, Japan has sped up its transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass, and energy storage systems have been an important part of this. The government of Japan provides incentives to households and businesses to have off-grid storage systems installed, especially for solar energy systems. Japan is also making progress in the application of new battery technologies, such as sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, to enhance the efficiency and longevity of off-grid energy storage systems. This report answers the following 11 key questions: What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the off-grid energy storage system market by type (lithium-ion battery, lead-acid battery, and others), application (family backup power, industrial UPS, unattended equipment, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World)? Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why? Which region will grow at a faster pace and why? What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market? What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market? What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them? What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market? What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments? Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth? What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution? What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry? For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fast Company
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Fast Company
This hybrid RV could be a game-changer for travelers
These days, on any stretch of highway, you're likely to encounter an assortment of electric vehicles, from passenger cars to buses, trucks, and motorcycles. Likely absent? An electric RV. This is a tall order for three main reasons, according to McKay Featherstone, senior vice president of global innovation at the RV manufacturer Thor Industries: RVs need to travel long distances without stopping, U.S. EV chargers aren't always readily available along highways, and many drivers want to enjoy their vehicle off-grid. This year, a Thor subsidiary is set to debut the country's first-ever hybrid electric RV, and Featherstone says it solves those problems 'in one fell swoop.' Thor's prototype hybrid RV, a 2024 test model made in collaboration with the EV company Harbinger Motors, is a Class A motorhome (essentially a truck and home in one). Its hybrid construction means it works like a regular EV, with an added gas generator that can charge its batteries in a pinch. Other companies, like Lightship and Grounded EV, are currently focused on making electric RVs for the U.S. market (the company Bowlus has a luxury model that's commercially available), but Thor believes its new vehicle will be the first-ever hybrid model in the country. Thor's hybrid RV delivers 150 miles of electric range and 500 miles with the gas range extender—more than double the average range of EV vans and trucks in the U.S. It can charge at any campsite hookup, and all of its amenities can be powered up off-grid. 'The generator can provide electricity so you can go further down the road, or so you can stay at the campsite longer,' Featherstone says. Harbinger helped Thor modify an existing electric chassis design into a hybrid model tailored to the dimensions of the RV. The chassis is a series powertrain, meaning that all of the energy used by the vehicle comes from the RV's 800-volt lithium-ion batteries. As long as the batteries have some charge, all of the RV's systems will be functional, including heating, cooling, and lights. Featherstone says the hybrid chassis will be available to Thor's subsidiary companies, including brands like Airstream, Jayco, and Tiffin. The first commercially available model is expected to debut sometime this year.
Gizmodo
09-06-2025
- Gizmodo
This Anker Portable Power Station Hits Its Lowest Price as Amazon Clears Out Stock Early in June
There's nothing quite like heading into the great outdoors or prepping for a camping trip, until your devices run out of juice. You need to keep your phone charged for navigation or power a lantern at night. or just having peace of mind during a power outage, portable energy solutions have become a must-have. That's where the Anker Portable Outdoor Generator comes in. No matter where you go, even when you're off-grid, you can have access to power to keep you juiced up and ready for whatever's on the agenda and then some. See at Amazon You can check out Amazon right now to get the Anker Portable Outdoor Generator for just $90, down from its usual price of $150. That's $60 off and a discount of 40%. Portable and affordable power for every situation This isn't your average power bank. It's designed for people who want something more rugged, more capable, and more flexible than a typical battery pack. It offers just enough power to make a real difference when you're off-grid but doesn't come with the bulk or cost of a full-size power station. The PowerCore Reserve features a 192Wh capacity (roughly 60,000mAh), which means you can charge your phone multiple times, power small appliances, or keep lights running for extended periods. If you've ever been out on a hike and returned to a dead phone or lost power during a storm, you know how much a little backup can matter. It's all kitted out with everything you need so you can get everything charged, too, like USB-C ports (60W and 27W) along with two USB-A ports. There's also a retractable LED light built in that has multiple brightness levels and an emergency SOS function. You can even use this power station with a solar panel if you have one with the right voltage. Y ou can plug it in and use solar power to recharge the generator. That's a huge bonus if you don't have an alternative energy source or just want to run clean energy to power everything you have up. If you've been on the fence about getting a power solution for your outdoor adventures or household preparedness kit, this Anker option strikes the perfect balance between affordability and functionality, and right now, the price makes it even easier to justify. Saving 40% makes it an even more palatable buy, and you likely won't see these kinds of savings for the foreseeable future, so might as well lock in. See at Amazon
