≡ Menu

How this Man Built a Tiny Solar Cabin in 2 Weeks for $2k


This post contains affiliate links.

Many of you know the story of this guy already. And how he built his own debt-free tiny solar cabin in only two weeks for only $2k in cash. It’s certainly in inspiring story.

It was after a divorce and sudden illness that he found himself homeless. But he had inherited a small piece of land from a family member’s old homestead.

So eventually he set up camp on the lot with an older camper and his truck. Then, while working part-time, he started clearing the land, saving up the cash, and designing his 14′ by 14′ cabin of almost 400 sq. ft. including the loft space.

How This Man Built a Tiny Solar Cabin for $2k in 2 Weeks

man-builds-tiny-solar-cabin-in-2-weeks-for-2k

Image © LaMar Alexander

Read the original full story: http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/solar-cabin-in-two-weeks-zm0z14jjzsor.aspx

You can help us spread the word by “Liking” on Facebook using the button below and re-sharing this story using the e-mail and social media re-share buttons below. Every share helps, including yours. Thank you so much.

If you enjoyed this story you’ll absolutely LOVE joining our Free Daily Tiny House Newsletter with even more! Thank you!

This post contains affiliate links.

The following two tabs change content below.

Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 10 comments… add one }
  • Karen
    December 8, 2014, 12:38 pm

    Good for him! Sometimes what appears to be a roadblock is really an opportunity to take a better path.

  • Wil
    December 8, 2014, 1:51 pm

    Throwing prices like this is truly deceptive. 2000 does not include solar panels,include windows, cabinets,appliances, toilet, as shower etc,etc,etc. Without many of these parts, it’s just a glorified box

    • Kenny
      December 8, 2014, 4:49 pm

      Actually, you can add solar to a van up to about 500 watts with an inverter for about $500-700. Just look for good deals on Anazon and the like. I’m not surprised IV this was done by himself that it’s a $2000 home. Not at all. There is used toilets at Habitat for Hunanity for $20 or building grade for $59 new. Windows can be found wholesale or used for $50-75 each, nice double pane. People givecaway cabinets. I received a whole kitchen for free. People just looking to upgrade.

    • Paul
      December 8, 2014, 4:50 pm

      I agree with you on this in some aspects… but, it is made clear in the article that he salvaged a lot of stuff.

      And, Alex, the headline is a bit misleading. Surely it should have mentioned that it was constructed 15 years ago, so that’s dollars from 1999. What would that cost in today’s dollars..? That is, as the saying goes, the $64,ooo question.

      • Wil
        December 9, 2014, 12:57 am

        Right. There is a materials list in his blog for just under 2000. It includes nothing but the structure itself. Just an insulated box.

  • Marsha Cowan
    December 8, 2014, 2:10 pm

    You go, man! Awesome achievement and a really cute house. Hope life throws you some home runs from here on out…

  • CathyAnn
    December 8, 2014, 2:21 pm

    It’s inspiring to read about these things. I’ve watched LaMar’s videos on YouTube, so I know he didn’t build the cabin real recently when prices for materials have gone way up, and recycling really lowers the cost too. He used a lot of thought and ingenuity. I admire that.

    Way to go, LaMar! If I had a “thumbs up” icon, I’d put it right here.

  • Cynthia
    December 8, 2014, 5:11 pm

    Necessity is the Mother of invention as we have all heard and is played out in this young man’s life. As he stated in the complete explanation he did the shell of his house for $2000, salvaged much of the rest and made it like a self contained rv. The solar equipment was being used in his camper so he already had some of what he needed. He stated he also asked for discounts when purchasing in larger quantities, he used anything he could find or salvage like the door he got from a house that was being demolished. I find the ideas he had to be inspiring and an awesome example of the human spirit that changed a bleak situation into to an awesome experience and lifestyle change. I applaud this man who has found that life’s tragedies can be turned into triumphs.

  • Brian
    December 8, 2014, 8:18 pm

    Well done LaMar your home looks like it is very comfortable and functional. The photo of you sitting on the deck tells a lot about you. Thankyou for sharing. Cheers from Australia

  • Tom
    December 9, 2014, 4:08 am

    I’d like to see inside.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.