eBackroad > Free Plans > Free Green and Solar Home Designs and Projects


 

MotherEarthNews.com  Mother Earth News has provided solid information on many topics related to sustainable living and natural building for several decades, and now many of these articles are available on-line. Here are just a few samples of their green building articles:

 

Build a Solar Home and Let the Sunshine In
By Dan Chiras
If you're planning to build your dream home someday, this article could save you thousands of dollars. Including simple, passive-solar features in any style home can cost next to nothing up front and save you unbelievable amounts over the long-term in reduced energy bills.

August/September 2002

Go Solar and Save Big!
By Clarke Snell
Every homeowner needs to know that passive solar design results in huge savings on energy bills. This article is a great primer on passive solar design ideas for new and existing homes.

August/September 2006

All About Insulation
by Dan Chiras
Make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient with today's insulation options.
December/January 2002

Natural Swimming Pools
By Douglas Buege and Vicky Uhland
With a minimum of materials and without an arsenal of chemicals, you can build an idyllic water oasis right in your own back yard and thwart summertime's sultry dog days.
August/September 2002

Build a Simple Solar Heater
By Gary Reysa
This low-cost plan lets you turn any south wall into a source of free heat.
December/January 2006

 

Money Does Grow on Trees

By Marshall Glickman
Proper landscaping can reduce home utility bills by as much as 30 percent.

October/November 1994

 


 
 Free Plan Newsletter
 
Solar Home Plans from the Back Home Newsletter  Get reviews and links to free building plans and projects from a variety of sources. You'll also read about inexpensive blueprints, do-it-yourself kits and easy-to-use design/build software. Most importantly, you'll find buildings and projects that are simple and inexpensive to build and to maintain. If you're planning to build any type of home or accessory building, sign up for your free subscription. You'll enjoy fresh designs and design ideas that will help you create something wonderful for your property and your family.
 
 More Green Home and Solar Websites

DIY Plans for Free Solar and Wind Power for Your Cabin  Here's an inexpensive way for do-it-yourselfers to start saving on home energy costs. Earth 4 Energy is a downloadable guide that shows you how to build your own solar panels and your own backyard wind turbine for as little as $200 each. Their package includes solar panel and windmill plans, a step-by-step guide book, instructional videos and inexpensive sources for components.

Simple, Do-It-Yourself Solar Hot Water  This easy step by step guide will show you several different plans to build your very own solar water heater system. These plans, from SimpleEnergy.com, are easy enough for anyone to follow and will give you the option of how you would like to set up and install your water heater. You can build an entire system for less than $70. Once installed, you will be saving up to 1/3 of your electric bill each and every month.

 
Have all plans reviewed by your building department or by an experienced building professional who knows local conditions, before you start to build. Plans may have to be modified by a local professional to suit your site's building code and weather requirements.