ecobode vs. Standard Transportable Homes: The Smart Investment
Kevin Turley
We build high-performing, energy-efficient, eco-friendly homes with structural insulated panels (SIPs) across the wider Wellington region. Check out the website! (Green Abode is a division of Orkney Group)
When considering a transportable home, upfront cost is only one piece of the puzzle. What about long-term savings? Green Abode’s ecobode homes may have a higher initial price than some standard transportable homes, but they’re designed for energy efficiency, meaning you save significantly on power bills over time.
Cost Breakdown
While some standard transportable homes seem cheaper upfront, the real savings come when you factor in ongoing costs like power bills.
The Real Cost Efficiency of an ecobode
Scilla, who lives in a Green Abode SIP home, shared her power bills over the years, and the difference is staggering:
?? Before moving into a SIP-built Green Abode home (2019): Annual power bill $4,330 for a 120m2 cottage.
?? After moving into a Green Abode home (2022): Annual power bill $2,614 for a 150.73m2 home.
?? With solar panels installed (2023): Power bill dropped further to $2,512, and at her last check in 2024, was tracking at $2,400.
That’s over $1,800 in annual savings, despite rising power prices!
And the best part? Her lowest power bill was just $9.94 in January this year. Even her highest bill in mid-winter, when charging an electric van and using a clothes dryer, was only $399.
Why an ecobode Saves You Money Over Time
? Superior Insulation – Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, slashing heating and cooling costs.
? Minimal Energy Use – With controlled ventilation and airtight construction, ecobodes need very little extra heating. Scilla’s only additional heating was a small radiant heater for a few hours on very cold nights.
? Built for Rising Power Costs – As energy prices climb, an efficient home keeps your bills low, making it a future-proof investment.
?? So, would you rather pay more in power bills every year or invest in a home that cuts those costs from day one?
Get in touch with me if you'd like to know more about our ecobode transportable homes!