20ft/40ft Expandable(Foldable) Solar Container House

The 20ft/40ft Foldable Solar Container House is a prefabricated modular home built on a strengthened container chassis. Available in 20ft and 40ft sizes, it folds for shipping to a compact unit and unfolds on site to a full-size house or office. Built using cold-formed steel and insulated sandwich panels, it makes for a strong, weather-tight shell with integral solar power. The module is approximately 90% factory-assembled for rapid deployment – it can be set up by a small team in under a day – making it ideal for both individual and commercial clients in need of rapid, remote or off-grid housing. A built-in photovoltaic system (with optional batteries) delivers renewable energy, so the house can be fully off-grid in sunny climates. (Solar panels are roof-mounted and a fold-out panel array can maximize sunlight capture without roof shading.) Thanks to its durable construction and energy independence, this container house suits personal uses (e.g. tiny homes, rental cabins) and enterprise needs (e.g. site offices, remote research stations) alike.

Features and Description

• Foldable/Expandable Design: The unit is compact in transit and unfolds outward at the location. Side walls are deployed by hydraulic slide-outs, roughly tripling interior floor area. This “3-in-1” (or “butterfly”) configuration provides a spacious layout when unfolded, then closes for transport.
• Robust Steel Frame: The frame is a high-strength steel frame (2.0–4.0mm cold-formed profiles). Flat/corrugated steel exterior panels, epoxy zinc primer factory applied and durable alkyd paint finish for corrosion protection. 50mm insulated sandwich panels (steel-outer, foam core) for walls, roof and floor, making up a solid, sealed shell.
• Superior Insulation: Each panel has a dense rock wool or similar insulation core. One manufacturer, for example, uses 3″ rock-wool between double steel sheets for walls, ceiling, and floor. This provides excellent thermal control (warm in winter, cool in summer) and enhances fire and seismic protection. The entire unit is fire-resistant and airtight, rated Class A (non-combustible core) in most cases.
• Off-Grid Solar Power: The unit is designed for solar integration. Roof panels may be fitted with high-efficiency PV modules and connected to an inverter/battery system. In practice, these units may be entirely self-sustaining: as an example, the installation of solar panels, air-conditioning, and a lithium battery bank renders it an off-grid office. (Advanced systems even feature fold-out panel arrays on rails to prevent roof shading, maximizing energy harvest.) With adequate solar exposure, a single home can easily meet its own power requirements for lighting, appliances and HVAC.
• Pre-fitted Utilities: Pre-wiring and plumbing are done inside the factory. Optional pre-fitted modules: full bathroom (shower, toilet and sink) and kitchen (cabinets, countertop and sink) can be fitted.Doors and windows are installed in the factory (e.g. 50mm composite steel door, PVC sliding windows). All electrical points, lights and air-conditioning connections are wired according to client country standards. This “plug-and-play” setup makes the house practically move-in ready.
• Quick. Installation: Nearly everything is done off-site. 90% of the house is factory pre-assembled, manufacturers report, so on-site work is minimal. It can be unfolded and finished in under a day by a small crew with a crane and handheld tools. (For example, one 40ft model is reported to be installable by six people in one day.) This minimizes labor and speeds deployment.
• Durability: Built for the extremes, the container home functions in -45°C to +50°C weather and high winds. It is seismic zone-rated (Grade 8) and high wind-rated (approx. 100 km/h gusts). Weatherproof coatings and galvanized steel ensure a 15+ year service life. All surfaces are wipe-clean or hose-down and entirely termite-proof via the steel construction.