If you dream of living off-grid in Colorado, you need to know about alternative energy sources to ensure you have power. Since you’ll be operating off the grid, your renewable energy system must be able to sustain all of your electricity needs, so you’ll have to get familiar with the natural resources and capabilities of your site.
Are Alternative Energy Sources Renewable?
Alternative energy systems utilize renewable resources to supply all or some of your electricity needs. Renewable energy sources include solar power, geothermal power, and wind power, as the sun, heat, and wind are technically regenerative.
Why Use Alternative Energy Sources?
Using renewable energy sources is better for the environment and often less expensive than conventional energy sources from fossil fuels. The average home will save between $10,000 and $30,000 over the lifetime of its solar panel system. Furthermore, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners using geothermal systems save an average of $1,500 per year.
For people living on off-grid properties in Colorado, alternative energy is often the only power supply available. If your property is off of the main power grid, you either have to burn fossil fuels yourself, or you can use simpler, renewable alternatives like solar power or wind power.
How to Plan for Home Renewable Energy Systems
When it comes to living off-grid, you can’t just stick a few solar panels outside and cross your fingers. Many traditional homes that use alternative energy systems still rely on the power grid for backup. You can’t do that off-grid.
Therefore, if you’re looking for alternative energy properties and off-grid properties in Colorado, you’ll need a robust and reliable renewable energy system. Let’s take a look at your options.
Solar Electricity in Colorado
Solar electricity is the most popular renewable energy source in Colorado, and for good reason too. Despite its winter reputation for snow, Colorado has an average of 300 sunny days per year!
A solar system can power your entire off-grid home. The system consists of photovoltaic solar panels, an inverter, and batteries. It collects energy from the sun, converts it into electricity, and stores it for nighttime and the rare shady day.
The downside to solar energy is that it can take years to recoup your initial investment. Even though it saves you money on your monthly electricity bill, you have to pay a steep installation cost.
Generating Wind Power in Colorado
If you live in a windy area, you can also use wind turbines to generate electricity. Rather than install the giant commercial wind turbines you may see in bunches of hundreds, you can install a residential-sized wind turbine to generate just enough electricity for your needs.
Similar to solar power, however, wind turbine equipment and installation come with a high price tag. Plus, if it’s not very windy where you live, you will need a second alternative energy source to ensure consistent power.
Micro-Hydro Electricity for Living Off-Grid in Colorado
If you’re smart (and lucky) enough to purchase an off-grid property with running water, you can also install a micro-hydroelectric generator. These systems turn energy from flowing water into electricity.
Microhydro electricity is extremely cost-effective if it’s running 24 hours a day. Unlike solar and wind power, a dependable water source will run no matter what and produce much more consistent power.
Still Want to Live Off-Grid?
Finding an alternative energy property is just one of the many considerations about living off-grid in Colorado. Luckily, Colorado is rife with natural resources, so that can lessen the load of your buying decisions.
To learn more about living off-grid in Colorado email me at rob@coloradocountrybroker.com to start your search for alternative energy properties with United Country Real Estate Western Land & Lifestyle Properties.
