Southwest Colorado is a wonderful place to live if you are looking for independence, sustainability, and space to spread out. From breathtaking red rock canyons to the San Juan Mountains, this region offers some of the most iconic backdrops in the American West. While the incorporated towns and cities are already small by many standards, if you’re looking for even more privacy and seclusion, off-grid living may be appealing.
What is Off-Grid Living?
Living off the electrical grid — and often off municipal water, sewer systems, and natural gas — means less dependence on traditional utilities and more independence by using natural resources. Typically, this lifestyle takes you away from the city and amenities to a piece of land that allows you to set up your systems such as solar panels, a waste system, and the home. While there are many variations of living off-grid, many people also grow their own produce and raise animals for eggs, milk, and meat products.
Power
In Southwest Colorado, we’re lucky to have roughly 300 days of sunshine annually, which is ideal for solar power. Most homes use photovoltaic (PV) systems paired with battery storage for nights and cloudy days. The high elevation and clear skies are perfect for solar efficiency, even through winter, though shorter days and snow may slightly decrease the output.
While propane tanks are commonly used in rural Southwest Colorado, some choose not to use it for true off-grid living. Instead, wood-burning stoves are usually the primary heat source so as not to rely solely on the solar and battery systems. However, it does require ongoing maintenance of the chimney and flue, as well as sourcing wood every season.
Water
Water access can be one of the biggest challenges, but is one of the most important considerations. Common sources include: drilling a well, collecting and filtering rainwater, hauling water to the property, or surface water or natural springs. It is important to know the permitting regulations for the area. No matter the collection source, a cistern (a large tank) will most likely accompany it for storage. It’s common to also have a grey water cistern to reuse water as much as possible.
Sewer
Septic systems are the most common waste systems used for rural properties in Southwest Colorado. A septic system serves a similar purpose as the central sewer system and must be able to filter and drain all of the waste the home creates. A septic system is an underground tank where solids and liquids are separated. The solids sink to the bottom, while the liquids flow through a drain field or soil absorption system, such as a leach field, to be filtered and returned to the ground. The tank should be pumped every 3 - 5 years so it doesn’t overflow and to extend its total life expectancy. The tank size must meet county requirements based on how many bedrooms it supports.
Shelter
Off-grid homes in Southwest Colorado range from rustic cabins and tiny houses to expertly engineered passive solar homes and earth-sheltered structures. Whatever the style, insulation and temperature management are key as nights can get cold. Wood cabins, insulated shipping container homes, and strawbale or adobe builds are common and use time-tested practices.
Everyday Living
Living off-grid requires planning and system awareness, because you don’t rely on consistent municipal utilities, you’ll need to make sure you have what you need. A generator or alternative backup plan is also important for unforeseen outages. As with any property, fire mitigation and home preparation are crucial. Planning, preparation, and respect for the land are essential.
Off-grid Homes in Real Estate
In Southwest Colorado, there are some great rural properties to build your off-grid home. Generally, these parcels will not be in an HOA or have covenants with building guidelines. While you’ll benefit from significant savings in utility costs, you will have other expenses such as property taxes. It’s critical to go through the building permit process and comply with building standards and protocol. The pool of buyers for off-grid properties is smaller because conventional loans aren’t applicable for off-grid homes and therefore limits buyers to cash or creative financing.
Off-grid living in Southwest Colorado and being self-sufficient can be very rewarding. You can truly appreciate the area, nature and wildlife, while reducing utility bills substantially, if not in full. If you’re considering off-grid living here, we look forward to helping with a property search and assisting with other questions about living in Southwest Colorado.
