'Off the Grid' Homes
That Save Energy

Houses that aren't connected to traditional utilities (commonly referred to as being "off the grid") and generate their own power for heating, cooling and electricity provide an alternative to paying rising energy bills. Frequently located in remote locales, these residences also can be attractive to buyers who want to get away from it all. Here are snapshots of three self-sufficient properties in three locations.

• Idaho Springs, Colo.
• Hemet, Calif.
• Minerva, N.Y.

PLACE/PRICE:  Idaho Springs, Colo./$420,000

PROPERTY TAX*:  $2,366

THE PROPERTY:  A 3,950-square-foot, solar-powered home with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, on 3.85 acres with views of the Continental Divide, Bard Peak range and Clear Creek Canyon.

DESCRIPTION:  This two-story mountaintop residence is surrounded by the Arapahoe National Forest and is within minutes of hiking, rafting, kayaking, skiing, fishing and hunting. The house, which was on the 2003 Colorado Tour of Solar Homes, features a loft, a large office, a recreation room, whole-house cable television wiring, satellite TV, wireless broadband and a heated oversized two-car garage.

NOTABLE:  The house is not served by electric, gas or water utilities and uses solar photovoltaic (PV) energy for the majority of its power, with generator backup. In 2004, utility costs were $1,900 for propane; the home's water and electricity were obtained on-site. The home is made primarily from energy-efficient insulated concrete blocks, and its windows are low-emission (sometimes called low-E windows).

Note: *Current owner's payment, **Buyer's payment will be 1.1% of selling price

Sources: BoonieLiving.com, GreenHomesForSale.com, Adirondack Country Homes Realty-High Peaks

-- Ms. Kim is a senior editor at RealEstateJournal.com.

Email your comments to lauren.kim@dowjones.com.