Freedom

What going green means in my neighborhood: FREEDOM.

Northern Nevada has an abundance of sunshine and wind. Buying land to build a dream home may not have power access. But solar and wind power are becoming more affordable every day. Bringing power out to a remote parcel of land can be very cost prohibitive. You have to have easements granted, purchase power poles, have them installed, line run etc. This process can easily begin at $20,000 if you are within a mile of a power line. Further out is obviously more expensive.

Many homes in remote areas take full advantage of the wind and sun by using both a wind turbine and solar panels. Since they are off the grid, they store power via batteries, unlike others who are able to sell their excess back to their power provider. Many homes off the grid still have a back up generator. For the more challenging environments a generator is security against all elements!

Of course, this has a downside too. Traditionally, banks like homes to be on the grid. There are many lenders who are more educated about green power than before but it still saves time and money to work with an experienced Realtor when it comes to buying properties like these.