In a recent survey, residents of Basalt, Colorado, identified affordable housing and over-development as major issues faced by the town. (Stephanie Maltarich/KVNF)

Lining homes with solar panels isn’t what usually what comes to mind when creating affordable housing projects in rural mountain communities. Yet, designing homes that produce their own power is a way to keep utility bills down to almost zero.

Now, a collaboration in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley is creating the first net zero affordable housing project in the state, and the idea is catching on. Telluride, Breckenridge, Carbondale and Summit County are all working on similar programs.

Listen above to hear the full story from KVNF contributor Stephanie Maltarich.

This story is part of a collaboration between the Solutions Journalism Network and Rocky Mountain Community Radio reporters highlighting affordable housing solutions across the Mountain West.

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Recent grad writing and audioing about the environment, climate and people. Audio and print stories have appeared in Colorado Public Radio, the Colorado Sun, and KVNF.