There are several factors which help determine if your site is appropriate for using water as a source of energy generation. Firstmost, it is necessary to have a river or stream on or near your property which runs year-round. Measuring the water head (pressure) and water flow rate will determine how much power is available and which type of turbine might be used.

Besides the micro-hydro turbine, many of the other electrical components in a micro-hydro system are the same as those used in solar electric or wind power systems. Contact us for more information, or to schedule a site evaluation and consultation.

Considerations:

• Measure the water head: this is the vertical height distance from the water intake (top of the pipe) to the location of the turbine (bottom of the pipe)
• Measure the water flow: this is measured in gallons per second or gallons per minute, at the turbine intake
• Pipeline length, diameter, and location
• Distance from the turbine to the batteries
• Legal ordinances