One of the major advantages of a micro hydro power system is that it only takes a relatively small amount of flow or a drop that is as low as two feet to be able to generate electricity. This electricity can then be delivered as far as a mile away to the area where it is being used.

As hydro produces a continuous supply of electric energy compared to other small-scale renewable systems, it can be a reliable electricity source. The winter months would be the peak season wherein large amounts of electricity are required.

The micro hydro power system functions as a ‘run-of-river’ system wherein the water passing through the generator will be directed back into the stream with little effect on the surrounding environment. Most states and municipalities require a permit to operate a hydro power project.

Since the building of a small-scale hydro power system would cost you from $1,000 – $20,000 depending on the location and electrical requirements, it is still a cost effective energy solution. Even the costs you will have to invest for maintenance are relatively small in comparison to other systems.

Let’s move on with the disadvantages. Now, a suitable site will be required in order to gain full advantage of the electrical potential of small streams. And there are a number of factors that would have to be considered, and these are: the stream size, the distance from the power source to the location where energy is needed, and a balance of system components such as batteries, inverter, controller, transmission line, and pipelines.

The stream size will also tend to fluctuate seasonally in most locations, especially during the summer months wherein there will be decreased flow and decreased power output. To make sure that your energy requirements are met, advanced planning and research is needed.

While there will be minimal ecological impacts of a micro hydro power system, these environmental effects must still be taken into consideration. Proper caution may be needed to ensure that it will not cause any damage to the local ecology or civil infrastructure, since stream water will be diverted away from the portion of the stream.

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Some people worry about whether their small stream can possibly generate enough electricity to make a difference. Actually, it takes very little water movement, or a very small waterfall to generate significant power. In fact, a flow of even three gallons per minute, or a waterfall two to three feet high, may be enough to make it worthwhile. Another concern, particularly among those who have a lot of land, is how far from the micro hydro set up the resulting energy can be delivered. The answer is that the house can be a mile or even more away. Also, sometimes people will pay a small price, or perhaps even share the resulting electricity, with a neighbor if the neighbor allows the system to be located on their property because there is a better potential site there.

One of the environmental advantages that micro hydro shares with many other renewables is that there is little or no environmental impact. The water runs through the system with very little interruption in flow (in fact, the less the water slows down, the more optimal your system). Therefore, there is very little impact on the surrounding ecology. That said, in many states you may need a permit, or to have someone come out and inspect your system, to ensure that the environment is not being affected.

There is no way to estimate cost, or predict the time it will take for the system to pay for itself, given that each waterway is different. The costs could be as low as $1-2,000 or as high as $20,000, depending on your electricity requirements, waterway, and location. Maintenance is relatively inexpensive, with the need to occasionally change hydro turbines as the most common need.

One of the exciting things about micro hydro, and many other forms of renewable energy, is the potential to go “on grid”. Basically what this means is that your electricity produced by hydro will be linked in with the electric supply you get from your electric company. When you produce more electricity than you need, many power companies will buy back the extra. Your meter will actually spin backwards! This type of set-up is also useful if you are concerned about meeting all of your home’s needs through the micro hydro set up. It allows you to supplement your hydro power with electricity from the conventional power grid.

There are some disadvantages to micro hydro, many of which you’ve probably already considered. First, the size and flow rate of your stream or brook may restrict you from expanding your system if your electric needs increase. In addition, any seasonal fluctuation in flow, as is often seen in mountain areas for example, may mean decreased power during some times (for example, you may have less water flow in the summer, at the very time you want to plug in three air conditioners).

Micro hydro power is reliable, dependable, and effective. The electric supply that is generated is pure and high quality, and maintenance costs are minimal. Most systems pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time, and you can also feel good about reducing your electric and perhaps oil or gas use. As with any construction, please consult with someone local to you with knowledge of your area. Only a qualified and experienced person can give you an accurate estimate of your costs and savings, plus any possible surprises you might hit along the way.

For more information about micro hydro power, please see http://www.microhydrosystems.com For specific information about hydro turbines, please see http://www.hydroturbines.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Jacobson

Some people worry about whether their small stream can possibly generate enough electricity to make a difference. Actually, it takes very little water movement, or a very small waterfall to generate significant power. In fact, a flow of even three gallons per minute, or a waterfall two to three feet high, may be enough to make it worthwhile. Another concern, particularly among those who have a lot of land, is how far from the micro hydro set up the resulting energy can be delivered. The answer is that the house can be a mile or even more away. Also, sometimes people will pay a small price, or perhaps even share the resulting electricity, with a neighbor if the neighbor allows the system to be located on their property because there is a better potential site there.

One of the environmental advantages that micro hydro shares with many other renewables is that there is little or no environmental impact. The water runs through the system with very little interruption in flow (in fact, the less the water slows down, the more optimal your system). Therefore, there is very little impact on the surrounding ecology. That said, in many states you may need a permit, or to have someone come out and inspect your system, to ensure that the environment is not being affected.

There is no way to estimate cost, or predict the time it will take for the system to pay for itself, given that each waterway is different. The costs could be as low as $1-2,000 or as high as $20,000, depending on your electricity requirements, waterway, and location. Maintenance is relatively inexpensive, with the need to occasionally change hydro turbines as the most common need.

One of the exciting things about micro hydro, and many other forms of renewable energy, is the potential to go “on grid”. Basically what this means is that your electricity produced by hydro will be linked in with the electric supply you get from your electric company. When you produce more electricity than you need, many power companies will buy back the extra. Your meter will actually spin backwards! This type of set-up is also useful if you are concerned about meeting all of your home’s needs through the micro hydro set up. It allows you to supplement your hydro power with electricity from the conventional power grid.

There are some disadvantages to micro hydro, many of which you’ve probably already considered. First, the size and flow rate of your stream or brook may restrict you from expanding your system if your electric needs increase. In addition, any seasonal fluctuation in flow, as is often seen in mountain areas for example, may mean decreased power during some times (for example, you may have less water flow in the summer, at the very time you want to plug in three air conditioners).

Micro hydro power is reliable, dependable, and effective. The electric supply that is generated is pure and high quality, and maintenance costs are minimal. Most systems pay for themselves in a relatively short period of time, and you can also feel good about reducing your electric and perhaps oil or gas use. As with any construction, please consult with someone local to you with knowledge of your area. Only a qualified and experienced person can give you an accurate estimate of your costs and savings, plus any possible surprises you might hit along the way.

For more information about micro hydro power, please see http://www.microhydrosystems.com For specific information about hydro turbines, please see http://www.hydroturbines.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Jacobson