If your site has a source of running water, you simply must investigate its
potential as a source of electricity. Our experience has demonstrated that water
power will produce between 10 and 100 times more power than solar or wind for
the same capital investment. Since water flows day and night, a microhydro system
requires far less battery storage than other technologies. Even if the stream
is far away, it may still be viable. Seasonal streams offer great performance
when a hybrid water and solar system is designed. When your power requirements
are the highest - in the winter - the water is usually flowing the fastest.
Solar modules are most efficient when there is the most sun in the summer.
Electricity is produced from the energy in water flowing from a high level to
a lower level. This change in elevation is called head and supplies
the pressure which drives the turbine. Flow is the other factor
contributing to power production. It is usually limited by the size of the creek.
The amount of electricity produced is directly related to the head and flow.
If the head or flow is increased the power output increases proportionally. |