hydro power basics
Small (or micro) hydropower can be a clean and renewable energy source. Small hydro systems convert the energy in the running water into electricity in a way very similar to the larger and traditional hydropower systems (see: Types of Small Hydropower Systems).
Homeowners and Hydropower
Hydropower systems are also called hydroelectricity systems or just hydro systems. They often refer to projects with between 1 and 10 megawatts (MW) in capacity (a few enormous hydro plants have capacities around 10,000 MW and are able to supply electricity to millions of people).
Image: EERE
Small hydropower systems can respond to the average home’s needs. Hydro can produce the electricity for the lighting and electrical appliances and systems - and via them for the home’s water heating and the home's heating and cooling needs.
Small hydro is mainly a solution for homes (and small communities, lodges, cottages, ranches...) in remote sites with a river or steam close to them.
On-grid of stand-alone projects
Hydropower systems can be projected to be connected to the grid (with the homeowner receiving the electricity he needs from the grid) or as an independent and stand-alone project. In this respect, hydropower systems work similarly to stand-alone or on-grid solar and wind systems.
See:
Batteries and Back-up Systems for Wind and PV Systems
On-grid PV-Solar and Wind Systems
Feasibility
Small hydro-power systems are complicated systems, very site-specific. They demand expertise to set up, and also some maintenance.
See, on these issues: The feasibility of micropower systems and Assessing hydro potential
Benefits and disadvantages
Small hydropower can be a good alternative to polluting and costly diesel generation. There is an emerging hydro technology and a reasonable or vast hydro potential in many regions, and homeowners close to streams can many times be part of the process. But hydro may also have several drawbacks, some of which economical and environmental...
See: Benefits and disadvantages of the micropower systems
Types of Micropower Systems