feasibility of Hydro power systems

Micro-hydropower systems aren’t easy to install, are very site-specific and require expert assessment. Before you decide to build a micro hydro system, have a qualified professional to determine the design and the feasibility of the project.

A Viable Option For You?

Is a hydropower system right for you?

That depends mostly on some basic pre-conditions that aren’t easy to gather, namely:

- a river or steam close to your home, providing a fast flowing water course.

- a pretty constant water flow during the year, including the dry months; without it you will not get the electricity you need during part of the year.

Besides, you should have the right to build the dam, or to divert part of the water of the river or stream to a channel or pipe, and also the right to build the project, and if you can’t be connected to the power grid you will also need a backup power system.

Note:
In what concerns the connection to power grids, the situation is similar to that of grid-connected wind or solar systems.

See:
On-grid Renewable Systems
Batteries and Back-up Systems for Renewable Systems

Assessing the Power Output

The power output of your project depends on the amount of water of the stream and the vertical distance associated with the water fall.

See: Assessing the Power Output of Small Hydro Systems

Economics

To determine if your micro-hydropower project is economically feasible you should consider, on one hand, the value of the energy you will produce with it (or your energy savings…).

And on the other hand the upfront investment, the maintenance costs and the lifespan of a hydropower system.

Consider also possible financial incentives: income tax credits, state sales tax exemption, property tax exemptions, or special loan and grant programs.

The upfront costs depend on several elements but are usually above $30,000 (see next point). The maintenance costs are typically very low, and the lifespan of the system fairly high.

Using these elements you should be capable to estimate the payback and the economic sense of the project.

A more mathematical approach considers the following elements: 1) The sum of all the estimated costs (including maintenance ones) associated to the project over its expected life; 2) The division of the result obtained in 1) by the system’s capacity in Watts.

The result will give you the cost of the project in dollars per watt, which you can then compare with what you are paying to your utility (per Watt).

Hydropower Costs

The initial investment if typically high but the operating costs are very low. The initial costs of a hydro system depend on its size and electric output and on location issues.

A typical 5kW project, responding to the needs of an average home, might cost $30,000 - 40,000 (installation included).

Energy Savings

Since the running costs (the maintenance, basically) are very low, the savings will amount to your typical energy bills. In some countries (mostly European countries) you may even be eligible to receive cash for the electricity you generate, and financial incentives.

Maintenance Costs

Hydro power is a very reliable source of energy, making maintenance costs typically low. Anyway, your system will need regular professional maintenance.

Local And Government Agencies

If you are considering installing a micro hydro system, consult local and government agencies, or your local utility, before any decision. Ensure that your project meets building and site regulations, or electrical codes and other requirements.

See, on these issues:
Codes and Legal Requirements for Small Renewable Systems
Requirements for grid-connected systems
Hydro Power Systems and Water Rights
Solar Power Systems Requirements
Wind Power Systems Requirements

Below, we list some official associations and institutions you may want to consult.

USA and Canada
American Water Resources Association
Canadian Hydropower Association
National Hydropower Association (USA)
US Hydropower Council for International Development
Northwest Hydroelectric Association
Europe
European Small Hydropower Association
Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre (United Kingdom)
British Hydro Association (technological questions)
Others
China and India (and Brazil or Russia), are top hydropower producers - China is already the top hydroelectric-generating country, ahead of Canada.

In India, contact the India Hydropower Association.

In China, the Hangzhou Regional Center for Small Hydro Power has a site in English that may help you.

Technical View

For a technical view of micro hydropower systems, see the Canadian Buyer’s Guide for Hydropower systems…