Get Started with Microhydro Power After you’ve done your load
analysis and know how many kilowatt-hours you want to generate,
a microhydro system site survey primarily focuses on four
measurements: For most people, a combination of
motives—environmental, independence, reliability, and cost—make
hydro-electric systems attractive. The “bottom line” may end up
being what the actual cost per kWh is. To arrive at this, you’ll
need a complete design along with construction bids or
estimates. If it’s a grid-connected system you’re after, you’ll
also need to know what your local utility policies are for
renewable energy systems, and at what amount you will be
credited or paid. You’ll also need to know if any incentives
(utility or government) exist. Often, microhydro system
incentives are less than those for solar energy systems, and
sometimes non-existent. Available incentives, though, may be
generous because of hydro’s 24-hour generation capability. Once
you have these figures, you’ll need to predict how many years