The most cost effective method of producing renewable energy is with a mirco-hydro generator. If you are fortunate to have a good stream available, a micro-hydro system can produce power for $.03 to $.05 per kilowatt hour (kWh)¹. Because these systems run 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, even a small system can generate a tremendous amount of energy.

“Run-of-river” micro-hydro system (which do not require a water impoundment) are “non-consumptive”, removing water only for a short distance. And they do not alter the temperature, oxygen content, pH, or other characteristics of the water.

We can provide Hydroscreen (www.hydroscreen.com) wedge wire intake screens that do not clog, are self cleaning, and virtually eliminate impacts on aquatic species.

We can provide low head micro-hydro turbines that require as little as two feed of head (water drop), or larger systems up to 100 kilowatts (kW) in output.

We can do a site assessment and install an appropriately sized turbine and generator for grid tied or off grid (Living Off Grid.pdf) situations. Check Canyon Industries (www.canyonhydro.com) web site for excellent design details.

In Chelan County, the Chelan County PUD (www.chelanpud.org/SNAP) Sustainable Natural Alternative Power (SNAP) (SNAP Synopsis.pdf) will purchase power from your grid tied micro-hydro system for up to $1.50/kWh! We pay only $.028/kWh for grid power. If you are not located in Chelan County, ask your utility if they have a similar renewable energy buy back program.

We are not aware of a Green Tags purchase program for micro-hydro power.

¹ Home Power magazine.