Domestic Hydro

Your guide to domestic hydro

If you live near to flowing water then domestic hydro power might be a possibility.

Micro hydro schemes can generate enough electricity to provide for households or communities. A micro hydro scheme operates below 100kw and can range from a few 100w for domestic use to at least 25kw for commercial use.

Micro hydro schemes have similar principals to water mils. An intake, usually beside a weir, diverts water through a pipeline to a turbine house, in which water falls over a turbine which drives a generator and produces electricity.

Intakes are fitted with screens to prevent fish and debris getting in. The power available from a body of water depends on the speed of the river and the height the water falls or head.