FAQs: Microhydro
What is hydroelectricity?
Hydroelectricity is electricity created using hydropower or the force of moving water. The potential energy from dammed water turns a turbine that can be used to create electricity. Think Niagara Falls in New York and the Niagara Power Plant which has a generating capacity of 2,515 megawatts. Hydroelectricity currently produces about one-fifth of the world's electricity.
How can hydroelectricity be used on a small scale?
Hydropower is made wherever there is running water, even streams and rivers. Turbines are made in different sizes to fit with the water source. These turbines capture the energy from the water flow.
How much electricity can really be created by a small stream?
Freedom Renewable Energy will work with you to make sure that the amount of electricity that your hydroelectric system generates will satisfy your needs. We can also help you look into other forms of renewable energy that can work with your hydroelectric system to fulfill your needs.
What if there is a drought?
Hydroelectricity systems can store electricity, so if there were a period of severe drought, you could have a reservoir of electricity to use. However, the water source would have to be completely dried up before it would stop generating electricity to put into your system, so power would most likely be generated constantly.
What happens in the winter when the water freezes?
While the surface of the water may freeze, below the surface, the water still flows. Because of this, hydroelectricity systems create electricity year-round.
Do hydroelectricity systems disturb the marine life the water or the water's ecosystem?
The environmental impact of large hydroelectric systems can be serious. Agencies that use these systems have been taking certain steps to reduce their impact on fish, such as putting them in barges or building fish ladders to be able to pass by the systems and still travel down or upstream as needed. More recently, low impact hydroelectricity plants have begun to be built. These newer plants greatly minimize the impact by adequately protecting the water supply area in the following ways: river flows, water quality, fish passage and protection, watershed protection, threatened and endangered species protection, cultural resource protection, and recreation. For residential use, systems can be created small enough that they do not make an impact on the water source and the marine life in it.
How much does it cost?
Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer to this question as there are many factors that determine the cost of installing a renewable energy source. However, in some areas there may be incentives or energy rebates to reduce the cost of a renewable energy system. Freedom Renewable Energy will help determine the best system for your needs and work with you to apply for incentives and rebates to help cut the costs.
How do I get started?
Freedom Renewable Energy will get you started today. Fill out our form on the Contact Us page and a representative will contact you at your convenience or you can call us at 1.866.490.9952.