Similarly to wind power, micro-hydro requires a special location - in this instance it is one near a water source. Micro-hydro power generation, like wind power, uses movement to drive a turbine. In this instance, falling water is used to turn the propeller rather than the wind. There are other similarities to wind power, the same concern over moving parts exists - maintenance is required. Fortunately there are no towers to climb and the system is considerably smaller.

Micro-hydro's main advantages over both Solar and Wind is the constant power generation. The water flows constantly so there is no break in the power flow. In solar solutions there is limited time for solar exposure - daytime (and this reduces during winter months) and in wind power solutions, the wind often dies down, or fades away at night, due to the changes in temperature caused by the lack of sunlight (winds are the result of differential pressure between hot and cold air pockets).

Micro-hydro alternative power requires only a small amount of flowing water to operate efficiently. As little as 400 litres per minute falling three meters through a pipe, or 20 litres per minute falling 60 meters through a pipe, can supply enough power to run a small household.

If you are located near a stream or water source, micro-hydro might be a suitable choice for you.