Micro/Mini hydro is the application of hydroelectric power sized for small communities, single families or small enterprise. It is a renewable technology based on capturing the kinetic energy of rivers, channels or chutes, spillways, irrigation systems, tides and oceans with or without the use of dams.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a source of running water near their homes. But for those with river-side homes or live-on boats, small water generators (micro-hydro turbines) are the most reliable source of renewable energy available. One relatively small water turbine will produce power non-stop, as long as running water is available, no matter what the weather.




Hydro power is often the most desirable of all forms of renewables because of its ability to produce power 24 hours day for the whole year depending on conditions.

Small-scale hydropower is one of the most cost-effective and reliable energy technologies to be considered for providing clean electricity generation.

Hydro power sites can be connected to the grid or be stand alone systems.

Hydro power is a domestic source of energy, produced in the United States.
Over the last few years, the U.S. Government has increased support for alternative power generation. Many resources such as grants, loans, and tax benefits are available for small scale hydro systems.


Micro hydro, or small-scale hydro, is one of the most environmentally benign energy conversion options available, because unlike large-scale hydro power, it does not attempt to interfere significantly with river flows and has little or no discernible environmental effect on things such as fish migration.

Micro hydro units convert the energy of flowing water into electrical energy. The energy produced by them is renewable and the process doesn't pollute the air like power plants that burn fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas.

In micro hydro systems, water turns a wheel or a runner (like a propeller) to rotate a turbine and produce electricity. The wheels come in different shapes and sizes depending on the site and the type of turbine.