Enter head and flow to see your estimated power.
Turn Water Drop Into Kilowatts
Measure your stream, pick a turbine, and get a realistic power estimate for the farm.
Micro-hydro turns the drop in your water into steady electricity for barns, shops, and homes. It works best when you have reliable flow and enough head to build pressure in a pipe. Unlike solar or wind, a good micro-hydro site can run day and night through much of the year. This planner helps you see what your stream can realistically produce before you spend money on gear.
Site Measurements
ft
Vertical drop from intake to turbine, measured in feet.
gpm
How much water moves past the intake. 1 CFS = 448.83 GPM.
Pipe and Losses
Inside diameter of the penstock pipe.
ft
Total length from intake to turbine.
Turbine Selection
Pelton
High head / Low flow
Eff: 85%
Turgo
Medium head / Medium flow
Eff: 80%
Crossflow
Medium head / High flow
Eff: 75%
Propeller
Low head / High flow
Eff: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What information do I need to plan a micro-hydro system?
You need three measurements: head (vertical drop in feet), flow (gallons per minute available year-round), and the distance from intake to turbine. The Planner uses these to estimate gross power, account for pipe losses, and recommend a turbine class.
What is a typical output for a small farm site?
A site with 50 feet of head and 50 GPM of reliable flow can produce roughly 200 to 400 watts continuously, or about 5 to 10 kWh per day. That is enough for a small off-grid load or a meaningful offset of a grid-tied home.
Why does pipe size matter?
Friction loss in undersized pipes can wipe out half your potential power. The Planner calculates head loss for the pipe diameter and length you enter, so you can see how much capacity you give up by going smaller.
Do I need water rights?
In most states, diverting water for power generation requires a water right, even if you return all the water downstream. Check with your state water resources agency before construction.
What turbine type fits my site?
Pelton wheels work for high head and low flow. Turgo and crossflow turbines fit medium head and flow. Propeller and Kaplan turbines fit low head and high flow. The Planner recommends a class based on your inputs.