Frequently Asked Questions
· What are the technical specifications of the hydros?
The technical specifications of high head micro hydro systems vary from location to location depending on the site specifics. The British Hydropower Association (www.british-hydro.org) has created a useful guide to hydro turbines that can be found following this link: http://www.british-hydro.org/mini-hydro/download.pdf .
· How much will it cost to set up a hydro electric turbine?
The cost of the system will vary according to the specifics of each individual site. For example the length of penstock needed will vary for and this will affect the cost of schemes with the same kW potential. The following costs are offered as an example only and are not indicative of final expected costs for your system: a site with a 16kw potential was estimated at £44,000, a 7kw potential was estimated at £53,000, a 6kw potential site at £30,000 and a 3.5kw potential site at £20,000. It can be seen that the costs vary considerably for different sizes and locations.
· Can I have a feasibility Study?
The Green Valleys are always looking for new potential sites for hydro installations. Whilst we concentrate on community owned installations we can also help with assessing the feasibility of private schemes. Feasibility studies are offered in two stages, the initial feasibility study stage assesses flow and estimated installation costs to give landowners a general idea of the suitability of their site for hydro-power along with estimated costs and revenue. This initial feasibility study is offered free of charge following an initial site visit from a member of the Green Valleys team to assess the site visually.
If the initial survey is favourable then we will undertake a more detailed feasibility study that will include a hydrological survey, a complete installation budget, and a detailed financial forecast and financing options.
These detailed surveys are free to community groups (cost to TGV £400) and just £200 to other landowners. We will follow-up the feasibility report with a consultation with a TGV hydro-power advisor to look at options for installation, finance and project management.
· What is included in the feasibility study?
The study will cover the hydrological details of the site, system design appropriate to the conditions, system costing for the project and an estimation of power output and revenue that will all you to calculate payback periods for any investment.
· Can I speak to your installer team for advice about an installation I am considering/undertaking?
Please contact us to discuss your installation and we can help and advise you on the best way to move your project forward.
· I have a potential low head system; can you help me to set up a hydro on this site?
The Green Valleys can manage low head installations for you. Please contact us to discuss the potential installation.
· Can the Green Valleys help with other renewable technologies?
The Green Valleys can assist to realize other forms of renewable installation apart from Hydro, including solar and wind energy, please contact us with the details for your project for discussion.
