Micro-Hydro Power Systems for Off-Grid Properties
Have access to a year-round stream or creek? A micro-hydro turbine system can deliver continuous, reliable power day and night, rain or shine. At Kingsley Power, we design and install custom micro-hydro systems for off-grid homes, cabins, and remote businesses across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and BC’s rugged coastal communities.
Micro-hydro is especially effective in areas with consistent water flow and elevation drop. It can also reduce reliance on solar and backup generators, especially during BC’s cloudy winter months.
We handle every part of the process, including:
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- Site assessments to calculate flow and head
- System design and installation
- Permitting support (required under BC’s Water Sustainability Act)
- Integration with solar, batteries, and generator backups
- Optional net metering consultation for grid-connected sites under BC Hydro’s Self-Generation Program
If you’ve got moving water, you might have untapped power. Let us help you put it to work.
If you'd like to schedule a consultation to discuss your micro-hydro power generation system please give us a call (250) 228-0863 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
How Micro-Hydro Power Works
Micro-hydro systems generate electricity by capturing the energy of moving water, usually from a creek, stream, or small waterfall, using a turbine and generator. Unlike solar, hydro can produce a steady flow of power 24/7.
Key components include:
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- Intake – Captures water from a flowing source
- Penstock – A pipe that delivers water downhill using gravity
- Turbine – Spins using water pressure and flow
- Generator – Converts that mechanical energy into electricity
- Controller & inverter – Regulate and convert power for use
- Battery storage (optional) – Stores energy for steady use or backup
If you have consistent flow and enough elevation drop (also called “head”), micro-hydro can be one of the most efficient and low-maintenance off-grid power sources available in coastal BC.
Is Your Property a Good Fit for Micro-Hydro?
Not every property can support a micro-hydro system, but if you’ve got a flowing stream or seasonal creek, it’s worth a closer look. We’ll assess your site to determine if hydro is a viable option and how much power it can realistically produce.
Key factors we evaluate:
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- Year-round water flow – Steady, consistent flow is essential for reliable output
- Elevation drop (head) – More vertical drop = more power
- Access to water rights – You’ll need a water license or diversion permit under BC’s Water Sustainability Act
- Distance from the power system – We design systems to minimize energy loss from long cable runs
- Environmental impact – We avoid disturbing fish habitat or sensitive terrain
If your property meets these criteria, micro-hydro can become the backbone of your off-grid energy system, especially when combined with solar and battery storage.
Why Choose Kingsley Power for Micro-Hydro?
Designing a reliable micro-hydro system takes more than just installing a turbine. At Kingsley Power, we bring hands-on experience and deep local knowledge to every off-grid project, especially in remote, hard-to-access areas of Vancouver Island and the BC coast.
Why clients trust us:
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- Experienced with off-grid hydro sites in rugged coastal terrain
- We handle water license and permitting requirements in BC
- Custom system design based on your flow, elevation, and energy needs
- Integration with solar, battery, and generator systems
- We access remote properties with our 36-foot catamaran
We don’t just install systems, we build long-term energy solutions that work rain or shine, year-round.
Do You Have Questions About Micro-Hydro Systems?
Do you have questions about micro-hydro power systems that weren't answered here? Please give us a call (250) 228-0863 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
