Since water flows day and night, a micro hydro system requires far less battery storage than other technologies. Even if the stream is far away, it may still be viable. Seasonal streams offer great performance when a hybrid water and solar system is designed. When your power requirements are the highest, in the winter, the water is usually flowing the fastest. Solar modules are most efficient when there is the most sun in the summer.
Electricity is produced from the energy in water flowing from a high level to a lower level.
This change in elevation is called head and supplies the pressure, which drives the turbine. Flow is the other factor contributing to power production. It is usually limited by the size of the creek. The amount of electricity produced is directly related to the head and flow. If the head or flow is increased the power output increases proportionally.