Depending on the type of dam and how you intend to run the turbine, you may seriously effect the river system. It isn't a joke at all. This is a commercial class generation facility and you'll need to play by some important rules. There are limits to be established on your ability to store and release water behind the dam for load matching (perhaps less important on-grid). There are also seasonal patterns that you may be required to follow. The height of the dam will determine the area flooded, etc... Your environmentally conscious clients may actually be somewhat unnerved to see how much impact a large dam can have. Don't blow this off - it's important.
It IS neat to be able to see the turbine spin just around the block from your house, but being grid connected... it doesn't matter that much where the dam is, as long as the clients pay for green power somewhere. There is also a supply benefit that you disconnect from the grid if it went down, rates changed or limitations enforced. It's nice to control your own generation for security.[ Parent ]
