Hello Greeno1645,
I posted originally, because your question generally does not get much of a reply.
With 30+ post, not bad, some great info is presented.
The reason so many comments: You have an AUSOME site location for power.
You have POWER to BURN.
You do not need CF lighting if incandescent is much cheaper.
You can use a regular refrigerator, etc. What ever is cheaper.
Power generator will need to be bigger, The real cost of the system is putting it in, 2x will not cost 2x, nor will 4x cost 4x. For example: 3 in pipe cost vs a 6 in pipe, may be 20-50% more, caries 4x water.
Figure out the Load cost using very low power, and again with regular stuff. Then compare the system cost with a low power generator vs higher. You may find the higher power gen is the lower system cost option.
Points about 12v vs 48v are very good.
Or, even 220vAC, with no battery. AC only requires the gen to produce max load at any time, a hydro system handling varying loads is a b*tch. Requires a water governor, not simple, as a control system presents many problems. Can be controlled by the load, burn off in a resistor bank what you don't need. You already have hot water so this will be just waste heat.
Points about DC + inverter, COST, availability.
The way I design things:
Pretend there are no limits, what do you ideally desire?
-Design the system, can you afford it? (power and loads)
-Design it again, many ways to do things!
-Keep doing this until no new ideas.
If you realize you can't then go back to your list and make changes. Design it several times. Show the idea to others ask their...
Keep your work, you will find it much faster to design each new idea by working off your old ones.
Be detail in the design. Simple global designs to start then get more detailed. Final should include nut and bolts! I happen to enjoy the designing as much if not more than building it. I'm very happy with my results when I do this. Even after doing all this I will learn enough to know it could have been better. There comes a point when it's time to get it done. So set time limits.
Anybody around your area that has done what you want? The best advice comes from people that have achieved what you want. Best to only ask them.
Make a list of what you can get locally, work with it to design your system, may not be the most efficient but the end result is what is important.
Last point, Remember – once you get power you will find more things you just have to have. After you build it. Since you have the power, plan to use 2-4 times your originally planed needs for expansion.
Have fun,
Scott.