Why pico hydro?  Well usually our water turbine is only putting out approximate 100 Watts! Now you may think that is nothing, but over a course of a day that is 2.4kW of energy.  On average our Eco stay uses less than 2.5kW of power a day!

It is interesting to note that NZ power companies usually have a low user plan, this is under 6KW a day for most of them!  So I think this ranks our eco-stay for the minimalistic plan (if there was one!).

Off grid or stand alone power system are most common in remote locations without utility grid service, installed for a variety of reasons, including the prohibitive cost of connecting to the grid, the appeal of an independent lifestyle, or the reliability a solar system provides.

There are adjustments to when and how use electricity when living totally off the gird. If you do not live within the limitations of the system’s design and capacity you will be sitting in the dark! .

This requires a shift to a more conscientious use of electricity.

The following illustration includes the primary components of any off grid solar electric system.

Diagram source: HomePower.com