Micro Hydropower System Installer Schooling/Training

Among the growing eco-friendly power generation methods gaining worldwide attention is micro hydropower. Basically, this is using hydropower through the use of hydroelectric power systems that generate 100 kW of power. Often, these systems are used for rural electrification projects in economically depressed areas that have viable water sources. However, these are increasingly used in private homes for its environmental appeal.

Variety of Educational Backgrounds

Everybody and anybody interested in micro hydropower training can enroll in the workshops conducted by various training institutions and technical schools, both of which can be found online and on brick-and-mortar settings. This is evidenced by the presence of a variety of participants in training workshops, from farmers, machinists, and heavy equipment mechanics to hydro plant operators to electrical engineers. After all, micro hydropower systems require operators, managers, and repair and maintenance professionals to fully function!

However, an educational background with exposure to civil, mechanical, and electrical works is an advantage in micro hydropower training. It is to be emphasized that it is not a must because many successful professionals in the hydropower field possess educational backgrounds that are totally unrelated to the industry. Furthermore, some basic business knowledge will come in handy because micro hydropower systems are often installed on for-profit basis for sustainability purposes.

Where to Train

As previously mentioned, there are technical schools and colleges all over the country that offer micro hydropower training programs. Usually, an entry-level certification can be secured, after which advanced trainings can be enrolled in. There are also online courses with field exercises offered on varying time scales. You can start training at your local community college for $80 to $120 a credit hour.

Micro hydropower trainings are usually focused on the design of a fully functional micro hydropower system. Classroom instructions on site evaluation, system design, system components, turbine types, battery storage, electrical and mechanical systems, safety procedures, maintenance, and troubleshooting are complemented with field exercises and tours to operational systems. There are also classes on hybrid systems, environmental sustainability, and business courses for management viability. In effect, the approach is on a holistic level.

In the micro hydropower industry, the demand far outweighs the supply. Thus, trainings and workshops in the industry can open more opportunities for everybody.

Micro Hydropower System Installer Resources