Off-grid Lodge in Southern Idaho with Hydro Power
This luxurious mountain lodge in southern Idaho houses a plethora of appliances and other comforts, powered primarily by one hydro-unit positioned on a stream that runs about 200 feet from the home. At 8,000 square feet, this lodge pushes off-grid living to the maximum. It includes 10 bedrooms, and just as many bathrooms. Among the appliances are two dishwashers, two washing machines, a big-screen TV, a gigantic double-wide refrigerator and a restaurant-style range. All lights are compact fluorescents.
The power system consists of 32 L-16 batteries and a dual Trace SW5548 power panel. Backup power is provided by an automatic- starting generator. The power is generated from a single Turgo hydro generator on a nearby stream. The stream has approximately 50 feet of fall, and the distance between the intake and the turbine is about 500 feet, using a 6-inch line. The Turgo produces about 11 amps at 50 volts and generates almost all the power needed during the summertime. When the heating system kicks on in fall and winter, the generator has to help.
Permission was received to divert the stream for the hydro unit. Above is the intake, where a screen kept the water pure. Below is the unit itself. The stream diversion is unseeable, and the hydro unit neat and tidy.
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