If you have a stream on your property with either significant flow, or a small drop in elevation, you may be able to harness the power of micro-hydro.  Micro-hydro power uses the power of falling water to turn a turbine which creates electricity for your home.  These systems differ from other renewable electricity sources because they operate 24 hours a day, providing a nearly constant rate of power.

Most Micro-Hydro systems are relatively simple in design. High-Head (elevation) systems are the most common in the North Carolina mountains.  The water intake is placed at a strategic location on the top of the run.  From there, heavy duty pipes, called penstock, fill up with water creating a good pressure at the bottom.  Water shoots out of nozzles at the bottom end of the penstock, aimed at a special small turbine, usually called a pelton wheel.  As the wheel turns, electricity is generated in a casing above the turbine.

Micro-hydro is one of the cleanest energy sources available. Blue Ridge Energy Solutions takes special care to design micro-hydro systems that offer the maximum power at the best ecological advantage.

BRESCO LTD is a dealer in PowerPal hydro-systems, as well as a variety of other small-scale hydro systems. 

Here is more information on Hydroelectric Energy from the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association.