PALMER — Often ignored in the talk of renewable energy sources, small hydrological energy generators offer homeowners a green way to cut the cord attaching them to the grid.

Tonight’s class as part the Renewable Energy Lecture Series at the Mat-Su College will focus on raising awareness of the applicability, viability and cost of creating electricity from water by what’s known as small hydro.

“It’s the original solar power,” class lecturer Earle Ausman said. “Hydro uses the energy of the water that has been lifted up by the heat of the sun. It comes down as precipitation. What we do is capture it and convert it into electrical energy we can use.”

Photo courtesy Earle Ausman/Polarconsult Alaska, Inc. A small-scale hydrological energy generator is a good option for those looking to live off the grid.

While there are numerous varieties and designs, the basic principle is the same, said Ausman, co-owner of Polarconsult Alaska Inc. A portion of a stream or creek is diverted, then the force of the water spins a turbine. The turbine powers a generator, which creates electricity transmitted along power lines.

“Sure, they’re suitable for the individual homeowner,” Ausman said. “A lot of people don’t do it because it takes extra work and costs some money.”

He pointed to a small hydro system a homeowner built on Rainbow Creek south of Anchorage. The system provides the house with all its power, but it cost about $35,000 to install.

“But that was built by contractors,” he said. “The turbine is not so expensive. The polyurethane pipe is not so bad. You can build one yourself in a couple of weeks.”

The amount of energy output is completely dependent on the type of system you install, he said. Most small systems can provide enough electricity to power the average load of a home, but Ausman said you have to live a little differently.

“You have to run things on a priority basis. ... You don’t turn on the dryer, the washing machine and the electric stove top all at the same time,” he said.

One of the major criticisms of hydro systems is easily avoided, Ausman said.

While blocking fish passage is a concern, most systems are built in high-mountain streams above any spawning ground. Also, all the water and the materials are returned to the stream below the turbine.

Ausman and his company helps interested parties with everything from site selection, design and setup. He said there are already operations all over Alaska, and he knows of permits or plans to build 200 more.

“Alaska already generates well over 50 megawatts using small hydro,” he said. “That’s out of an estimated 45,000 megawatts available. There’s a lot of hydro power here.”

Ausman will field more questions and go into much more detail in the class tonight starting at 7 p.m. at the college.

Contact Todd L. Disher at todd.disher@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.