links to micro hydro generators
Micro hydro is a sustainable energy system that takes us back to the time of the water wheel —
Electric lighting is still the most efficient way to produce light, converting mechanical energy into light is one of the most important developments in human history, lengthening the time people can work , as there is light to work by, and effectively making us more efficient as a species.
Electrical lighting is safer than candles and provides a cleaner and more steady light and doesn’t burn anything, it is also available at the flick of a switch and from a distance, gas lighting and other methods of lighting have many flaws when compared to this .
If used for nothing other then lighting, electrical systems are a very good candidate for hydro power, as it is constant and predictable.
Hydro-power i.e water wheels should be used directly, with gearing, if mechanical energy is needed, (like to run a mill, or lath , or bellows for a forge) as losses in generators are quite large especially in improvised ones, unless power is needed far from water and then you have no choice but to run cables, and use generators. This should be avoided, if possible.
But it is my opinion that using water to power electrical lighting is the best way to do lighting