getting off grid

We at Ravens Ait have decided to try and remove ourselves from the grid and try a series of experiments in renewable energy projects to install and demonstrate. Now, many people are happy with and have experience of living off grid and minimum power usage. Many islander have live with solar water heating and there are many fine products that would be ideal the island. Many islanders are confident with small 12v systems,a mixed wind and solar would be great for the island and easy to demonstrate.

Now the thing we need advice and ideas on is the massive river that flows around us. We all know there is energy there, but don’t know how to harness it?

Most of the small scale hydro systems that I personally have seen are for streams, not a river like the Thames

any ideas, examples or products (or indeed the equipment itself)  welcome.

comments welcome !