I would object to being required to pull a permit in order to install a microhydro turbine on my own property for residential, off-grid use. I think the permits should come in at the point which the power is either A: Being sold back to the power company or in any way sent back into the power grid, or B: Is sold to a third party and thus becomes commercial and not residential or personal-use.

To make someone's choice to experiment with clean, renewable energy more difficult is only going to benefit the power companies; not the people.