Low head pico-hydropower is commonly used in the remote mountainous provinces of the Lao PDR due to the widespread lack of access to grid electricity, favourable hydropower conditions and availability of cheap pico-hydro turbines. Manufacturers of pico-hydro turbines tend to recommend a standing method of installation using a pre-fabricated draft channel and draft tube. This method is the most efficient and delivers the most consistent power to the turbine shaft, but is only practical given the right topography at the installation site. Throughout the Lao PDR, local adaptations have arisen in installation methods at sites where the recommended installation method is impractical. This paper examines the main types of installation methods and local adaptations that were observed during field surveys in the rural parts of the Lao PDR. The requirements, performance and merits of each type of installation are then evaluated. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.