I'm looking for advice on the simplest solar energy setup that I could use to power a desktop computer and a few lights for about 12 hours a day. Are there any all-in-one systems available that can handle this? Just a desktop and some basic office lighting are all I'm trying to run. Thanks!
7 Answers
For a desktop, you’re potentially looking at about 1000W per hour to power everything for 12 hours. That can mean needing a massive battery system, like 1000A/h capacity, and a bunch of solar panels just to keep up—definitely a pricier venture! On the other hand, using a laptop could cut down your solar requirements drastically.
I recently checked my Mac Mini with a 32" monitor, and it only draws about 122 watts. Adding three 8W LED lamps bumps that to around 1.5 kWh per day, which is manageable for most portable solar solutions.
Just keep in mind how much power your computer really consumes. It can greatly vary, especially under heavy usage. A watt meter can help you measure its draw accurately, or you could check the specs online based on your model. Remember, the more powerful the desktop, the more watts you’ll need!
You should really know your equipment's wattage. My work computer uses about 65W, so I get decent runtime with a 1800W power bank. But my home PC is around 600W, so I can’t run that for too long without a bigger setup.
If you're flexible, consider using a laptop instead of a desktop. Laptops tend to use a lot less power, and you can even add an external monitor if needed. This way, you can still power everything effectively without needing a massive solar setup. For instance, I use a laptop with an external display and it works perfectly with my modest solar system!
One solid option you might want to check out is the Pecron 1000 LFP along with 200W solar panels. This setup is super easy because the solar panels directly connect to the Pecron, so you won't need a charge controller or additional inverters. You can usually find it on sale for about $550-$700 depending on the panels you pick. It’s a pretty straightforward system for your needs!
There are plenty of setups out there, but this one's a nice, simple solution.
Thanks for the suggestion! I’ll definitely look it up.
To give you an idea, I run a Dell PC and some lights with 6 100W panels—and I have around $1000 into the whole setup, mostly due to the batteries. Look into brands like Ecoflow; they might have what you’re looking for!
I’m planning on a basic setup, just a desktop and a couple monitors, so that should help.