⚡ How Much Does a Socket Cost?
Any owner of powerful equipment rightly wonders: will electricity consume all the profits? There is no single number that fits all of DePIN. A storage node, internet hub, 3D printer, and GPU server all consume energy very differently.
Below is an example of a good server build. It shows the calculation approach, but does not guarantee the same load or income for every owner.
| Parameter | Calculation Example | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Consumption | 4 GPUs and the rest of the system under workload | up to ~2.5 kW |
| Electricity | 2.5 kW × 24 hours × $0.20 | up to $12 per day |
| Revenue | Depends on the platform, rating, task, and actual load | calculated per scenario |
| Result | Revenue minus all current expenses | not guaranteed upfront |
🧮 Calculation Formula
Revenue − electricity − platform fees − internet − maintenance − equipment reserve = actual result.
For a storage node or a small internet hub, electricity might be almost negligible. For a GPU server, it is significant. For a 3D printer or CNC, you also add material costs, tool wear, defects, order prep, and operator time.
☀️ Solar Energy
Self-generated electricity can noticeably reduce your current power bill and make your server site more resilient. But panels, inverters, batteries, and installation also come at a cost. So a solar system doesn’t make energy free — it shifts some expenses into upfront investments and is calculated separately.
An expensive socket doesn’t prohibit business, and a cheap one alone won’t make it profitable. The decision is made after evaluating the entire setup: equipment, load, tariff, maintenance, and growth prospects.