20 Amps of Free Electricity - What Can I Do With it?

[Jimbo]

I just discovered that my garage electricity is not metered through my house (like I thought ot was) and the HOA pays for all electricity in the detached garages. That explains why all of my neighbors have two and three refrigerators, and think nothing of it.
I was wondering what would be a good tech business I could put this asset to use on.
Bit coin mining? Small data center in garage, or what?

What would be the best use for this opportunity.
I have space for two cars (nothing that would take up more than that much space) and it's in a secure and crime-free area that is a few footsteps away from the ocean docks.

Make at least an attempt to put forward a business case for your idea, so I know what you are thinking is somewhat reality based.
It just has to be something that could actually be done, buy I'll try even crazy non-tech ideas.

Thanks!

 

[lagokc]

Have you considered not being a prick?

It's my understanding that California has electricity shortage problems as is from mismanagement.

 

[Jimbo]

Have you considered not being a prick?

It's my understanding that California has electricity shortage problems as is from mismanagement.

Have you considered taking your own advice?
It not being a 'prick' when it's already billed into what I am already paying.

 

[nickbits]

Idk I kinda agree that it's a douchy move to try and "use up" the electricity for no real need.

But if you want to do something get an extras fridge and freezer.

 

[Jimbo]

But if you want to do something get an extras fridge and freezer.

What would be the point of that?
This isn't to burn up extra electricity for kicks, it's a serious question as to what is the value I can make of this through some business idea.

For anyone else wanting save Gaia the Earth Mother from crying, just scroll on by.

 

[nickbits]

What would be the point of that?
This isn't to burn up extra electricity for kicks, it's a serious question as to what is the value I can make of this through some business idea.

That wasn't a trolling suggestion. Are you single? If so maybe you don't need the extras space but my fridge and freezer are always packed and I could definately use extras. My parents always had 2-3 refrigerator/freezers.

 

[nickbits]

Another thought: do you have to do your own yard work? Maybe get some corded electric tools? I use a corded lawn mower myself.

 

[Jimbo]

Another thought: do you have to do your own yard work? Maybe get some corded electric tools? I use a corded lawn mower myself.

I live in a condo, but I was trying to think of a side business to run out of my garage with that kind of energy budget.
I was thinking a mini server rack, and just renting out cloud storage space or something like that.
I'm doing this to supplement my income because affording my mom's cancer medication is not cheap.

 

[nickbits]

I live in a condo, but I was trying to think of a side business to run out of my garage with that kind of energy budget.
I was thinking a mini server rack, and just renting out cloud storage space or something like that.
I'm doing this to supplement my income because affording my mom's cancer medication is not cheap.

Not to derail your thread but have you contacted the drug manufacturer for financial assistance? I am on expensive MS drugs (4k/month) and they all have aide programs.

 

[mnewsham]

https://products.butterflylabs.com/5-gh-s-bitcoin-miner.html

pick up 4 of those for a bit over $1k

20Gh/s

if you are running 24/7 you can make your money back fairly quick.

 

[lagokc]

Have you considered taking your own advice?
It not being a 'prick' when it's already billed into what I am already paying.

You're trying to burn up electricity because you know that the people around you are paying the majority of the cost for your venture. That's not theft but it's getting pretty close.

 

[_Rick_]

Get an electric car/bike, duh

 

[SithSolo1]

If the HOA finds out you are using the energy for non-personal use expect them to be less than enthusiastic.

 

[Torn Mind]

Residential internet service probably won't let you use their service for business use, most likely.

But you could try to do computer repair, but be careful. Troubleshooting viruses on an old computer somebody dumps on you can be very time-consuming.

 

[2timer]

100% bitcoin mine. And don't listen to the thread crappers, tell the hippies to f*** off

 

[slag]

I agree, whilst the market is good, go bitcoin mining. It's a set it and forget it type of thing that will use your free electricity. Also look into a hydroponics lab if you are into that type of stuff.

 

[aigomorla]

Grid tied inverter and go solar.

Then half these guys whinning about u burning electricity is moot.

 

[wirednuts]

you can do a lot with a constant 20a...

how about make a bunch of ice and keep it in your apartment, and blow a fan on it. cheap a/c

or use it to separate oxygen and hydrogen.. bottle that stuff up and run your car on it. or heat your apartment. free gas.

 

[Jimbo]

You're trying to burn up electricity because you know that the people around you are paying the majority of the cost for your venture. That's not theft but it's getting pretty close.

It not anywhere close to theft if I'm ALREADY paying for it.
Just go away.

 

[Jimbo]

https://products.butterflylabs.com/5-gh-s-bitcoin-miner.html

pick up 4 of those for a bit over $1k

20Gh/s

if you are running 24/7 you can make your money back fairly quick.

What's the economics of those miners? Discounting the cost of electricity, how fast would either of those 5Ghs pay for themselves, assuming the current value of bit coins remains the same?
I can't seem to find that info.

 

[mnewsham]

What's the economics of those miners? Discounting the cost of electricity, how fast would either of those 5Ghs pay for themselves, assuming the current value of bit coins remains the same?
I can't seem to find that info.

If you mange 20gh/s then about 10-15 days.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

What's the economics of those miners? Discounting the cost of electricity, how fast would either of those 5Ghs pay for themselves, assuming the current value of bit coins remains the same?
I can't seem to find that info.

You will never get them in time. They still haven't filled orders from summer 2012 and there are thousands in line before you.

 

[mnewsham]

You will never get them in time. They still haven't filled orders from summer 2012 and there are thousands in line before you.

very true, dedicated miner boxes usually require several months wait. But the advantage is a low power unit that has amazing gh/s for the price.

 

[2timer]

On 2nd thought, I have a much different and better suggestion: if you have 20A, and assuming you have a broadband internet connection, why not set up a dedicated server for a selfless cause - eg, a server for gamers, developers, something. It would be cool to run and helpful to lots of folks :thumbsup:

 

[Essence_of_War]

There is an elegant "paying-it-forward" aspect to that, isn't there ?