Because our solar-powered PC setup was first and foremost a research project, we didn’t manage costs as a paramount concern. This affects our choice of solar panels most directly, along with related cabling, devices, and other components. Nevertheless we did attempt to keep costs as much under control during our construction as we could. Thus, this overview can also serve as a shopping list for interested potential users.

By themselves, costs for the solar collection and storage components came to $2,685. Including a little over $1,000 for the solar-powered PC with monitor, total project costs come to $3,796—$3,800 in round numbers. A direct copy of this project is only possible for those who can obtain the same components that we used ourselves; costs will certainly vary with the differences between our choices and those that others make. Our budget also includes measurement tools, so that builders can check voltage and current levels in their constructions.

In the preceding list, incidental parts include solder, wire nuts, miscellaneous electrical components, conduit, and so forth. We also used various tools to complete this project, including drills and drill presses, battery-powered screwdrivers (to drive screws, not to handle the steering rope for the solar panels), saber saws, and all kinds of hand tools. A well-equipped workbench is a must for anybody who wants to tackle this kind of project for themselves.