AxeCalibur: Off-Grid Bitcoin Mining with Solar Energy
Is it possible to run Bitcoin mining around the clock using solar energy? The AxeBox from 100 Acres Ranch has proven it works. In this article, I’ll introduce this DIY solution, explain why replicating it – dubbed the “AxeCalibur” – might be worthwhile, and provide a parts list for building it yourself in Europe.
AxeCalibur – The Miner That Can’t Be Unplugged: Solar-Powered, Battery-Driven, 24/7 Unstoppable.
What is the AxeBox?
The AxeBox, available on Plebsource for $550 USD + shipping, is a rugged, weatherproof enclosure for Bitcoin mining, specifically designed to operate with solar energy. It has space for two BitAxes and connects directly to solar panels. With an integrated battery, it runs 24/7 – day and night. According to 100AcresRanch, it’s perfect for crypto enthusiasts and off-grid miners looking for a simple, sustainable mining solution.
Here’s the official description:
“A rugged, weatherproof Bitcoin mining enclosure designed for seamless integration with your solar setup. Equipped with an included battery, this all-in-one solution ensures consistent performance. Simply add your BitAxes, mount it, power it with solar, and start hashing sustainably.”
In response to my inquiry on X, 100AcresRanch shared rough insights into the components used:
The costs? Around $350 USD for a DIY build, or about $550 USD fully assembled. The trickiest part, per 100AcresRanch: precisely cutting the metal box for the fan.
Why Replicate the AxeBox?
Buying the AxeBox from the USA for $550 USD might seem appealing at first glance, but for Europeans, significant additional costs apply (see my article on purchasing my Bitaxe Gamma from the USA). With the discount code “GFY” ($55 off/10%), the subtotal drops to around $495 (as of March 29, 2025), but shipping ($134.73) bumps the price to $629.73 USD. Then there’s more:
- Import duties and VAT: Depending on the EU country, customs fees (around 2-6%, roughly $10-30) and VAT (19-21% on the value of goods + shipping + customs, about $120-150) apply. This can push the total cost to approximately 750-800 EUR.
- Availability: Local components are faster to source and often cheaper, avoiding international shipping times or fees.
- DIY Factor: Building it yourself not only saves money compared to the import price but also allows customization to local needs.
Parts List for the AxeCalibur in Europe
Here are two approaches to building the AxeCalibur: one version for a single BitAxe Gamma and another for two BitAxe Gammas.
AxeCalibur 1 x BitAxe Gamma
This variant is ideal for operating with one BitAxe Gamma (not included) (as of March 29, 2025, prices may change anytime):
| Component | Details | Source | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box Option 1 (Battery inside BOX) | Arli Control Cabinet IP65, Dimensions: WxHxD Exterior: 400x500x175mm, Interior: 350.9x456.9x159.2mm | Amazon* | 36.79€ |
| 50Ah 12V Lithium Battery 640Wh | Dimensions: WxHxD 232x181x135mm | Amazon* | 101.99€ |
| DC-DC 12V to 5V Converter | Converts the battery’s 12V to 5V for the miner | Amazon* | 17.88€ |
| Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 75V 15 Amp 12/24V | The core – charge controller for the battery | Amazon* | 56.66€ |
| PV Module Connection Cable MC-4 to MPPT 3m, 4mm² | Tip: Adjust length to local conditions | Amazon* | 12.79€ |
| 2x Battery to MPPT and Converter Connection Cables | 1.5m, 15A, 6mm², M8 | Amazon* | 27.98€ |
| Converter to BitAxe Connection Cable 1m | - | Amazon* | 7.99€ |
| DIN Rail for mounting the Gamma on the box wall | Only one rail needed, feel free to source elsewhere | Amazon* | 6.99€ |
| 3D-Printed Bitaxe Gamma DIN Rail Mount | Needed to attach Bitaxe to DIN rail | MakerWorld | 0€ |
| Arli Cable Glands M16 x 1.5mm IP68 | Cable entry for PV cables inside, only 2 needed | Amazon* | 9.69€ |
| Optional: Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 120mm fan | Cooling the box | Amazon* | 14,90€ |
| Optional: Fan control 12V | Controlling the box fan | Amazon* | 7,59€ |
| Optional: 15A Plug Fuse | Still to be determined. In planning. Cable and Batterie already have a fuse | Amazon* | 20.93€ |
| EXAMPLE: ECO-Worthy 170W, 12V PV Modules | Depends on your home setup. Still in planning | Amazon* | 79.99€ |
| EXAMPLE: Alternative PV-Modules (flexible) ECO-Worthy 2 x 130Wp, 12V | Easy to mount. Depends on your home setup. Still in planning | Amazon* | €135.99 |
| Rough Total Cost: | Price excluding PV modules and fuse | ~269.07€ |
AxeCalibur 2 x BitAxe Gamma
This version supports two BitAxe Gamma units (not included) (as of March 29, 2025, prices may change anytime):
| Component | Details | Source | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box Option 1 (Battery inside BOX) Arli Control Cabinet IP65 | Dimensions: WxHxD Exterior: 400x500x245mm, Interior: 350.9x456.9x222mm | Amazon* | 39.75€ |
| 100Ah 12V Lithium Battery 1280Wh | Dimensions: WxHxD 260x168x214mm | Amazon* | 169.99€ |
| 2 x DC-DC 12V to 5V Converter | Converts the battery’s 12V to 5V for the miner | Amazon* | 35.76€ |
| Converter to Bitaxe Connection Cable 1m | - | Amazon* | 7.99€ |
| Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 50 Amp 12/24-Volt | The core – charge controller for the battery | Amazon* | 151.11€ |
| 2 x PV Module Connection Cable MC-4 to MPPT 3m, 4mm² | Tip: Adjust length to local conditions. Adjust quantity to module count | Amazon* | 25.58€ |
| 3 x Battery to MPPT and Converter Connection Cables | 1.5m, 15A, 6mm², M8 | Amazon | 41.97€ |
| DIN Rail for mounting the Gamma on the box wall | Only one rail needed, feel free to source elsewhere | Amazon* | 6.99€ |
| 3D-Printed Bitaxe Gamma DIN Rail Mount | Needed to attach Bitaxe to DIN rail | MakerWorld | 0€ |
| Arli Cable Glands M16 x 1.5mm IP68 | Cable entry for PV cables inside, only 2 needed | Amazon* | 9.69€ |
| Optional: Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 120mm fan | Cooling the box | Amazon* | €14.90 |
| Optional: Fan control 12V | Controlling the box fan | Amazon* | €7.59 |
| Optional: 15A Plug Fuse | Still to be determined. In planning. Cable and Batterie already have a fuse | Amazon* | 20.93€ |
| EXAMPLE: ECO-Worthy 170W, 12V PV Modules | Depends on your home setup. Still in planning | Amazon* | 79.99€ |
| EXAMPLE: Alternative PV-Modules (flexible) ECO-Worthy 2 x 130Wp, 12V | Easy to mount. Depends on your home setup. Still in planning | Amazon* | €135.99 |
| Rough Total Cost: | Price excluding PV modules and fuse | ~472.15€ |
Please note that this is a first draft, and I still need to test all components together. This list is intended as an initial guide to show what’s generally required. If enough people show interest, I’ll definitely build and test a prototype. For questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me on X or via email (info “at” bitlager dot de). Have fun getting inspired and building your own!
Note: Links marked with * are affiliate links. Purchasing through these links incurs no additional costs for you but helps support the funding of this blog. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.