Just finished reading an article about environmental impacts and challenges associated with global Bitcoin (BTC) mining activities around the globe. Before I put my views about it, I make ir very clear that my knowledge about Bitcoin mining is very low. However, the idea of establishing a solar-powered Bitcoin mining farm has implanted firmly in my mind ever since I read this #466029 from @arealpeacemonger.

The idea now implanted, I went searching for what to delve upon before I should imagine about it in any way. So, I figured out that I needed a big open space, buy Bitcoin mining machines and that's how it's done.

However, my initial joy couldn't last long as I discovered that I forgot the most important thing, the intermittent nature Of the Sun, or to say it more clearly the photovoltaic power potential isn't same everywhere and everytime. Now, IMO, this must be the first thing to consider because miners require to run 24×7 for better results.

To make it a little more clear, I am from the north-western part of India where the Sun is out more than 320 days in a year. It's the winter when the sun is hidden due to extremely foggy conditions which may persist for 10 days sometimes. Now, this is just occasional and doesn't happen every year. In January this year, the fog had a run for 25 days however. There are also a few days of rain when there's no Sun at all. At most these days are usually less than 15.

These are the weather conditions that I face at my location. I now feel for those who are living in higher latitudes and face extreme winters without Sun for more days. Because of Sun's not available constantly, they don't even think of solar panels.

But what about someone who is willing to relocate for the sake of establishing solar-powered Bitcoin mining farm. Yes, I gave it a thought, there are places in India that I know would have the Sun out everyday and with full force. What actually helped me to pin this place is a mapping service that shows the photovoltaic demographics of the globe. Here's a screenshot of Global Solar Atlas

The map above shows the photovoltaic potential around the globe. On the site, you can also interact with the map can exactly locate the solar sites, solar cities, solar potential etc.

Now, I am not saying that I will relocate because of minor trade offs with the Sun but for anyone who wants to start his journey with solar powered Bitcoin mining mist have look at these maps.

Now talking about the article that I just finished reading and metioned in the first paragraph, the thing that touched upon me was the carbon footprint that Bitcoin mining is leaving on the world is a huge issue. I am not saying that this is less or more than the other industries. But, even if we can reduce a little bit of Co2eq, we must try for the sake of Earth's health and our sustainability. The use of solar power in Bitcoin mining can achieve this goal but currently 3% of all the Bitcoin mining operations are done with it is a not satisfactory.

Additionally it's not the carbon footprint that the fossil-powered energy leaves, but the water footprint and the land footprints are also worrying leftovers of it.

At last, I just wanna say that I want to take part in Bitcoin mining but I won't do it at the cost of causing any harm to environment. Most probably, I am going to establish a solar-powered small mining farm in the next few months in my village house. I think it's better that I first learn about which mining rigs would better suite my needs. Currently I am exploring Bitmain Antminer 200Th and DCX Bitpod

As you can see that my knowledge about Bitcoin mining way too little and I am just starting from the scratch, so any suggestions and feedback would be of immense value for me. The most important things that I want to know are: