How Much Does It Cost or Consume to Use a Raspberry Pi 3 24/7?

Introduction

The Raspberry Pi 3 (RPi 3) has become a popular choice for various projects and applications due to its low power consumption and affordability. Whether you're running basic applications, developing software, or setting up a media center, understanding the cost and power consumption of the RPi 3 can help you make informed decisions. This article explores the power consumption and associated costs of using the RPi 3 continuously (24/7) in different locations.

Power Consumption of the Raspberry Pi 3

The Raspberry Pi 3 is known for its efficiency, but its power consumption varies based on its usage. The RPi 3 typically draws about 2W when idle and approximately 5W when fully loaded. The precise power usage can vary depending on the specific tasks performed and the attached peripherals.

Calculating Electricity Costs

To accurately estimate the cost of powering a RPi 3, you need to consider factors such as the local electricity rate, the running time of the device, and the efficiency of the power supply.

Step-by-Step Calculation

First, find out the local electricity rate. In London, for instance, the average rate is around ￡0.15/kWh. You can typically find this information on your electricity bill or by searching online. Next, calculate the total energy consumption over a year. There are 8760 hours in a non-leap year. Assume the RPi 3 is used differently throughout the year. For example, it may be idle 80% of the time and fully loaded 20% of the time. This means:

Example Calculation

Assuming the RPi 3 is idle 80% of the time and fully loaded 20% of the time, the total energy consumption can be calculated as follows:

Electricity consumption when idle: 0.8 × 2W × 8760 hours 14,016 Wh Electricity consumption when fully loaded: 0.2 × 5W × 8760 hours 8,760 Wh

Total energy consumption in a year: 14,016 Wh 8,760 Wh 22,776 Wh 22.78 kWh (since 1,000 Wh 1 kWh)

Now, calculate the annual cost using the local electricity rate:

Cost 22.78 kWh × 0.15 p/kWh ￡3.42 (pence)

Thus, the annual cost to operate a RPi 3 24/7 under the assumed usage pattern is roughly ￡3.42.

Conclusion

The Raspberry Pi 3 is an excellent device for enthusiasts and professionals due to its low power consumption and cost-effective operation. Understanding the exact electricity cost can help in making budgeting decisions for various projects. Whether you're setting up a home automation system, running a media server, or developing a custom application, knowing the cost of powering your RPi 3 is crucial for efficient resource management.

Keywords

Raspberry Pi 3, electricity cost, power consumption, 24/7 operation, London electricity rate