How Many Watts Does a Computer Use?

From Desktop computers to PCs to laptops, using all these versions of computers we all have grown up. While the costs of electricity of  air conditioners, washing machines,heaters and other appliances are regularly discussed at homes, we often forget to discuss the consumption of electricity by computers at our place.

In 2024, there will be highly unlikely any house without a computer. So, let's find out how much power it consumes and what its contribution to monthly electricity bills is.

How Many Watts Does a Computer Use?

Have you ever pondered on the energy consumption of a computer?

A desktop computer typically draws electricity from 60 to 300 watts. Between 15 and 45 watts are used by laptops. There are, of course, always exceptions. Certain ultra-efficient laptops may function on as low as 10 watts, while some high-end gaming laptops can use up to 400 watts.

The type of computer, the CPU, the screen size, and your usage habits all affect how much power your computer really consumes.

Several devices and hardware setups complicate the calculation of a single result. Sleep mode and vampire energy are two things that always come into play, even if you ignore the many pieces of hardware that computers employ. Additionally, since the power supply's output only indicates the maximum output, you cannot compute computer watts using the output indicated there. 

Your computer will consume more power if you use it for gaming or video editing than if you only use it for online surfing and email. Furthermore, a large-screen desktop computer will need more power than a compact laptop.

How Much Electricity Does a Computer Use?

A desktop computer with 200 watts of power consumption will require one kWh of electricity every hour on average. Accordingly, if your computer runs for eight hours every day, it will consume eight kWh of power daily or 240 kWh monthly.

Your desktop PC will have a monthly power cost of $28.80 at the current average rate of $0.12 per kWh.

When it comes to power use, laptops are far less than desktop PCs.

A laptop with a 25-watt power consumption will use 0.25 kWh of electricity every hour, or 2 kWh per day, or 60 kWh per month.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Computer?

The examination of the costs associated with operating various computer and monitor types may be seen in the table below. It provides information on each item's typical power consumption (measured in watts), the hourly cost of operation (calculated at $0.12 per kWh for electricity), and the predicted monthly cost on the assumption that the device is used for eight hours a day. 

With the use of this information, consumers may better control their power consumption by understanding the energy costs related to their electronic gadgets and making well-informed decisions.

Calculating cost per hour:

Cost per hour = AvgWatts/1000 x Electricity rate per kWh

Calculating cost per month:

Cost per month = cost per hour x Hours per day x 30

How Much Money Can Solar Panels Save You?

After reading the article till here , you ought to have a basic understanding of how many watts a computer uses. Knowing this, the first thing you should do is figure out how much using a computer will cost you. You may now choose to pay for that or look for other ways to reduce your power costs.

Electricity costs are projected to go higher, and for someone who uses their computer for work and entertainment, paying expensive electricity bills is not ideal. 

The best way to tackle it is to use BLUETTI Solar Panels to power your computer so you can use it without worrying about electricity bills. 

Find out more about how you can completely go off-grid with solar panels.

BLUETTI PV120 Solar Panel

BLUETTI is the world's leading brand for portable energy, with a line of the most reliable and efficient solar generators. Our BLUETTI PV120 Solar Panel offers fast, great efficiency and portability along with clean energy. It works with 120 Watts of power output.

Key Features:

Monocrystalline Solar Cells:  Monocrystalline solar cells are made from a single continuous crystal structure, which allows them to be highly efficient in converting sunlight into electricity. They allow a 23.4% efficiency rating meaning these cells can convert 23.4% of the sunlight into electricity.

Long-lasting ETFE Coating: The EFTE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) coating is known for its durability and lightweightedness to protect the solar cells. Their long durability ensures solar panels remain functional for a long period of time and resistant to weather conditions. This reduces the need for frequent replacements and maintenance.

Foldable & Portable: The foldable nature makes the panels compact and can be folded into a smaller size, hence making transportation easier.  This feature allows users to easily set up and carry solar panels around anywhere they need, in short flexibility.

Compatibility: MC4 connectors are a standard type of connector used in solar power systems to connect solar panels to solar generators or other devices.  The BLUETTI PV120 is compatible with the MC4 connectors allowing them to be integrated with the most existing solar power systems ensuring broad usability and convenience.

12-month Warranty: If the solar panels experience any manufacturing defects or performance within the first 12 months of use the manufacturer will replace and repair the solar panels. This builds people’s trust and confidence in products’ quality.

Similarly if you are looking for a high power solar panel system, BLUETTI PV200 is for you allowing 200W output of electricity.

BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel

With almost the same advantages as the previous one but more power output, we bring for you BLUETTI PV200 Solar Panel that has a maximum 200W power rating allowing it to generate two times in ideal weather conditions. 

Key features:

Up to 23.4% efficiency: Highly efficient Monocrystalline Solar Cells convert 23.4% of sunlight into electricity., maximizing energy production.

Durable Coating: Long-lasting ETFE coating protects against UV radiation and weather, extending the panel’s lifespan.

Foldable and portable: Due to its compact design, it is way easier to set these panels up and transport outdoors and travel.

Easier integration: The compatibility of connecting using MC4 connectors with a previous and wide range of solar systems. 

Does Leaving the PC on Use a Lot of Electricity

Yes, a computer's power usage does see a brief spike at boot-up, lasting only a few milliseconds. This electrical outburst has so little cost that it cannot be quantified. Turning off the computer at night and resuming it when you return will always consume less energy than leaving it running. Like with many household equipment, the best approach to reduce your power use is to switch off your computer.

Desktop computers are permanently tethered to a massive power supply, making energy efficiency a bonus or a perk as opposed to a functional necessity. 

Does Having a PC Increase Your Power Bill?

Yes, but it depends on the amount you use that PC for and the cost per kilowatt-hour will determine this. Your cost would go up somewhat, but probably not noticeably, if your PC is mainly idle or if you are using it for light work. You might notice it a little more if you were using it nonstop for demanding activities that required you to use as much power as the PSU could provide.

Also one more contributing factor is rates increase when there is a greater demand, as electric firms base their billing on demand. On-peak and off-peak hours are relevant in this situation. When individuals go home from work and school in the late afternoon, for example, the cost of power can be higher than it is in the middle of the night.

Final Thoughts

Saving power doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite pastime, gaming. There are several other methods available for lowering your computer's power use. A significant amount of electricity may be saved even by using various settings on the computer.

You may also think about adding a few additional parts to your machine to upgrade it. Understanding the power usage entails understanding the precise annual expenditures. Where savings may be made is another thing to think about. 

One of the best methods to lower or completely eliminate your power cost is to go solar, but before you make the decision, be sure to receive estimates from many reliable installers.

There are many different ways to save money with solar power, and the savings that apply to you will rely on things like geography, electricity costs, and plans. Generally speaking, most homes may anticipate saving between $10,000 and $30,000 for the course of a solar panel system's lifespan.