Solar Power, Falling Battery Prices, and the Rise of DC-Powered Homes
Across the U.S., a quiet revolution is taking place — and it’s powered by the sun.
With balcony solar systems now legalized in Utah, more states are expected to follow suit, making it easier than ever for homeowners and apartment dwellers to generate their own electricity. Combine that with the steadily falling cost of lithium-ion battery packs — down to $115/kWh in 2024 and expected to hit $100/kWh in 2025 — and it’s clear that energy independence is becoming mainstream.
And as that shift happens, one thing is becoming very clear:
DC power is the future of the modern, solar-powered home.
⚡ Why DC Power Makes More Sense at Home
Most of today’s appliances and electronics — from your TV and laptop to your lighting and fridge — already run on DC internally. But because the grid delivers AC, we rely on built-in adapters and converters, which waste energy and add complexity.
As more homes begin generating and storing DC power from solar, it only makes sense to keep that energy in DC form, instead of converting it back and forth between AC and DC.
Benefits of DC-powered homes:
• Higher energy efficiency (less conversion loss)
• Simplified wiring and power systems
• Better compatibility with solar + battery setups
• Easier to integrate smart, off-grid appliances
🖥️ So What About Your Computer?
Most desktop PCs still rely on bulky, AC-powered ATX power supplies, making them a poor fit for a solar-powered or DC-native home. They:
• Waste power converting AC to DC
• Require extra space and ventilation
• Are noisy, inefficient, and not solar-friendly
This is where Pico Box DC-DC ATX power supplies come in.
🌞 Pico Box: Built for the Solar-Powered Home
Our compact, silent, and smart DC-DC power supplies are designed for the future — where your home generates its own power, stores it in a battery, and uses it efficiently without relying on the traditional grid.
✅ Connects directly to DC systems (12V, 19V, or 24V)
✅ No need for an inverter — saves cost, space, and energy
✅ Silent fanless operation — perfect for quiet homes and workspaces
✅ Supports 12V, 5V, 3.3V, and 5VSB via standard ATX 24-pin connector
✅ Ideal for mini PCs, HTPCs, edge devices, and fanless builds
🔋 A Future-Proof Home Needs Future-Proof Power
Imagine this:
• Your balcony solar panels power your home battery
• Your smart lighting, fridge, and entertainment system all run on DC
• Your home server or media PC is powered directly via a Pico Box DC-DC ATX supply, with no inverter needed
• You save money, reduce waste, and enjoy a quieter, more efficient life
💬 Final Thoughts
As solar becomes more affordable and battery prices continue to drop, more homeowners will switch to self-generated DC power — not only for environmental reasons, but for real savings and independence.
If you’re already thinking about going off-grid, building a DC-friendly home, or simply want a smarter way to power your PC — Pico Box is ready for your future.
🔗 Explore our DC-DC ATX power supplies and join the DC-powered revolution.
