Reuse before you recycle
Most of a computer's environmental footprint comes from manufacturing it. Putting an existing one to work avoids those emissions and keeps one more device out of the e-waste pile.
GreenByteTheme
Slow tech cooperative · Pilot group
Your old computer, your solar power, our cloud.
If you live off-grid and have a computer gathering dust, it can become a GreenByte node. You'll host websites and apps for real customers, and as a co-op member you get a share of the profits.
I want to joinWe're putting together our first group of members. We read and answer every application ourselves.
Slow tech
Like slow food, but for the internet.
We grow at the pace of the people who make up the network. We know who runs every node, and where.
Powered by the sun
Every node runs in a home with solar panels and batteries. Traffic comes in through a central gateway that currently runs on a conventional server; we're working on moving it to solar as well, and we'll share our progress along the way.
A cooperative, not a corporation
Profits are shared among members. No one hoards the capital, and big decisions — like how members are paid — are made together.
How it works
You bring the hardware and the sunshine. We bring the software and the customers.
No server know-how needed, and no ports to open on your router.
Secure outbound connection
Your machine connects to GreenByte through an encrypted tunnel. It works on Starlink, behind a shared IP or with any provider, and your address is never exposed.
Every project lives in at least two homes
If your internet drops or your battery runs low, another node in the cooperative takes over within seconds.
Customer data stays protected
We host websites and applications. Data is stored encrypted and backed up off your machine; as a member, you can't access it and you're not responsible for what's in it.
We handle the upkeep
We help you get set up, then manage the software remotely. Your part is keeping the machine on and connected.
The process
Five steps to membership.
- 01
Get in touch
Tell us where you live, what your solar setup looks like, which machine you'd like to contribute and what kind of internet you have.
- 02
Video call
We get to know each other, take a look at your setup and answer your questions.
- 03
Technical check
Together we check the machine, how long your batteries last and your internet speed.
- 04
Trial month
We prepare the machine and track its uptime for a month before it hosts any customer projects.
- 05
Welcome aboard
We sign the membership agreement and your node shows up on our public impact page.
Requirements
What you need.
- An off-grid home with solar panels and batteries.
- At least 24 hours of battery runtime without sun, with the machine running.
- A computer (laptop, desktop or mini PC) with 4 GB of RAM or more and an SSD.
- A stable connection with at least 5 Mbps upload. Any provider works, including Starlink.
- Nice to have: a backup LTE modem in case your main connection goes down.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know about servers?
No. We guide you through setup and take care of maintenance.
How much power does it use?
It depends on the machine. A laptop typically draws 10 to 30 W. On the video call we make sure your solar setup can handle it without affecting your home.
What if my internet or battery goes out?
Nothing serious. Every project lives on at least two nodes, so another one picks up while yours reconnects.
Can I see what's on my machine?
No. Customer data is encrypted and kept separate from the rest of your computer. That protects them, and it protects you too.
How are profits shared?
The cooperative's profits are shared among its members. We're working out the exact model with the pilot group, and there will be perks too, like free hosting for your own projects. We'll walk you through it on the video call.
Why isn't the gateway solar yet?
Because we'd rather start now and be upfront about it than wait until everything is perfect. We'll let you know once we've made the switch.
Does your home already run on the sun?
Write to us. We're forming the pilot group and we'd love to meet you.
Confirm you're human to see our email address.