Introduction to Solo Mining of Bitcoin: For Miners Choosing Their Own Path

The term Bitcoin is something that many people have likely heard of.

Bitcoin, known as the king of cryptocurrencies, may have a surprisingly large number of people who are not very familiar with the method called “solo mining.”

In this article, we will introduce an overview of solo mining of Bitcoin, including its actual state, methods, and insights based on the current market situation.

What is Solo Mining?

Solo mining, simply put, is “mining done alone.” It is a method of attempting to issue new Bitcoin using only one's own equipment, without collaborating with other miners.

In fact, I really love this method. Why? Because it has complete autonomy. The joy of earning rewards solely through my own efforts, without relying on anyone else, is something that cannot be replaced by anything.

However, it's not all good news. Especially in 2025, it has become quite difficult for individuals to engage in solo mining.

Requirements for Solo Mining

To start solo mining, you will need the following:

1. Dedicated ASIC mining equipment - This will be the biggest investment.
2. Stable Internet Connection
3. Sufficient Cooling Equipment
4. Stable Power Supply
5. Mining Software

Among them, the most important is the ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) miner. While mining is possible with GPUs, to be honest, it is outdated when it comes to Bitcoin. Currently, ASIC miners are mainstream, and the performance difference is evident.

Harsh Reality: Costs and Profitability

The biggest barrier to solo mining is, after all, the balance between cost and profitability.

According to mining expert Park Jinwoo, “Solo mining requires not only power but also timing and perseverance. Often, luck is an important factor as well.”

This is really true. I have tried it a little myself, but there are many cases where the electricity costs alone lead to losses.

In countries with high electricity costs like Japan, the situation is quite tough. The electricity cost ranges from $0.12 to $0.15 per kWh, and the latest ASIC miners can cost anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. This represents a significant initial investment.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solo Mining

Merits

• No pool fees
• There is no need to share rewards with other miners.
• Complete autonomy and independence
• The joy of discovering a block is exceptional.

Disadvantages

• A huge initial investment is required.
• High electricity costs
• Income is very unstable (highly dependent on luck)
• You will be competing with large-scale miners.

The most attractive thing about solo mining is its freedom. However, to be honest, I feel that this freedom comes at a high cost.

What are the realistic options?

As of 2025, it can be said that it is almost impossible for individuals to profit from solo mining. However, if you are interested in mining, there are other options available:

• Pool Mining - A method where multiple miners work together.
• Cloud Mining - A method to rent mining equipment
• Investment in Mining Companies - Participate as a stock investment rather than direct mining.

Personally, I think solo mining as a hobby is interesting, but as an investment, one should choose a different method.

Future Outlook: What Lies Beyond Solo Mining

Due to the Bitcoin halving that occurs once every four years, the mining rewards were halved in April 2024. This is yet another blow to solo miners.

However, I actually see this as an opportunity. This is because the adjustment of mining difficulty may temporarily reduce the number of miners.

In addition, new energy-efficient ASIC models are emerging. These technological innovations may improve the profitability of solo mining in the future.

To be honest, solo mining right now is an adventure. And I love adventures. However, it would be better not to consider it as a source of income to pay the rent.

Summary

Solo mining is an attractive option for miners seeking freedom and independence, but in the current state of 2025, it is realistically viewed as a hobby or educational purpose.

Considering the high initial investment and electricity costs, as well as the competition with large-scale mining companies, it may be a good idea to explore pool mining and other ways to engage with cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin mining is not just about pursuing profits; it is also a contribution to a decentralized network. Understanding its essence is important to find a way to engage that suits you.

New ASIC technologies and improvements in power efficiency may change the future of solo mining, but at this point, it can be said that it is a field that should be approached with passion and a willingness to learn.