FAQ
Our answers to your questions.
General questions
What do I get when I order BisonPro?
With your order, you will receive a ready-to-use unit of our product. The device is preconfigured so that you only need to enter your mining ID. A BisonPro consists of: Miner, cooler, heat exchanger, pump, Siemens/BiHerder control unit and storage tank. Mains cable and digital instructions are also included.
Why does the BisonPro Max system deliver €0.15 per kWh, while the BisonPro system only delivers €0.07 per kWh?
Different miners are installed in the respective systems, which have correspondingly different generation capacities.
What calculation is used to arrive at the €0.15/€0.07 per kWh?
The calculation is based on the current Bitcoin market prices and the average miner output per kWh used. We have set the generation of bitcoins in relation to electricity consumption on the installed BisonPro (Max) systems - in this way we can provide real generation values.
Does the economic efficiency calculation take into account the hours of sunshine per day?
Our calculation is based on the direct use of surplus electricity. A battery is not necessary as the miners only run flexibly when electricity is available. Nevertheless, it makes perfect sense to equip a battery to extend the operating time of the miners and thus push the ROI down attractively.
How long do I have a warranty on the devices?
The BisonPro for private use is guaranteed for 2 years. BisonPro Max systems for commercial use are guaranteed for 1 year.
Is it possible to integrate BisonPro into a photovoltaic system where direct marketing is still active?
Yes, you can operate a BisonPro system with the existing PV system, as the direct marketer only markets the electricity that you actually feed into the grid. Important to know: Negative exchange prices are on the rise in Germany, resulting in falling feed-in tariffs and increasingly depressed spot market prices. This means that direct marketers will no longer have much of a buffer to sell electricity lucratively on the exchange in the future.
What are the terms of payment? Is it possible to lease or finance the devices?
When the order is placed, 35% of the total amount is due; the remaining amount is due once the system is fully commissioned. We are currently working on leasing models - please ask us about current developments.
Banks will probably not finance a BisonPro system for you, as they are not yet familiar with the topic of Bitcoin mining at this time or are still refraining from offering products in this area.
Does BisonPro also work with balcony power systems?
Theoretically, yes. However, we only recommend equipping with BisonPro from a system size of 10 kWp, as a BisonPro system requires a power consumption of 5.3 kWp and balcony power plants generally only have a system output of 800 Wp.
What is the minimum size my PV system needs to be for BisonPro to be worthwhile for me?
tbd
How does BisonPro pay off in combination with a dynamic electricity tariff?
tbd.
What happens with negative electricity prices?
This is precisely where the BisonPro system comes into its own: Surplus electricity is automatically diverted to mining and secures income instead of losses. Note: We are currently working on integrating dynamic electricity tariffs. This will allow miners to run for even longer at low procurement costs.
What happens in summer when I don't need the heating?
The internal cooler dissipates the heat from the system. Tip: If possible, use a swimming pool into which the heat can be dissipated to temper the water. A greenhouse is also suitable for this: Warm water optimizes plant growth.
How can I invest in a BisonPro Max?
We will be happy to advise you personally on the right dimensions - your advantage: BisonPro Max is easily scalable. First, we analyze the existing infrastructure with you and clarify questions such as the connection to the heating system. You will then receive a detailed quotation from us. Thanks to the simple installation, you can get started in no time at all.
Questions about Bitcoin & Mining
What is/actually does a "miner"?
A miner is a computer that provides computing power. It fulfills two central tasks as a kind of "accountant and security officer": firstly, it checks transactions in the Bitcoin network. Secondly, it secures the network and works with other miners to ensure that the blockchain remains tamper-proof.
In return, as the owner of the miner, you receive a reward in the form of newly generated bitcoins (block reward) and transaction fees. Mining is energy-intensive because it requires millions of calculations per second.
How does the linking or creation of the wallet work? Is it secure?
We recommend using a mining pool (e.g. Antpool) and will help you register and set it up. The bitcoins generated are credited to your wallet there and can be securely transferred from there to your own wallet (e.g. hardware wallet such as Ledger). We will be happy to advise you on secure wallet solutions.
How do my Bitcoin become euros?
The mined bitcoins can be exchanged for euros via a crypto exchange (such as Binance or Coinbase) and paid out to your bank account. This is done simply by bank transfer - just like online banking.
Is Bitcoin mining relevant for tax purposes?
Yes, Bitcoin mining can be relevant for tax purposes. In the case of private use, income can be classified as "other services", in the case of commercial use as "commercial income". In any case, we recommend consulting a tax advisor.
What is the expected "lifetime" of the miners? How many years can they run profitably?
According to the manufacturer, the technical service life of the miners used is around 10 years.
It is difficult to estimate an exact year for profitable operation, as nobody can predict the course of the Bitcoin price. What is certain, however, is that the remuneration rate for Bitcoin mining will halve every 4th year (next time in 2028). This ensures the programmed scarcity of Bitcoin and guarantees that only a maximum of 21 million coins can ever be mined.
Can cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin also be mined?
You can also mine Bitcoin Cash with the built-in miner. However, we only recommend mining Bitcoin. In our opinion, this is the only cryptocurrency that has the potential to establish itself in the long term; the reason for this is that there is no company/person behind it and Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin concept cannot be changed and was programmed in a decentralized manner.
Can the miner be swapped?
Yes, the miner can be flexibly exchanged and replaced by a new, more powerful miner, for example.
Aren't Bitcoin miners very loud?
Bitcoin miners normally cause a certain amount of background noise. However, we are aware of the problem and have therefore designed BisonPro so that the system is not noisy: the heat is dissipated directly into the heating system (e.g. underfloor heating or a buffer tank). This means that the Bitcoin miner(s) operate almost silently. If there is still residual heat in the return flow of the internal water circuit (above 35 degrees Celsius), this is cooled down selectively and automatically by the cooler installed in the system. The cooler itself is as quiet as a standard oil burner.
Is it possible to control the computing power in such a way that Bitcoin mining can already start with a low surplus or is the 5.3 kW always necessary?
Theoretically yes: The power consumption of the BisonPro can be throttled down to 2 kW. However, this also reduces the mining rate of the miner and waste heat production.
How secure is mining? Is there a risk from hackers or power feedback?
The miners run in a closed network without access to private data. There is no risk to the personal power grid. The mined bitcoins are stored on the personal wallet in the mining pool and not on the miner itself. Users merely make their computing power available to the mining pool and are remunerated with bitcoins (comparable to a service).
Technology
How does the installation of BisonPro work?
The installation is carried out by your heating contractor on site. We will support you with a detailed data sheet, telephone support and, if required, the services of an experienced partner. Our devices are ready for connection and designed for easy integration into existing heating systems.
How much heat can a system produce in winter?
The electrical output of the miners can be converted 1:1 into heat output with virtually no losses. This means that the miner output (approx. 22 kW with 4 miners) corresponds to a heat output of approx. 22 kW. When the heat output is transferred to the heating system, the heat exchanger causes a loss of approx. 10%. This means that a BisonPro system can generate a usable heat output of approx. 19.8 kW. With 4 Miners, around 450 square meters can be heated.
How does cooling take place when the buffer tank is already at temperature?
In the event that the heat is not required, we have installed a cooler in the BisonPro as standard, which cools down the internal circuit. This ensures that mining can also be operated without using the waste heat. When the buffer tank is full, the residual heat is automatically cooled down.
Is only water cooling required for a BisonPro system?
Yes, the system runs exclusively on a water-cooled basis.
Which smart meter or inverter is BisonPro compatible with?
BisonPro models receive surplus signals from measuring transducers that are installed with the respective house connection box. These enable the system to automatically and independently of the inverter detect when excess electricity is to be fed into the grid - the system then redirects the excess energy directly to the Bitcoin miner.
Can you also heat water with a BisonPro system?
Yes, a BisonPro contains a distilled water circuit in the housing. This is heated by the waste heat from the miner. The resulting heat can be transferred to existing heating systems via the integrated heat exchanger.
Can I replace my oil heating with a BisonPro system?
In Germany, we only sell BisonPro as a backup heating system to supplement existing heating systems. The reason for this is that electricity procurement costs are very high and our product range therefore offers an attractive alternative to the feed-in tariff. The use of heat comes on top here.
How much living space can be heated with a BisonPro system?
With a standard BisonPro system, which includes a Miner, you can heat up to 110 square meters.
How much maintenance does a BisonPro system require?
Maintenance is minimal as all components run in a closed circuit. However, we recommend replacing the internal distilled water circuit once a year.
How high is the power consumption in standby mode?
Consumption is very low: in standby mode, the device only draws a few watts, as miners are only activated when there is a surplus.
Can I install the system myself or do I need a specialist company?
Integration into the heating system should be carried out by a heating contractor. The electrical connection is carried out by an electrician.
What control/monitoring options do I have?
The BisonPro control system enables classic, automated monitoring. There is also the option of remote access for the commercial BisonPro Max. In surplus mode, only the surplus power from the system is used for mining. In temperature mode (prioritization of waste heat utilization), the mining process is terminated. In continuous mining mode, Bitcoin is mined 24/7.
Can I link several BisonPro devices?
Yes, the systems can be set up modularly and controlled together - ideal for larger systems or later expansions.
What types of renewable energy systems is BisonPro particularly suitable for?
tbd
How is the water circuit of the BisonPro structured?
There is an internal water circuit in the BisonPro, which is operated with distilled water. There is also an external circuit that feeds the hot water to the heating system.