I also had a site running on a server of a few Watts and didn't have trouble with the HN homepage at #1. And it wasn't static files, it needed multiple mysql queries to build each response. And ran apache and php that, yesterday, some people here were surprised is still in use - yup it's fine and plenty fast. Just don't use wordpress or similar without converting it to static pages (e.g. through caching).

I should also look into solar panels. I don't live where I host anymore (living in Germany now, good uplinks at home are usually impossible or at minimum expensive) so it's a bit more complicated but posts like these are inspiring.

I remember a pinephone hosted website working well under the pressure of the first position on HN. It looks like the secret is really no uneeded data and correctly configured server.

My own blog - running on a solar-powered Raspberry Pi 3b+ was also hugged by HN, but it didn't even sweat. [0]

[0]: https://louwrentius.com/this-blog-is-now-running-on-solar-po...

Nice! I'm amazed I haven't seen your blog before, and you've done a much better job than I did overall. (I'm the author of the article btw) I will have to take some notes...

Thanks, your setup is more true to the concept as my switches, modem and router aren’t powered by solar.

Low tech magazine does link to my blog somewhere, as well as other, similar projects. Maybe they will also include yours!

You have a lot of sun probably so you lead acid battery will work. But lead acid needs to be recharged daily or the battery will deteriorate quickly. For more temperate climates lead acid is not ideal. And lead acid charges too slow for the little bit of sun we may have…

For lower latencies across the globe, intelligent caching, not having to deal with a server, serving heavy content, etc.

Also, solar powered, don't forget!