Game Version 1.8.8
| Solar Panels | |
|---|---|
| |
Type |
|
Mass |
730 kg |
Volume |
55 SU |
Size (W,H,D) |
5,2,3 and 5,1,3 |
Maximum Amount |
15 |
Placeability |
|
CPU |
45 |
Unlock Level |
3 |
Unlock Cost |
5 |
Gamemode
| |
Survival |
|
Creative |
|
Solar Panels are blocks used as an alternate source of power. It must be paired with the Capacitor (Solar) to store the energy absorbed by the blocks. If there are Generators present, the base will draw power from the Capacitor(s) before using the Generator(s). Having a backup generator is probably a good idea.
Solar panels have both sloped and horizontal varieties to enable more efficient placement relative to the sun. While you can't change the angle of the slope, you can choose to orient them facing North, East, South or West. The panels have two sets of indicators on them. The green indicators indicate the efficiency (maximum output) of the panel, with 4 green indicators being the best. The yellow indicators indicate the current output of the panel, again with 4 being the highest. Solar panels are supposed to be more effective near the equator of a planet than at the poles.
The efficiency attribute is 1.8 for Solar Panels and 1.0 for Solar Panels (Small). It means that Solar Panels produce 80% more energy than Small ones.
The output of the solar panels is obviously affected by the time of day (on a planet base). Overcast weather, fog and rain will also reduce power output. For space bases the distance from the sun will effect the maximum power of the solar panels as well.
A single solar panel, in perfect conditions (Akua small temperate planet, clear sky, equator, noon, horizontal panel), will generate 199 PUs of maximum current output. A small solar panel will generate 110 in the same conditions. At the poles, the current output can drop to less than a half of that obtained at the equator (and using sloped panels).
The statistics page of your base control panel, in the Power / Fuel column, in the "Solar" section, will show the current output of all your solar panels. Unfortunately it is not possible to see the output of individual panels at this time. In order for the Capacitor(s) to charge, you must be producing more power from the solar panels than your power consumption. If you want to run your base mainly off solar power, so as to operate during the night by draining the power from the battery (control panel, "Main" page, "Info" column), a good rule of thumb is to have a maximum current output of at least 3.5 times the consumption. Solar panels' maximum current output is equal to yours Solar's current output, at your current location, at noon.
Note that you can currently only have a maximum of 15 solar panels total on a base.
| Output | Inputs | Raw inputs |  Large |  Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels |
 Optical Fiber (1) Steel Plate (3) Glass Plate (3) |
 Iron Ore (1) Silicon Ore (2) |
20 s | 10 s |
Notes
- 15 solar panels within 1.8 AU on a space station will support a constantly-on teleporter.
- At a large planet, the night last for 35 minutes (real time), so the batteries should store at least 35 min of power every day.