Compare Revisions

11 Overview
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3-The energy system is one of the central mechanics in Solarpunk. Nearly every machine, automated device, and advanced structure requires power to function. Energy is generated from renewable sources, stored in batteries, and distributed through cables or wireless connections to where it is needed.
3+The energy system is one of the central mechanics in Solarpunk. Nearly every machine and automated device requires power to function. Energy is generated from renewable sources, stored in batteries, and distributed through cables or wireless connections to where it is needed.
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55 Energy Generation
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8-Solarpunk provides multiple ways to generate power, all based on renewable energy sources consistent with the game's optimistic setting:
8+Solarpunk provides multiple ways to generate power, all from renewable sources that fit the game's optimistic setting:
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10-Solar panels: The primary energy source. Solar panels generate power during daylight hours. Output varies depending on weather conditions; storms and cloud cover reduce generation.Wind turbines: Generate power based on wind strength. Wind turbines work at any time of day, making them a complement to solar panels during nighttime or storms.
10+Solar power: generated from the sun during daylight hours. Output varies with weather; storms and cloud cover reduce generation.Wind power: generated from wind, which works at any time of day and complements solar power at night or during storms.Water power: generated from water as a third renewable source, giving players another option for keeping the grid supplied.
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12+Because weather affects how much power each source produces, players plan ahead and combine sources so the base keeps running through changing conditions.
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1214 Energy Storage
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14-Because solar panels only produce energy during the day and turbine output fluctuates with wind, batteries are used to store surplus power for later use. Batteries have charge status indicators that display the current stored energy level. The improved battery models also include wireless connectors, supporting the game's push toward cleaner base layouts without cable clutter.
16+Because generation fluctuates with the time of day and the weather, batteries store surplus power for later use. Stored energy keeps machines running when the sun is down or the wind drops.
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1618 Energy Distribution
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1820 Cables
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21-The traditional method for moving power is through cables that connect generators, batteries, and machines. Cable placement draws from the Astroneer-style approach where players physically run connections between devices. While functional, heavy cable use can result in visual clutter across a base.
23+Players can drag cables around the base to connect generators, batteries, and machines. Cables are the direct way to wire power from where it is made to where it is used.
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2325 Wireless Power
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25-To address cable clutter, the developers are working on a wireless power distribution system. This allows batteries and certain machines to transmit and receive power without physical cable connections. Wireless connectors on the improved battery models are part of this system, letting players build cleaner and more organized bases.
27+Wireless power keeps the base running without needing cables everywhere. It lets players move power around the base more cleanly, reducing cable clutter while still feeding machines and devices.
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2729 Switches and Network Control
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29-Switches allow players to turn entire power networks, or individual sections of a network, on and off. This provides control over energy consumption. For example, players can shut down automation machines during the night when they are not needed, conserving stored battery power for other systems. Switches connect inline with cables and can be toggled at any time.
31+Switches let players turn entire power networks, or individual sections, on and off. For example, players can shut down automation machines at night to conserve stored battery power for other systems.
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3133 Energy Management Tips
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33-Combine solar panels and wind turbines so that at least one source is always generating power regardless of time or weatherPlace batteries centrally to minimize cable runs to outlying machinesUse switches to disable non-essential systems during storms when generation dropsAs wireless power becomes available, transition high-traffic areas to wireless to reduce cable clutterMonitor battery charge indicators to identify when your base is consuming more power than it generates
35+Combine solar, wind, and water generation so at least one source is always producing power.Use batteries to bank surplus daytime power for use at night.Use switches to disable non-essential systems during storms when solar generation drops.Use wireless power for high-traffic areas to keep the base layout clean.