Livestream 2: solar panels - Resolved.

Crimsonraziel · Post by **Crimsonraziel** » Tue, 3. Oct 17, 16:14

In the station construction section of the livestream we saw a solar plant modul consisting of multiple solar panels with different orientations.

Is this model static or do these panels align themselfes to the nearest star when they are finished?

If it is static, it makes no sense to me, that the panels are oriented differently. The power source for all panels of one solar plant modul should be the same star and given the distance to said star, shouldn't the angle for every panel be the same?

Post by **CBJ** » Tue, 3. Oct 17, 16:16

The [url=https://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=396292]Q&A thread[/url] at the top of the forum wrote:Do Solar Panels/modules align to the sun?
Planned, but not yet implemented.

Crimsonraziel · Post by **Crimsonraziel** » Tue, 3. Oct 17, 16:42

Sorry, musst have overlooked that. I'm relieved. Thanks for replying.

RainerPrem · Post by **RainerPrem** » Wed, 4. Oct 17, 05:42

CBJ wrote:
The [url=https://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=396292]Q&A thread[/url] at the top of the forum wrote:Do Solar Panels/modules align to the sun?
Planned, but not yet implemented.

Hi,

When someone designed them for Rebirth, they did overlook the fact that they should always point into exactly the same direction, even if that looks boooring. It seems that shiny form beats function in that case...

cu
Rainer

adeine · Post by **adeine** » Wed, 4. Oct 17, 07:15

It would be neat if they didn't, but actual energy generation took the angle into account: maximum efficiency when facing sun(s) head on, to no production at all if in shadow. Maybe have a tracking version available with some drawbacks (cost, space, etc.) that aligns optimally regardless of how you place it.

With the in-depth station editor, this would be a great way to encourage people to plan their stations sensibly.

spankahontis · Post by **spankahontis** » Wed, 4. Oct 17, 22:14

adeine wrote:It would be neat if they didn't, but actual energy generation took the angle into account: maximum efficiency when facing sun(s) head on, to no production at all if in shadow. Maybe have a tracking version available with some drawbacks (cost, space, etc.) that aligns optimally regardless of how you place it.

With the in-depth station editor, this would be a great way to encourage people to plan their stations sensibly.

X3:AP had a system of having suns that were hotter than normal ones and placing a solar panel there would increase your energy cells yield greatly.
But similar problem with the direction. By the answer it looks like we will see that happening.