Solar panel - Revision history

Dalestan: Changing day cycle length does not change average power output

2026-04-03T12:02:46Z

Changing day cycle length does not change average power output

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:02, 3 April 2026
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	On [[Nauvis]], one solar panel produces an average of 42 kW over a day/night cycle.		On [[Nauvis]], one solar panel produces an average of 42 kW over a day/night cycle.

	In [[Space Age]]{{SA}}, different planets provide a bonus or penalty to panel output. These modifiers are based on 60 kW as the baseline 100% power of a panel. Planets also have their own day/night cycle lengths, so the average power produced by panels over a day/night cycle ~~can change~~.		In [[Space Age]]{{SA}}, different planets provide a bonus or penalty to panel output. These modifiers are based on 60 kW as the baseline 100% power of a panel. Planets also have their own day/night cycle lengths, but the average power produced by panels over a full day/night cycle is always 70% of the peak power.

	[[Space platform]]s{{SA}} do not have day/night cycles; panels produce a constant amount of power while at a location in space. If a platform is moving between locations, the power output will raise or lower based on how far it is between the source location and destination. If the source location offers 200% solar power, and the destination has 300%, then a platform halfway between will have its solar panels offer 250% power.		[[Space platform]]s{{SA}} do not have day/night cycles; panels produce a constant amount of power while at a location in space. If a platform is moving between locations, the power output will raise or lower based on how far it is between the source location and destination. If the source location offers 200% solar power, and the destination has 300%, then a platform halfway between will have its solar panels offer 250% power.

Nelson: add a column for ratios for approximate integer ratios

2025-12-29T23:42:36Z

add a column for ratios for approximate integer ratios

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:42, 29 December 2025
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	{\|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"		{\|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
	! Location !! Accumulators per solar panel		! Location
			! Accumulators per solar panel
			! Approximate Ratios
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Nauvis]] \|\| {{Quality\|0.8467200\|1.1007360\|1.3547520\|1.6087680\|2.1168000}}		\| [[Nauvis]]
			\| {{Quality\|0.8467200\|1.1007360\|1.3547520\|1.6087680\|2.1168000}}
			\| {{Quality\|25:21\|25:28\|25:34\|25:40\|25:53}}
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Vulcanus]]{{SA}} \|\| {{Quality\|0.7257600\|0.9434880\|1.1612160\|1.3789440\|1.8144000}}		\| [[Vulcanus]]{{SA}}
			\| {{Quality\|0.7257600\|0.9434880\|1.1612160\|1.3789440\|1.8144000}}
			\| {{Quality\|25:18\|25:24\|25:29\|25:34\|25:45}}
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Gleba]]{{SA}} \|\| {{Quality\|0.6048000\|0.7862400\|0.9676800\|1.1491200\|1.5120000}}		\| [[Gleba]]{{SA}}
			\| {{Quality\|0.6048000\|0.7862400\|0.9676800\|1.1491200\|1.5120000}}
			\| {{Quality\|5:3\|5:4\|1:1\|5:6\|5:8}}
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Fulgora]]{{SA}} \|\| {{Quality\|0.0725760\|0.~~0943880~~\|0.1161216\|0.1378944\|0.1814400}}		\| [[Fulgora]]{{SA}}
			\| {{Quality\|0.0725760\|0.0943488\|0.1161216\|0.1378944\|0.1814400}}
			\| {{Quality\|14:1\|11:1\|9:1\|7:1\|11:2}}
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Aquilo]]{{SA}} \|\| {{Quality\|0.0241920\|0.0314496\|0.0387072\|0.0459648\|0.0604800}}		\| [[Aquilo]]{{SA}}
			\| {{Quality\|0.0241920\|0.0314496\|0.0387072\|0.0459648\|0.0604800}}
			\| {{Quality\|41:1\|32:1\|26:1\|22:1\|17:1}}
	\|}		\|}

Nelson: Undo revision 216871 by Nelson (talk)

2025-12-29T23:40:33Z

Undo revision 216871 by Nelson (talk)

@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 == Optimal ratios ==
 The optimal ratio of solar panels to accumulators varies depending on the [[Quality|qualities]]{{SA}} of both the solar panels and accumulators, as well as the planets they're constructed on.
 {|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"

Nelson: /* Optimal ratios */

2025-12-29T23:39:49Z

Optimal ratios

@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 == Optimal ratios ==
 The optimal ratio of solar panels to accumulators varies depending on the [[Quality|qualities]]{{SA}} of both the solar panels and accumulators, as well as the planets they're constructed on.
 {|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"

Dupraz: 21 accumulators / 0.84672 ratio * 42 000 W solar panel = 1 041 + 2/3 kW, note that a more accurate ratio would actually be 22:26

2025-08-15T10:40:04Z

21 accumulators / 0.84672 ratio * 42 000 W solar panel = 1 041 + 2/3 kW, note that a more accurate ratio would actually be 22:26

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:40, 15 August 2025
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	* A single (normal quality) solar panel outputs an average of 42 kW over a day on [[Nauvis]] and requires 0.84672 ≈ 0.85 accumulators to sustain a constant power output through the night.		* A single (normal quality) solar panel outputs an average of 42 kW over a day on [[Nauvis]] and requires 0.84672 ≈ 0.85 accumulators to sustain a constant power output through the night.
	* It takes approximately 23.8 solar panels to operate 1 MW of factory '''and''' charge 20.2 accumulators to sustain that 1 MW through the night.		* It takes approximately 23.8 solar panels to operate 1 MW of factory '''and''' charge 20.2 accumulators to sustain that 1 MW through the night.
	** The common rule-of-thumb is 25 solar panels to 21 accumulators to generate about 1 MW (really 1.05 MW). A simpler close ratio is 6 solar panels to 5 accumulators, ≈ 0.83 accumulators / solar panels.		** The common rule-of-thumb is 25 solar panels to 21 accumulators to generate about 1 MW (really 1.04 MW + 5/3 kW). A simpler close ratio is 6 solar panels to 5 accumulators, ≈ 0.83 accumulators / solar panels.
	* The optimal ratio for normal quality solar panels to charge enough normal quality accumulators on Nauvis is 2646 accumulators for 3125 solar panels (supplying 42 kW per solar panel).		* The optimal ratio for normal quality solar panels to charge enough normal quality accumulators on Nauvis is 2646 accumulators for 3125 solar panels (supplying 42 kW per solar panel).
	[[File:Solar efficiency.png\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Solar efficiency graph over time. <small>(click to enlarge)</small>]]		[[File:Solar efficiency.png\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Solar efficiency graph over time. <small>(click to enlarge)</small>]]

Qwr: /* Notes */ rule of thumb

2025-08-09T05:23:15Z

Notes: rule of thumb

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:23, 9 August 2025
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	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
	* A single (normal quality) solar panel outputs an average of 42 kW over a day on [[Nauvis]] and requires 0.84672 accumulators to sustain a constant power output through the night.		* A single (normal quality) solar panel outputs an average of 42 kW over a day on [[Nauvis]] and requires 0.84672 ≈ 0.85 accumulators to sustain a constant power output through the night.
	* It takes approximately 23.8 solar panels to operate 1 MW of factory '''and''' charge 20.2 accumulators to sustain that 1 MW through the night.		* It takes approximately 23.8 solar panels to operate 1 MW of factory '''and''' charge 20.2 accumulators to sustain that 1 MW through the night.
			** The common rule-of-thumb is 25 solar panels to 21 accumulators to generate about 1 MW (really 1.05 MW). A simpler close ratio is 6 solar panels to 5 accumulators, ≈ 0.83 accumulators / solar panels.
	* The optimal ratio for normal quality solar panels to charge enough normal quality accumulators on Nauvis is 2646 accumulators for 3125 solar panels (supplying 42 kW per solar panel).		* The optimal ratio for normal quality solar panels to charge enough normal quality accumulators on Nauvis is 2646 accumulators for 3125 solar panels (supplying 42 kW per solar panel).
	[[File:Solar efficiency.png\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Solar efficiency graph over time. <small>(click to enlarge)</small>]]		[[File:Solar efficiency.png\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Solar efficiency graph over time. <small>(click to enlarge)</small>]]

Cardinal: Added gallery.

2025-02-21T17:11:55Z

Added gallery.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:11, 21 February 2025
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	== Energy management ==		== Energy management ==

	As already stated, solar panels produce energy only during the day, but you likely want your factory to run at night as well. [[Accumulator]]s can be charged up with solar panels during the day to power the base at night.		As already stated, solar panels produce energy only during the day, but you likely want your factory to run at night as well. [[Accumulator]]s can be charged up with solar panels during the day to power the base at night.

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	* It takes approximately 23.8 solar panels to operate 1 MW of factory '''and''' charge 20.2 accumulators to sustain that 1 MW through the night.		* It takes approximately 23.8 solar panels to operate 1 MW of factory '''and''' charge 20.2 accumulators to sustain that 1 MW through the night.
	* The optimal ratio for normal quality solar panels to charge enough normal quality accumulators on Nauvis is 2646 accumulators for 3125 solar panels (supplying 42 kW per solar panel).		* The optimal ratio for normal quality solar panels to charge enough normal quality accumulators on Nauvis is 2646 accumulators for 3125 solar panels (supplying 42 kW per solar panel).
			[[File:Solar efficiency.png\|thumb\|none\|400px\|Solar efficiency graph over time. <small>(click to enlarge)</small>]]

	== Space Age ==		== Space Age ==
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	{{Achievement\|solaris}}		{{Achievement\|solaris}}
	{{Achievement\|steam-all-the-way}}		{{Achievement\|steam-all-the-way}}

			== Gallery ==
			<gallery widths="300px" heights="200px">
			Solar array01.png\|A typical solar power array with accumulators.
			Solar farm titlescreen.png\|Construction robots are building a solar farm, seen on the expansion's title screen.
			Solar outpost titlescreen.png\|An outpost powered by solar arrays, seen on the expansion's title screen.
			</gallery>

	== History ==		== History ==

Bilka: Add solar power achievement, nauvis first in ratios table

2025-01-29T12:43:08Z

Add solar power achievement, nauvis first in ratios table

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 29 January 2025
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	On [[Nauvis]], one solar panel produces an average of 42 kW over a day/night cycle.		On [[Nauvis]], one solar panel produces an average of 42 kW over a day/night cycle.

	In [[~~Space Age\|Factorio:~~ Space Age]], different planets provide a bonus or penalty to panel output. These modifiers are based on 60 kW as the baseline 100% power of a panel. Planets also have their own day/night cycle lengths, so the average power produced by panels over a day/night cycle can change.		In [[Space Age]]{{SA}}, different planets provide a bonus or penalty to panel output. These modifiers are based on 60 kW as the baseline 100% power of a panel. Planets also have their own day/night cycle lengths, so the average power produced by panels over a day/night cycle can change.

	[[Space platform]]s{{SA}} do not have day/night cycles; panels produce a constant amount of power while at a location in space. If a platform is moving between locations, the power output will raise or lower based on how far it is between the source location and destination. If the source location offers 200% solar power, and the destination has 300%, then a platform halfway between will have its solar panels offer 250% power.		[[Space platform]]s{{SA}} do not have day/night cycles; panels produce a constant amount of power while at a location in space. If a platform is moving between locations, the power output will raise or lower based on how far it is between the source location and destination. If the source location offers 200% solar power, and the destination has 300%, then a platform halfway between will have its solar panels offer 250% power.

	[[Quality]] panels also provide higher than 100% power output.		[[Quality]]{{SA}} panels also provide higher than 100% power output.

	== Energy management ==		== Energy management ==
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	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
	* A single (normal quality) solar panel outputs an average of 42 kW over a day on [[Nauvis]] and requires 0.84672 accumulators to sustain a constant power output through the night ~~(exact numbers, not rounded)~~.		* A single (normal quality) solar panel outputs an average of 42 kW over a day on [[Nauvis]] and requires 0.84672 accumulators to sustain a constant power output through the night.
	* It takes approximately 23.8 solar panels to operate 1 MW of factory '''and''' charge 20.2 accumulators to sustain that 1 MW through the night.		* It takes approximately 23.8 solar panels to operate 1 MW of factory '''and''' charge 20.2 accumulators to sustain that 1 MW through the night.
	* The optimal ratio for normal quality solar panels to charge enough normal quality accumulators on Nauvis is 2646 accumulators for 3125 solar panels (supplying 42 kW per solar panel).		* The optimal ratio for normal quality solar panels to charge enough normal quality accumulators on Nauvis is 2646 accumulators for 3125 solar panels (supplying 42 kW per solar panel).

	== Space Age ==		== Space Age ==
			{{About/Space age}}
	In Space Age, the closer a planet is to the sun, the more power a solar panel on its surface produces. Additionally, as there is no nighttime in space, solar panels on space platforms will generate energy constantly, and at a higher rate than on a planet's surface.		In Space Age, the closer a planet is to the sun, the more power a solar panel on its surface produces. Additionally, as there is no nighttime in space, solar panels on space platforms will generate energy constantly, and at a higher rate than on a planet's surface.

	{\|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"		{\|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
	! Location !! In ~~Atmosphere~~ !! In ~~Space~~		! Location !! In atmosphere !! In space
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Vulcanus]] \|\| 400% \|\| 600%		\| [[Vulcanus]] \|\| 400% \|\| 600%
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	\|}		\|}

			== Optimal ratios ==
	== Optimal ~~Ratios~~ ==
	The optimal ratio of solar panels to accumulators varies depending on the [[Quality\|qualities]]{{SA}} of both the solar panels and accumulators, as well as the planets they're constructed on.		The optimal ratio of solar panels to accumulators varies depending on the [[Quality\|qualities]]{{SA}} of both the solar panels and accumulators, as well as the planets they're constructed on.

	{\|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"		{\|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
	! Location !! Accumulators ~~Per Solar Panel~~		! Location !! Accumulators per solar panel
			\|-
			\| [[Nauvis]] \|\| {{Quality\|0.8467200\|1.1007360\|1.3547520\|1.6087680\|2.1168000}}
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Vulcanus]]{{SA}} \|\| {{Quality\|0.7257600\|0.9434880\|1.1612160\|1.3789440\|1.8144000}}		\| [[Vulcanus]]{{SA}} \|\| {{Quality\|0.7257600\|0.9434880\|1.1612160\|1.3789440\|1.8144000}}
	\|-
	~~\| [[Nauvis]] \|\| {{Quality\|0.8467200\|1.1007360\|1.3547520\|1.6087680\|2.1168000}}~~
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[Gleba]]{{SA}} \|\| {{Quality\|0.6048000\|0.7862400\|0.9676800\|1.1491200\|1.5120000}}		\| [[Gleba]]{{SA}} \|\| {{Quality\|0.6048000\|0.7862400\|0.9676800\|1.1491200\|1.5120000}}
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	== Achievements ==		== Achievements ==
			{{Achievement\|solar-power}}
	{{Achievement\|solaris}}		{{Achievement\|solaris}}
	{{Achievement\|steam-all-the-way}}		{{Achievement\|steam-all-the-way}}

Hydrosine: put increase and decrease in same matching order with dawn and dusk

2025-01-16T07:11:04Z

put increase and decrease in same matching order with dawn and dusk

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:11, 16 January 2025
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	{{:Infobox:Solar panel}}		{{:Infobox:Solar panel}}

	'''Solar panels''' are an unlimited source of free [[Electric system\|energy]] that produce no [[pollution]]. On a planet, the power output varies based on the [[Time#Days\|time of day]]. During the day (half of a day/night cycle), all panels provide a constant, maximum power level. Generated power will increase/decrease linearly during dusk ~~and dawn~~, and no power is produced at night.		'''Solar panels''' are an unlimited source of free [[Electric system\|energy]] that produce no [[pollution]]. On a planet, the power output varies based on the [[Time#Days\|time of day]]. During the day (half of a day/night cycle), all panels provide a constant, maximum power level. Generated power will increase/decrease linearly during dawn and dusk, and no power is produced at night.

	The baseline power generated by a panel is 60 kW; this represents 100% power production.		The baseline power generated by a panel is 60 kW; this represents 100% power production.

Alfonse: Adjusted intro text.

2024-12-27T15:41:04Z

Adjusted intro text.

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 {{:Infobox:Solar panel}}
-'''Solar panels''' are an unlimited source of free [[Electric system|energy]] that produce no [[pollution]].
+'''Solar panels''' are an unlimited source of free [[Electric system|energy]] that produce no [[pollution]]. On a planet, the power output varies based on the [[Time#Days|time of day]]. During the day (half of a day/night cycle), all panels provide a constant, maximum power level. Generated power will increase/decrease linearly during dusk and dawn, and no power is produced at night.
-During daylight hours every panel provides a constant, maximum power level. Generated power will increase/decrease linearly during dusk and dawn, and no power is produced at night. On [[Nauvis]], the maximum power level per panel is 60 kW, and one solar panel produces an average of 42 kW over one day and night cycle, producing 100% power. This may be increased beyond 100% with higher quality levels.
+The baseline power generated by a panel is 60 kW; this represents 100% power production.
-In [[Space Age|Factorio: Space Age]], when a solar panel is built on other planets the power output varies depending on the distance of the planet to the sun, and whether the solar panel is in [[Space platform|space]].
+On [[Nauvis]], one solar panel produces an average of 42 kW over a day/night cycle.
 == Energy management ==
@@ Line 19: / Line 25: @@
 * The optimal ratio for normal quality solar panels to charge enough normal quality accumulators on Nauvis is 2646 accumulators for 3125 solar panels (supplying 42 kW per solar panel).
-== Optimal Ratios ==
+== Space Age ==
 In Space Age, the closer a planet is to the sun, the more power a solar panel on its surface produces. Additionally, as there is no nighttime in space, solar panels on space platforms will generate energy constantly, and at a higher rate than on a planet's surface.
@@ Line 58: / Line 45: @@
 | [[Shattered planet]]  || N/A || 1%
 |}
 == Achievements ==