Align the solar panels (and batteries) like a real grid

[gianlum]

Hi guys,

I am starting to build a base following the various quests (basically from the base computer). Since I just have a couple of items that need power (storage container 0 and Teleport) I just build a couple of batteries and solar panels to power them.

While building I'd like to align the batteries and panels in something like a regular grid but I was unable to find a way to do it. (I'd like to build something like a real solar panels array).

Any way to do it ? (Ok, it is just for aesthetic reasons....)
Thanks

[Captain Brendig]

I understand your reason, and totally agree. :)

Only way I know of is to tip toe around using whatever you can find upon what you are building on as a reference point, and repeat. Such as using concrete floor panels, I look at those little nubs inside the inlay and use those. I can fit four per floor panel that way, and keep them reasonably lined up.

It's a pain, I know. The struggle is real, but can be done.

[YesMan]

the batteries and solar array will 'snap' nicely on small cuboid room floors,
some reported that the solar array would also work indoors, despite the light condition.

Actually i am planning to use glass cuboid rooms to make a greenhouse-like solar array for my base

[Orion Invictus]

Originally posted by YesMan:

the batteries and solar array will 'snap' nicely on small cuboid room floors,
some reported that the solar array would also work indoors, despite the light condition.

Actually i am planning to use glass cuboid rooms to make a greenhouse-like solar array for my base

The solar panels work everywhere, including underground, in the shade, on hot planets, and so on, and will always produce the same amount of power during the day.

[Zorro]

Originally posted by Orion:

Originally posted by YesMan:

the batteries and solar array will 'snap' nicely on small cuboid room floors,
some reported that the solar array would also work indoors, despite the light condition.

Actually i am planning to use glass cuboid rooms to make a greenhouse-like solar array for my base

The solar panels work everywhere, including underground, in the shade, on hot planets, and so on, and will always produce the same amount of power during the day.

I got a chuckle when I stuck a few underground and watched them open up mid-morning to catch more sunlight. Subnautica's solar panels degraded in efficiency the deeper you went underwater.

[DarkCrichton]

Probably something worth avoiding, imagine they stealth update so the solar panels require to actually be out in sunlight!!

[gianlum]

Originally posted by Priest:

Build a base with the small cubes.
* nearly no cables
* snappoints at least for batteries

Thanks. I have not et the BP, I will try as soon as I will get it.

[ihleslie]

It is possible to get a nice grid with the save editor. There is a bit of a learning curve. I'm working on a save editor guide on how to do this. Warning, there is math involved. Some knowledge of basic algebra and trig is helpful. Also it can be a bit tedious but, if precise looking bases is your goal, then worth it. You can think of using the save editor for object placement as a kind of ultra fine placement control that is lacking in Beyond.

One question for anyone. On a PC there used to be fine rotation control. You could hold down R and used the middle mouse wheel to rotate in small angle increments. Is this gone or replaced somehow using Camera mode? Thanks.

[gianlum]

Originally posted by ihleslie:

It is possible to get a nice grid with the save editor. There is a bit of a learning curve. I'm working on a save editor guide on how to do this. Warning, there is math involved. Some knowledge of basic algebra and trig is helpful. Also it can be a bit tedious but, if precise looking bases is your goal, then worth it. You can think of using the save editor for object placement as a kind of ultra fine placement control that is lacking in Beyond.

Good idea, but it seems an overkill.

One question for anyone. On a PC there used to be fine rotation control. You could hold down R and used the middle mouse wheel to rotate in small angle increments. Is this gone or replaced somehow using Camera mode? Thanks.

The R key still work, not tried the mouse wheel for now.

[Mr. Bufferlow]

Originally posted by YesMan:

the batteries and solar array will 'snap' nicely on small cuboid room floors,
some reported that the solar array would also work indoors, despite the light condition.

Actually i am planning to use glass cuboid rooms to make a greenhouse-like solar array for my base

Awesome idea. I had seen some bases hide them in circular rooms...but this feels a lot more right.

[RealDanFitz]

Hey everyone, just wanted you to know that you can use cuboid rooms to lay out a nice solar panel grid and then you can delete the cuboid rooms, it leaves the solar panels in place for a nice outdoor solar panel array :)

[Happy Monkey]

If you look up the blender glitch, there may be a way to use it and some light floors glitched upside-down, but the cuboid room thing is probably easier.

[RimorPrimus]

I found that you can add solar panels and batteries to the top of prefab structures. It looks nicer and they are automatically wired in.

[Asmosis]

Originally posted by Mr. Bufferlow:

Originally posted by YesMan:

the batteries and solar array will 'snap' nicely on small cuboid room floors,
some reported that the solar array would also work indoors, despite the light condition.

Actually i am planning to use glass cuboid rooms to make a greenhouse-like solar array for my base

Awesome idea. I had seen some bases hide them in circular rooms...but this feels a lot more right.

Sounds like a good idea, and you can remove the door afterwards.