solar useless on Europa

[Gamer2456]

No matter what way I do my solar panel trying to get enough power to run my base it not enough. With all shadow of Europa in block your solar panels and make them less effective power wise. The only other real way to get power is coal fire.

[Mazian]

More or less true. The most solar power you'll get is 210W (42% efficiency) per panel. And that's assuming your panels aren't occluded by terrain (which based on the spikey nature of the Europan surface-- they will be for a big part of the start and end of your day.)

I'm working out the logic for solar panels because I find such challenges fun-- but I think in a real play through-- when you compare the level of effort of mining all the resources to make panels, and then the complexity in angling them (both horizontal and vertical) that the effort invested does not quite generate a proper ROI.

Provided that coal is plentiful, or that you convert over the Gas Generation (which would be very efficient on Europa-- just mine volatile, mix with pure O2 from the atmosphere and combust-- assuming constant 1 kPa fuel supply I'm told that should generate a constant 30 kW of power-- equivalent of 142 panels on Europa due to reduced efficiency.)

The only downside to Solid or Gas based energy generation is that you must keep mining for fuel to keep the base going.

[GD]

You need to go up the spikes and build a plattform up there for the solar to get a slightly longer sunlight and less or even no shadows depending on the height and terrain you got. I stopped however at 50% Thruster-Eff it's difficult to got higher because the Jetpacks is not working well above that. But when you have access to elevator you can go up the full max height later. Somehow I think the elevator is especially made for Europa.

You also need to change the solar control to 2-angle mode for horizontal and vertical movement at the same time to optimize the output. There is another thread on that active at the moment.

[Norseman]

Originally posted by monsterparty:

No matter what way I do my solar panel trying to get enough power to run my base it not enough. With all shadow of Europa in block your solar panels and make them less effective power wise. The only other real way to get power is coal fire.

Just try adapt, if not we always have the Moon and Mars. It is supposed to be harder on Europa ;)
I have started a new Europa save and are initially using coal. And I found plenty of it.

[Gothel]

Hi All
ive worked out a solar setup that gives you 184w a panel heres the link

hope this helps

https://steamcommunity.com/app/544550/discussions/0/2572002906854086454/

[Beduino - Beyond]

also would be wise to put the apc and batery indoors with heated atmosphere because, it leaks energy outside due to being too cold.