What is the best way to use solar panels for power in ARK: Survival Evolved?
Solar panels in ARK: Survival Evolved are a renewable energy source that can power your base without the need for fuel, unlike generators. They are particularly useful for players who want a low-maintenance power solution, especially in areas with consistent sunlight. However, solar panels have specific mechanics and limitations that players need to understand to use them effectively.
To start using solar panels, you must first unlock the engram, which requires level 55 and 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft a solar panel at a fabricator using 75 metal ingots, 25 crystal, 50 electronics, and 15 polymer. These resources are relatively easy to gather mid-game, but crystal and electronics may require some preparation. Crystal can be mined from rocks in mountainous areas or caves, while electronics are crafted from metal ingots, oil, and silica pearls. Polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by harvesting organic polymer from certain creatures or obsidian nodes.
Once crafted, solar panels must be placed in an area with direct sunlight to function. They generate power during the day but stop working at night. To ensure consistent power, you can pair solar panels with batteries. Batteries store excess power generated during the day and release it at night or during cloudy weather. This setup allows you to maintain a steady power supply even when the solar panels are not actively generating electricity.
When placing solar panels, it is crucial to position them in an open area free from obstructions like trees, rocks, or buildings. Shadows from these objects can reduce the panel's efficiency. Additionally, solar panels work best on flat surfaces, so avoid placing them on uneven terrain. If you are building on a slope, consider using foundations to create a level surface for the panels.
One common mistake players make is relying solely on solar panels without a backup power source. While solar panels are efficient, they are not always reliable, especially on maps with frequent weather changes or during long nights. To mitigate this, consider using a combination of solar panels and wind turbines. Wind turbines generate power based on wind speed, which varies depending on the map and location. By combining both energy sources, you can create a more stable power system.
For advanced optimization, you can use multiple solar panels and batteries to create a robust power grid. Connect the panels and batteries using electrical cables, and ensure that your base's power-consuming structures, such as lights, refrigerators, and crafting stations, are properly connected. To maximize efficiency, group similar structures together and use switches to control power flow. This allows you to turn off unnecessary devices when they are not in use, conserving stored energy.
Resource management is key when setting up a solar power system. Ensure you have enough materials to craft multiple panels and batteries, as a single panel may not provide sufficient power for larger bases. If you are playing solo, focus on gathering resources efficiently by using tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus for metal and Doedicurus for stone. In a tribe, divide tasks among members to speed up resource collection and base construction.
In specific scenarios, such as building in caves or heavily forested areas, solar panels may not be the best option due to limited sunlight. In these cases, consider using generators or wind turbines instead. However, if you are building in open areas like the beaches or deserts, solar panels can be highly effective.
In summary, solar panels are a reliable and low-maintenance power source in ARK: Survival Evolved when used correctly. Pair them with batteries for consistent power, place them in open areas with direct sunlight, and combine them with other energy sources for optimal efficiency. Avoid common mistakes like relying solely on solar panels or placing them in shaded areas. With proper planning and resource management, solar panels can provide a sustainable energy solution for both solo players and tribes.
To start using solar panels, you must first unlock the engram, which requires level 55 and 21 engram points. Once unlocked, you can craft a solar panel at a fabricator using 75 metal ingots, 25 crystal, 50 electronics, and 15 polymer. These resources are relatively easy to gather mid-game, but crystal and electronics may require some preparation. Crystal can be mined from rocks in mountainous areas or caves, while electronics are crafted from metal ingots, oil, and silica pearls. Polymer can be obtained from killing creatures like Kairuku or by harvesting organic polymer from certain creatures or obsidian nodes.
Once crafted, solar panels must be placed in an area with direct sunlight to function. They generate power during the day but stop working at night. To ensure consistent power, you can pair solar panels with batteries. Batteries store excess power generated during the day and release it at night or during cloudy weather. This setup allows you to maintain a steady power supply even when the solar panels are not actively generating electricity.
When placing solar panels, it is crucial to position them in an open area free from obstructions like trees, rocks, or buildings. Shadows from these objects can reduce the panel's efficiency. Additionally, solar panels work best on flat surfaces, so avoid placing them on uneven terrain. If you are building on a slope, consider using foundations to create a level surface for the panels.
One common mistake players make is relying solely on solar panels without a backup power source. While solar panels are efficient, they are not always reliable, especially on maps with frequent weather changes or during long nights. To mitigate this, consider using a combination of solar panels and wind turbines. Wind turbines generate power based on wind speed, which varies depending on the map and location. By combining both energy sources, you can create a more stable power system.
For advanced optimization, you can use multiple solar panels and batteries to create a robust power grid. Connect the panels and batteries using electrical cables, and ensure that your base's power-consuming structures, such as lights, refrigerators, and crafting stations, are properly connected. To maximize efficiency, group similar structures together and use switches to control power flow. This allows you to turn off unnecessary devices when they are not in use, conserving stored energy.
Resource management is key when setting up a solar power system. Ensure you have enough materials to craft multiple panels and batteries, as a single panel may not provide sufficient power for larger bases. If you are playing solo, focus on gathering resources efficiently by using tamed dinosaurs like Ankylosaurus for metal and Doedicurus for stone. In a tribe, divide tasks among members to speed up resource collection and base construction.
In specific scenarios, such as building in caves or heavily forested areas, solar panels may not be the best option due to limited sunlight. In these cases, consider using generators or wind turbines instead. However, if you are building in open areas like the beaches or deserts, solar panels can be highly effective.
In summary, solar panels are a reliable and low-maintenance power source in ARK: Survival Evolved when used correctly. Pair them with batteries for consistent power, place them in open areas with direct sunlight, and combine them with other energy sources for optimal efficiency. Avoid common mistakes like relying solely on solar panels or placing them in shaded areas. With proper planning and resource management, solar panels can provide a sustainable energy solution for both solo players and tribes.