Solar Array

The Solar Array is the largest craftable solar panel in Astroneer. It is manufactured in the Large Printer and requires 1 Copper, 1 Glass, 1 Plastic, and 1 Graphene. Unlike smaller solar panels, it acts as a platform and must be placed on the ground rather than in a slot. It also pivots to face the sun, allowing it to maintain maximum output when it has a clear view of the sky.

When exposed to sunlight, the Solar Array produces 8 U/s at medium solar effectiveness, making it a major source of daytime power for any base. Its output scales with planetary sunlight effectiveness, reaching 3.5 U/s on very low-sun worlds and up to 24.5 U/s on very high-sun worlds. Because it does not generate power at night, it works best in bases that already have a strong battery bank for storage.

• The Solar Array is much stronger than a Medium Solar Panel and can outperform a heavily loaded Medium Platform B under medium sunlight.
• It is the largest solar panel that can be moved by hand or packaged.
• Since it follows the sun, placement matters less than for fixed panels, but it still needs an unobstructed line of sight.
• In polar locations, it can sometimes provide near-continuous power if the sun remains above the panel.

A related uncraftable version, the Wrecked Solar Array, appears naturally as debris on all planets. It is the only solar panel in the game that cannot be crafted, and it is also the only solar panel whose power output fluctuates throughout the day. When connected and properly oriented with its connection point facing upward, it produces between 2 U/s and 4 U/s, depending on the angle of sunlight relative to the panel. Its maximum output is not always reachable on planet equators, but it still guarantees at least 2 U/s whenever the sun is within its field of view.

The Wrecked Solar Array is found buried in terrain in the same way as other wreckage pieces, and it has panels on only one side. Once uncovered, it can be a useful early source of power if recovered and positioned correctly, though its output is far below that of a crafted Solar Array.