Energy System Guide
Solar, wind, storage, and power distribution — building a reliable energy grid
Energy System Overview
Energy powers your automated machines, lights, and advanced facilities. Without a stable energy supply, your Sprinklers, Transport Drones, and other machines simply stop working. Energy management involves three aspects: generation, storage, and distribution.
Different islands have different energy profiles. Desert islands have abundant sunlight but less wind. Mountain islands have strong winds. Match your energy setup to each island's natural advantages. There is no single "best" setup — adapt to local conditions.
For most temperate islands, start with 2 Solar Panels + 1 Windmill + 1 Battery. This provides daytime solar power, nighttime wind coverage, and storage to smooth out fluctuations. Expand your capacity as you add more machines to your base.
Energy Equipment
Solar Panel
Generates energy when exposed to sunlight. Most common renewable source — zero fuel cost, zero maintenance. Output varies by time of day and weather. Place in open areas with maximum sun exposure.
Pros: No fuel, easy to build
Cons: No power at night, reduced in cloudy weather
Windmill
Produces energy based on current wind strength. Provides power day and night, making it a good complement to Solar Panels. Higher output on high-elevation islands with strong winds.
Pros: All-day power, nighttime coverage
Cons: Variable output, needs wind
Sky Turbine
Large turbine that produces a lot of energy. An upgraded version of the Windmill with significantly higher output. Ideal for powering larger bases and multiple automated machines.
Pros: High output, all-day operation
Cons: Expensive to build, large footprint
Battery
Stores excess electricity and releases it when needed. Not a generator but essential for any energy system. Each Battery has limited energy intake and output rates. Upgradable capacity: 2,200 → 3,500 → 5,500 → 8,000.
Pros: Balances supply and demand
Cons: Limited throughput, requires generation
Cable Connector
Links energy networks together. Small Cable Connector for basic connections. Wireless Connector available with advanced research for cable-free power transmission.
Pros: Essential for power grids
Cons: Small connectors have range limits
Power Logic & Sensors
Advanced energy management uses sensors and logic blocks. Connect a Daytime Sensor between your lights and power source — the lights automatically turn on at night and off during the day. Use Rain Sensors for weather-based switching. Logic Blocks let you invert signals and create conditional power routing.
The Weather Station unlocks with dedicated research and provides comprehensive environmental data plus switching capabilities based on weather conditions.