Create Photomovement FAQ

Place a Vertical Solar Generator under open sky with the glass panel facing upward, then connect shafts or cogwheels to its kinetic output faces. It will generate 16 RPM and 16 Stress Units as long as the light level is 12 or higher and nothing blocks the sky above it.

Solar generators only work when there is sufficient sunlight; at night, light levels drop below the minimum threshold needed for generation. This is intentional—you'll need to use other power sources or wait for daylight, or combine multiple generators to maintain power through day/night cycles.

Yes, but rain reduces output: Vertical and Advanced generators produce half their normal RPM and Stress Units during rain, while Solar Sails actually boost their output in rainy conditions, making them a good complement to basic generators.

Vertical generators produce constant output when facing the sky, while Horizontal generators change output based on the sun's position—peak power in the morning when facing east or in the afternoon when facing west. Horizontal generators also lose power if solid blocks obstruct their line of sight to the sun.

Power scales with sail count: 8 sails produce 1024 SU in full sun, 16 sails produce 2048 SU, and 32 sails produce 4096 SU. Check your contraption's stress requirement with Engineer's Goggles and add sails until you meet or exceed that number.

No—solar generators require direct access to the sky and sufficient light levels to function. They will not work if covered by blocks or if light levels fall below 12, so they must be placed outdoors in open areas.

Equip Engineer's Goggles and look at your solar generator or windmill bearing; the overlay will display the current RPM and Stress Unit generation in real time, letting you see exactly how weather and time of day affect your output.

Horizontal generators lose output when solid blocks obstruct their line of sight to the sun. Keep the area in front of the horizontal panel clear, and face it toward the direction where the sun will be (east for morning, west for afternoon).

Yes—solar generators output rotational force just like water wheels or windmills, so you can connect them to the same shafts and kinetic networks as any other Create power source for a hybrid setup.

Color is purely aesthetic; all 16 dyed sails and the clear version generate the same power output based on weather and sunlight, so choose whichever colors match your build.