Outfit[]
Solar Panels on a Cargo Drone
"Most experienced traders will recommend that you buy at least one of these Sigma N41 Solar Panels. They work by converting the energy of nearby stars, via super-efficient photo-voltaic cells, into electrical energy to continually build up charge in the superconductor loops which store the energy for later use. The energy thus stored can the be called upon to slowly build up the reserves in your energy cells. Comes in handy when you find yourself out of energy in an uninhabited system with no help in sight."
Solar Panels use photovoltaic cells to generate energy from starlight. When a ship with a solar panel is flying through space, its energy cells are constantly being recharged, albeit slowly, by the solar panels. These are a highly recommended outfit especially if you are flying into unknown space, where there might be no other way to replenish your starship's batteries and jump out.
Gameplay[]
These items are available from virtually any outfitter in known space. You can install up to four panels in order to charge more quickly.
Contrary to expectations, these panels generate energy more efficiently than a Fission Reactor.
Many new players try to venture out into unknown space without a panel (especially on the first Vell-os mission); they run out of energy, land on an uninhabited planet (thus saving the game), and are stranded unless they either have a backup pilot file or use a plug-in. Note that is is also possible to escape by requesting assistance from passing vessels to buy fuel from them, but only so much fuel can be gained this way and this depends on friendly vessels passing through the system.