SunTrace

SunTrace adds a large, fully functional solar tracking multiblock and a modular Energy Bank multiblock for generating, storing, and distributing Forge Energy (FE).

Instead of simply placing a single solar panel block, SunTrace lets you build complete industrial power systems: a tracking solar array that physically follows the sun and generates FE, and a scalable Energy Bank capable of storing billions of FE for later use.

☀️ Dynamic Solar Tracking

The solar array physically follows the sun throughout the day.

Power generation changes dynamically depending on:

• Time of day
• Sun position
• Weather conditions
• Sky obstruction
• Dimension / environment

Generation gradually increases toward midday and decreases again toward sunset. At night, the array produces no power.

Rain, storms, snow, and other environmental conditions can also reduce solar output.

⚡ Forge Energy

SunTrace generates and stores standard FE (Forge Energy) and can connect directly to compatible:

• Batteries
• Energy storage blocks
• Energy cables and pipes
• Machines

It is designed to work with standard FE-compatible mods without requiring a specific energy system.

🏗️ Solar Tracking Multiblock

SunTrace's solar array is built as a large physical structure rather than a single machine.

The solar array uses 55 Solar Cell Panes arranged in seven rows:

7 / 7 / 9 / 9 / 9 / 7 / 7

The complete structure also includes:

• Solar Tracker Controller
• Tracking Motor
• Structural Mast
• Energy Output Port

Once the required structure is correctly assembled, it automatically forms into the completed tracking solar array.

⚠️ Important: Build Orientation

The Solar Tracking Array must be built on an East–West axis.

If the structure is built North–South, the multiblock will not form correctly.

The wider sections of the solar panel array that extend outward should face toward the sun.

If you have followed the construction layout but the array is not forming, check its orientation first.

See the project images for the full construction layout.

Solar Array Build

• Layer 1: Energy Output Port
• Layer 2: Solar Tracker Controller
• Layer 3: Structural Mast
• Layer 4: Structural Mast
• Layer 5: Structural Mast
• Layer 6: Structural Mast
• Layer 7: Tracking Motor
• Layer 8: 55 Solar Cell Panes in the pattern 7 / 7 / 9 / 9 / 9 / 7 / 7

🔋 Energy Bank Multiblock

SunTrace also includes a modular Energy Bank multiblock designed for large-scale FE storage and distribution.

The Energy Bank uses:

• Power Banks
• Solar Tracker Controller
• Energy Ports configured as INPUT
• Energy Ports configured as OUTPUT

A basic Energy Bank is built around the Controller with directly connected input and output ports. Additional Power Banks can then be connected to expand the structure in three dimensions.

Connected Power Banks automatically combine into one large energy storage system.

Energy Bank Features

• 25,000,000 FE capacity per Power Bank
• 100,000 FE/t transfer capacity per Power Bank
• Supports up to 128 connected Power Banks
• Maximum capacity of 3.2 billion FE
• Maximum transfer rate of 12.8 million FE/t
• Modular 3D expansion
• Supports both FE input and output
• Multiple INPUT and OUTPUT connections can be used
• Actively pushes FE through OUTPUT ports
• Compatible with pull-based FE cables and machines
• Unified visual casing when Power Banks are connected

This allows the Energy Bank to scale from relatively small storage systems to extremely large endgame power networks.

See the project images for example layouts.

🌦️ Environmental Generation

SunTrace is designed to make solar power behave differently depending on where the array is built.

Clear surface conditions provide normal generation, while weather and blocked sky access can reduce output.

The system also supports configurable environmental bonuses, allowing modpacks to make locations such as moons, orbital stations, vacuum environments, or other dimensions more effective for solar generation.

📊 Controller Information

The Solar Tracker Controller provides information about the operating state of the solar array, including:

• Current power generation
• Stored energy
• Solar conditions
• Weather
• Sky access
• Environmental modifier
• Time until sunrise when operating at night

When used as part of an Energy Bank, the status display provides information including:

• Connected Power Banks
• Total stored FE
• Total capacity
• Maximum transfer rate
• 10-second average FE input
• 10-second average FE output
• Net FE/t
• Estimated time until full or empty