energy Tech Comparison
Solar Collectors vs Geothermal Taps
Comparing the Solar Collectors (Tier 1) and Geothermal Taps (Tier 2), both energy technologies in Starforge MMO. Use this to decide which to queue first when your research lab can only run one project at a time.
Research Comparison
| Attribute | Solar Collectors | Geothermal Taps |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | T1 | T2 |
| Research time | 1▼ | 7 |
| metal cost | 800▼ | 9,000 |
| crystal cost | 400▼ | 5,000 |
| Effect | +15% energy output | +25% energy output terrestrial |
▼ marks the lower resource / time cost. Cheaper isn't always better — weigh it against the effect each tech unlocks.
Solar Collectors
Solar panels increase energy output by 15%.
Unlocks buildings: solar array
Geothermal Taps
Drill deep into planetary cores to tap geothermal vents. +25% energy on terrestrial worlds.
Unlocks buildings: geothermal plant
Requires: energy 1
Which Should You Research First?
The Solar Collectors is the lower-tier prerequisite step and typically comes first in the energy branch, opening the path toward Geothermal Taps.