Charge Controllers

A charge controller is shared per generation source. It multiplies that source’s entire output before power reaches the DC Bus. Named tiers only — “Smart” tiers have no special abilities beyond their efficiency values.

There is one controller for Solar, Wind, Hydro, Ocean, and Geothermal. Human Power bypasses charge controllers and connects directly to the DC Bus.

When a new generator type unlocks, its starter DIY Resistor charge controller unlocks immediately. Controller research raises the shared multiplier for that source. Charge controllers do not degrade.

In energy routing, generation is reduced by the source’s charge controller efficiency, then the generation sum becomes available to the DC Bus. Power that cannot be consumed in real time is clipped. DC Bus voltage loss applies to generation after charge controllers.

Energy Credits buy controller upgrades. A low controller is a bottleneck that limits per-source generation.