Solar panels not charging batteries?

[mellojoe]

I'm a beginner spaceman. I'm attempting my first space station. In fact, I've launched a nice orbit, set up a module with docking ports, and solar panels, and what I thought was a succesful self-contained orbiting platform. However, when I run my lights, I can see my electricity going down, but I never see where the solar panels are recharging them. What am I missing?

Also, do the solar panels deploy? Mine aren't. I'm thinking this is the problem, but I can't figure out how to deploy the solar panels. And do I need anything else? Solar panel + rechargeable battery pack = profit?

help a fledgling space program out?

[Godot]

Yes, they have to be deployed (the only exception being the OX-Stat single colar panel)

You do so in flight by right clicking on the solar mopdule and choosing "deploy solar sail"

or (better) by setting an action group in the VAB before flight that deploays all solar sails

[rditto48801]

I prefer the toggle option myself for solar panel action groups.

Fixed solar panels are a must in my opinion for backup power on an unmanned craft.

Nothing says 'oops' more than a period of darkness or long interplanetary trip causing an unmanned craft to go 'dead' because of forgetting to deploy the main solar panels before hand... A few fixed solar panels or an RTG for backup power helps prevent such incidents from happening.

It should also be noted that the farther from the sun, the less power solar panels will generate.

[mellojoe]

Thanks. I didn't know about the right-click feature, and being able to interract with the ship that way. That should help a ton. Also, good tip for the backup fixed solar panels. I'll have to look into those as well.

Also,

(better) by setting an action group in the VAB before flight that deploays all solar sails

, how do I do this? I'm not familiar with setting up new action groups in the assembly stage.

[EmanonP]

Go to youtube, and search "action groups kerbal" or some such. There are a few vids to walk you through the process. It's a piece of cake

[mellojoe]

Thanks again. This was hugely helpful.