Generators (wind/solar)

[bossmanslim]

There are 5 passive income generators that are in the game. I have done rough testing on all 5 and all 5 are basically worthless for most players:

• Small solar - costs 46500, claims a hourly income of $18, actually produces about $220 per month, meaning it will take 18 years to payback
• Large solar - costs 93500, claims a hourly income of $33, actually produces about $340 per month, meaning it will take 23 years to payback
• Small wind - costs 187500, claims a hourly income of $82, actually produces about $635 per month, meaning it will take 25 years to payback
• Medium wind - costs 375000 claims a hourly income of $162, actually produces about $1330 per month, meaning it will take 23 years to payback
• Large wind - costs 750000, claims a hourly income of $325, actually produces about $2375 per month, meaning it will take 26 years to payback

The actual payout looks to be (hourly rate * (8 for wind, 10 for solar) * randomization variable) per month. Doing math on this yields a 24 year payback on average.

By comparison, a large greenhouse auto selling lettuce WITH the cost of the water trailer included pays back in 2 years.

Anything with longer than a 5 year payback (trees) is a waste of time.

[FarmCatJenkins]

I'm guessing you tested on one day months?

Solution, run 28 day months!

[george.earlslight]

If not mistaken solar radiation and wind speed are accounted for when calculating income.
So, the income values you see on the shop are peak production.
Solar, for example, is correct according to the numbers you posted, considering half a day of sunshine (guessing you tested on August when a new game starts).