How do solar flares work?

Every now and then, a solar flare happens, which seems great! However, are there any details missing?

• Is there any downside to a solar flare?
• Does the flare start as soon as you receive the notification or as soon as you start collecting energy?
• Is the incoming amount of energy fixed, or is there anything to do to improve it?

Solution 1:

Short answer: click yes as soon as you can.

Solar flares, like many events in Startopia, are affected by your comsensors. The more and better staff you have working at your comsensors, the shorter the delay between the solar flare beginning and you receiving the message. Without a comsensor, you will not even see the notification.

Naturally, the earlier you notice the event, the longer you will gather energy.