Kerbal Space Program

KSP Version: v1.0.4 Windows 32-bit, Fresh install on Windows 7 x64
What Happens: When a craft has a engine with a alternator, EC charge rate is reduced by as much as 50%
Mods / Add-Ons: All Stock

Steps to Replicate:
1) Grab any pod (manned is better for a test), attach a skipper, put in a battery and a solar panel. Remove the charge from the battery.
2) Launch the ship, extend the panel. Look at the panel's charge rate and compare that to the resource panel.
Result: You should see a 33% decrease in charge rate. Though it can vary. It can be 50% too depending on other factors.

Fixes/Workarounds:
- If you replace the skipper with a engine that doesn't have charge, like the terrier. You will have no issue.
- If you use a mod that can lock the electric charge on the engine, the issue is reduced, though not eliminated.

Pictures:

Skipper, battery one panel.

Same ship, but a minute or so later:

Ship without a alternator:

Ship with jet instead:

Thread where it was discussed:
http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/132352-Strange-EC-Charge-Issue