Well, that's what happened... fortunately, I was able to strike a balance with Value Improvement Plants and Nature Shrines. It was quite fun taking over the remaining AI with a single fleet after their homeworld values hit 0, while mine remained in equalibrium, even if they didn't generate too much. Solar Generator resources are better than 0 resources
This was an earlier beta Version though, it might be different now (someone else has to test it, my computer is MIA at the moment). I think I sent something in to MM about it, I sent it quite a bit over a few Versions. They used to be just as expensive as Monoliths! I just see them right now as simply using Solar power to extract resources.