Shields not existent on design that has four level 8 shield, help

You need supplies and ordinance, and the game requires them (see manual)for shields to operate

"Supply" can be considered the "energy" to power shields, beams, food and material processors and replicators, etcetera.

Stations lacking engines and the supply storage which engines give really must be built with supply modules. If you are out of supply your shields don’t work neither will you fire your weapons even though you have a small amount of ordinance stored with each weapon fitted if it’s a weapon which uses ordinance.

Quoting oneself is weird (like talking in third person)...

However page 30 of the paper manual saves the shileds won't operate without supplies. I guess in a way it make sense. If you can't turn the ship on (lack of fuel / power etc.) the shields won't work. Thats's why I paly the organic races. Quantum reactor and Ordiance vat (always have everything my little guys need)

Ah, I learn something new everyday. Guess it makes sense. I never noticed it because I tend not to build stations until I have stellar harnessing and when I finally do I usually was throwing in supply stores so I could have a few extra for ships. I never understood the implications... Part of the fun I guess.

And the best part is storage and ordinance pods do not take up a lot of room, and your bases will resupply automatically since they are near your planets. Just 1 or 2 of each should do you fine.