A few more things.
Notice how the AI's just love shields and armor, but are pretty random about the weapons they pick?
To counter this use longer range weapons and get those Phased Polaron Beams asap. Even with Organic Manipulation, get those Polaron Beams!
Get the Contra-Terren Engine. Costs more, but not only do you travel faster, you move at speed 4 in combat while the AI's are probably still at speed 3. This alone can be decisive, especially in tactical combat.
I find it hard to lose playing solo and give the computer every possible advantage. The only way he can beat me is to attack me in the first year! If I meet an AI in the second year, I wipe him out. To make it more difficult, I make NO alliances. With the suggestions on this thread, you should have no problems.
Good luck!
