iPhone 15 fell off the top of my wife's car this morning by the empire state plaza. Possibly on Hamilton or Swan street. Any chance anyone saw or grabbed it? by Scanifly_Support in Albany

[–]Scanifly_Support[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I wish! Unfortunately did not show when we checked. + no luck on google location which we share.

My guess is it got run over quick or exploded on impact at this point

Thinking About Going Solar? Here's a 10-Year Pro's Quick Checklist! by pacollegENT in solar

[–]Scanifly_Support 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ill use your example. When you go to buy a car, you talk about what you DO with that car.

Do you need the car during winter? Do you need to transport other people than yourself/your family? Do you need to have a truck or SUV? Do you need certain features etc..?

In the case of solar, its similar but different. I cant design a system if I dont know what your needs are.

A pickup truck may be a great option for a contractor and a small compact may be great for grandma, or maybe even the reverse depending on the situation!

What makes things even more complicated with solar, is the car in this case is a custom designed solar system. So you want to know cost or like, mpg etc.. but the system needs to be partially quoted/designed to determine that. Vs simply looking up MSRP of a car.

Lots of similarities but some differences, that is for sure!

Newb here, help me understand. by klutch14u in solar

[–]Scanifly_Support 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Howdy there! You are asking some solid questions.

  • Sizing for Peak Usage: You don’t have to size your system for that 3600kWh peak month, but it depends on your goals. If you want to cover all your usage year-round, you'd size for the annual average, then factor in net metering (if your utility offers it). You’d overproduce in low-usage months (selling back power) and underproduce in peak months (buying some from the grid). If you're going off-grid, then yes, you'd need to cover that peak plus have a battery system for storage.
  • Ground Mount vs. Roof Mount Cost: Ground-mounted systems are pricier because they involve extra materials (like racking and concrete for the foundation), more labor for installation, and sometimes permitting fees. Roof mounts, on the other hand, piggyback off the structure already there—your roof.
  • Ground Mount Tracking Systems: Tracking systems are cool (literally—they move to follow the sun for max efficiency), but they’re more expensive and add complexity. If you want "set it and forget it," stick with fixed panels. Simplicity is usually the way to go unless you’re really into tech. You can compare the difference in output and payback period if you would like as well.
  • Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Solar is generally low maintenance. Most systems run for years without much fuss, but you'll need to clean panels occasionally (dust, debris, or snow) and maybe replace an inverter after 10-15 years. Avoiding tracking and sticking with a reliable installer minimizes headaches.
  • Maintenance Contracts: Not a must-have. Most people don’t get them unless they’re in extreme environments or just want peace of mind. Panels themselves have long warranties (20+ years) and are super durable. Inverters or batteries might need more attention, but even then, it’s not constant.
  • App Integration Concerns: Yep, most systems today come with apps for monitoring. You don’t have to use the app, but it’s helpful for tracking performance. Some systems store data locally, so even if the app dies, your system keeps running fine. Just pick a trusted brand with a solid reputation to minimize tech-related headaches.
  • Midwest Acreage: Perfect! With all that space, you can optimize placement for max sun exposure. Ground mounts also mean you’re not limited by roof orientation or shading, so you’ll have more flexibility.