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Contractor or DIY? Things to think about

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Ground-mounted systems

  If you have enough space available, you can mount your panels in a specially engineered rack structure affixed to the ground. In other cases, roofs are simply too complex, with too many vents and odd angles, to support a large array of solar panels, so ground mount may be the only option. Ground-mounted systems offer both pros and cons: On the pro side, you can orient the panels directly south, at the optimum tilt angle. This ensures the maximum amount of production over the course of a year. You also won’t have to worry about leaks in your roof, and the panels are easier to maintain and change, if the need arises. On the negative side, ground-mounted systems are more expensive than roof- mount because they require concrete posts and rigid frames. Wind is also more of a problem with ground mount. Ground mount systems require suit- able land space, and the appearance is definitely industrial. You’ll be putting a big, ugly, visible array somewhere on your property. Instal...

The following sections outline your mounting options.

  Roof-mounted systems Roof mount PV is by far the most common and comprises around 95 percent of all residential PV systems. Mounting panels onto your roof is the least expensive way to install solar panels. It also raises the panels above ground level so that shade issues, like trees and neighbor’s houses, are minimized. Four types of mounting systems are in common use:  ✓ Rack mount: The PV panels are captured by a metal framework specially designed to allow easy attachment and disattachment of the panels. The panels are almost always parallel to the roof surface. A wide range of different types of racks are available. In many cases, a particular panel manufacturer will also provide the rack mount specifically for their panels. The most important thing about a roof mounted rack is that it doesn’t introduce leaks in your roof. Make sure to come to an understanding with your contractor about this issue. A good contractor knows how to install racks without introduc...

Various types of panels

  PV panels, which cost anywhere between $2.40 per watt to over $5 per watt, are the single biggest expense of a PV system. Their placement and mounting affect your system performance more than any other facet of the job. Different types of panels are finding their way onto the market. The configu- rations of these different types of panels (how they’re combined physically) govern how much space they take:  ✓ Rectangular: The most common type of panel is a rectangular, alumi- num framed complex of individual solar cells (see Chapter 4 for more details).  ✓ Triangular: Triangular configurations can match the contour of your roof and offer a pleasing, symmetrical appearance from street level. Expect to pay more for these.  ✓ Integrated: These can be mounted directly over tiled roofs and they match the undulating surface, making them great for Spanish-style roof. Expect to pay a lot more for these. You can also “integrate” panels directly into your existing r...

Can mods ever become official content?

  The question of whether mods (modifications) can become official content depends on the game developer/publisher's policies, legal considerations, and community dynamics. Here’s how it can happen—and when it usually doesn’t:   1. When Mods Do Become Official Content   Some mods have been adopted into games, either as official updates, DLC, or even full sequels. Examples include:   A. Developer-Adopted Mods  - Counter-Strike – Started as a Half-Life mod, later acquired by Valve.   - Dota 2 – Evolved from a Warcraft III custom map.   - DayZ – Began as an ARMA 2mod before becoming a standalone game.   B. Mods Integrated into Base Games   - The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Bethesda added "Survival Mode" (inspired by mods) in an official update.   - Minecraft – Some popular mod mechanics (like horses) were later added officially.   - Cities: Skylines – Certain mods were officially endorsed and ...

How do fan games impact the industry?

  Fan games have a complex, often controversial impact on the gaming industry—sometimes fostering creativity and talent, while other times triggering legal battles. Here’s how they shape the ecosystem:   1. Positive Impacts: Fueling Innovation & Talent   A. Acting as a "Proving Ground" for Developers  - Many professional game designers started with fan games (e.g., Toby Fox's Undertale was influenced by EarthBound fan works).   - Studios like Capcom and Sega have hired modders/fan creators (e.g., Sonic Mania's developers came from the ROM-hacking scene).   B. Keeping Older Franchises Alive   - Games like AM2R (Another Metroid 2 Remake) and Black Mesa (a Half-Life remake) proved demand for classic IPs, sometimes pushing companies to **revive dormant series.   - Nintendo later released Metroid: Samus Returns (2017) after AM2R’s success, though they also DMCA’d the fan project.   C. Expanding Lore & Com...

Which games handle accessibility options best?

  Several games stand out for their industry-leading accessibility options, setting benchmarks for inclusivity. Here are the top examples, categorized by key features: 🏆 Gold Standard: Most Comprehensive Accessibility  1. The Last of Us Part II (Naughty Dog, 2020)      - Features:        - Fully customizable controls (remap any button).        - 60+ settings, including high-contrast mode, text-to-speech, and audio cues for hearing-impaired players.        - Combat accessibility (slow-motion toggle, auto-aim, skip puzzles).      - Impact: Won the Game Awards’ Innovation in Accessibility prize.   2. Forza Horizon 5 (Playground Games, 2021)      - Features:        - One-touch driving (simplified controls for motor impairments).        - Screen reader, colorblind modes, and difficulty sli...