bmj1

Hi all, Just finished my build, my typical daily usage looks like this: (28kwh total in 24h) I'd like to install solar PV (and perhaps a battery), objective is to maximise ROI. I've got a flat roof with room for: 1) LONGi Solar Hi-MO X6 Explorer 535w Black Frame Solar PV Module - LR5-66HTH-535M - x8 => 4,280Kw system Or alternatively: 2) Sunpower SPR-P6-400-BLK (400w) - x10 => 4,000Kw system Or alternatively: 3) Aiko Neostar 2S 510W N-Type ABC, 60 Cell, All Black Solar Panel (510W) - x10 => 5,100Kw system Or alternatively: 4) JA Solar JAM66D42-580/MB - x10 => 5,800Kw system I'm in London, so I understand a 5.1Kw system can be expected to generated ~10Kwh of electricity per day (so roughly 36% of my daily usage). Spread over 8 hours of sunlight, that's 1.25Kwh of energy per hour. With this in mind - I'm tempted to skip the battery altogether. So I just need: PV panels (and mounts) 3-phase inverter (would a "Huawei SUN2000-8KTL 8KW 3 Phase Solar PV Inverter dual MPPT" be okay ?) If I understand correctly, if I'm generating 10Kwh of electricity per day, then that is 3,650 per annum, so I'm saving ~£900 per annum at current prices. If I spend £2.5k on the panels and mounting kit, another £500 on the inverter, £250-£500 on a sparky for 1-2 days to wire it up, I'm looking at pay back in 4 years. The other benefit of avoiding the battery is it's in a small plant area, and I've got my networking kit in there, and I don't really want to heat it up and need to put in A/C or some more active ventillation. Key Questions: 1) How do I know if the panels are compatible with the inverter I've proposed above ? 2) Is an 8KW inverter sufficient for 5.1Kw of panels 3) Any other thoughts/suggestions ?

Thanks both: 1. PV into fuseboard would be easiest, so no benefit. 2. EV charger is actually located right by the cabinet with the head and meter, so moving the meter will be a pain (would need to run another thick armoured cable) Sounds like the best thing to do is keep them as they are ! Thank you !

Hi all - my current wiring is like this. All the plant is by the fuseboard. Is there any advantage at all to moving the 3 phase meter to be located by the fuseboard and plant ? (like the below) E.g. does this help if I start putting PV + batteries in, or exporting to grid, or anything else ? Or does it make no difference at all ?

No they aren't, and they add up ! ebay is really your friend, if you aren't in a rush, set up some searches and let it come to you

Amp: I went for a Denon amp, picked up Denon AVC-X6500H for £850 on ebay Speakers: I also did Monitor Audio, picked up a bunch of the Monitor Audio CP-CT380 in-ceiling speakers end of life, then mounted an SB-4 Soundbar at the front because I didn't want to compromise on the LCR channels with in-ceiling speakers Subwoofer: I did a SVS SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer - picked one up for £350 on ebay - ended up pairing it with the SVS Soundpath triband adapter for wireless signal as I hadn't planned properly for the subwoofer placement & wiring up front I also made use of the Dolby guides referenced above. Good luck ! And don't be afraid to buy some of the kit used if you get a decent discount

Not sure why you need 12 hours of watering... But there are of course controllers that are more programmable, they just cost more. We did the Rainbird RC2 and ran mains power to feed it.

I think you want an irrigation controller/timer. Something like this: https://www.waterirrigation.co.uk/hydrosure-dual-outlet-water-timer.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21764483469&gbraid=0AAAAADwJ71ikFu5PrtG310ZSInZ4lToPM&gclid=CjwKCAjwi-DBBhA5EiwAXOHsGUHkfWXhPFlVW-g3nBmy-gSk2gL64pksDJG4X5uN31QXBxiwYOMElBoCyNoQAvD_BwE

You should not see the board lines. He should come and fix. Agree use of the level is a bit overkill unless out by sight.

Oops. "Pain points" = things that frustrate you, or you would like improved ! Thank you for the feedback, please keep it coming...!

Hi all, I'm coming towards the end of my self-build journey - and I owe a huge debt of thanks and appreciation to this community - who have been there throughout - with advice, guidance, good humour, and sometimes just support and a friendly pair of ears. Thank you all 😅 One paint point I've found is around ordering building materials: Lack of transparency around pricing - the online prices and local store prices aren't great - you have to find a local merchant and haggle on every order The whole faff around 'setting up accounts' Poor services levels generally, lack of a digital process with the cheaper merchants I'm kicking the tyres (genuinely) on doing something about it - and setting up my own digital-first builders merchant. I'd like to kindly ask - what are your paint points when it comes to ordering building materials ? What would your dream builders merchant offer ? Thank you in advance !

Agree. Well done. Builders can be bullies.

I have to say I agree: don't ruin it with the capping solution, get a grinder in and get that drip channel sorted !

I have no idea if this is the right product, or not, but of all the corners that can be cut, membranes is never one of them. Figure out exactly what the correct membrane needs to be, and use it. I'm all for being entrepreneurial, and frugal, but this is really important to get right.

The other thing this gives you is an air tightness certificate. I think it's pretty neat, especially on a bigger/more commercial project where you are operating to a schedule and just need this 'done'.

Sorry, how does one fill a bath without bath taps?

Hi all, I'm working on this fancy joinery piece, and have this nice looking waste pipe (it will be visible) for a basin waste. The plan would be to cut back the black solvent weld pipe, make the connection, and then hide the connect under the cover plate (provided by manufacturer of the gold coloured pipe). Any suggestions for how I should connect these two pipes ? (I'm not a plumber) Thank you in advance

I thought this design is a really clever use of space, and should be given the love it deserves. So much is right about this. Needs to be a wet room style (i.e. invisible) shower tray, which is my preference anyway (we did all ours like this). Floating vanity is gorgeous and minimalistic, but no reason you couldn't go heavier. Also consider built in storage in the doorway wall (on your left as you walk in - above the toilet height) - I.e. thicken that first doorway wall and build storage in

That's a nice approach. And arguably a better solution than the blue acoustic push fit svp I ended up using

I'm curious. What material did you use to insulate your SVPs?

Steel should be centered on the padstone. I wonder if that could be the issue ?

This feels like sound advice from @Gus Potter !

Great to see you being on top of this. I get the impression that threshold thermal bridges are frequently an afterthought, with professional builders happily slapping down concrete and creating a bridge...

I would add, people can and do forget to discharge each of the CIL steps in the right order, and can inadvertently end up on the hook for the whole bill. There was a recent case of this for a buildhub member, and the councils can be really rigid on this. So don't mess it up!

It's really simple: - they need to get the calculations right now - so that if you fall out of qualification for self build relief at a layer date (e.g. you move out within 3 years of completion) - then there is no ambiguity about what is owed. If you call them they'll walk you through the process, in my case my planning consultant helped sort it also.

I would welcome grout recommendations