Browse Forums Building A New House Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 61Jul 20, 2019 4:32 am This is the proposed solar setup on the roof and can install about 30 panels which will produce 8 to 10kw max power depending on the panels we choose. Would love to get 360W LG NeON R s but that will blow our budget so bad! Acceptable ones are 310W Trina Panels which will produce around 9kw max
There is another option to go up to 13kw with both sides of the roof using 300W EGing panels which may be also a good option. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 62Jul 20, 2019 10:05 am From memory you have 3 phase power, so if you are planning on using a Fronius Symo 3 phase inverter (?) you will have issues running the panels on that main roof section unless you go with the 10w Symo. But maybe you are looking at other 3 phase inverters that maybe don’t have the 16Amp limit on each MPPT?.....so ignore this if that is the case. We are currently working up our solar design with our local provider and I’ve learned a fair bit recently, especially relating to 3 phase setups. The Symos (under 10kw) all have 16Amp limits which means you can’t effectively combine 2 strings on one MPPT (these inverters all have 2 x MPPT ports). This is caused partly by the other limit on solar design that means to stay under 600 voltage limits you also can’t put more than 13-14 panels on one string either. But let’s say you only had one roof aspect with up to 26 panels, then no problem as you simply run 13 panels on one string into MPPT #1, then the other 13 into MPPT #2. But because you might add more panels on the smaller roof section as well....these would have to go into their MPPT port due to the different orientation. So that would suggest you then have one spare MPPT port for the main lot of panels which like I said would get ‘clipped’ because running them on 2 strings into a 16Amp limited MPPT port. Options you have would be to go at least a 10kw Symo, which from memory has a 16Amp plus a 27Amp MPPT port setup.....so the 2 strings paralleled would go into to higher Amp port. Otherwise you could pay extra for micro inverters? Or find another inverter brand that would allow paralleled strings for a 3 phase setup under 10kw. Sorry if this is confusing but I am only just getting my head around it myself. Finally this week after more reading I reckon I have it worked out in my head! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Check our Homeone build blog here Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 63Jul 20, 2019 11:03 am darb74 From memory you have 3 phase power, so if you are planning on using a Fronius Symo 3 phase inverter (?) you will have issues running the panels on that main roof section unless you go with the 10w Symo. But maybe you are looking at other 3 phase inverters that maybe don’t have the 16Amp limit on each MPPT?.....so ignore this if that is the case. We are currently working up our solar design with our local provider and I’ve learned a fair bit recently, especially relating to 3 phase setups. The Symos (under 10kw) all have 16Amp limits which means you can’t effectively combine 2 strings on one MPPT (these inverters all have 2 x MPPT ports). This is caused partly by the other limit on solar design that means to stay under 600 voltage limits you also can’t put more than 13-14 panels on one string either. But let’s say you only had one roof aspect with up to 26 panels, then no problem as you simply run 13 panels on one string into MPPT #1, then the other 13 into MPPT #2. But because you might add more panels on the smaller roof section as well....these would have to go into their MPPT port due to the different orientation. So that would suggest you then have one spare MPPT port for the main lot of panels which like I said would get ‘clipped’ because running them on 2 strings into a 16Amp limited MPPT port. Options you have would be to go at least a 10kw Symo, which from memory has a 16Amp plus a 27Amp MPPT port setup.....so the 2 strings paralleled would go into to higher Amp port. Otherwise you could pay extra for micro inverters? Or find another inverter brand that would allow paralleled strings for a 3 phase setup under 10kw. Sorry if this is confusing but I am only just getting my head around it myself. Finally this week after more reading I reckon I have it worked out in my head! Hi darb74, We are currently considering a hybrid 3 phase inverter for our setup there are only handful of them available and 3 phase hybrid ones are even rare Fronius Symo 5.0kw Hybris 3ph inverter and SolaX X3 Hybrid 10kw or 6 kw are the short listed ones. Both will support LG batteries or SolaX will have their own battery. I am more biased towards SolaX X3 Hybrid 10kw one at this point and it got all the options you can think of even running parallel couple of them if needed. Thanks for letting me know about the current limit issue per string. Will have to investigate that is going to be a problem with these hybrid inverters. How big of a set up you are considering and are you planning to add batteries and how so? Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 64Jul 21, 2019 2:45 pm Ramee While most of them are minor and easily fixable there are couple of issues that might be a problem. They found frame bottom plate is overhanging the slab in some areas as much as 40mm in some locations and secondly slab honeycombing issues on some edges. My mind is always on the fence here. They're paid to find defects. They're a consultant, and can find 50 small items, then I can find 50, and so-on. We can all debate the importance of each. A licenced building inspector is too, but only to a degree. They're paid a huge amount less, and spent a very small amount of time onsite. They hit the 'big ticket items'. The frame overhang you mention will already be picked up twice, by the inspector, and Carlisle internal quality inspector. Macher Did you get termite protection? C is powering along on you job. Their termite protection is in 2 parts. Part A: all slab penetrations (pipes, poles, conduits) have impregnated-collars. Part B: sealed conduit surrounds the slab & filled with poison, installed right before final clean. Ramee Roof tiles are done. It is good to see they managed to do it quickly as possible even in bad weather. I was worrying about rain soaking all the wood and first floor boards. The agreement with the supplier is 3 days. But depending on weather & workload, 1-2 days is common. Ramee Macher Ramee, is site start the day of site scrape? I'm interested when the clock starts ticking for C. I am not 100% sure Macher, But they seams to be on time so lets see. This is a link I found about site start date http://anewhouse.com.au/2012/08/contracts-contract-period/ Site start day is basically when actual building work started so site clearing day it is. According to our HIA contract builder should complete house within 308 days from site start date (including all the holidays and other delays due to weather etc) Typed a huge reply. Lost it. Putting a fence up is the first trigger. Then site scrape is another. But they don't play those games. They want to move homes FAST. Financial incentives for speed, while maintaining quality scores. They'll aim for ~125 calendar days from pour, and put pressure on every week it's off schedule. With the big slump in south East, they're hitting targets a LOT more. Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 65Jul 21, 2019 2:53 pm shokel1975 Wow, what a shame you have had such a battle on your hands so early in the build. I hope it all gets sorted for you! Keep fighting! It's always from the start. Every task & trade needs to be watched. If the trades were great, and paid accordingly, the builder wouldn't need a supervisor or quality inspectors. Cost & profit has put pressure on everyone to tick the minimums, and keep moving. Didn't hit the minimum? OK, tell them where, and they'll fix it. That's all majors, volume etc. Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 66Jul 21, 2019 5:05 pm Regarding our solar setup, I've allowed for about 60 panels in total in terms of roof space (~20 north, 20 east and 20 west). But our initial plan was to install just a 5kw Symo 3 phase inverter first up (with around 6.4kw of panels on the north only), then add another Hybrid 5kw inverter down the track with a further 20 panels (10 west, 10 east) to charge a battery etc. I think the two symo's would talk to each other so I should hopefully only need the one smart meter. But now I am thinking we might just go a bigger system to start with, so I am booked in to discuss option with our solar company later next week. If it's possible I am now thinking of ~20 panels north, 10 east and 10 west (so 40 total), and probably one of the new Trina models (half cut mono's) around the 340 watt mark. Anyhow the big issue I keep seeing is this damn 16 Amp limit on both MPPTs of the Symo's under 10kw. If I go to 10 or 12.5Kw then one MPPT is around 27Amp, and then once you go the 15kw version it really opens up what you can do. So I might end up with a 15kw Symo. But the problem also is if I don't get a hybrid now it might be painful to add a battery on later. So hopefully my solar engineer can work out a good solution overall for me. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Check our Homeone build blog here Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 67Jul 22, 2019 4:48 am darb74 Regarding our solar setup, I've allowed for about 60 panels in total in terms of roof space (~20 north, 20 east and 20 west). But our initial plan was to install just a 5kw Symo 3 phase inverter first up (with around 6.4kw of panels on the north only), then add another Hybrid 5kw inverter down the track with a further 20 panels (10 west, 10 east) to charge a battery etc. I think the two symo's would talk to each other so I should hopefully only need the one smart meter. But now I am thinking we might just go a bigger system to start with, so I am booked in to discuss option with our solar company later next week. If it's possible I am now thinking of ~20 panels north, 10 east and 10 west (so 40 total), and probably one of the new Trina models (half cut mono's) around the 340 watt mark. Anyhow the big issue I keep seeing is this damn 16 Amp limit on both MPPTs of the Symo's under 10kw. If I go to 10 or 12.5Kw then one MPPT is around 27Amp, and then once you go the 15kw version it really opens up what you can do. So I might end up with a 15kw Symo. But the problem also is if I don't get a hybrid now it might be painful to add a battery on later. So hopefully my solar engineer can work out a good solution overall for me. Wow that is a big solar system you are getting at. Also as you are considering around 18kw mark and there are not many big hybrid inverters available may be getting 3 individual hybrid single phase ones could be an option too. While Tesla power wall 2 is not allowed to run on individual phases on a three phase home there will be new upgrades and batteries will be available in the future. Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 68Jul 22, 2019 4:58 am CarnTheHawks Ramee While most of them are minor and easily fixable there are couple of issues that might be a problem. They found frame bottom plate is overhanging the slab in some areas as much as 40mm in some locations and secondly slab honeycombing issues on some edges. My mind is always on the fence here. They're paid to find defects. They're a consultant, and can find 50 small items, then I can find 50, and so-on. We can all debate the importance of each. A licenced building inspector is too, but only to a degree. They're paid a huge amount less, and spent a very small amount of time onsite. They hit the 'big ticket items'. The frame overhang you mention will already be picked up twice, by the inspector, and Carlisle internal quality inspector. Macher Did you get termite protection? C is powering along on you job. Their termite protection is in 2 parts. Part A: all slab penetrations (pipes, poles, conduits) have impregnated-collars. Part B: sealed conduit surrounds the slab & filled with poison, installed right before final clean. Ramee Roof tiles are done. It is good to see they managed to do it quickly as possible even in bad weather. I was worrying about rain soaking all the wood and first floor boards. The agreement with the supplier is 3 days. But depending on weather & workload, 1-2 days is common. Ramee Macher Ramee, is site start the day of site scrape? I'm interested when the clock starts ticking for C. I am not 100% sure Macher, But they seams to be on time so lets see. This is a link I found about site start date http://anewhouse.com.au/2012/08/contracts-contract-period/ Site start day is basically when actual building work started so site clearing day it is. According to our HIA contract builder should complete house within 308 days from site start date (including all the holidays and other delays due to weather etc) Typed a huge reply. Lost it. Putting a fence up is the first trigger. Then site scrape is another. But they don't play those games. They want to move homes FAST. Financial incentives for speed, while maintaining quality scores. They'll aim for ~125 calendar days from pour, and put pressure on every week it's off schedule. With the big slump in south East, they're hitting targets a LOT more. Wow Thanks a lot for that informative reply! It is very good to hear they are aiming for 125 calendar days. Good thing about having an independent inspector is that you have bit more power when pointing out the defects and re checking that the fix or correction has been properly done. Having most of the major defects complied in a report and submitted to the C head office and asking for their management response in writing will put some pressure on them. And it is there if something goes horribly badly later time. Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 69Jul 26, 2019 10:26 am Ramee - I've just started following your post. I'm building Sorrento 39 as well, and coincidentally, I have also flipped our alfresco because we have a wider backyard on the side. Did the site supervisor indicate any finish timeframe for you - before Christmas? Btw, we are in frame stage at the moment. Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 70Jul 26, 2019 10:50 am Roniel1517 Ramee - I've just started following your post. I'm building Sorrento 39 as well, and coincidentally, I have also flipped our alfresco because we have a wider backyard on the side. Did the site supervisor indicate any finish timeframe for you - before Christmas? Btw, we are in frame stage at the moment. Hi Roniel1517, Oh wow that is great to hear! Yeah we will most probably will have the handover before Christmas. While C or our supervisor hasn't say anything about it yet, I am sure of it. We are almost coming to the completion of lockup stage now but because they do reverse building they have already done some parts of the fixing stage too. So I think in next two months most of the work will be completed. If you are in the frame stage now I am petty sure they will be able to get yours done too before Christmas.. The rate C and most big builders building is crazy! May I ask where about are you building!? If you have a build thread too it would be great to follow on. Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 71Jul 26, 2019 3:31 pm Ramee Roniel1517 Ramee - I've just started following your post. I'm building Sorrento 39 as well, and coincidentally, I have also flipped our alfresco because we have a wider backyard on the side. Did the site supervisor indicate any finish timeframe for you - before Christmas? Btw, we are in frame stage at the moment. Hi Roniel1517, Oh wow that is great to hear! Yeah we will most probably will have the handover before Christmas. While C or our supervisor hasn't say anything about it yet, I am sure of it. We are almost coming to the completion of lockup stage now but because they do reverse building they have already done some parts of the fixing stage too. So I think in next two months most of the work will be completed. If you are in the frame stage now I am petty sure they will be able to get yours done too before Christmas.. The rate C and most big builders building is crazy! May I ask where about are you building!? If you have a build thread too it would be great to follow on. Hi Ramee, That's great to hear. I do agree they have been building at crazy speed. Our supervisor has indicated before Christmas so fingers crossed. I also saw someone in the thread mention ~125 days from slab pour and if that's right, we're then looking at before Christmas. C have been pretty quick so far, calling and updating every week as well which I think is great. Btw, I'm building in Tarneit and no, haven't started a thread. Where about's are you building? Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 72Jul 26, 2019 8:54 pm Roniel1517 Hi Ramee, That's great to hear. I do agree they have been building at crazy speed. Our supervisor has indicated before Christmas so fingers crossed. I also saw someone in the thread mention ~125 days from slab pour and if that's right, we're then looking at before Christmas. C have been pretty quick so far, calling and updating every week as well which I think is great. Btw, I'm building in Tarneit and no, haven't started a thread. Where about's are you building? Hi Roniel1517, We are building in Carrum Downs, south east! I believe that 125 day target is true mostly. Today afternoon we officially reached the lockup stage completion and C sent us the bill, it is only 2 and half months in to build so far so I think they can most probably finish it off in two more months if they wanted to. That is good we have plenty of time to get ready other stuff like driveway and furniture before Christmas break. Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 77Jul 28, 2019 7:39 pm Ramee While C or our supervisor hasn't say anything about it yet, I am sure of it. We are almost coming to the completion of lockup stage now but because they do reverse building they have already done some parts of the fixing stage too......... ....... If you are in the frame stage now I am petty sure they will be able to get yours done too before Christmas. Anything onsite now will have management expecting xmas handover. They'll start forecasting early, and decide what's close (which will have the schedule condensed/prioritised), and anything not close will just run its course... maybe even be slowed down - Not fit-off expensive items, due to the risk of damage/theft over the long break. The advised procedure is to wait until tiler finishes before triggering the PCI process. You'll then be given a fixed PCI date (not handover). (If PCI blows-out, management will come crashing-down.) But then they'll take 7-14 calendar days for them to fix defects.... depending on how much there is, and if there's an independent consultant's (and internal QA & building inspection) reports to receive, decide on, action. If everything is done well, there's VERY little to rectify at PCI. Which makes it smooth & consistent for all parties. When it falls REAL close to XMAS, and you find only very-minor items, both parties might agree to complete handover & let clients move-in... and fix the items after xmas. It's all done officially with paperwork. Some think that's a crazy idea. Others think it's perfect. Communication & relationship between clients, independent consultants & SS are crucial the whole way. Roniel1517 Our supervisor has indicated before Christmas so fingers crossed. I also saw someone in the thread mention ~125 days from slab pour and if that's right, we're then looking at before Christmas. C have been pretty quick so far, calling and updating every week as well which I think is great. That number is just an average. It won't be written anywhere, or officially acknowledged. They have their internal expectations, and bonuses are based on them (and other factors). Always tweaking the schedules to dial them in tighter & more consistent. Easy living single storeys are faster. Large Affinity double storeys are slower. Winter, weather, trade delays, theft etc. etc. And *EVERY* single build is different. So DO NOT book anything based on any dates given/guessed, until the tiler is onsite & the CLE or SS has advised. By that point, the construction is pretty much complete, and it's finishing touches & tasks that are custom (like carpet, shelving, fitoffs etc). Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 78Jul 28, 2019 9:03 pm Getting stairs is an exciting time! Looks great! Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 79Jul 29, 2019 2:18 am Yeah it is shokel1975, we can't wait to see the completion of stone benches and cabinetry now! Re: Our first home build Sorrento 39 with Carlisle homes 80Jul 30, 2019 4:24 am CarnTheHawks Ramee While C or our supervisor hasn't say anything about it yet, I am sure of it. We are almost coming to the completion of lockup stage now but because they do reverse building they have already done some parts of the fixing stage too......... ....... If you are in the frame stage now I am petty sure they will be able to get yours done too before Christmas. Anything onsite now will have management expecting xmas handover. They'll start forecasting early, and decide what's close (which will have the schedule condensed/prioritised), and anything not close will just run its course... maybe even be slowed down - Not fit-off expensive items, due to the risk of damage/theft over the long break. The advised procedure is to wait until tiler finishes before triggering the PCI process. You'll then be given a fixed PCI date (not handover). (If PCI blows-out, management will come crashing-down.) But then they'll take 7-14 calendar days for them to fix defects.... depending on how much there is, and if there's an independent consultant's (and internal QA & building inspection) reports to receive, decide on, action. If everything is done well, there's VERY little to rectify at PCI. Which makes it smooth & consistent for all parties. When it falls REAL close to XMAS, and you find only very-minor items, both parties might agree to complete handover & let clients move-in... and fix the items after xmas. It's all done officially with paperwork. Some think that's a crazy idea. Others think it's perfect. Communication & relationship between clients, independent consultants & SS are crucial the whole way. Roniel1517 Our supervisor has indicated before Christmas so fingers crossed. I also saw someone in the thread mention ~125 days from slab pour and if that's right, we're then looking at before Christmas. C have been pretty quick so far, calling and updating every week as well which I think is great. That number is just an average. It won't be written anywhere, or officially acknowledged. They have their internal expectations, and bonuses are based on them (and other factors). Always tweaking the schedules to dial them in tighter & more consistent. Easy living single storeys are faster. Large Affinity double storeys are slower. Winter, weather, trade delays, theft etc. etc. And *EVERY* single build is different. So DO NOT book anything based on any dates given/guessed, until the tiler is onsite & the CLE or SS has advised. By that point, the construction is pretty much complete, and it's finishing touches & tasks that are custom (like carpet, shelving, fitoffs etc). Hi CarnTheHawks, Thanks for the very valuable info, quite insightful for first home builders like us. 7 30007 We were lucky in that our old house was so small (86 square metres) compared to the new house, they were able to take enough readings around the old backyard house before… 8 37753 Carlisle use to sneak a water resistant "Performance Solution" into their contracts. Have you checked your contract for same? 4 10443 |