Tools for a Successful Solar Electric Install

"The right tool for the job makes all the difference."

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Tools for a Successful Solar Electric Install

'The right tool for the job makes all the difference'

We've all heard that bit of wisdom thousands of times. And it's no different for a Solar Electric (PV) system installation than for anything else. Fortunately, most of the tools needed for a PV install are commonly used and easily found. There are very few highly specialized tools. Below are several lists that describe many of the tools needed for an installation. They are broken out into functional groups for site assessment, installation and maintenance. Most of the specialized tools fall into the site assessment and maintenance categories; the installation tools are probably already in your tool box!

Site Assessment Tools

		50-100 ft. tape measure
		Solar Pathfinder (evaluates the solar energy potential at a site)
		Compass (not needed if you're using a Solar Pathfinder)
		Maps (reference for location latitude and magnetic declination)
		Digital camera

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Basic Tools Needed for Installation

		Angle finder			Fish tape
		Torpedo level			Cordless drill (14.4V or greater), multiple batteries
		Chalk line			Hole saw
		Unibit and multiple drill bits (wood, metal, masonry)			Torque wrench with deep sockets
		Hole punch			Wire strippers
		Nut drivers (most common PV sizes are 7/16", 1/2", 9/16")			Needle-nose pliers
		Crimpers			Slip-joint pliers
		Lineman's pliers			Large cable cutters
		Small cable cutters			Hacksaw
		AC/DC multimeter			Blanket, cardboard or black plastic to keep modules from going "live" during installation
		Tape measure			Caulking gun
		Heavy duty extension cords			Fuse Pullers

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Additional Tools to Consider (especially for multiple installations)

		DC clamp-on ammeter			Reciprocating saw / Jig saw
		Large crimpers			Conduit bender
		C-clamps			Pry bar

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Tools for Battery Systems

$Hydrometer or Refractometer$	Hydrometer or Refractometer	Baking Soda (to neutralizer any acid spills)
	Small flashlight (to view electrolyte level)	Turkey Baster
	Rubber apron	Funnel
	Rubber gloves	Distilled Water
	Safety goggles	Voltmeter