Tools for a Successful Solar Electric Install

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

Tool	Description
	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

Basic Tools Needed for Installation

Tool	Description
	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

Additional Tools to Consider (especially for multiple installations)

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

Tools for Battery Systems

Tool	Description
	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