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TOOLS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SOLAR ELECTRIC INSTALL

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Articles, videos, classes and more. Find all "The right tool for the job makes all the difference."
the resources you need here.

Library

Webinars Tools for a Successful Solar Electric Install Click here for Printable Version
without images.
Video Tips '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
BLOG 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.
Tips, trends, ideas, latest news and more.
Everything you need to make renewable They are broken out into functional groups for site assessment, installation and maintenance. Most of the specialized
do-able! tools fall into the site assessment and maintenance categories; the installation tools are probably already in your tool
box!

SHOWCASE Site Assessment Tools

Share your renewable energy project with
the entire altE community.

  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

  Click here for Printable Version

without images.
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

Torque wrench with
  drill bits (wood, metal,  
deep sockets
masonry)

  Hole punch   Wire strippers

Nut drivers (most

  common PV sizes are   Needle-nose pliers
7/16", 1/2", 9/16")

  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

    Fuse Pullers
cords

  Click here for Printable Version

without images.
Additional Tools to Consider (especially for multiple installations)

Reciprocating saw / Jig

  DC clamp-on ammeter  
saw

  Large crimpers   Conduit bender

  C-clamps   Pry bar

  Click here for Printable Version

without images.
Tools for Battery Systems

Baking Soda (to

Hydrometer or
    neutralizer any acid
Refractometer
spills)

Small flashlight (to view

    Turkey Baster
electrolyte level)

  Rubber apron   Funnel

  Rubber gloves   Distilled Water

  Safety goggles   Voltmeter

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How to Select an Inverter for Your Needs
 National Electric Code and Solar Electric Systems
Installing an Off-Grid Inverter
Load Calculator
Recommended Inverter Cables Sizing and Breakers or Fuses
Should I Wire my Home for AC or DC Loads?

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