Post by swampmonster on Nov 12, 2018 22:06:37 GMT
So OK, you decided you wanna install your own solar system? That is COOL!, because afterwards you will be THE expert on your system. Even after you tool up properly, you will save money on the whole system, and still posses all those tools, and rest assured that if you did your homework in design, equipment selection and installation, you will have a much better system than most any pro shop offers at or usually well above the price you invested.If you are a gear guy like me, you prolly already have most of the tools you require...but perhaps not...If totally toolless, then go get the basic stuff and pay attention here to the specialty stuff for solar.
Solar systems require a few special tools to do it RIGHT....Certain special wrenches and crimpers for the MC4 connectors, and hydraulic crimpers for those huge battery cables are especially necessary for you to do it RIGHT....And if you have just MC4 crimpers and MC4 wrenches, and a hydraulic crimper, along with various typical hand tools, you not only can assemble very custom-cut to length cables, but also save big bucks even after you buy the specialty tools.
But special solar tools aside, you really should oughta also have a quality digital meter, and you really should oughta learn how to use it's basic features....here, go watch this as a starter on meters: youtu.be/lo8MWr3NuuM , then go get you one..A quality one....Yeah, Harbor Freight offers them free, Nah, don't let them stuff that in you bag of purchases. They also offer other free stuff mobetter that won't kill you....Get you a quality meter or use wet fingers instead, and load up at Harbor freight on their free zip ties.
Sorry my pic don't show my MC4 crimper and my little plastic MC4 wrenches, they are still somewhere out in my Motor home and it is cold and raining out there and I am in my underwear....But trust me, MC4 crimpers are available and cheap...Hell, half my tools are still out there, so when the storms pass the day after tomorrow, I'll get out there and tote them back into my shop.
The two items I wanna highlight here is the meter and the large hydraulic crimper...The rest are universal tools used every day for lotsa things including solar, well so is the meter, but not specialty solar stuff...Where is my frigging MC4 crimpers?
!Maybe the dog carried them off, yeah I bet she did. Yup, she stole my MC4 crimpers, just look at her eyes, they GLOW with guilt...Ok puppy, you are screwed if you don't bring them back....No more beer tonight!...And if by tomorrow you still got them hidden, then I swear I'ma gonna leave you on the front porch when I leave again for a year!
