PV tools

[markfxy]

This may have been covered before but does PV installation involve any tools that aren't already part of a sparky's toolkit and approx price on extra tools? thanks.

 

[yellowvanman]

Your clampmeter may not be able to measure dc.
Need an irradiance meter to measure sunlight.
Crimp tool(s)
Thats a minimum!

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Thermometer to take panel temp, just have a look in Test-Meter for prices.

Thats about it for essential tools, but you will need a roofer, a structural surveyor and a good understanding of quality management..........

 

[markfxy]

Do you need a special crimping tool, I've got a big hammer will that do!

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Could always use self crimping MC4's

 

[yellowvanman]

Thermometer to take panel temp, just have a look in Test-Meter for prices.

Thats about it for essential tools, but you will need a roofer, a structural surveyor and a good understanding of quality management..........

Do you find taking the panel temperature helpful? Not disputing what you are doing but would a 'best guess' suffice, based on what measurement you get? Does it actual measure the temperature of the panel or the ambient?

 

[Graeme Harrold]

Only tend to measure the first one out of the packet!!! and then again once strung up......first temp tends to be close to the ambient air temp and the second will be quite a bit higher when fitted. In full sunlight Ive noted anywhere between 40-60 deg C due to the black surface absorbing heat.