What tools would you reccommend?

Martin Dawes · Sep 15, 2010

After my dissapointing NICEIC run PV course, I still have many questions unanswered. One of the main one being about the tools required.

We had no hands on tutoring and barely got to see any of the tools required.

I'm assuming I need a crimping tool and a cable stripping tool. What is the difference between MC3 and MC4? Do I need both types? Do some panels come with a certain type already fitted? What about inverters?

Any help with these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Noshocks · Sep 16, 2010

Forget about the MC3 tools, most modules that i have used now come with MC4 coonectors, I learnt how to terminate MC3 when I did my 2372 and they are a pain, three different tools required. Inverters such as SMA are fitted with MC4 inputs.

You need the following as a start;

1. MC4 stripping tool (multiconnect or similar make) i paid £100 for mine

2. MC4 Crimpers (as above) £160 !!

3. MC4 wrench tool for tightning nut £5

There are around six companies that make tools however i had to order strippers from France as there is a shortage of stock at times due to the high cost of keeping stock of these tools and the demand at present.

You will also need a solar Radiance meter, i use the Tenmars 206, got direct from Taiwan where theyre made at £80, uk price is £140.

Markc · Sep 16, 2010

Hi Martin

I think the MC4 crimpers are a must as for the stripping tool a stanley knife works fine for a while until finances allow same goes for Radiance meter. Don't see the need for one until the work picks up and the money rolls in. Yes they are handy and also professional and yes we have a couple but for starting out what information can it give you what you cant get online?

More use is decent ridge ladders. We have sectional units that we can add on sections at 4ft lengths. Very handy.
Hex tee drivers of suitable sizes (6mm in the main)
If finance allow a good software design program. We run PVSOL and like it alot. We have had ours customised as well. The guys at PVSOL are very accommodating and worked closely with us to bespoke a customer package. The basic program is a good investment.

Not much else unless you don't have standard electrical equipment such as tester, drill etc. The other bits are good but you can get round having them if need be. We went a good four or five months until we had good funds behind us and then got all the little but costly tools, even MC3 kit. The other thing is getting a credit account. When we went through it not many suppliers offered credit at all. I'm not sure if it is still the same today but we needed to keep funds for product.

Martin Dawes · Sep 17, 2010

Thanks for the info, fellas. I should have enough cash to get hold of the basic stuff for now but I'm one of those that likes to have every tool for a job - even if the info is available online. I will definitely being getting a radiance meter when I have the money.

I have come across PVSOL but I'm not sure we'd get much benefit from the program. Time will tell I suppose.

Noshocks · Sep 17, 2010

i've got PVSOL, i wouldent say its a neccesity to have at the beginning, and also a word of caution its only as good as the parrametters you set, else data comes out wildy off, still havent got to grips with it, its a supplement to the SAP figures but when used correctly, and I havent mastered it yet, gives six page report that certainly look the part when quoting customers.

I agree with the roof ladders, i bought a pair from a company in the midlands from ebay,

I also bought two fall arrest harness's and scaffold landyards, the hooks are large enough to clip on many anchor ponts on roof/array/scaffold and i would say from experience have been a must, certainly felt better working on roof.

The list and expense goes on and on and on i'm afraid