Hey everyone! I'm gearing up for a solar installation in about a month. I'm planning to go with a basic system, using the Flexboss21 along with the Gridboss and some LLS Batteries. I'm trying to get this all done before tax credits are gone, so I want to make sure I have the right tools for the job. I already have HV gloves, a low range torque wrench, a large gauge crimper, a LV wire stripper, and an MC4 crimper/tool on my list. Am I missing anything essential? Also, what tools do you think give the best value? I'm wondering if my Harbor Freight torque wrench is too high of a range and if the Amazon bike torque wrench I have is reliable enough.
Additionally, I've got a couple of side questions: 1. For my plans, I need a junction box on the roof to connect three strings of panels to my conduit. Should I buy something off the shelf, or is it better to DIY that box? 2. I'm going with the Flexboss21, but I noticed it only supports about ~80A service. I'm slightly worried that might not be enough for full house backup, especially if I want to keep AC and other heavy loads off. Should I consider planning for future expansion or am I overthinking this? My goal is to run everything during blackouts for a limited time and fully offset the grid.
3 Answers
Definitely don't forget about a quality multimeter! It's a must-have for any electrical work. If you can swing it, I suggest getting a clamp meter that has multimeter functions – they’re super handy! I picked up one and it's been a game changer for my DIY projects. You might want to check out Fluke brand too; they're known for their durability and precision and you'll have it for a lifetime. Trust me, the peace of mind is well worth the extra cash!
Sounds like we’re in similar boats! My panels and Flexboss setup are scheduled to arrive tomorrow! Check out this forum link where I found awesome insights on the tools needed for solar installs. It’s been super helpful as I prep for my own installation.
Sounds like you're on the right track! I recently finished a similar setup with Flexboss21 and Gridboss myself. I bought most of my cables pre-terminated, but I had to crimp a couple of MC4 connectors and one battery lug. I went for a simpler hammer-style crimper which has worked just fine for me. Also, get some good cable cutters for those heavy battery cables; they tend to fray easily, so it's crucial to have them cut neatly to fit into terminals.
Regarding the junction box, I used the EZ Solar JB-3; it's solid with a DIN rail for connections. Just remember to drill your own holes for entries and transitions. And for the service current, my Flexboss21 has been handling my household tasks without issues so far, even with minimal AC usage. Just make sure you have everything dialed in correctly to avoid flickering lights. Good luck with your install!
For safety, remember to think about fall protection while you're on the roof. I recommend investing in a harness and some anchor points for security.
Totally agree! I have a Fluke from my grandpa that’s lasted decades. I used to have a cheap one and while it did the job, it made me super anxious. Fluke all the way!