Where to purchase accessories for Solar Install

[padlin00]

Looking for sources for cable and wire, connectors, fuses and holders. I've found a boat specialty place but they are pretty pricey.

[Darwin Maring]

Home Depot, Lowes - Both sell wire by the foot and have other electrical items. For the items they do not have, try an electrical supply house.

Boat and Camper stores are much higher in price.

[mary and bob]

I buy all that stuff at my local auto parts store. NAPA has jacketed wire that is nice if you are running two wires together.

[Paul Braun]

I have had a hard time finding items locally. For example 8 gauge crimp on connectors, in line fuses, kill switch, 40 amp circuit breaker, MC4 connectors and 12 volt connectors. For these I started with Amazon and of late have been ordering from eBay. eBay and I go back a ways but I do not use it much, it has changed dramatically in the past 5 years, not as much selling by individuals as many small stores devoted to just a few products. It seems like a lot of the small items are coming with free shipping (don't worry you are paying for it somewhere). Most comes postal service delivery and seems pretty good quality.

The larger items are always an internet purchase where I live, nothing nearby that sells solar. Oh, I agree that Home Depot, Menards, Lowes and Farm Fleet will sell solar items, usually a kit of some sort or you have to order it for delivery to the store. I will purchase standard battery cables from an auto supply store, small gauge wire is expensive. For some of my wiring needs I buy a set of inexpensive jumper cables or sometimes called starter cables. Twelve feet of paired 8 gauge wire for $12.

I have used solarblvd.com and altE.com for panels and controllers. There are others.

[mmcwhort]

Two words: Harbor Freight

The prices are so low, you'll think you're in Mexico.

[frank_a]

I'm with Bob here - NAPA.

[Bob Miller]

SOME Rv stores have fair prices, others, like one whose initials are CW, are not so cheap. Go to your local RV store and just ask for a discount, can't hurt. Boat supply stores...fergetit...

I buy some items on eBay and other 0nline sources, but only when I can buy by brand name. There is a lot of Junque out there so be sure what you are buying first.

Forgot to add.... I buy wire end rolls at yards sales anytime I see them. You may not always have the color you want to use, but it's a lot cheaper than by the foot at the big-box hardware stores.