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EC-11 · Supply

Solar Cable for PV Panels, Inverters and Batteries

4mm and 6mm DC solar cable, connectors and AC cable for PV systems. Send one free request and an independent supplier or solar installer near you quotes you.

Red and black solar cable running along aluminium mounting rails under rooftop solar panels
Red and black solar cable running along aluminium mounting rails under rooftop solar panels

Solar cable carries direct current from PV panels to the inverter, and it has a much harder life than cable inside a wall: years of sun, heat, rain and wind on a roof. That is why PV systems use dedicated double-insulated, UV-resistant DC cable rather than ordinary house wire. With load-shedding driving solar installs across South Africa, demand is high. ElectricalCable.co.za does not sell cable. Tell us what you need and where you are, and we pass your request to an independent cable supplier or solar installer in your area, who quotes you directly.

What makes solar cable different

DC solar cable is a single-core cable with tinned copper strands, a cross-linked insulation layer and a tough outer sheath. It is rated for high DC voltages (commonly 1 500 V DC under the international PV cable standards), resists UV and ozone, and handles high roof temperatures. Tinned copper resists corrosion, which matters at the coast. Red and black sheaths make positive and negative easy to tell apart. Ordinary PVC cable is not designed for this and degrades quickly in direct sun.

4mm vs 6mm solar cable

4mm solar cable is the common choice for string wiring on small to medium residential systems with short runs. 6mm solar cable is used for longer runs from the roof to the inverter, higher-current strings and larger systems, because it loses less power to voltage drop. Larger sizes such as 10 mm² and 16 mm² are used on commercial arrays and combiner box feeds. The installer should size the cable from the string current, the run length and the inverter's input limits.

Connectors and accessories

Panels are joined with solar cable connectors, usually MC4-type plug-and-socket connectors crimped onto the cable with the correct tool. Mixing connector makes or using poor crimps is a leading cause of hot spots and fires on PV systems. A complete quote often also covers DC isolators, combiner boxes, surge protection, UV-resistant cable ties, conduit for roof penetrations, and the AC cable and earthing from the inverter to the DB board.

Solar cable price and installation

Solar cable price depends on the copper price, the cable size, whether you buy 100 m drums or cut lengths, and the quantity. Red and black are usually bought in equal lengths. Solar installations connected to your home's wiring must comply with SANS 10142-1, and grid-tied systems also need municipal or Eskom approval. A registered electrician must sign off the work and issue a COC, so most homeowners buy cable through their installer.

Comparing solar cable prices

Cable prices change with the copper price, size, brand and quantity. When quotes arrive, check:

  • Exact specification: size in mm², cores, conductor, insulation, armour and voltage rating.
  • Quantity: cut length or full drum, and whether the drum deposit is refundable.
  • Standards: SABS-marked cable to the relevant SANS standard, not unmarked imports.
  • Delivery: lead time, delivery to site and offloading of heavy drums.

What to include in your request

  • Cable size (4 mm² or 6 mm²) and length of red and black
  • Number of panels, system size and inverter model if known
  • Whether you also need connectors, isolators and combiner boxes
  • Supply only or supply through a registered solar installer
  • Your suburb, roof type and when you need the material

Frequently asked questions

Can I use normal house wire for solar panels?
No. House wire and surfix are not rated for high DC voltages or years of direct sun, and the insulation breaks down. Use proper double-insulated, UV-resistant PV cable between the panels and the inverter.
Should I use 4mm or 6mm solar cable?
4 mm² suits most short residential string runs. 6 mm² is better for longer runs and higher currents because it reduces voltage drop and heat. Your installer should calculate the size from the string current, length and inverter specifications.
How much solar cable do I need?
Measure the route from the panels to the inverter, double it for positive and negative, then add extra for bends and connections. Your installer can work out the exact length from the panel layout and inverter position.
Do I need a COC for a solar installation?
Yes. Any solar system connected to your electrical installation must be installed in line with SANS 10142-1 and signed off by a registered electrician, who issues a Certificate of Compliance. Grid-tied systems also need approval from your municipality or Eskom.

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