10 AWG Solar PV Cable, Bulk 500Ft Spool of 103 Strand Red or Black XLP PV Wire, RHW-2 and USE-2 Applications

Why Choose 10 AWG PV Wire for Your Solar Installation?

Every solar installation depends on the wire connecting panels to the rest of the system. The DC circuits between your solar modules, combiners, disconnects, and inverters require cable that can handle continuous sun exposure, extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct burial — conditions that would destroy standard building wire within months. Using the wrong cable on a solar project does not just risk equipment damage; it creates code violations that will fail inspection under NEC Article 690.

PV wire is purpose-built for photovoltaic systems. Unlike standard THWN building wire, PV cable features cross-linked polyethylene (XLP) insulation that resists UV degradation, extreme heat, moisture, gasoline, and oil. It is rated for exposed outdoor installation without conduit, direct burial without additional protection, and operation in wet or dry locations at temperatures from -40°C to 90°C. For residential and commercial solar projects, 10 AWG is one of the most commonly specified conductor sizes, offering the right balance of current capacity, flexibility, and cost for typical string runs from rooftop or ground-mount arrays.

This 10 AWG Solar PV Cable from Current Connected is a Type XLP photovoltaic wire sold in a 500-foot spool, available in red or black. It is UL 4703 listed and suitable for use as RHW-2 (per UL 44) or USE-2 (per UL 854), making it code-compliant for virtually any residential or commercial solar DC circuit application. Having both color options in stock allows installers to maintain proper polarity identification throughout the system, a requirement that simplifies troubleshooting and keeps inspections moving.

Built for the Demands of Solar DC Circuits

This cable uses a 103-strand soft-drawn bare copper conductor, providing significantly more flexibility than 7-strand alternatives. That higher strand count makes a real difference during installation — the cable bends more easily around corners, pulls through conduit with less friction, and terminates more cleanly in MC4 connectors and combiner box lugs. For rooftop work where installers are routing wire along rails and through tight spaces near module frames, a flexible conductor reduces installation time and fatigue.

The cross-linked polyethylene (XLP) insulation provides superior mechanical and environmental protection compared to standard thermoplastic insulation types. XLP insulation does not soften at high temperatures, resists cracking in cold weather, and will not degrade under prolonged ultraviolet exposure. The outer diameter of 0.26 inches (6.6mm) is compatible with standard MC4 connector cable glands and PV wire entry fittings.

Ampacity and Circuit Sizing

At its 90°C wet/dry insulation rating, 10 AWG PV wire carries up to 40 amps of allowable ampacity, though we recommend sizing it for no more than 30 amps continuous current. Per NEC 690.8, PV source and output circuit conductors must be sized for 125% of the maximum circuit current, so this cable supports system designs with maximum short-circuit currents up to 32 amps before derating.

Keep in mind that real-world ampacity depends on installation conditions. When multiple conductors share a conduit, or when rooftop ambient temperatures drive the conductor operating temperature higher, NEC 310.15 correction and adjustment factors apply. In conduit exposed to direct sunlight on a dark rooftop in summer, actual available ampacity can drop well below the 40-amp base rating. Always calculate adjusted ampacity for your specific installation conditions to ensure code compliance and safe operation.

Voltage Rating and System Compatibility

This cable carries a 600VDC rating, which covers the vast majority of residential solar installations and many commercial systems. Under NEC 690.7, residential PV systems are limited to 600VDC maximum, making this cable fully rated for any code-compliant residential string configuration. For commercial systems operating above 600VDC and up to 1000VDC or beyond, a 2000V-rated PV wire would be required instead.

The 600VDC rating also means this wire is appropriate for use in battery-based systems where DC conductors connect charge controllers, battery banks, and inverters operating within the 600-volt range.

Certifications and Code Compliance

This PV cable meets the certifications and listings that inspectors and AHJs look for on every solar project:

• UL 4703 listed — Photovoltaic Wire
• Suitable for use as RHW-2 per UL 44
• Suitable for use as USE-2 per UL 854
• Sunlight resistant
• Suitable for direct burial
• VW-1 flame rated
• Rated 90°C wet or dry, cold temperature rated to -40°C

The dual RHW-2 / USE-2 listing means this single cable type can be used above grade in raceways and conduit (as RHW-2) as well as underground in direct burial applications (as USE-2), reducing the number of cable types an installer needs to stock on the truck.

Installation Versatility

Because of its combined PV, RHW-2, and USE-2 ratings, this cable is approved for use in a wide range of installation methods required across different solar project types:

• Exposed outdoor runs secured along array racking and module frames
• In conduit or raceway for rooftop and ground-mount systems
• In cable tray for commercial and industrial arrays
• Direct burial for underground runs between ground-mount arrays and inverter locations
• Wet locations including outdoor junction boxes, combiner enclosures, and areas subject to weather exposure

This eliminates the need to transition between different wire types at different points in the system, simplifying material procurement and reducing potential failure points at splice locations.

Bulk 500-Foot Spool

The 500-foot spool provides enough cable for most residential solar installations and multiple small commercial string runs. Buying in bulk reduces per-foot cost compared to cut-to-length purchasing and ensures you have continuous, uninterrupted lengths for long home runs without splices. Spools may ship on either wood or plastic reels depending on availability; the cable itself is identical regardless of spool type.