PV wire is the single conductor cable that runs between your solar panels and the charge controller. Its jacket uses cross-linked polyethylene, usually labeled XLPE insulation, which stands up to sun, rain, and heat in a way house wiring does not, giving it real uv protection and moisture resistance outdoors. THHN wire is the usual substitute, but it is made for conduit indoors and is not rated for exposed solar. PV wire also holds a higher voltage rating, which is important for ungrounded photovoltaic power systems where neither conductor is connected to ground.

Most residential and small commercial arrays use 10 AWG, which carries 30 amps or more and matches the input rating on most charge controllers. Larger strings or very long runs may call for a heavier gauge to hold voltage drop down. Check the array’s current against the national electrical code ampacity tables, then add margin for the run length.

Match the ends to the equipment on each side. MC4 compatible ends mate to standard panel leads. Lugged ends land on a terminal block or a battery post. Cut ends let you add your own connector on site. Our listings call out male and female ends separately, since a run usually needs one of each. A branch connector handles the parallel wiring on top of that.

Wire carrying a use-2 wire rating is approved for direct burial, which is what makes it common on ground mount arrays. Confirm the rating printed on the jacket before you bury anything, and follow NEC burial depth requirements and your local code. For runs inside a building, most jurisdictions want the wire in conduit regardless of its rating.

Our wires are stranded copper. Aluminum PV wire exists and costs less per foot, but it needs a larger gauge for the same ampacity and different terminations, which makes it uncommon on residential and small commercial jobs. Copper PV wire carries more current in a smaller diameter and is what nearly every MC4 connector is built to accept.