What size solar cable do I need between my solar panels and inverter?

6mm solar cable is the standard size for most residential rooftop solar systems in South Africa. It carries up to approximately 50A on a DC string run of up to 30 metres with acceptable voltage drop. For longer runs or higher-current arrays, 10mm cable reduces voltage drop further. SP-Energy stocks 6mm solar panel wire in red for the positive run and black for the negative run, both rated for 1000VDC outdoor use.

What is the difference between solar cable and battery cable?

Solar cable is a single-core, UV-stabilised cable rated for high DC voltages up to 1000VDC. It connects solar panels to combiner boxes and inverter inputs. Battery cable is a highly flexible, multi-strand cable rated for the very high currents between a battery bank and an inverter, where voltage is low but current is high. SP-Energy stocks 6mm solar panel wire for panel-to-inverter runs and 35mm grey battery cable for battery-to-inverter runs.

What length battery cable do I need?

Measure the cable path from your battery positive terminal to the inverter positive input, following the route the cable will take along walls and through conduit. Add 10% for routing curves and terminal connections. SP-Energy stocks pre-cut battery cables in six lengths: 150mm, 250mm, 450mm, 600mm, 1000mm, and 1500mm. For custom lengths, the Crimp Cable Lug 35mm2 x M8 can terminate any length of 35mm battery cable that you cut to size.

Why does battery cable need to be 35mm when solar cable is only 6mm?

Solar cable carries high voltage at relatively low current per string — a typical 450W panel produces around 10A at 45V. Battery cable carries low voltage at very high current — a 5kW inverter on a 48V battery draws over 100A at full load. Current, not voltage, determines cable cross-section. A 6mm cable cannot safely carry 100A DC. A 35mm cable is the minimum safe cross-section for battery-to-inverter runs on 5kW to 8kW systems.

Can I use solar cables and connectors to protect my home during outages?

Cables and connectors do not affect whether the system operates during an outage. They do determine whether the system wiring is safe and performs efficiently over time. Undersized solar cable causes voltage drop that reduces daily energy yield. Poorly terminated battery cable connections cause resistance heating that degrades inverter terminals over years of daily cycling. Correct cable sizing and proper MC4 and Anderson plug connections are what keep the system performing reliably through years of daily use.

Where can I buy solar cables and connectors in South Africa?

SP-Energy stocks 6mm solar panel wire, 35mm battery cables, MC4 connectors, Y branch connectors, Anderson plugs, and crimp cable lugs at 7 warehouses nationwide. Collection is available in Vanderbijlpark and Cape Town. Order online for delivery to all provinces in 2-5 working days. Browse the subcategories for the full range: Cables, Solar Connectors, and Anderson Plugs.

Cables & Connectors

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Solar Panel Wire 6mm Red
R18.00 incl VAT
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Solar Panel Wire 6mm Black
R18.00 incl VAT
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Anderson Plug – 50A Grey
R50.00 incl VAT
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Anderson Plug – 50A Red
R50.00 incl VAT
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MC4 Connector
R25.00 incl VAT
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MC4 2-1 Y Branch Connector
R140.00 incl VAT
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MC4 3-1 Y Branch Connector
R180.00 incl VAT
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Mini Anderson Plug to PV Connector
R250.00 incl VAT
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Crimp Cable Lug 35mm2 x M8
R7.00 incl VAT
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150mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable
R70.00 incl VAT
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250mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable
R100.00 incl VAT
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450mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable
R150.00 incl VAT
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600mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable
R200.00 incl VAT
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1000mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable
R250.00 incl VAT
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1500mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable
R300.00 incl VAT
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End of content

Shop PV cable, MC4 connectors, and wiring tools from SP-Energy. Get neat, safe solar wiring with UV-rated ties, glands, conduit parts, and clear labels. Order online for fast delivery across South Africa, or collect from your nearest branch.

Cables & Connectors

Solar Panel Wire 6mm Red

Solar Panel Wire 6mm Black

Anderson Plug – 50A Grey

Anderson Plug – 50A Red

MC4 Connector

MC4 2-1 Y Branch Connector

MC4 3-1 Y Branch Connector

Mini Anderson Plug to PV Connector

Crimp Cable Lug 35mm2 x M8

150mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable

250mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable

450mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable

600mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable

1000mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable

1500mm Long, 35mm Grey Battery Cable

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