TEMCo 10 AWG Solar Cable 80 ft Black - Durable XLPE, Direct Burial

In this review the TEMCo 10 AWG solar cable is examined for installers and DIY solar enthusiasts who need a reliable, weatherproof DC run. The bottom line: this cable is best for anyone who wants a thick, UL rated conductor that reduces power loss on PV strings and stands up to outdoor exposure. The review focuses on real-use attributes like insulation, temperature range and ratings to show why this cable is a practical choice for solar arrays, battery connections and inverter wiring.

Key Features

• Made in the USA: Provides domestic manufacturing traceability and consistent quality control for installers who prefer US-sourced components.
• Bare copper conductor: A full copper core minimizes resistance and helps reduce voltage drop on longer DC runs.
• XLPE insulation: Cross linked polyethylene resists heat and aging, making the cable suitable for prolonged sunlight exposure and high ambient temperatures.
• Wide temperature range: Rated from -40C to 90C, it can withstand cold nights and hot midday conditions without rapid degradation.
• Multiple UL and compliance ratings: UL 4703, 44 and 854 rated and RoHS compliant for trusted safety and environmental standards in solar and DC applications.
• Direct burial and UV resistant: Sunlight resistant jacket and burial rating allow flexible routing options without extra conduit in many installations.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at solar installers, hobbyists and system builders who need a robust 10 AWG conductor for panel-to-combine, inverter input or battery interconnects and want a product rated for outdoor, buried and high-temperature use. Its UL 4703 and direct burial ratings make it appropriate for rooftop arrays and ground-mounted systems where exposure and mechanical stress are factors.

It is less appropriate for tiny micro projects that require finer wire or for AC mains wiring where different conductors and approvals are needed. If space is extremely limited and a thinner conductor is essential, a different gauge would be more suitable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thick bare copper conductor reduces voltage drop and supports up to the UL 40A rating when used per specifications.
• XLPE insulation and UV resistance increase durability in direct sunlight and buried conditions.
• Multiple UL ratings and RoHS compliance provide confidence in safety and regulatory adherence.

Cons

• The 10 AWG size and heavy-duty jacket make the cable less flexible for very tight conduit runs or densely packed cable trays.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The TEMCo 10 AWG solar cable is a practical choice for anyone wiring small to medium PV arrays or battery systems who needs a durable, low-loss DC conductor. Its XLPE jacket, direct burial and UL ratings deliver real value by reducing replacement risk and improving long-term performance, making it worth the investment for permanent outdoor installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable rated for direct burial?
Yes. The jacket is sunlight resistant and the cable is direct burial rated for underground runs without additional conduit when local codes allow.

What is the ampacity or maximum current for 10 AWG in this cable?
10 AWG is UL rated for 40A in the context of this solar cable; follow system design rules and temperature derating for continuous DC runs.

Can this cable be used for inverter to battery connections?
Yes. It is suitable for DC circuits including inverter and battery wiring, provided ampacity and length are appropriate for your installation.