I have heard mixed reviews on whether the outside AC unit should be shaded and/or covered.

I live in FL and twice we have had to have wires replaced because they were completely rotted by the sun and then got too hot and blown a fuse.

Currently our unit is on the eastside of the house and there is no shade that covers it from the beating sun.

I have been told that covering the unit (building a shade canopy) will make it last longer as the sun's direct contact decreases the life of the outside unit.
I understand that there needs to be enough room on the sides and the top to allow for proper airflow.

Any comments about this? Everything I read online has more to do with shading the surrounding air to increase efficiency but not really to increase longevity by keeping it out of the sun.

Your replies/thoughts are greatly appreciated! :)

Sorry, I meant it is on the westside (not sure if this makes a difference of not).

Actually all A/C units are designed to run with or without direct sunlight. The problem with shading is it is possible the air discharged from the unit will be recirculated and that is a BIG problem. My unit has sat in the sun since 1978 with no ill effects except I have to paint the unit a couple of times.

If the correct wire cable/cable cover was used the sun will have NO effect on it since it is sunlight approved material.