Snake Tray, inventor of the revolutionary cable management system for high ampacity DC cables at utility-grade solar plants, is excited to introduce a new addition to its growing catalog of above ground cable conveyance solutions: the Solar Snake Max ™ – Single Messenger Wire.

This new single messenger wire system was developed for use in situations where the benefits of Snake Tray’s proven Dual Messenger Wire or Hard Rail Solar Snake Max systems are desired, but only a single messenger wire is needed to handle lighter cable loads. The most popular use is managing string cables along the rows of solar panels that extend to the edge of the plant.

Competitive single messenger wire systems allow cables to come too close to each other, touch, or even purposely bundle cables together. This impedes air flow and results in the loss of thousands of watts of clean billable energy every day due to conversion of electrons into heat from friction buildup along cable runs. The Solar Snake Max Single Messenger Wire is the only system that completely separates cables by no less than one cable diameter for the duration of every run, allowing for best-in-class heat dissipation and air flow around insulated conductors for maximum energy throughput.

Optimized for the Edge

In designing a version optimized to handle DC feeder cables, data, and AC power lines extending to the edge of solar panel arrays, Snake Tray made several improvements to the original Solar Snake Max that impact ease of installation, flexibility, and cost while maintaining NEC 310.15 code compliant separation for cables up to 1250 Kcmil:

• Fewer parts. The system consists of a single type of bracket called a “click” that securely holds four cables in place, and a single wire bridle centered for balance. That’s it! There are no tops, middles, bottoms, or side pieces to attach; no size-specific components for different diameter cables. Having just two part numbers facilitates procurement, speeds installation, and streamlines inventory control. There can be no mistakes or confusion for installers, as there are only two parts that properly connect in one way.
• Simple installation. No tools needed. Simply hang the bridle over the messenger wire and snap clicks together from the bottom-up to create tiers of cables. Further, the system offers tool-free click separation as well, making inspection and maintenance easier than ever.
• Adjustable and flexible. The clicks are fully adjustable for small bundles of 10 AWG wires all the way up to 1250 Kcmil cables. After each layer of cables is laid, simply push the next click down the bridle until it interlocks with the click below. A “zip tie”-type rachet connection securely clamps the cable in each pocket. This also provides the flexibility to run different cable diameters in each tier, helps prevent sagging, and facilitates voltage step-ups and drop-downs.
• Expandable and versatile. The system is very elastic. The only limit on the number of cable tiers is the minimum height the customer requires between the bottom row of clicks and the ground. Snake Tray then manufactures and supplies the wire bridles at the proper length given the height of the messenger wire to handle the maximum number of clicks for each project. Moreover, since each tier is separate, the system can carry both AC and DC cables in the same run.

The Benefits of Free Air Cable Conveyance at the Edge

Envision your solar plant as a tree with the Hard Rail Solar Snake Max as the roots, the Dual Messenger Wire system as the trunk, and the Single Messenger Wire system as the branches. The Solar Snake Max Single Messenger Wire system delivers all the benefits of the proven dual wire and hard rail versions in a form factor optimized for smaller and more varied cable loads.

• No digging. Eliminating trenching, burying, and backfilling cables removes a considerable amount of time and effort, creating significant savings in labor and equipment costs while bringing projects online faster. Above ground conveyance also minimizes ground disturbance to ease potential environmental concerns, and avoids the mess and delays caused by weather and hidden obstacles. Solar Snake Max quickly installs over any type of terrain.
• No bundle or raceway de-rate. Free air cable conveyance allows for the use of smaller ampacity DC cables up to their full capacity, saving up to 40% in the cost of conductive materials (aluminum or copper) for every project – more than enough to pay for the Solar Snake Max system!
• Uniform separation. Maintains NEC 310.15 code compliant cable separation for the entire run, which can yield up to 30-watt hours per meter more energy than bundled or trenched cables, increasing revenues and ROI.
• No tools required – ever. Easily snap together components for long cable runs to the edge without need for tools or field fabrication. Save on labor costs by using fewer skilled installers to complete jobs in less time. Again, not only does the design of the Single Messenger Wire system offer tool-free installation, but it also supports click separation by hand.
• Visibility and durability. Above ground conveyance allows for easy inspection and access to the entire cable plant, dramatically reducing operating and maintenance costs. Snake Tray clicks are manufactured from UV and temperature-resistant polycarbonate materials, making them impervious to heat and outdoor exposure to the elements. Cables will fail before the Solar Snake Max system!

Above Ground Cable Conveyance from End to End

Solar Snake Max Single Messenger Wire puts more money in the pockets of solar utility owners and investors. Faster installation timelines enable sites to be operational and revenue-producing sooner. Project build-out costs for labor and materials are greatly reduced while harvesting up to 30 watt-hours more per meter every day. That’s a win-win. That’s the power of Snake Tray!

Reception has been so positive to this extension of the Solar Snake Max family that Snake Tray has submitted the Solar Snake Max Single Messenger Wire for consideration in Solar Power World’s 2024 Top Products Contest. We’ll keep you posted!

The Single Messenger Wire system joins the Dual Messenger Wire, Hard Rail, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) versions to round out the Solar Snake Max family with free air cable conveyance solutions optimized for every part of the solar power delivery chain. Contact us today to learn how Snake Tray can help maximize your renewable energy production and throughput from edge to trunk.