Abstract: The solar canopy support system has at least two beam support columns. Each beam support column has a first end connected to a ground surface and extends substantially vertically along a longitudinal axis from the first end to a second end. There is also a “C”-channel support beam connected at the second end of each beam support column. The “C”-channel support beam includes a longitudinal axis within about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees of perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each beam support column. There are also two or more “C”-channels. Each “C”-channel has a first end connected to an upper portion of one “C”-channel support beam and has a second end connected to an upper portion of another “C”-channel support beam. Each “C”-channel includes a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each “C”-channel support beam; at least one solar power array connected on an upper portion of at least two “C”-channels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for pre-assembly of a solar panel string for a solar canopy, the process comprising aligning a plurality of solar panels onto an edge conveyor, wherein belts of the edge conveyor contact and support the bottom of the plurality of solar panels at opposite longitudinal ends of each solar panel and aligning a solar panel support channel below the plurality of solar panels; and attaching the solar panel support channel to the plurality of solar panels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for manufacture of a solar panel string assembly for a solar canopy including: horizontally aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; applying an adhesive with a robotic tool to an upper portion of the solar panel support channels, the robotic tool comprising a fixed track aligned parallel with the two solar panel support channels, a robotic arm assembly movably supported by the track, a positioning member for adjusting the position of the robotic arm assembly along the track, and wherein the robotic arm comprises an adhesive applicator and a vacuum lift component; and lifting with the vacuum lift component of the robot arm assembly of the robotic tool and aligning a solar panel on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of the solar panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for pre-assembly of a solar panel string for a solar canopy, the process comprising aligning a plurality of solar panels onto an edge conveyor, wherein belts of the edge conveyor contact and support the bottom of the plurality of solar panels at opposite longitudinal ends of each solar panel and aligning a solar panel support channel below the plurality of solar panels; and attaching the solar panel support channel to the plurality of solar panels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for manufacture of a solar panel string assembly for a solar canopy including: horizontally aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; applying an adhesive with a robotic tool to an upper portion of the solar panel support channels, the robotic tool comprising a fixed track aligned parallel with the two solar panel support channels, a robotic arm assembly movably supported by the track, a positioning member for adjusting the position of the robotic arm assembly along the track, and wherein the robotic arm comprises an adhesive applicator and a vacuum lift component; and lifting with the vacuum lift component of the robot arm assembly of the robotic tool and aligning a solar panel on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of the solar panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel in a substantially planar pre-assembly tool, wherein the pre-assembly tool has two solar panel support channels guides for receiving and aligning the two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another; aligning a plurality of solar panels on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of each solar panel; and attaching the plurality of solar panels to the two solar panel support channels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly.