Methods and devices for alignment and joining large components

A panel alignment and assembly apparatus comprising:

• a fixturing structure comprising a plurality of support towers and at least one alignment tower wherein the at least one alignment tower comprises a constraint system configured to constrain and align a plurality of panels;
• a joining device and the at least one alignment tower disposed within a joining area;
• a rail disposed on the fixturing structure at a set height and configured to circumscribe the joining area;
• a plurality of carts coupled to the rail and configured to translate along the rail;
• a plurality of brackets, wherein each bracket is configured to couple to one of the plurality of panels and a cart, and to align the coupled panel relative to the joining device when the coupled panel hangs from the bracket,
• wherein the constraint system comprises a plurality of clamps including at least one upper clamp disposed on an upper portion of the alignment tower and at least one lower clamp disposed on a lower portion of the alignment tower and wherein the at least one upper clamp and the at least one lower clamp are configured to align and secure one of the plurality of panels therebetween.