Dispensing hopper and presentation system for overhead installation of solar panels for a solar tracking system

A robotic solar panel presentation system facilitating installation of solar panels into a panel retention system of a panel support assembly, the solar panel presentation system, comprising:

• a solar panel dispensing hopper comprising:
• a hopper enclosure operable to receive and support one or more solar panels, the hopper enclosure comprising an exit opening sized and configured to permit passage of a lead solar panel of the one or more solar panels therethrough;
• and
• a dispensing system supported at least in part within the hopper enclosure, the dispensing system comprising a panel acquisition and placement system comprising at least one moveable arm, wherein the panel acquisition and placement system is operable to acquire and manipulate the lead solar panel into an overhead installation position relative to the panel retention system, and to facilitate placement of the lead solar panel into an installed position within the panel retention system;
• and
• a control system associated with the solar panel dispensing hopper, and comprising one or more processors and memory operable to control the panel acquisition and placement system.

A solar panel dispensing hopper facilitating installation of solar panels into a panel retention system of a panel support assembly, the solar panel dispensing hopper comprising:

• a hopper enclosure operable to receive and support one or more solar panels within an interior volume, the hopper enclosure comprising an exit opening sized and configured to permit passage of a lead solar panel of the one or more solar panels therethrough;
• and
• a dispensing system supported at least in part within the hopper enclosure, the dispensing system comprising a panel feed system comprising:
• a platform supported within the hopper enclosure and comprising an upper surface, the platform being operable to receive and support the one or more solar panels thereon;
• and
• a lift mechanism coupled to the platform and associated with an actuator, the lift mechanism being actuatable to displace the platform and the one or more solar panels within the hopper enclosure.