Solar module array pre-assembly method and apparatus

An apparatus for pre-assembly of an electrically connected array of solar panels for a solar canopy comprising:

• (a) a base member horizontally disposed for supporting other elements;
• (b) a support member having attached along one side portion of the support member to the base member and an opposing side portion disposed away from the base member for aligning side-by-side a plurality of solar panels with a bottom portion of the solar panels exposed;
• and
• (c) an arm member attached at one longitudinal end portion proximate to the side portion of the support member attached to the base member and configured and adapted for removably attaching at least two solar panel support channels.

An apparatus for pre-assembly of an electrically connected array of solar panels for a solar canopy comprising:

• (a) a substantially planar base member for resting on a horizontal surface,
• (b) a substantially planar support member for horizontally aligning side-by-side and horizontally supporting a plurality of solar panels when a photo-voltaic cell side of the solar panels rests against the support member, wherein a bottom portion of the support member is integral with the base member or fixed attached to the base member, and the support member extends upward from the planar base member;
• (c) a track member disposed proximate a bottom portion of the support member attached to or integral with the support member or base member for vertically aligning side-by-side and vertically supporting a plurality of solar panels when a side edge portion of the solar panels rests on the track member;
• and
• (d) at least two arm members, each having a free end and an attached end, the attached ends pivotally attached proximate to opposing ends of the base member or support member and each arm members having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base member and support member and extending outward from the base member and support member, and configured to pivot in a vertical plane from a position substantially parallel to the ground upward to a position substantially parallel to parallel to the plane of the support member, wherein upon pivoting in one direction the free end moves closer towards the support member and pivoting in the other direction the free end moves away from the support member, the arm members being configured and adapted for removably attaching at least two solar panel support channels.