Panel installation apparatus and method

A panel installation apparatus cooperable with an aerial work platform of a lift vehicle for installation of panels on a surface, the aerial work platform being raised and lowered by the lift vehicle, the panel installation apparatus comprising:

• a trolley movable on at least one rail supported by the aerial work platform of the lift vehicle between a displaced position spaced from the surface and an engaged position adjacent the surface, the trolley being sized to support a panel to be installed, wherein the at least one rail is substantially perpendicular to the surface such that the trolley is movable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the surface;
• and
• at least one mounting unit fixed to the aerial work platform via a mounting unit frame and pivotable between a receiving position adjacent and below the panel supported on the trolley in the engaged position and substantially perpendicular to the surface and an installing position adjacent and substantially parallel to the surface and at least partially above the trolley, the mounting unit including at least one fixing unit selectively attachable to the panel,
• wherein the trolley is movable relative to and independent of the mounting unit, and wherein the trolley is spaced from the mounting unit in the displaced position and adjacent the mounting unit in the engaged position.