Support system for solar panels with modified joists

Abstract

A foldable, bi-directional, two-tier panel support system includes a wide variety of different configurations both for the lower support joists and the upper panel rails. The overall array is provided with additional strength through the use of various diagonal and lateral supports running between adjacent upper panel rails. Additional panel loads can be accommodated by extended longitudinal beams on tilt brackets, and additional bracing attached thereto.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A support system for an array of parallel panels, said support system including a vertical tilt brackets supported by an underlying substrate, and a foldable support array, said foldable support array comprising:
 a) a connection interface for each said vertical tilt bracket supporting at least two upper panel rails at connection points; and,   b) at least two diagonal supports arranged between adjacent said upper panel rails, wherein said upper panel rails are parallel to each other in a deployed position, and said foldable array is collapsible so that said upper panel rails and at least one of said diagonal supports are substantially aligned in a package suitable for motor road transport.   
     
     
         2 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method of installing a foldable support array of upper panel rails and diagonal supports to support an array of parallel panels using on-site vertical tilt brackets, where said bi-level support array is folded so that all elements are substantially aligned in a package suitable for motor road transport, said method comprising the steps of:
 a) unfolding said support array and attaching to said on-site vertical tilt brackets; and,   b) attaching diagonal supports between adjacent upper support rails.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising the steps of:
 c) attaching panels to said upper panel rails by screws passing through panel frames and into said upper panel rails.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of:
 d) attaching auxiliary diagonal braces between at least one said vertical tilt bracket and at least one said upper panel rail.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of:
 e) attaching perpendicular lateral supports between two adjacent upper panel rails.   
     
     
         14 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said foldable support array further comprises lower support joists, said lower support joists are rotatably connected to said upper panel rails to be unitarily foldable so that said upper panel rails and said lower support joists are substantially aligned with each other in a folded position in a package suitable for motor road transport, and said upper panel rails and said lower support joists are substantially perpendicular to each other in a bi-level deployed position when mounted on said vertical tilt brackets. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein adjacent said diagonal supports are slanted in opposite directions when connected between adjacent upper panel rails. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein at least two pairs of panel rails are connected to each said vertical tilt bracket. 
     
     
         19 . The support system of  claim 1 , further comprising steel bearing washers at intersections between said diagonal supports and said upper panel rails. 
     
     
         20 . The support system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least two diagonal supports are aligned opposite each other. 
     
     
         21 . The support system of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 c) at least one auxiliary diagonal support arranged from at least one said upper panel rail to at least one said vertical tilt bracket.   
     
     
         22 . The support system of  claim 21 , wherein said foldable support array comprises two sets of two interconnected panel rails. 
     
     
         23 . The support system of  claim 20 , wherein said vertical tilt bracket comprises a C-channel, and at least one of said upper panel rails comprises two substantially parallel members connected by a median connecting member. 
     
     
         24 . The support system of  claim 20 , wherein said foldable support array further comprises lower support joists rotatably connected to said upper panel rails and said foldable support array is collapsible, so that said upper panel rails, said lower support joists and at least one of said diagonal supports are substantially aligned in a package suitable for motor road transport, and further wherein said upper panel rails and said lower support joists are substantially perpendicular to each other in a bi-level deployed position mounted on said vertical tilt brackets. 
     
     
         25 . The support system of  claim 24 , further comprising steel bearing washers between said upper panel rails and said lower support joists at intersections therebetween. 
     
     
         26 . The support system of  claim 25 , wherein said connection interface comprises an elongated longitudinal beam extending along an upper portion of said vertical tilt bracket. 
     
     
         27 . The support system of  claim 26 , further comprising an arcuate support extending from said vertical tilt bracket to said extended longitudinal beam. 
     
     
         28 . The support system of  claim 25 , wherein said upper panel rails, said lower support joists, and said diagonal supports are steel.