SOLAR STRING ASSEMBLY PROCESS

1 . A process for pre-assembly of a solar panel string for a solar canopy, the process comprising:

(a) aligning two solar panel support channels substantially parallel in a substantially planar pre-assembly tool, wherein the pre-assembly tool has two solar panel support channels guides for receiving and aligning the two solar panel support channels substantially parallel to one another;

(b) aligning a plurality of solar panels on top of the two solar panel support channels near opposing edges of each solar panel; and

(c) attaching the plurality of solar panels to the two solar panel support channels, thereby forming a solar panel string assembly.

2 . The process of claim 1 wherein the pre-assembly tool is configured to provide working space beneath it sufficient for making electrical connections and attaching electrical components.

3 . The process of claim 2 wherein the pre-assembly tool is configured to provide working space beneath it sufficient for making electrical connections and attaching electrical components by tilting the substantially planar pre-assembly tool.

4 . The process of claim 1 , wherein the solar panel string assembly lay parallel with the ground surface for loading on a truck for transportation to the job site.

5 . The process described in claim 1 , further comprising electrically connecting the plurality of solar panels to one another in series.

6 . The process described in claim 1 , further comprising attaching a direct current to alternating current inverter to the solar panel support channel and electrically connecting the inverter to the plurality of solar panels.

7 . The process described in claim 1 , wherein the solar panel support channels are “Z”-channels.

8 . The process described in claim 1 , wherein the solar panel support channels are “C”-channels.

9 . The process described in claim 1 , wherein the solar panel support channels comprises integral alignment tabs for the solar panels on the solar panel support channels.

10 . The process described in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of solar panels is from about 4 to about 20 solar panels.

11 . The process described in claim 1 , further comprising manufacturing the solar panel support channel at a solar canopy construction site using rolled sheet metal form extrusion.

12 . The process described in claim 1 , further comprising attaching an eye bolt to the solar panel string assembly for lifting the solar panel string assembly during construction.

13 . The process described in claim 1 , further comprising lifting the solar panel string assembly during construction via suction cups attached to at least on of the solar panels in the solar panel string assembly.

14 . The process described in claim 1 , wherein the solar panel support channel is attached to the plurality of solar panels via an attachment means selected from gluing, riveting, bolting, welding or mixtures thereof.

15 . A machine for pre-assembly of a solar panel string for a solar canopy, the machine comprising:

(a) a substantially planar base component, sufficiently long to hold a plurality of solar panels;

(b) two substantially parallel solar panel support channels guides attached to a top portion of the base component and extending from one end to an opposing end of the base component, each configured and adapted for receiving and aligning a solar panel support channel;

(c) a void in a center portion of the base component between the two support channel guides to provide a working space for electrical connections and components at the bottom of the solar panels.