Support system for solar panels
Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.
1. A collapsible panel support system having a unitarily foldable and unfoldable bi-directional panel support array of intersecting structural members including a first group of lower support joists and a second group of upper panel rails, said first group being rotatably connected to said second group, said collapsible panel support system comprising:
a) a substrate interface framework having longitudinal members configured to extend on a substrate for supporting said panel support system and to at least partially contain at least two said lower support joists;
b) at least one pivoting connector, pivotally attaching one end of at least one said lower support joist to a first end of at least one longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework, facilitating vertical rotation of said bi-directional support array with respect to said substrate interface framework and,
c) a bolt connecting each intersection of said upper panel rails and said lower support joists, and non-conductive washers at each said bolt, between said lower support joists and said upper panel rails.
2. The collapsible panel support system of claim 1 , still further comprising at least one rotation stop located at one of said bolts between coupled lower support joist and upper panel rail, said rotation stop comprising a first flange overlapping a side of said coupled lower support joist, and a second flange overlapping a side of said coupled upper panel rail.
3. The collapsible panel support system of claim 1 , wherein said substrate interface framework comprises at least two of said longitudinal members, each comprising a U-shaped channel.
4. The collapsible panel support system of claim 3 , wherein each longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework further comprises a first pivoting vertical support structure arranged at a second end of said longitudinal member.
5. The collapsible panel support system of claim 4 , wherein each longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework further comprises a second pivoting vertical support located between said first vertical support and said pivoting connector.
6. The collapsible panel support system of claim 5 , wherein said second vertical support is located in an off-center position between said pivoting connector and said first vertical support, along said lower support joist.
7. The collapsible panel support system of claim 6 , wherein each longitudinal member further comprises a pivoting extension leg at said second end of said longitudinal member.
8. The collapsible panel support system of claim 7 , wherein each longitudinal member further comprises a second extension leg at said first end of said longitudinal member.
9. The collapsible panel support system of claim 6 , further comprising at least one lateral support member adapted to connect to adjacent substrate interface frameworks.
10. A collapsible panel support system having a unitarily foldable and unfoldable bi-directional panel support array of intersecting structural members including a first group of lower support joists and a second group of upper panel rails, said first group being rotatably connected to said second group, said collapsible panel support system comprising:
a) a substrate interface framework having longitudinal members configured to extend on a substrate for supporting said panel support system and to at least partially contain at least two said lower support joists;
b) at least one pivoting connector, pivotally attaching one end of at least one said lower support joist to a first end of at least one longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework, facilitating vertical rotation of said bi-directional support array with respect to said substrate interface framework;
wherein, said substrate interface framework comprises at least two of said longitudinal members, each comprising a U-shaped channel;
wherein, each longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework further comprises a first pivoting vertical support structure arranged at a second end of said longitudinal member;
wherein, each longitudinal member of said substrate interface framework further comprises a second pivoting vertical support located between said first vertical support and said pivoting connector;
wherein, said second vertical support is located in an off-center position between said pivoting connector and said first vertical support, along said lower support joist; and,
c) at least one lateral support member adapted to connect to adjacent substrate interface frameworks.