Patent ID: 8650812

Claim:
A method of assembling a two tier support system for an array of solar panels in columns and rows, comprising the steps of: a) assembling at a first location a bi-directional span by attaching support members including lower support joists and upper panel rails using a plurality of attachment fasteners, wherein the assembling includes pivotally connecting at least two of said lower support joists, at longitudinally spaced locations relative to each other, to said upper panel rails; b) folding the assembled bi-directional span as a unit by pivoting said upper panel rails relative to the connected lower support joists about said attachment fasteners, wherein all the upper panel rails are pivoted toward the lower support joists and the span is unitarily compacted for storage and shipping by a motorized road transport vehicle, and wherein said compacted span is adapted for subsequent unitary unfolding; c) shipping the assembled and folded bi-directional span to a second location by said motorized road transport vehicle for removal and installation, said installation further comprising the substeps of: i) at said second location, unitarily unfolding the bi-directional span; ii) securing the bi-directional span to a substrate support interface; and, iii) attaching at least one a solar panel to said bi-directional span at an upper wall of one of the upper panel rails, wherein said upper panel rail has an enhanced structural configuration to strengthen connection of said at least one solar panel using at least one panel attachment member, said enhanced structural configuration comprises a thickened area and an aperture at said upper wall of said upper panel rail.