Patent ID: 8667748

Claim:
A collapsible photovoltaic module mounting assembly framework comprising: at least two substantially parallel supporting beams; and at least two substantially parallel photovoltaic module rails, wherein each photovoltaic module rail comprises: a top plate having a first top surface and a first bottom surface opposite the first top surface, wherein the first bottom surface faces the at least two supporting beams: a mounting structure having a second top surface and a second bottom surface opposite the second top surface, wherein the second top surface is configured to contact a photovoltaic module; and a side edge extending upward from the first top surface to the second bottom surface, adjacent to the top plate and the mounting structure; wherein each photovoltaic module rail is pivotally connected to the at least two supporting beams such that the photovoltaic module rails are configured to be moved from a position substantially oblique to the at least two supporting beams to a position substantially perpendicular to the at least two supporting beams; wherein each supporting beam comprises a top plate having a first end, a second end, a first side edge, and a second side edge; a first substantially J-shaped side wall extending perpendicularly from the top plate and adjacent to the first side edge; and a second substantially J-shaped side wall extending perpendicularly from the top plate and adjacent to the second side edge.