JPH10308524A - Solar cell module - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide a solar cell module with a design effect without impairing power conversion efficiency. SOLUTION: The disclosed solar cell module 1A includes:
Since the solar cell film 11 having a large number of solar cells is adhered to the surface of the support 12 having a regularly undulating corrugation, if it is attached to a roof or a wall surface, the shine also has undulations (regular changes). The appearance of the building becomes beautiful. Each of the solar cells is formed in a rectangular shape having the same size, and is regularly arranged corresponding to the support 12 which is regularly undulated. Each solar cell having the same direction of the normal line of the light receiving surface is connected in series to form a series circuit, and the plurality of series circuits are connected in parallel. Therefore, the photovoltaic cells to which the light is strongly applied are connected in series with each other, and the photovoltaic cells to which the light is weakly applied are not included therein, so that the internal resistance is not increased and the power extraction is not hindered.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a solar cell module, and more particularly, to a solar cell module in which a plurality of solar cells are arranged on a corrugated or folded plate-shaped support.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, along with the seriousness of global environmental problems and energy depletion problems due to increased consumption of fossil fuels, etc., flat solar cell modules have been installed on roofs of houses and the like, and clean solar cells have been installed. 2. Description of the Related Art A residential photovoltaic power generation system that directly extracts power from energy and supplies the power to a home has attracted attention. By the way, for example,
To mount it on a tiled roof of an existing house, a special stand is required, and there is a sense of incongruity with the surroundings, which is not excellent in aesthetic sense. Therefore, solar cell roof tiles as described in JP-A-60-59728 are often used. As shown in FIG. 18, the solar cell roof tile 101 is formed by directly forming an amorphous silicon solar cell by a gas reaction on the back side of a glass-made corrugated substrate 102 for lighting. In this solar cell tile 101, as shown in the figure, a solar cell 103a, in which a transparent electrode and a back electrode are attached to both sides of a substantially rectangular amorphous silicon layer having a pin junction on the back side of a wavy substrate 102, 103
are formed in a state of being connected in series.

[0003]

However, in the solar cell tile 101 described in the above publication, the solar cell 103
a, 103b,... each have substantially the same area, but when light is received, sunlight enters each solar cell from a different angle. There is a drawback that power cannot be taken out. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the solar cell tiles 101, 101,... Are installed on a south-facing roof, and the solar cell tiles 101 are respectively applied to the solar cell tiles 101 from the east or west.
1, when S2 irradiates, the solar ray S1 is
01, for example, to the light receiving units A, B, and C, the light receiving units B,
C and A are incident at a larger angle in this order. In addition, sunlight S
2 is incident at a larger angle in the order of the light receiving sections A, C, and B.
Therefore, the incident energy to each light receiving unit changes greatly depending on the difference in the incident angle, and also changes due to the movement of the sun. And the output of the entire solar cell tile 101 is:
It decreases due to the variation in internal resistance.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a solar cell module with a design effect without impairing power conversion efficiency.

[0005]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar cell module having a plurality of solar cells arranged on a corrugated or folded plate-shaped support. Of the plurality of solar cells, cells having substantially the same normal direction on the surface are connected in series to form a plurality of series circuits, and these series circuits are
It is characterized by being connected in parallel with each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the solar cell module according to the first aspect, wherein a plurality of solar cells are arranged on a corrugated or folded-plate-shaped support which is regularly undulated. The plurality of solar cells are formed in a substantially rectangular shape having substantially the same size, the long sides thereof are parallel to each other, are sequentially arranged in the short side direction, and correspond to the regular undulation of the support, and are regularly arranged. It is characterized by being arranged in.

The invention according to claim 3 is the solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support is a roofing material.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support is an outer wall material.

[0009]

According to the structure of the present invention, a plurality of series circuits are formed by connecting solar cells having substantially the same normal direction on the surface in series, and these series circuits are connected in parallel. When light is received, sunlight is incident on each of the solar cells at various angles of incidence because the solar cells that have substantially the same incident angle of light rays are connected in series, and the surface has a waveform. Even if there is a difference in received light energy, power extraction is not hindered by variations in internal resistance. On the other hand, since the shape of the surface is corrugated, if it is attached to a roof or a wall surface, the shine will be uneven (regular change), and the appearance of the building will be beautiful.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be specifically made using an embodiment. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a solar cell module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing an enlarged portion D in FIG. 1, and FIG. Is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the structure of the solar cell film of the solar cell module in a partially broken manner, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a solar cell of the solar cell film, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the connection state between the battery cells, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line EE in FIG. 5, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a connection method of a series circuit connected in series, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the solar cell module is mounted on a roof surface, and FIG. 9 is a view taken on line FF of FIG. Cross-sectional view along FIG. 1
0 is a sectional view for explaining the operation of the solar cell module. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the solar cell modules 1A, 1A,... Of this example are used, for example, installed on the roof surface of a house, and the solar cell film 11 has an effect on design. In addition, it is attached to the upper surface plate 121 of the support body 12 having a corrugated shape that undulates regularly. Each of the solar cell modules 1A, 1A,... Has a rectangular planar shape, and in this example, three solar cell modules 1A.
A, 1A, ... are installed on the roof surface so as to be arranged in the flow direction of the roof surface.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the solar cell film 11 has a large number of substantially rectangular solar cells 21 (2).
2 to 26), 21 (22 to 26),... Are arranged on the wiring layer 3 and are further covered with the transparent adhesive 4 so that the transparent adhesive 4—the solar cells 21 to 26—the wiring layer 3 The weather-resistant films 5 and 5 are adhered to both surfaces of the layered laminate. Each solar cell 21 (2
As shown in FIG. 4, the transparent electrode layers 211 (2 to 26) made of tin oxide or indium tin oxide are arranged from the light receiving side.
21 to 261), an amorphous silicon layer 212 (222 to 262) having a pin junction therein, and a back electrode layer 213 (223) made of aluminum or the like in ohmic contact with the amorphous silicon layer 212 (222 to 262).
263) in this order.

The amorphous silicon layer 212 (222 to
262) is the p-type semiconductor layer 21p (2
2p to 26p), i-type (intrinsic) semiconductor layer 21i (22i)
To 26i) and the n-type semiconductor layer 21n (22n to 26n), and free electrons and holes are mainly generated in the i-type semiconductor layer 21i (22i to 26i) by light incidence. Back electrode layer 213 (22
3 to 263) side, transparent electrode layer 211 (221 to 261)
Moving to the side generates an electromotive force. The wiring layer 3 is configured such that the conductors 31, 31,... Constituting the wiring pattern are covered with an insulating layer 32 except for connecting portions. With this wiring layer 3, the solar cells 21 (22 to 26) having the same normal direction of the light receiving surface are connected in series by jump wiring, respectively, and as shown in FIG. Are connected in series.
11F are connected in parallel.

Further, solar cells 21 (22 to 26),
Are regularly arranged in the direction of the short side corresponding to the upper surface plate 121 of the support body 12 having a regularly undulating corrugation, and each of the solar cells 21 (22 to 26). The support members 12 are arranged so that the directions of the normals of the light receiving surfaces are the same between them.
Is attached to the upper surface plate 121. For example, each photovoltaic cell 21 is provided on the top of the top plate 121 with each photovoltaic cell 2
4 is arranged in the valley. When the solar cell modules 1A, 1A, ... are installed on the roof surface, the angle of the light receiving surface of each of the solar cells 21 to 26 with respect to the roof surface is approximately 0 in this example. Each of the solar cells 22, 23, 25, and 26 is set to approximately 30 degrees. However, each of the solar cells 22 and 23 and each of the solar cells 25 and 26 are inclined in opposite directions.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the solar cell film 11 is adhered to the upper plate 121 of the support 12 near the long side edge of the solar cell film 11, each of the solar cells 21- A number of positioning holes 11a, 1 for accurately positioning the upper surface plate 121 at a predetermined position on the upper surface plate 121.
Are provided along the longitudinal direction. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, the support 12 is formed by processing a steel plate into a box shape, and has a sinusoidal cross-sectional top surface 121 to which the solar cell film 11 is attached. And a lower plate 122 having a flat plate shape that is in contact with the roof surface. Also, from both short edges of the lower surface plate 122, insertion holes H1, H1,... For inserting fixing tools used when mounting and fixing the solar cell modules 1A, 1A,.
The mounting flanges 12a provided with are extended. Also, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
, And H3, H3,... And H3, H3,... For inserting the fixtures are provided at predetermined positions near the long side edge of the first and lower plates 122, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 8, the solar cell modules 1A, 1A,...
Installed on the entire south facing roof surface of
As shown in FIG. 9, a base plate 62 such as a structural plywood or a particle board is disposed on the upper surfaces of the rafters 61, 61,..., And a waterproof sheet 63 such as asphalt roofing is laid on the base plate 62. Has become. In addition,
A tile facing the north facing roof surface to which the solar cell modules 1A, 1A,. To install the solar cell modules 1A, 1A,.
As shown in FIG.
, a solar cell module 1A, 1A,... so that the short side is disposed on the wife side.
Is placed. Next, a fixing tool M1 such as a male screw is inserted through each of the insertion holes H1 of the mounting flanges 12a, 12a, and a fixing tool M2 is inserted through each of the insertion holes H2. 61, ...
And each solar cell module 1A is placed and fixed on the roof surface. After this, the solar cell module 1
A, 1A,... Are connected to each other, and
An inverter for converting DC to AC is installed, and the installation of each solar cell module 1A on the roof surface is completed.

As shown in FIG. 10, for example, when the solar ray S enters the solar cell modules 1A, 1A,... Is approximately 30 degrees, each solar cell 21 (22
To α), α2,.
Are the solar cells 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 2
For 60, respectively, 60 degrees, 30 degrees, 30 degrees, and 60 degrees
Degrees, 90 degrees, and 90 degrees. Therefore, at this time, among the light energies received by the respective solar cells 21 (22 to 26), the light energies received by the respective solar cells 25 and 26 are the largest, and the light energies received by the respective solar cells 22 and 23 are the largest. Less. Conversely, when the solar rays enter from the east, the light energy received by each of the solar cells 22 and 23 is the largest, and the light energy received by each of the solar cells 25 and 26 is the smallest. Also, in the middle of the south,
The light energy received by each of the solar cells 21 and 24 is the largest. As described above, each solar cell 21 (22 to 26) exhibiting a relatively high photoelectric conversion efficiency changes depending on the direction of the sun, that is, the time, but each solar cell having the same normal direction of the light receiving surface. Cell 21 (22-26)
Since there is no variation in the received light energy, a decrease in the overall output voltage when the series circuits 11A to 11F are connected in parallel is avoided.

According to the above configuration, when light is received, each of the solar cells 21 (22 to 2) having substantially equal incident light energy.
6) are connected in series to form a series circuit 11A (11B to 11B).
F) is formed and the series circuits 11A to 11F are connected in parallel, so that the surface has a waveform, so that sunlight enters each of the solar cells 21 (22 to 26) at various incident angles, Even if there is a difference in the received light energy,
Power extraction is not hindered by variations in internal resistance. For example, when the solar ray S enters from the west, the solar cells 25 and 26 to which light is strongly applied are connected in series with each other, and the solar cells 21 and 23 to which light is weakly applied are not included. Therefore, the internal resistance does not increase, and therefore, the power extraction is not hindered. On the other hand, since the shape of the surface of the solar cell module 1A is corrugated, if it is mounted on a roof, the shine also rises and falls (regular changes), and the appearance of the building becomes beautiful. In addition, since the solar cell module 1A has a relatively large area and a large number of solar cells in one unit, construction work can be performed easily and quickly. Further, since the lower surface is flat and can be installed on the roof surface as it is, a mounting base is not required, and the performance of rain can be improved. In addition, since all the electrical connections between a large number of solar cells are made in the solar cell module 1A, electrical construction work is facilitated. Furthermore, the amount of electric wiring exposed to the outside can be significantly reduced, so that the durability can be improved.

Second Embodiment FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the structure of a solar cell module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, partially cut away.
FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along line GG of FIG. The difference between the solar cell module 7 of the second embodiment and that of the above-described first embodiment is that, as shown in FIGS. Instead of adhering to the surface of the upper surface 121, the upper surface plate 721 made of a transparent resin plate is adhered to the back surface, and the shape of the upper surface plate 721 is a folded plate. The other points are substantially the same as those of the components of the first embodiment, so that the description thereof will be simplified.

In the solar cell module 7 of this embodiment, a flexible solar cell film 71 is adhered to the back of a folded plate-shaped upper plate 721 of a support 72. The solar cells 81 (82 to 84), 81 (82 to 84), ...
Are arranged in parallel along the direction of the short side so that the direction of the normal to the light receiving surface changes regularly every four, and the normal of the light receiving surface of each solar cell 81 (82 to 84) is changed. It is attached to the upper surface plate 721 of the support body 72 so that the directions are the same.
That is, each solar cell 81 is located at the peak of the top plate 721, each solar cell 83 is located at the valley, and each solar cell 8
2, 84 are arranged on the inclined surface. The support 72
Is a transparent folded plate-shaped upper plate 72 on which a resin plate is processed into a box shape and a solar cell film 71 is stuck on the back surface side.
1 and a flat lower plate 722 that is in contact with the roof surface when the device is installed. Here, the upper surface plate 721 is made of 4 in consideration of strength during use, strength during construction, production cost, and the like.
It is made of a transparent resin having a thickness of 20 mm to 20 mm. Further, from both short edges of the lower surface plate 722, mounting holes provided with insertion holes for inserting fixing devices used for mounting and fixing the solar cell modules 7, 7,... On the roof surface are provided. Flanges 72a, 72a are extended. The operation of this example is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

According to the configuration of the second embodiment, substantially the same effects as described in the first embodiment can be obtained.
In addition, since the solar cell film 71 is protected by the upper plate 721, weather resistance can be improved.

Third Embodiment FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a structure of a solar cell module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the solar cell module 9 of the third embodiment and that of the first embodiment described above is that, as shown in FIG. The point is that it is adhered to the surface of a corrugated sheet 92 made of a steel plate as a material. Otherwise, the configuration is substantially the same as that of the components of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. Further, the operation of this example is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

According to the configuration of the third embodiment, substantially the same effects as described in the first embodiment can be obtained.
In addition, since the back side of the solar cell module 9 is cooled by natural ventilation, the photoelectric conversion efficiency can be improved.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and there are design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention. Is also included in the present invention. For example, in the above-described first embodiment, a case has been described in which the solar cell modules 1A are installed on the roof surface so as to be arranged in the flow direction of the roof surface, but as shown in FIG. 1B may be installed on the roof surface so as to be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the roof surface. In addition, although the case where each solar cell module 1A is installed on the roof surface of the house 6A has been described, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, each solar cell module 1B is mounted on the wall surface of a reinforced concrete office building 6B, for example. It may be attached and used. At this time, an exterior material may be used as a support.

Although the case where each solar cell module 1A is installed on the roof surface of the gable roof house 6A has been described, the installed roof surface may be a roof surface of a ridge. In addition, although the case of installing on the roof surface of the existing house 6A has been described, the roof panel may be integrated with a roof panel at a factory in advance and assembled and constructed on site. Also,
Instead of having the solar cell film 11 adhered to the support 12, for example, each of the solar cells 21 to
26 may be directly formed.

The method of connecting the solar cells 21 to 26 is not limited to the method of this example. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the series circuits 11A and 11D and the series circuits 11B and 11B are connected.
C and the series circuits 11E and 11F may be connected in parallel with each other as a unit. In addition, the wiring layers 3 are not previously incorporated in the solar cell film 11 and each solar cell 21
Alternatively, jump wiring may be performed between .about.26.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where a solar cell made of amorphous silicon is used has been described, but single-crystal silicon or polycrystalline silicon may be used. Further, the material of the upper surface plate 721 is not limited to a transparent resin, and for example, a white plate tempered glass may be used. Further, in the third embodiment described above, the case where the corrugated sheet 92 made of a steel plate is used has been described.
For example, it may be made of asbestos slate.

[0027]

As described above, according to the structure of the present invention, a plurality of series circuits are formed by connecting solar cells having substantially the same normal direction on the surface in series to form a plurality of series circuits. Are connected in parallel, so that when they are received, the solar cells whose light incident angles are substantially equal are connected in series. Even if sunlight enters the cell and the received light energy may differ,
Power extraction is not hindered by variations in internal resistance. On the other hand, since the shape of the surface is corrugated, if it is attached to a roof or a wall surface, the shine will be uneven (regular change), and the appearance of the building will be beautiful.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a solar cell module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a portion D in FIG. 1 in an enlarged manner.

FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the structure of the solar cell film of the solar cell module in a partially cutaway manner.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a solar cell of the solar cell film.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a connection state between the solar cells.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a connection method of a series circuit in which solar cells having the same normal direction of the light receiving surface are connected in series.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a manner in which the solar cell module is attached to a roof surface.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line FF of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the solar cell module.

FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a partially cutaway configuration of a solar cell module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged sectional view taken along line GG of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a solar cell module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a manner in which a solar cell module according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a roof surface.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state where the solar cell module is attached to a wall surface of an office building.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the solar cell module is attached to a wall surface of an office building.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram for explaining a method of connecting series circuits constituting a solar cell module which is another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional technique.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1A, 1B, 7, 9 Solar cell module 11, 71, 91 Solar cell film 11A-11F Series circuit 12, 72 Support 21-26, 81-84 Solar cell 92 Corrugated sheet (roofing material)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A solar cell module in which a plurality of solar cells are arranged on a corrugated or folded-plate-shaped support, wherein, among the plurality of solar cells, cells whose surface normal directions are substantially equal. A solar cell module comprising: a plurality of serial circuits connected in series to form a plurality of series circuits; and the series circuits connected to each other in parallel. 2. A solar cell module in which a plurality of solar cells are arrayed on a corrugated or folded plate-shaped support that is regularly undulated, wherein the plurality of solar cells are substantially the same size. 2. A rectangular shape, wherein the long sides are parallel to each other, are sequentially arranged in the short side direction, and are regularly arranged corresponding to the regular undulations of the support. The solar cell module as described. 3. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the support is a roofing material. 4. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the support is an outer wall material.