DE102022124476A1 - Solar cell module and method for producing a solar cell module - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar cell module, with a plurality of photovoltaic solar cells with electrically contactable back sides, the solar cells being arranged in a matrix shingle arrangement, which has a plurality of spatially parallel solar cell rows, each with a plurality of solar cells, the solar cell rows being arranged overlapping in overlap areas, so that the back sides of the solar cells in a solar cell row partially cover the front sides of the solar cells in an adjacent solar cell row and the solar cells are arranged in such a way that at least one back side of a solar cell in a solar cell row partially covers the front sides of at least two solar cells in an adjacent solar cell row. The invention is characterized in that at least a solar cell row has an electrically conductive cross-connector, which covers at least 50% of the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cells of the solar cell row and electrically contacts them.

Description

The invention relates to a solar cell module according to claim 1 and a method for producing a solar cell module according to claim 12.

Photovoltaic solar cells typically have metallic contact structures on the front. Such contacting structures are not transparent to incident electromagnetic radiation and thus reduce the area available for absorption on the front.

It is therefore known to design solar cell modules with a shingle arrangement. In a shingle arrangement, neighboring solar cells overlap so that the back of a solar cell covers the front of a neighboring solar cell in an overlapping area. As a result, the metallic contact structure on the front of a solar cell is in the overlapping area and thus under the neighboring solar cell, whereby the solar cell on top in the overlapping area does not have to have a large-area metallic contact structure on its front. In relation to the area of the solar cell module, a larger proportion of solar cell area available for light absorption can thus be achieved.

A particularly advantageous arrangement of the solar cells results in a matrix shingle arrangement. Here, several rows of solar cells, each with several solar cells, are arranged spatially parallel and in the overlap area, a solar cell covers the front sides of at least two neighboring solar cells. In an extension direction transverse to the rows of solar cells, the solar cells in the matrix shingle arrangement are thus arranged offset.

In the overlap area, the rows of solar cells are connected in an electrically conductive manner in order to form an electrical series connection of the rows of solar cells.

Basically, solar cell modules require connection elements for electrically connecting the solar cell module to external electrical elements and/or other solar cell modules.

In addition, for typical solar cell module sizes, the provision of bypass diodes is necessary in order to avoid local overheating (hotspot) and the resulting damage to the solar cell module in the event of partial shading.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a solar cell module and a method for producing a solar cell module with solar cells in a matrix shingle arrangement, which enables robust and cost-effective interconnection with external circuits and/or internal electrical elements, in particular bypass diodes.

This task is solved by a solar cell module according to claim 1 and a method for producing a solar cell module according to claim 12. Advantageous refinements can be found in the dependent subclaims.

The solar cell module according to the invention is preferably produced by means of the method according to the invention, in particular by means of a preferred embodiment thereof. The method according to the invention is preferably designed for producing a solar cell module according to the invention, in particular a preferred embodiment thereof.

The solar cell module according to the invention has a plurality of photovoltaic solar cells with electrically contactable back sides. The solar cells are arranged in a matrix shingle arrangement, which has a plurality of spatially parallel rows of solar cells, each with a plurality of solar cells, the solar cells being arranged overlapping in overlap areas, so that the back sides of the solar cells of a row of solar cells partially cover the front sides of the solar cells of an adjacent row of solar cells and the solar cells are arranged in such a way that at least one back of a solar cell of a solar cell row partially covers the front sides of at least two solar cells of an adjacent solar cell row. An electrically conductive connection of the overlapping solar cells is preferably formed in the overlap area. Preferably, an electrical series connection of the rows of solar cells is formed by means of the electrically conductive connection in the overlap area.

This arrangement therefore corresponds to the matrix shingle arrangement described above.

Preferably, at least each non-edge solar cell of one, in particular each non-terminal solar cell row, partially covers the front sides of at least two solar cells of an adjacent solar cell row with the back. Depending on the design of the matrix arrangement, edge solar cells of some solar cell rows can have a smaller width, so that these edge solar cells do not cover two solar cells, but only one solar cell in an adjacent solar cell row.

It is essential that at least one row of solar cells has an electrically conductive cross-connector which covers at least 50% of the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cells of the solar cell row and electrically contacts them.

• Mehrere Solarzellen werden in einer Matrix-Schindelanordnung angeordnet, sodass mehrere räumlich parallel angeordnete Solarzellenreihen mit jeweils mehreren Solarzellen ausgebildet werden. Die Solarzellenreihen werden in Überlappungsbereichen überlappend angeordnet, sodass die Rückseiten der Solarzellen einer Solarzellenreihe die Vorderseite der Solarzellen einer benachbarten Solarzellenreihe teilweise überdecken und die Solarzellen derart angeordnet werden, dass zumindest eine Rückseite einer Solarzelle einer Solarzellenreihe die Vorderseiten von zumindest zwei Solarzellen einer benachbarten Solarzellenreihe teilweise überdeckt. Im Überlappungsbereich wird bevorzugt eine elektrisch leitende Verbindung der sich überlappenden Solarzellen ausgebildet.

Accordingly, the task mentioned at the beginning is solved by a method for producing a solar cell module, which has the following process steps:

• Several solar cells are arranged in a matrix shingle arrangement, so that several spatially parallel rows of solar cells are formed, each with several solar cells. The rows of solar cells are arranged overlapping in overlap areas, so that the back sides of the solar cells in a solar cell row partially cover the front side of the solar cells in an adjacent solar cell row and the solar cells are arranged in such a way that at least one back side of a solar cell in a solar cell row partially covers the front sides of at least two solar cells in an adjacent solar cell row . An electrically conductive connection of the overlapping solar cells is preferably formed in the overlap area.

It is essential that an electrically conductive cross-connector is arranged at least on one solar cell row, which covers at least 50% of the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cells of the solar cell row and electrically contacts them.

According to the invention, a cross-connector is thus provided which covers at least the rear sides of a row of solar cells over a large area and makes electrically conductive contact.

This creates a variety of options for attaching connecting elements to solar cells that are arranged in a matrix shingle arrangement.

Due to its large-area arrangement and the large-area contact with the backs of the solar cells, the cross-connector offers a mechanically stable connection and thus a robust structure and, in addition, due to the large area that the cross-connector covers on the back of the solar cell of the solar cell row, there is a low absolute electrical Contact resistance can be achieved between the cross connector and the back of the solar cells. Through this cost-effective and robust design, the invention enables the attachment of connecting elements such as connections for external wiring, connection boxes or electrical or electronic elements of the solar cell module, in particular bypass diodes.

In order to improve the mechanical stability and reduce the electrical contact resistance between the solar cells and the cross-connector, it is advantageous for the cross-connector to cover the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cells of the solar cell row by at least 60%, preferably by at least 70%, in particular at least 80% covered and electrically contacted. Accordingly, it is advantageous in the method according to the invention that the cross connector is designed to cover the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cell of the solar cell row by at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, in particular at least 80%, and is designed to make electrical contact.

The two peripheral solar cells of the solar cell row on which the electrically conductive cross-connector is arranged can also be covered by the electrically conductive cross-connector to a lower degree of coverage in order to reduce the requirement for process accuracy and/or to save material. Advantageously, the two peripheral solar cells of the solar cell row are each covered at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, in particular at least 40%, by the electrically conductive cross-connector and connected to it in an electrically conductive manner. To reduce the contact resistance, it is advantageous that the two peripheral solar cells of the solar cell row are each covered to at least 50%, in particular to at least 60%, preferably to at least 70%, in particular to at least 80%, by the electrically conductive cross-connector. In particular, it is advantageous that the two peripheral solar cells of the solar cell row have the same degree of coverage by the electrically conductive cross-connector as the internal (not peripheral, arranged between the two peripheral solar cells) solar cells of the solar cell row.

The percentage coverage described above refers to the area percentage of the back of the respective solar cell.

A particularly simple and cost-effective design results in an advantageous embodiment in which the cross connector is designed as an electrically conductive adhesive tape. Accordingly, an electrically conductive adhesive tape is advantageously used as the cross connector in the method according to the invention.

Such electrically conductive tapes or charge collection tapes are commercially available. They also have the advantage of being able to form the mechanical and electrically conductive connection No heat treatment is necessary, which could affect components of the solar cells.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cross connector is arranged on the solar cells in a mechanically and electrically conductive manner using a conductive adhesive. In particular, the cross connector is preferably designed as a metal foil. In the method according to the invention, the cross connector is preferably arranged in a row of solar cells using a conductive adhesive, with a metal foil preferably being used as the cross connector.

The use of a metal foil, in particular a pliable metal foil, has the advantage that commercially available metal foils can be used, which have very good conductivity.

Conductive adhesives (ECA - electrically conductive adhesive) are also commercially available.

With typical conductive adhesives, a heat treatment to harden the conductive adhesive is necessary or at least advantageous.

When producing a solar cell module, the solar cells are typically arranged between a carrier substrate and at least one flexible cover element, in particular an encapsulation film. A cohesive, thermal joining is then carried out using lamination to connect the carrier substrate and film.

The advantage of connecting the cross-connector to the solar cell row using conductive adhesive is that the conductive adhesive can harden during lamination, so that no additional heat treatment step is necessary. Advantageously, in the method according to the invention for producing a solar cell module, the conductive adhesive hardens during lamination of the solar cell module. In particular, the solar cells are preferably arranged between a carrier substrate and a flexible cover film, with a cohesive joining between the carrier substrate and the cover film taking place during lamination and preferably a cohesive joining between the cross connector and solar cells.

It is within the scope of the invention that the cross connector is designed as a metal foil, particularly preferably as a metal foil made of one of the following metals: copper, tinned copper, aluminum.

The metal foil preferably has a thickness in the range 5 µm to 100 µm, more preferably 10 µm to 50 µm, particularly preferably 25 µm to 35 µm.

It is also within the scope of the invention that the cross connector has several layers, in particular a flexible carrier layer which is coated with a conductive metal layer.

The total thickness of the cross-connector when designed as an adhesive tape and/or multilayer cross-connector is preferably in the range 5 µm to 100 µm, more preferably in the range 10 µm to 50 µm.

With the present invention, individual rows of the solar cell module can be contacted electrically separately or connected to other electrical or electronic elements such as bypass diodes in a simple manner, even when the solar cells are arranged in a matrix shingle arrangement.

For this purpose, it is advantageous for the solar cell module to have at least one electrically conductive longitudinal connector, which is electrically conductively connected to the cross connector of a solar cell row. The longitudinal connector extends over additional rows of solar cells. It is within the scope of the invention that the longitudinal connector extends over further transverse connectors of the solar cell module.

The longitudinal connector thus makes it possible to easily connect a row of solar cells that has a cross connector, in particular the electrically conductive connection of a row of solar cells to a junction box of the solar cell module.

The longitudinal connector is preferably designed as a metallic longitudinal connector, particularly preferably made of copper, and preferably has a thickness in the range 300 μm to 500 μm.

The longitudinal connector is advantageously electrically insulated from the other solar cell rows and/or other cross connectors of the solar cell module by means of an electrically insulating layer. It is within the scope of the invention that the longitudinal connector is coated with an electrically insulating layer. It is also within the scope of the invention that an electrically insulating layer is arranged only between the longitudinal connector and the elements to be insulated, in particular the other solar cells of the solar cell module and/or other cross connectors.

In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the longitudinal connector is electrically conductively connected to at least one electrical cross connector the. Advantageously, the transverse connector has greater flexibility than the longitudinal connector. It is therefore advantageous that the longitudinal connector is arranged between the solar cells and the cross connector.

Advantageously, the longitudinal connector is electrically conductively connected to the solar cells in the area in which the transverse connector covers the longitudinal connector. This also results in an electrically conductive connection, in this case an electrically conductive connection indirect via the longitudinal connector, of the cross connector to the solar cells of the solar cell row in the area in which the longitudinal connector is arranged between the solar cells and the cross connector.

It is known that solar cell modules have one or more junction boxes, particularly on the rear side of the solar cell module. Junction boxes serve to protect connection elements and/or electrical or electronic components against external influences.

It is therefore advantageous for the solar cell module to have a connection box on at least two rows of solar cells and for the longitudinal connector to extend between the connection boxes, in particular to connect electrical connections of the two connection boxes in an electrically conductive manner.

It is advantageous to arrange one or more bypass diodes in one or more junction boxes of the solar cell module.

As described above, the cross-connector offers a simple way to electrically connect a bypass diode in a matrix shingle arrangement.

In an advantageous embodiment, the solar cell module therefore has at least one bypass diode and the cross connector is electrically conductively connected to the bypass diode of the solar cell module. In particular, it is advantageous for the solar cell module to have at least two rows of solar cells, each with a cross-connector, and for the bypass diode to be electrically conductively connected to the two rows of solar cells in the usual way by means of the cross-connectors, in particular to be connected in parallel to the rows of solar cells in the usual way.

In order to form an optically homogeneous image of a front side of the solar cell module, it is advantageous that the cross-connector on the side facing the solar cells of the solar cell row has a color, at least in gaps between the solar cells, preferably over the entire surface, which corresponds to the color of the front sides of the solar cells. Typical solar cells have a blue or black color appearance on the front. The cross-connector is therefore preferably designed to be blue or black, preferably black, on the side facing the solar cells of the solar cell row, at least in the spaces between the solar cells.

In an advantageous embodiment, the solar cell module therefore has a plurality of cover strips which are arranged between the solar cells and the cross connector in the areas in which the cross connector extends over the space between two adjacent solar cells of a solar cell row. As a result, only the cover strip is visible from the front of the solar cell module, but not the cross connector. The cover strips preferably have a color that corresponds to the color of the front sides of the solar cells, particularly preferably a blue or black color.

The cover strips are preferably designed to be electrically insulating.

The present invention has the advantage that a further development of known solar cell modules with a matrix shingle arrangement is possible by additionally providing one or more cross-connectors. In particular, it is within the scope of the invention to use previously known photovoltaic solar cells, in particular typically used partial cells, to form the solar cell module.

• Vorteilhafterweise weisen die Solarzellen zumindest der Solarzellenreihe, an welcher der Querverbinder angeordnet ist, jeweils eine metallische Rückseitenkontaktierungsstruktur auf, welche sich über einen Überlappungsbereich hinaus an der Rückseite der Solarzelle erstreckt, sodass ein Reihenverschaltungs-Teilbereich der metallischen Rückseitenkontaktierungsstruktur im Überlappungsbereich an der Vorderseite einer benachbarten Solarzelle anliegt und ein Querverbindungs-Teilbereich der metallischen Rückseitenkontaktierungsstruktur von den Querverbinder überdeckt und unmittelbar mit diesem elektrisch leitend verbunden ist.

In an advantageous development of the solar cell module, solar cells with a modified metallic rear contact structure are used at least for the solar cell rows, which are connected in an electrically conductive manner using a cross connector:

• Advantageously, the solar cells of at least the solar cell row on which the cross-connector is arranged each have a metallic back contacting structure, which extends beyond an overlap area on the back of the solar cell, so that a series connection subarea of the metallic back contacting structure in the overlap area on the front of an adjacent solar cell is applied and a cross-connection partial area of the metallic rear contact structure is covered by the cross-connector and is directly connected to it in an electrically conductive manner.

It is known to form a strip-like metallic rear contact structure in the manner of a busbar on the back of at least one side of solar cells for the shingle arrangement. With the This metallic back-side contacting structure overlaps the solar cell, so that the metallic back-side contacting structure rests on a metallic front-side contacting structure of the adjacent solar cell in the overlap area in order to form an electrical series connection.

In the present development, the metallic rear contact structure has a cross-connection sub-region in addition to the series connection sub-region, which overlaps with the adjacent solar cell. In the cross-connection sub-region, the solar cell does not overlap with the adjacent solar cell, so that the metallic rear contact structure in the cross-connection sub-region is accessible on the rear side, so that the cross-connector can be arranged on the cross-connection sub-region of the metallic rear contact structure and can be electrically connected to it.

This results in the advantage that an electrically conductive connection with a very low contact resistance can be formed.

The metallic rear contact structure is preferably made of at least 50% of a metal from the group of silver and copper.

Typical previously known solar cells have a large-area, in particular full-area, aluminum layer on the back, which serves to bring together and remove the charge carriers. Aluminum is more cost-effective than other metals, such as silver in particular, but has the disadvantage that typically used connection methods, in particular soldering, produce contacts with lower mechanical stability and comparatively high contact resistance. It is therefore known to provide so-called “solder pads” made of a different metal in order to form a stable electrically conductive connection with low contact resistance.

The present invention has the advantage that, due to the large area coverage of the back sides of the solar cells of the solar cell row by the cross connector, a mechanically stable contact with a low contact resistance is also formed directly on an aluminum back side of a solar cell. This is because the advantageous mechanical stability and electrical quality of the contact is achieved due to the large area. The electrical quality is further increased by the advantageous design of the previously described cross-connection subregions of the metallic back contact structure.

In an advantageous development of the solar cell module according to the invention, the solar cells of at least the solar cell row on which the cross connector is arranged are each formed on the back with a back contact surface made of aluminum, the back contact surface preferably covering at least 60%, particularly preferably 80% of the back side of the solar cell , preferably the rear contact surface is made of aluminum over the entire surface. The cross connector is arranged on the rear contact surfaces and is directly electrically connected to the rear contact surfaces made of aluminum.

In order to form an efficient matrix shingle arrangement, it is advantageous that for each solar cell row of the solar cell module, apart from one terminal solar cell row, at least the non-edge solar cells in the overlap area cover at least two solar cells of the adjacent solar cell row.

Advantageously, the cross connector is mechanically connected to the solar cells on at least 80% of the area, more preferably at least 90% of the area, particularly preferably on 100% of the area with which the cross connector covers the rear sides of the solar cells of the solar cell row. This ensures a high level of mechanical stability.

In order to form a low contact resistance, the cross-connector is advantageously electrically connected to the solar cells on at least 80% of the area, more preferably at least 90% of the area, particularly preferably on 100% of the area with which the cross-connector covers the rear sides of the solar cells of the solar cell row.

In an advantageous embodiment, the solar cell module has an electrically conductive cross-connector at least on the two terminal solar cell rows, which covers at least 50% of the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cells of the solar cell row and electrically contacts them. These two cross connectors are used to connect the solar cell module to external circuits or other solar cell modules. In this embodiment, the terminal row of solar cells which overlaps the back of an adjacent row of solar cells is inactive, i.e. it does not contribute to the conversion of electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. This design is characterized by a visually uniform front and yet simple interconnection through the two cross-connectors on the terminal rows of solar cells.

The percentages for the formation of the metallic contacting structures refer to mass percent.

• - Vorderseitenglas (PV front glass)
• - Vordere Verkapselungsfolie (PV encapsulant foil), bevorzugt aus EthylenVinylacetat (EVA), Polyolefin Elastomere (POE)
• - Solarzellen des Solarzellenmoduls, bevorzugt aus Silizium
• - im Bereich des Querverbinders: Querverbinder bevorzugt aus Kupfer
• - hintere Verkapselungsfolie (PV encapsulant foil), bevorzugt aus EthylenVinylacetat (EVA), Polyolefin Elastomere (POE)
• - Rückseitenabdeckung (PV backsheet), bevorzugt aus Polyethylen (PE), Polyethylenterephthalat (PET)

The solar cell module can have encapsulation elements that are known per se. In particular, it is within the scope of the invention that the solar cell module has at least one or more, preferably all of the following layers, starting from a side facing the radiation when in use:

• - Front glass (PV front glass)
• - Front encapsulant foil (PV encapsulant foil), preferably made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefin elastomers (POE)
• - Solar cells of the solar cell module, preferably made of silicon
• - in the area of the cross connector: Cross connector preferably made of copper
• - rear encapsulation film (PV encapsulant foil), preferably made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefin elastomers (POE)
• - Back cover (PV backsheet), preferably made of polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

• 1 eine photovoltaische Solarzelle für ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Solarzellenmoduls;
• 2 eine Seitenansicht und
• 3 eine Draufsicht von hinten auf das erste Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Solarzellenmoduls;
• 4 eine Draufsicht von hinten auf ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel und
• 5 eine Draufsicht von hinten auf ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Solarzellenmoduls;
• 6 eine photovoltaische Solarzelle für ein Solarzellenmodul gemäß 7;
• 7 ein in Draufsicht von hinten dargestelltes viertes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Solarzellenmoduls;
• 8 ein in Draufsicht von hinten dargestelltes fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Solarzellenmoduls und
• 9 bis 11 Schnittbilder zu 8, wobei die Schnittebene jeweils senkrecht zur Zeichenebene in 8 steht.

Further advantageous features and refinements are explained below using exemplary embodiments and the figures. This shows:

• 1 a photovoltaic solar cell for a first embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention;
• 2 a side view and
• 3 a top view from behind of the first exemplary embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention;
• 4 a top view from behind of a second exemplary embodiment and
• 5 a top view from behind of a third embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention;
• 6 a photovoltaic solar cell for a solar cell module according to 7 ;
• 7 a fourth exemplary embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention, shown in a top view from behind;
• 8th a fifth embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention shown in a top view from behind and
• 9 to 11 Cutaway images too 8th , where the cutting plane is perpendicular to the drawing plane in 8th stands.

All figures show schematic representations, not true to scale. The same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same or identical elements.

In 1 a top view from the front of a schematic representation of a photovoltaic solar cell 1 is shown for a first exemplary embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention. The solar cell 1 has a metallic contacting structure on the front, which is designed in a comb-like manner in a known manner, with a plurality of parallel contact fingers 2, which are electrically conductively connected by a busbar 3 running perpendicular to the contact fingers 2.

The solar cell 1 is designed in a manner known per se as a photovoltaic solar cell based on a silicon wafer as a semiconductor substrate and has an emitter on the front, which is contacted by means of the contact fingers 2 and the busbar 3. An aluminum layer is arranged over the entire surface of the rear of the solar cell in order to electrically contact the base of the solar cell. It is within the scope of the invention to use further developments of this solar cell structure or other solar cell structures as solar cells for a solar cell module according to the invention. In particular, it is within the scope of the invention to arrange additional layers on the front to improve the electrical quality, in particular to reduce the recombination speed on the surface or the optical properties.

In the 1 Solar cell shown represents a partial solar cell, which was produced by cutting up a larger silicon substrate on which several partial solar cells were formed. It is also within the scope of the invention to use solar cells manufactured entirely on an undivided silicon wafer.

In 1 an overlap area 4 is indicated by dashed lines, at which, due to the shingle arrangement, the back of an adjacent solar cell is connected to the front of the in 1 solar cell shown overlaps.

• Das Solarzellenmodul gemäß erstem Ausführungsbeispiel weist eine Mehrzahl photovoltaischer Solarzellen 1 gemäß 1 mit elektrisch kontaktierbaren Rückseiten auf, wobei die Rückseiten vollflächig mit einer Aluminiumschicht bedeckt sind.

A schematic representation of the first exemplary embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention is shown in 2 in side view and 3 shown in plan view from behind:

• The solar cell module according to the first exemplary embodiment has a plurality of photovoltai shear solar cells 1 according to 1 with electrically contactable backs, the backs being completely covered with an aluminum layer.

The solar cells 1 are arranged in a matrix shingle arrangement, which in the present case has three spatially parallel rows of solar cells, each with several solar cells.

In 3 it can be seen that in the illustration according to 3 The bottom and top rows of the spatially parallel rows of solar cells each have five solar cells, with the middle row of solar cells having four solar cells 1.

As in 2 As can be seen, the solar cell rows are arranged overlapping in overlap areas 4, so that the back sides of the solar cells 1 of a solar cell row partially cover the front sides of the solar cells 1 of an adjacent solar cell row.

Furthermore, the solar cells are arranged such that at least one back of a solar cell in a solar cell row partially covers the front sides of at least two solar cells in an adjacent solar cell row. In the exemplary embodiment according to 3 For example, the solar cell 1a partially covers the solar cells 1d and 1e, the solar cell 1b partially covers the solar cells 1e and 1f and the solar cell 1c partially covers the solar cells 1f and 1g.

In order to form this partial overlap, the edge solar cells 1 of the lowest and the top solar cell row are arranged according to 3 each only half the width of the remaining solar cells 1 of the solar cell module.

It is essential that the solar cell module has an electrically conductive cross-connector 5, which covers at least 50% of the backs of each solar cell 1 of the middle solar cell row and electrically contacts them. In this exemplary embodiment, the solar cell row contacted by the cross connector has four solar cells 1. The two non-edge solar cells 1e and 1f are in the present case covered to about 80% (drawing not to scale) by the cross connector, as are those according to 3 right edge solar cell 1g, on which the cross connector 5 extends beyond the right edge of the solar cell 1 for contacting purposes. In the case of the left edge solar cell 1d, the cross connector is at a distance from the left edge of the solar cell, so that the degree of coverage is slightly lower.

The cross connector 5 is designed as an electrically conductive adhesive tape and extends accordingly 3 on the right edge of the solar cell module beyond the surface of the solar cells, so that a lateral connection with further electronic elements, in particular a bypass diode of the solar cell module, is made possible in a simple manner.

Schematically is in 3 a circuit diagram with two bypass diodes 6 is shown, with a bypass diode 6 being connected between a lower connection of the solar cell module and the cross-connector 5 and a second bypass diode 6 between the cross-connector 5 and an upper connection of the solar cell module.

In a modification of the first exemplary embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention, the cross connector 5 is designed as a copper foil with a thickness of 30 μm. Conductive adhesive is arranged between the cross connector 5 and the solar cells 1 of the middle row of solar cells. In a later process step in the production of the solar cell module, lamination takes place in a manner known per se. For this purpose, a transparent carrier substrate (glass) of the solar cell module is arranged on the front and a protective cover (backsheet) on the back. A front encapsulation film (EVA) is arranged between the carrier substrate and the solar cells and a rear encapsulation film (EVA) is arranged between the solar cells and the backsheet. The films are joined by lamination, so that the solar cells 1 and the cross connector 5 in particular are embedded between the films. In this modification of the first exemplary embodiment, the conductive adhesive applied between the cross connector 5 and solar cells 1 of the middle row of solar cells also hardens during lamination.

In the 4 and 5 Two further embodiments of a solar cell module according to the invention are shown. To avoid repetition, only the essential changes are discussed.

At the in 4 and 5 The exemplary embodiments shown in 1 shown photovoltaic solar cell 1 used, which is arranged in a matrix shingle arrangement. The ones in the 4 and 5 The exemplary embodiments shown each have 7 rows of solar cells arranged spatially parallel, whereby, as in the first exemplary embodiment, the rows of solar cells alternately have five and four solar cells, with the solar cell rows with five solar cells having only half the width of the edge solar cells.

At the in 4 In the second exemplary embodiment shown, a cross connector 5 designed as an electrically conductive adhesive tape is arranged in the second and sixth rows. In this exemplary embodiment, the cross connectors do not protrude beyond the solar cell surface. A connection box 7, which contains a bypass diode, is arranged in the middle of the back of the solar cell module.

By means of two longitudinal connectors 8, which are designed as copper strips, an electrical supply is carried out from the two cross-connectors 5 to the connection box 7. The bypass diode arranged in the connection box 7 is electrically connected to the longitudinal connectors 8, so that a bypass diode is interposed between the two cross-connectors 5 is.

This in 5 The third exemplary embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention shown in rear view has three cross connectors 5. The cross connectors 5 are arranged on the first, fourth and seventh solar cell rows. The solar cell module also has a connection box 7 and two longitudinal connectors 8 in the middle. Two bypass diodes 6 are arranged in the junction box 7, with a first bypass diode 6 being electrically conductively connected to the lower longitudinal connector 8 and the middle cross-connector 5 and a second bypass diode 6 to the middle cross-connector 5 and the upper longitudinal connector 8. A schematic representation of the resulting electrical circuit diagram is shown on the left edge of the page for illustrative purposes 5 shown.

In 6 a top view of the back of a photovoltaic solar cell 1 is shown for a fourth exemplary embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention.

The design of the front of the in 6 Photovoltaic solar cell shown corresponds to that in 1 solar cell 1 shown.

In contrast to that in 1 The solar cell shown has the in 6 shown solar cell on the back has a metallic back contacting structure 9 arranged on the aluminum layer with cross-connection arcs, which is predominantly made of silver. The rear contact structure 9 has a busbar 9a and the cross-connection arcs 9b, which extend from the busbar 9a over the rear surface of the solar cell.

In 6 is indicated by dashed lines that in the matrix shingle connection of the solar cell 1 according to 6 in a series connection sub-area 10, in particular the busbar 9a rests on the front side of an adjacent solar cell 1 and a cross-connection sub-area 11, which essentially comprises the cross-connection arches 9b, is covered by a cross-connector 5 and is directly electrically connected to this cross-connector 5.

In 7 A rear view of the fifth exemplary embodiment is shown. The fifth exemplary embodiment represents a further development of the one in the 1 to 3 shown third embodiment. The further training consists of 6 described rear contact structure 9 with busbar 9a and cross-connection sheets 9b. As in 7 shown, only the solar cells 1 of the middle row of solar cells have the back contact structure 9. In the rear view, only the cross-connection arches 9b can be seen. For better illustration, only two cross-connection arcs are shown per full-width solar cell 1 and only one cross-connection arc 9b is shown per half-width solar cell 1 (the peripheral solar cells).

The cross connector 5 essentially covers the cross connection arches 9b. According to the representation 7 For a clearer representation of the arrangement of the cross-connecting arches 9b, the cross-connecting arches 9b are also shown completely in the area covered by the cross-connector 5.

• Das Solarzellenmodul weist 27 Solarzellenreihen mit jeweils sieben nebeneinander angeordneten Solarzellen auf. An der Rückseite der Solarzellen sind vier Querverbinder 5 angeordnet. Die Querverbinder 5 sind elektrisch leitend durch Längsverbinder 8 verbunden, wobei jeweils mittig zwischen zwei Querverbindern 5 eine Anschlussdose 7 angeordnet ist, zu welcher Längsverbinder 8 führen. In der Anschlussdose 7 ist jeweils eine Bypassdiode angeordnet, welche die in die Anschlussdose 7 mündenden Längsverbinder 8 verbindet. Am rechten Rand ist zur Verdeutlichung schematisch die Verschaltung mit den Bypassdioden 6 als Ersatzschaltbild dargestellt.

In 8th a top view from behind of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a solar cell module according to the invention is shown. The structure essentially corresponds to the structure of the in 4 solar cell module shown. To avoid repetition, only the main differences will be discussed below:

• The solar cell module has 27 rows of solar cells, each with seven solar cells arranged next to each other. Four cross connectors 5 are arranged on the back of the solar cells. The cross connectors 5 are connected in an electrically conductive manner by longitudinal connectors 8, with a connection box 7 being arranged centrally between two cross connectors 5, to which longitudinal connectors 8 lead. A bypass diode is arranged in the connection box 7, which connects the longitudinal connectors 8 opening into the connection box 7. For clarity, the connection with the bypass diodes 6 is shown schematically as an equivalent circuit diagram on the right edge.

The solar cell module according to 8th thus has a total of four longitudinal connectors 8: The edge cross connectors 5 are each connected to the nearest connection box 7 with a longitudinal connector 8. The middle connection box 7 is connected to the upper and lower connection boxes 7 via a longitudinal connector 8, as shown in 8th .

In this illustration, too, only a solar cell is marked with reference number 1 at the top left for better clarity.

This in 8th The solar cell module shown has a plurality of cover strips 12, which are arranged between the solar cells 1 and the cross connector 5 in the areas in which the cross connectors 5 extend over the space between two adjacent solar cells 1 of a solar cell row. From the front of the solar cell module, the cross connectors 5 are therefore covered in the spaces between the solar cells by the cover strips 12. The cover strips are black in this case. Furthermore, the cover strips are designed to be electrically insulating in order to avoid unwanted current flows. For better visualization, only the cover strips 12 on the upper and lower edges of the solar cell module are provided with reference numbers.

The 9 to 11 show sectional views of the in 8th solar cell module shown. The cutting planes run perpendicular to the drawing plane 8th . 9 shows a section along the section line A in 8th , 10 along section line B and 11 along the section line C in 8th . The cutting plane in 11 is therefore perpendicular to the cutting planes 9 and 10 .

In 9 a section is shown along section line A, in an area in which the transverse connector 5 crosses the longitudinal connector 8. The in 8th The second cross connector 5 starting from below is therefore not shown with oblique stripes for a better overview.

As in 8th As can be seen, the transverse connectors 5 cover the longitudinal connectors 8, so that the longitudinal connectors 8 are arranged between the solar cells 1 and the transverse connectors 5 in this coverage area.

• - Eine Rückseitenabdeckung 13, ca. 400 µm, (z.B. aus PE, PET);
• - Eine hintere Verkapselungsfolie 14, ca. 400 µm (z.B. aus EVA, POE);
• - Die Solarzellen 1 des Solarzellenmoduls ca. 180 µm (z.B. aus Silizium);
• - Eine vordere Verkapselungsfolie 15, ca. 400 µm (z.B. aus EVA, POE) und ein Vorderseitenglas 16 ca. 3,2 mm.

In 9 As can be seen, the solar cell module has the following layers starting from the back:

• - A back cover 13, approx. 400 µm, (eg made of PE, PET);
• - A rear encapsulation film 14, approx. 400 µm (eg made of EVA, POE);
• - The solar cells 1 of the solar cell module approx. 180 µm (e.g. made of silicon);
• - A front encapsulation film 15, approx. 400 µm (e.g. made of EVA, POE) and a front glass 16 approx. 3.2 mm.

At the position of section A, a transverse connector 5 and a longitudinal connector 8 are also arranged, which cross each other at the position of section A.

In addition, a longitudinal connector insulation film 17 is arranged as an insulating element between longitudinal connector 8 and solar cells 1, with the longitudinal connector insulation film 17 leaving out at least the area in which the transverse connector 5 covers the longitudinal connector 8. There is therefore an electrically conductive connection between the cross connector 5, longitudinal connector 8 and the solar cells 1.

Cross connector 5, longitudinal connector 8 and longitudinal connector insulation film 17 are thus arranged in this order between rear encapsulation film 14 and solar cells 1.

In 8th the full-surface back cover 13 and rear encapsulation film 14 are not shown.

The cut according to cutting line B in 10 shows an area in which the cross connector 5 rests directly on the solar cells 1.

A cover strip 12 is arranged at the position of the cutting line C. The cover strip is arranged between the cross connector 5 and solar cells 1, so that when viewed from the front, in the illustration 11 from below, in the space between the solar cells 1, the cross connector 5 is covered by the cover strip 12, so that an optically uniform image results.

Reference symbol list

1

Solar cell

2

contact fingers

3, 9a

Bus bar

4

Overlap area

5

Cross connector

6

Bypass diode

7

Junction box

8th

Longitudinal connector

9

Back contact structure

9b

Cross-connection arches

10

Series connection sub-area

11

Cross-connection subarea

12

Cover strips

13

Back cover

14

rear encapsulation film

15

front encapsulation film

16

Front glass

17

Longitudinal connector insulation film

Claims (15)

Solar cell module, with a plurality of photovoltaic solar cells with electrically contactable back sides, the solar cells being arranged in a matrix shingle arrangement, which has a plurality of spatially parallel rows of solar cells, each with a plurality of solar cells, the solar cell rows being arranged overlapping in overlap areas, so that the back sides of the solar cells a solar cell row partially cover the front sides of the solar cells of an adjacent solar cell row and the solar cells are arranged such that at least one back of a solar cell (1) of a solar cell row partially covers the front sides of at least two solar cells of an adjacent solar cell row, characterized in that at least one solar cell row electrically has a conductive cross-connector (5), which covers at least 50% of the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cells (1) of the solar cell row and electrically contacts them. Solar cell module Claim 1 , characterized in that the cross connector (5) covers and electrically contacts the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cells of the solar cell row to at least 60%, preferably to at least 70%, in particular to at least 80%. Solar cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross connector (5) is designed as an electrically conductive adhesive tape. Solar cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-connector (5) is arranged on the solar cells in a mechanically and electrically conductive manner by means of a conductive adhesive, in particular that the cross-connector (5) is designed as a metal foil. Solar cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar cell module has at least one electrically conductive longitudinal connector (8), which is electrically conductively connected to the cross connector (5) of a solar cell row, the longitudinal connector (8) extending over further solar cell rows and/or further cross connectors (5) of the solar cell module extends and preferably the longitudinal connector (8) is electrically insulated from the further solar cell rows and / or cross connectors of the solar cell module by means of an electrically insulating layer of the solar cell module. Solar cell module Claim 5 , characterized in that the solar cell module each has a connection box (7) on at least two rows of solar cells and the longitudinal connector (8) extends between the connection boxes, in particular electrically connecting electrical connections of the two connection boxes. Solar cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross-connector (5) is electrically conductively connected to a bypass diode (6) of the solar cell module, in particular that the solar cell module has at least two rows of solar cells, each with a cross-connector (5) and the bypass diode (6 ) is electrically connected to the cross connectors. Solar cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross connector (5) is arranged on a terminal row of solar cells of the solar cell module and is electrically conductively connected to a connection element for connecting the solar cell module to an external electrical element, in particular an external power dissipation connection and/or a further solar cell module is. Solar cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross connector (5) on the side facing the solar cells of the solar cell row is designed to be blue or black, preferably black, at least in gaps between the solar cells, preferably over the entire surface. Solar cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the solar cells of at least the solar cell row on which the cross connector (5) is arranged each have a metallic back contact structure (9) which extends beyond an overlap area (4) on the back of the solar cell (1) extends so that a series connection sub-area (10) of the metallic rear contact structure (9) rests in the overlap area (4) on the front of an adjacent solar cell (1) and a cross-connection sub-area (11) the metallic back contacting structure (9) is covered by the cross connector (5) and is directly connected to it in an electrically conductive manner, in particular that the back contacting structure (9) is made of at least 50% of a metal from the group silver, copper. .Solar cell module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the back of at least the solar cell row on which the cross connector (5) is arranged, the solar cells each have a back contact surface made of aluminum and the cross connector (5) is arranged on the back contact surfaces and directly is electrically conductively connected to the back contact surfaces. Method for producing a solar cell module, with the method steps of arranging several solar cells in a matrix shingle arrangement, so that several spatially parallel rows of solar cells are formed, each with several solar cells, the solar cell rows being arranged overlapping in overlap areas, so that the back sides of the solar cells of a solar cell row The front sides of the solar cells of an adjacent solar cell row are partially covered and the solar cells are arranged in such a way that at least one back of a solar cell (1) of a solar cell row partially covers the front sides of at least two solar cells of an adjacent solar cell row, characterized in that an electrically conductive cross-connector is provided on at least one solar cell row (5) is arranged, which covers the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cells (1) of the solar cell row at least 60% and electrically contacts them. Procedure according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the cross connector (5) is designed to cover the back sides of at least the non-edge solar cells of the solar cell row to at least 60%, preferably to at least 70%, in particular to at least 80% and to make electrical contact. Method according to one of the Claims 12 until 13 characterized in that an electrically conductive adhesive tape is used as the cross connector (5). Procedure according to one of the Claims 12 until 13 , characterized in that the cross connector (5) is arranged on the solar cell row by means of a conductive adhesive and is electrically connected to it and that the conductive adhesive hardens during lamination of the solar cell module.

Images