IT201900012183A1 - IMPROVED PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the invention entitled:

"Improved photovoltaic panel"

The present invention relates to an improved photovoltaic panel. It is known that a photovoltaic panel is an optoelectronic device comprising a matrix of photovoltaic cells capable of converting the incident solar energy into electrical energy by means of the photovoltaic effect.

Traditional photovoltaic panels are not completely satisfactory as they are rather expensive and complicated to install, as well as generally require dedicated external equipment (such as inverters) which must be properly connected to the electricity grid.

Furthermore, the aesthetic performance of traditional photovoltaic panels is low and, therefore, their diffusion, particularly in the urban domestic context, is rather limited. In particular, currently, there are laws, guidelines and / or regulations (generally proposed by local administrations) that limit the installation of such panels in areas of landscape and / or cultural interest, such as historic centers, or in the vicinity of monuments.

Currently, solar panels are installed only in a vertical or inclined position, generally on roofs, on the walls of buildings or on support bases, thus limiting the possibilities of using the panels themselves.

The object of the present invention is to propose an improved photovoltaic panel capable of solving the aforementioned drawback and which can also be installed in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that presents a remarkable simplicity of installation.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that constitutes the optimal solution, in terms of simplicity of construction, to change the aesthetic appearance of a traditional photovoltaic panel.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel with a low aesthetic impact and / or that can be easily integrated in an urban context, or in the context of the home or building, without disfiguring the surrounding area in any way.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that can also be installed in areas where current legislation or regulations prohibit, for landscape, architectural or aesthetic reasons in general, the installation of panels.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that is customizable and has a highly pleasing aesthetic appearance and is suitable for providing the user with the feeling of being in front of a high quality product, both from an aesthetic and functional point of view.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that can be used as flooring.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that can be walked on.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that can be walked on safely even in rain and / or snow and / or ice conditions.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that can be used to define an illuminated path.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that is resistant and durable.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that can be autonomous and independent from the national electricity network (ie "off-grid") or connected to the electricity grid (ie "on-grid").

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that can be mass-produced and quickly and efficiently.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that presents an alternative characterization, both in constructive and functional terms, compared to traditional ones.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that is visually different from traditional ones, without changing the efficiency of the panel itself.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that is particularly compact and that integrates within it most or all of the elements necessary for its operation.

Another purpose of the invention is to propose a panel that has high standards, both functional and aesthetic, thus allowing the possibility of its diffusion on a large scale.

All these purposes, whether considered alone or in any combination thereof, and others which will result from the following description, are achieved, according to the invention, with an improved photovoltaic panel with the characteristics indicated in claim 1 and with a floor structure with the characteristics indicated in claim 9.

The present invention is further clarified hereinafter in a preferred embodiment thereof, given purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a photovoltaic panel according to the invention,

Figures 2 shows it in perspective view from behind,

Figure 3 shows it in section,

Figure 4 is a front view of the internal surface of the back sheet

figure 5 shows in front view the photovoltaic cells applied on the back sheet of fig. 4,

figure 6a shows in front view a photovoltaic panel without the coloring of the internal surface of the back sheet, figure 6b shows an enlarged detail of figure 6a,

figure 6c shows the panel of fig. 6a in which the internal surface of the back sheet has been suitably colored with the same color as the photovoltaic cells, figure 7a shows a front view of a photovoltaic panel according to the invention in which the photovoltaic cells, the back sheet and the front / top sheet are suitably decorated, figure 7b shows a front view of a photovoltaic panel in which the photovoltaic cells, the back sheet and the front / top sheet have been suitably decorated in a different way than in fig. 7a,

figure 7c shows an enlarged detail of fig.7b,

figures 8 a-f show various textures of the front / top sheet,

Figure 9 shows the rear view panel with the rear closing laminar element.

Figure 10 shows in top view a floor structure according to the invention,

Figure 11 shows in section a first embodiment of the floor structure,

Figure 12 shows it in a second embodiment,

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a detail of a floor structure according to the invention,

Figure 14 shows in perspective view an example of the floor structure according to the invention.

As can be seen from the figures, the photovoltaic panel 2 according to the invention is of the type intended to be installed horizontally, or inclined with respect to the horizontal, so as to define an outdoor floor or, in general, a covering of a surface of trampling.

The photovoltaic panel 2 comprises a matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4.

Preferably, the panel comprises substantially sixty photovoltaic cells 4 having conversion efficiency of about 15-18%.

Conveniently, the photovoltaic cells 4 can be made of silicon, and preferably of monocrystalline silicon. Alternatively, the photovoltaic cells 4 can be made of polycrystalline or amorphous silicon or CIGS ("Copper Indium Gallium Selenide" i.e. Indium Gallium and copper selenide) or CIS (Copper Indium Selenide, i.e. Indium and copper selenide). Alternatively, the cells 4 can be made starting from organic materials, for example starting from polymers (for example poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (4-styrenesulfonate), PEDOT: PSS) or from molecules (for example phthalocyanines or fullerenes).

Conveniently, the photovoltaic cells 4 - and in particular their visible surfaces - can be configured to be of a different color from the traditional blue and / or black, that is to reflect mainly the light of a certain color, which can be, for example, gray. metallic, green, violet, gold, or brick red. Advantageously, the coloring of each cell 4 can be obtained by engineering the various layers that form the cell itself, as described for example in EP2154727.

Preferably, each cell 4 comprises an external anti-reflective layer which is generally made of SiO2, SiNx, optionally added with hydrogen or ZnS. Conveniently, the cell 4 is configured so as to have a final efficiency between 15 and 20%, and preferably between 16 and 19%.

The photovoltaic cells 4 of the matrix 3 are electrically connected to each other by connecting tapes 6, defined as ribbons, which are preferably made of copper covered with a tin alloy. Conveniently, the connecting tapes 6 are provided on the front of the cells 4, however they could also be provided on the back of the cells themselves, as envisaged by the "back-contact" technology.

The matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4 is interposed between two layers of encapsulating material - respectively 8 '(the front / upper one) and 8' (the rear / lower one) - preferably EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate).

At the front / upper layer of encapsulating material 8 ', is associated at least a sheet 20 in transparent and / or translucent material of a structural type and suitable for walking on (i.e. suitable for withstanding the passage of a plurality of subjects without being damaged). Preferably, the sheet 20 is made of structural glass. Conveniently, the sheet in transparent and / or translucent material 20 has the function of protecting and guaranteeing strength to the entire photovoltaic panel 2 while maintaining a high transparency.

Preferably, the front / top sheet 20 is preferably made of prismatic solar glass with high light transmittance, so as not to substantially reduce the efficiency of the photovoltaic panel 2.

Furthermore, the face / top sheet 20 is preferably tempered. Conveniently, the front / top sheet 20 has a thickness of 2-10 mm, and preferably of at least about 8-10 mm to ensure the appropriate structural properties.

Advantageously, the capturing surface (which is suitably defined by the external face 29) of the front / top sheet 20 can be treated with a nanotechnological process which gives the surface the property of concentrating dirt or limescale, without limiting the yield of the panel 2 and favoring the periodic cleaning of the same.

Preferably, the external face 29 of the sheet 20 can be treated in such a way as to make it super-hydrophobic, in order to avoid the accumulation of water, and to allow it to slide outside the surface of the glass itself, also allowing to remove any dirt and / or limescale from the glass surface. Conveniently, said treatments can be carried out chemically, by depositing a super-hydrophobic layer by means of spray coating or by chemical vapor deposition (in English "Chemical Vapor Deposition"), or they can be carried out physically, for example by means of nano -structuring of the surface.

Advantageously, moreover, the external face 29 of the front / top sheet 20 can be treated with anti-slip treatments or it can comprise a suitable texture 60. Conveniently, said texture is defined by a plurality of reliefs and / or incisions obtained, preferably chemically and permanently, on the outer face 29 of said sheet.

Conveniently, the textures 60 can be defined on the basis of the anti-slip and / or transparency characteristics required of the sheet itself. In particular, one or more of the following textures can be defined on the external face 29 of the front / top sheet 20:

- a texture consisting of small ovals (see fig.8a),

- a texture consisting of meso-pores in a substantially random arrangement obtained for example by controlled chemical etching, which make it possible to make the entire structure of the glass front sheet 20 rough and / or opaque (see Fig. 8b),

- a raised circular grid texture (see fig. 8c),

- a texture consisting of lines in relief spaced apart and parallel to each other (cf.

fig. 8d); suitably, the lines can be parallel to one of the two sides of the panel 2 or present an appropriate angle with the latter, - a texture consisting of a matrix of small squares in slight relief (see fig.

8e),

- a texture consisting of circular points in relief and arranged in a cross (see fig.

8f);

Advantageously, the texture can be configured to define a decoration, a writing, an image or any other ornamental motif.

Preferably, the raised tops of said textures 60 are opaque and roughened, while the background is bright.

Conveniently, the different textures 60 allow to obtain different anti-slip levels, preferably higher than 0.4 (according to the BCRA-Tortus method (British Ceramic Research Association which measures the dynamic friction coefficient between the sample to be tested and a sliding element at constant speed. ).

Advantageously, the anti-slip of the external face 29 of the front / top sheet 20 - measured according to DIN 51130 with the ramp method - has a value greater than 9 and preferably is greater than 11, and more preferably 13, corresponding to a instability angle greater than 6 °, 19 ° and 35 °. Conveniently, this allows you to walk on it even in wet conditions.

Conveniently, the external face 29 of the front / top sheet 20 may have an anti-slip resistance greater than 0.42 (according to the AINSI A 137-1: 2012 standard and using the criteria for walkable tiles of hard materials).

Advantageously, the transparent and / or translucent front sheet 20 of the photovoltaic panel 2 can have a decoration 24 which can be a writing, an image, a coloring and / or a color coupling, etc. Conveniently, the decoration is obtained with any glass processing technique, such as for example laser engraving, screen printing, sandblasting, etc. Alternatively, the decoration 24 can be made by painting, or printing, preferably with fluorescent inks capable of absorbing ultraviolet radiation, so as to absorb a smaller quantity of visible light, and therefore allow a greater efficiency of the solar panel 2, or also for enamelling, or by other methods.

Preferably, the transparent and / or translucent front sheet 20 can be suitably processed and / or treated according to the provisions of WO2018025249, the content of which is hereby understood to be entirely incorporated by reference.

Advantageously, a further sheet, or even more additional sheets, of particularly reduced thickness and identical or different in color with respect to the underlying glass sheet, can also be placed on the transparent and / or translucent front sheet 20.

Conveniently, above the front / upper layer of encapsulating material 8 ', a multilayer consisting of a plurality of sheets 20, superimposed on each other, in transparent and / or translucent structural material and suitable to be walked on, can be positioned.

Conveniently, above the transparent and / or translucent front sheet 20, an additional sheet of electrochromic material can be positioned and, preferably, the energy generated by the solar panel 2 can be used to be put and / or maintained in operation. For example, said additional sheet made of electrochromic material can pass between an opaque and colored configuration (for example opaque white) in which the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells is, at least partially obscured, and a transparent configuration in which the matrix 3 of cells photovoltaic is, at least partially, able to receive electromagnetic radiation from the outside.

In an embodiment not shown, a film comprising a plurality of light sources (preferably LEDs) can be associated with the front sheet 20, and in particular with its external and / or internal surface, which, for example, can be used to compose a static or moving image (i.e. a movie). Basically, in this way it is possible to transform the photovoltaic panel 2 into a monitor.

Additionally, a backsheet 12 is associated with the back layer of encapsulating material 8 '' which can be made of transparent and / or translucent material, or can be made of opaque material.

Conveniently, the rear / bottom sheet 12 is made of a material, preferably plastic, which has the function of electrically insulating, protecting and shielding the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells from external agents (rain and humidity) 4. Preferably, the rear sheet / lower 12 consists of a polyester-based laminate which guarantees a high sealing of the photovoltaic panel itself, constituting a barrier in particular against oxygen and humidity.

Conveniently, the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4 interposed between the two layers of encapsulating material 8 'and 8' ', the front / upper sheet 20 and the rear / lower sheet 12 are subjected to a lamination process in order to join and glue the various sheets and layers to the matrix 3, to thus generate a single and compact body. In particular, this process is of the thermal type and requires that, through vacuum cooking (lamination), the two layers of encapsulating material 8 'and 8' 'are transformed into a gel which incorporates the photovoltaic cells 4 and substantially glues the front / top 20 and rear / bottom sheets 12. Preferably the process can take place at about 140-150 ° C under vacuum inside a suitable oven (laminator) in order to remove the air inside the panel.

Conveniently, the back / bottom sheet 12 can comprise colored or decorated portions 28 (see Fig. 4) obtained in correspondence with its internal surface 27, that is, the one intended to face the back layer 8 'of encapsulating material.

Preferably, for this purpose, the internal surface 27 of the back sheet 12 is colored, at least partially, so as to make it substantially of the same color as the photovoltaic cells 4 or of another desired color. Conveniently, the entire internal surface 27 of the back sheet 12 can be colored. Conveniently, the inner surface 27 of the back / bottom sheet 12 is colored and / or decorated in such a way as to present a certain ornamental motif, for example with drawings, images, writings, shapes and / or other elements, preferably recurring and serial.

Conveniently, the colored or decorated portions 28 of the internal surface 27 of the back sheet 12 are obtained by painting, printing, or by other methods.

Advantageously, the colored or decorated portions 28 of the back / bottom sheet 12 are positioned and configured in such a way as to define a background of homogeneous color at least in correspondence with the spaces present between the photovoltaic cells 4 of the matrix 3 and / or the spaces between the perimeter cells and the edges of the panel. In particular, for this purpose, the colored or decorated portions comprise colored sections or strips 28 obtained on the internal surface 27 of the back sheet 12 and of a color substantially corresponding to that of the photovoltaic cells 4 or of another desired color (see fig. . 4 and 5).

Conveniently, the colored strips 28 are defined on the internal surface 27 of the back sheet 12 in a manner substantially corresponding, from the dimensional point of view, in shape and position, to the spaces that are provided between the photovoltaic cells 4 and / or of the spaces present between the cells and the edges of the panel. In other words, the colored strips 28 are defined in correspondence with the areas of the internal surface 27 of the back sheet 12 which are not covered by the photovoltaic cells 4 and which are crossed at the top by the connecting tapes 6 between the various photovoltaic cells 4. Advantageously, in in this way, by covering the background spaces between the photovoltaic cells 4 by means of colored or decorated portions 28 of the back sheet 12 having the same color as said cells, the overall effect of a solid and homogeneous base of a single color is obtained on the panel 2 (i.e. that of the cells), as can be seen for example from Figure 6c.

Preferably, in particular in the case of front connecting tapes 6 between the photovoltaic cells 4, said tapes can be suitably treated, ie they are darkened, so as to make them substantially of the same color as the cells 4 or of another desired color; in essence, this allows to have a background of homogeneous color for the decoration 24 of the front glass sheet 20. Preferably, this treatment is by applying a suitable paint directly on the connecting strips 6 between the photovoltaic cells 4.

Alternatively and / or in addition to the above, the decorations 24 of the front glass sheet 20 are positioned and configured in such a way as to cover and / or obscure the connecting tapes 6 between the photovoltaic cells 4. In particular, for this purpose, the decorations 24 comprise colored and / or decorated sections / strips obtained on the front glass sheet 20 and of a color substantially corresponding to that of the photovoltaic cells 4 or another desired color. Conveniently, the colored strips are defined on the front sheet 20 in a substantially corresponding way, from the dimensional point of view, in shape and position, to the connecting tapes 6 between the photovoltaic cells 4. Basically, covering the connecting tapes 6 by decorations 24 of the front glass sheet 20 having the same color as the cells 4, the overall effect of a solid and homogeneous base of a single color (ie that of the cells) is obtained on the panel 2.

Advantageously, the decorations 24 of the front glass sheet 20 are positioned and configured in such a way as to also cover and / or obscure the scratches which are present on each photovoltaic cell 4 and which substantially correspond to the spaces present between the modules that make up each cell and they can comprise the electrical contacts between the different modules defining each photovoltaic cell 4. In particular, for this purpose, the decorations 24 comprise colored strips obtained on the front glass sheet 20 so as to cover the grooves of the photovoltaic cells 4 and, suitably, they are of a color substantially corresponding to that of the modules defining each photovoltaic cell 4, or of another desired color.

In this way it is possible to create panels 2 with high aesthetic standards and highly customizable, thus allowing use even in situations / contexts in which traditional panels could not be used, such as historic centers, or other areas of landscape interest.

Advantageously, the panel 2 comprises an energy storage unit 13, which is preferably mounted on and / or housed in the panel itself, and which can be connected to the electrical network and / or to the array 3 of photovoltaic cells 4.

Advantageously, a box-like body 14, preferably a single box-like body 14, can be associated with the rear sheet 12, which constitutes the rear of the photovoltaic panel 2, for containing the control and management means of the panel itself.

Conveniently, the panel can comprise said energy storage unit 13, configured to store, at least partially, the electricity produced by the panel.

Advantageously, the panel 2 can be provided with an electric cable 16 for connecting the panel itself to the domestic and / or national electrical network and / or to at least one electrical device (for example a street lamp) in order to supply it with energy. electricity generated by said matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4.

Conveniently, the panel 2 can operate on grid, that is, be connected to the national electricity grid and in this way the energy produced by the photovoltaic cells 4, and possibly stored in the storage unit 13, can be fed into the national electricity grid. Conveniently, in this case, the electrical equipment to be powered can be connected to the electrical network.

Advantageously, the panel 2 can operate off grid, that is, it can be self-sufficient and isolated from the national electricity grid. Conveniently, in this case, the electrical equipment is powered by the energy that is produced by the array 3 of photovoltaic cells, directly and / or after being stored in the storage unit 13.

In particular, therefore, the electrical equipment to be powered can be electrically connected directly to the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4 so that it can be powered directly by the electrical energy generated by these 4. Preferably, all or part of the energy produced the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells can be stored inside the storage unit 13, which can then be electrically connected to the electrical equipment to be powered. Advantageously, in this way, the electrical equipment can be powered directly by the energy generated by the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4 when the latter are illuminated by sunlight (and therefore generate electricity), while it can be powered by the energy stored at the inside the storage unit 13 when the photovoltaic cells are not illuminated by sunlight (and therefore do not generate electricity).

Conveniently, the box-like body 14 can be closed on all its sides and, from this, preferably only the electric cable 16 comes out, provided at its end with an electric connector 18 for connecting the panel 2 to the domestic and / or national electric network and / or to at least one electrical equipment to be powered.

Alternatively, the panel 2 can be considered as completely self-sufficient (i.e. used in an "off-grid" configuration), and substantially use the energy generated by the photovoltaic cells 4 solely to power suitable lighting means 40 associated with the panel itself, as will be described below. ; suitably, in this case, the electric cable 16 may not be present.

Advantageously, if the panel 2 is connected to the electrical network, the control and management system of the photovoltaic panel itself, which can be contained in the box-like body 14, can comprise an inverter and / or a transformer (not shown) to provide an alternating current coming out of the panel itself, i.e. in correspondence with the electrical connector 18 of the cable 16.

Advantageously, the rear sheet 12, which constitutes the rear of the photovoltaic panel 2, can be associated with said electrical energy storage unit 13, preferably consisting of at least one electric battery, and a regulator for controlling the charging / discharging of the electrical energy of the unit 13. Advantageously, if the panel is self-sufficient, the electric energy storage unit 13 can be at least partially charged with the electric energy generated by the cells 4 during the periods in which the panel receives solar lighting, and then be consumed - at least partially - to power the electrical equipment.

Advantageously, the energy storage unit 13 and the charge controller, any inverter and / or transformer are all integrated and housed inside the photovoltaic panel 2. Preferably, the charge controller is housed in the inside the box body 14.

Advantageously, the photovoltaic panel 2 comprises an external frame 22. Conveniently, this frame 22 can be defined by the edge of the front sheet 20, or it can be defined by a profile which is supported or associated with said sheet 20 and which, advantageously, can be configured to hold together the various layers and / or sheets that make up the panel itself. Preferably, the frame 22 is made of metal or its alloys (for example aluminum) and also has the function of guaranteeing sturdiness and defining a practical coupling for the photovoltaic panel 2.

Preferably, said frame 22 has an edge which is substantially flush with the outer surface of the front / top sheet 20 and this in order to improve the insolation (and therefore reduce the perimeter shadow areas) and the aesthetic impact, and to avoid defining stumbling blocks for the subjects who cross it by walking on it.

Advantageously, the frame 22 can also have surface decorations, preferably obtained by engraving. Preferably, the frame 22 has beveled edges.

Furthermore, a rear closing element 35 can be associated with the frame 22 and / or the rear / bottom sheet 12, preferably made of metal or of the same material as the frame 22, if present. Preferably, said rear closing element 35 comprises a plurality of micro-holes to allow the passage of air, and thus prevent overheating of the panel itself. Conveniently, the rear closure element 35 can affect most or almost entirely the surface development of the rear / bottom sheet 12 (see Fig. 9).

Alternatively, the frame 22 may not be present, as the front / top sheet 20 may be strong enough to maintain the structural integrity of the panel 2.

Preferably, the cables that connect the electrical equipment to the energy storage unit 13 can be passed inside the frame 22.

Advantageously, supports can be attached to the frame 22 or to the rear / bottom sheet 12 to fix the panel to the ground or to an underlying structure.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the panel 2 consists exclusively of the assembly 10, the front / top sheet 20 and the back sheet in electrically insulating material 12, that is, without providing for the presence of further layers, films or coatings.

Advantageously, the space occupied in plan of the panel 2 is defined by the dimensions of the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4. Preferably, the panel 3, and in particular the front / top sheet 20, has dimensions in length and width corresponding to those of the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4.

The panel 2 according to the invention can comprise luminous means which, preferably, can be associated with at least one edge of said panel 2 to illuminate the front / top sheet 20 and / or the areas around the perimeter of the panel itself. Conveniently, the light means are associated with the edges of the panel 2, that is, with the edges of the front / top sheet 20 and / or the back sheet 12, and therefore are not incorporated within the layers 8 of encapsulating material.

Preferably, a part or the whole frame 22 can be associated with luminous means, preferably with LED strips. In particular, the LED strips can be associated with the frame 22 along a single side, along two sides, preferably opposite each other, or along all its four sides thereof, either for the entire length of the sides or even for only one. part of these.

Conveniently, the luminous means can be associated with the frame 22 so as to illuminate the decoration 24 of the front / top sheet 20. In particular, for this purpose, the luminous means can be arranged and oriented so as to illuminate the front portion (i.e. view) and inside of the panel itself.

Conveniently, the light means can be associated with the frame 22 so as to illuminate the rear face of the panel and / or the external areas around the frame itself. Preferably, the light means can be configured and arranged so as to generate a diffused light, which expands outwards, at the rear face of the panel.

Advantageously, the light means are electrically connected with the storage unit 13 so that they can be powered by the electricity stored in the latter. Advantageously, the light means are electrically connected directly with the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4 so that they can be powered directly by the electricity generated by them. Conveniently, said light means can be connected to the electric cable 18 to allow it to be powered by mains electricity.

The panel according to the invention can be installed and used individually, but it could also be suitably connected and combined with other panels according to the invention. In the latter case, the individual photovoltaic panels 2 according to the invention can be suitably combined in order to define a floor structure 50 for outdoor environments. Preferably the floor structure 50 can define for example a walkable path.

Conveniently, the adjacent photovoltaic panels 2 can be positioned above a load-bearing frame 52, raised and supported, which rests on the underlying ground 55. Preferably, the panels 2 are placed side by side and supported so as to define a floating floor. .

Preferably, the floor structure 50, comprising a plurality of panels 2 suitably adjacent to each other, can be used to define a walkway which, advantageously during the night or in poor lighting conditions, can be illuminated by the luminous means present on one or more panels 2 of said structure. Conveniently, the box-like bodies 14 of one or more of the overlying photovoltaic panels 2 and / or the other components contained in said box-like body, such as for example the unit, can be housed inside the cavities 54 defined by the raised metal frame 52 for the energy storage 13, the control and management system of the photovoltaic panel 2, the charge controller, the cable 16 and / or the electrical connector 18.

Advantageously, the individual photovoltaic panels 2 according to the invention can be suitably combined so that the combination of the decorations 24 and / or the lighting means 40 of each panel 2 defines a single overall aesthetic effect of the floor structure 50.

Conveniently, moreover, in the case of several photovoltaic panels 2, these can be electrically connected to each other so as to share the same electrical energy storage unit 13 and / or so as to be associated with the same control and management system.

The operation of the photovoltaic panel 2 according to the invention is clear from what has been described. In particular, the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4 transforms, by means of a photovoltaic effect, the incident sunlight into direct current which then, through the charge controller 14, is stored in the storage unit 13 or is sent directly to the inverter which transforms into alternating current for immediate self-consumption by a user external to the panel itself.

Advantageously, the electricity generated in the panel itself and stored in the storage unit 13 can be used to power the associated and integrated lighting means in the panel itself. Advantageously, the electricity generated in the panel itself is used, without being stored in the storage unit 13, to directly power the luminous means 40 associated and integrated into the panel itself.

Alternatively, at least part of the electricity produced by the panel 2 can be fed into the network through the electric cable 16.

It is also understood that, in an alternative embodiment of the panel 2 according to the invention, this can be devoid of means for connecting to a user and that the electrical energy generated by the matrix 3 of photovoltaic cells 4, possibly stored in the storage unit 13, can be used exclusively for powering the luminous means provided in the panel itself. In particular, in this circumstance, the panel 2 has only an ornamental and / or lighting function of the environment or installation area, that is, without any function of energy supply to the users.

From what has been said it is clear that the improved panel according to the invention is much more advantageous than the traditional ones in that:

- allows a high aesthetic yield since it can be suitably decorated and / or illuminated;

- it has a highly pleasing aesthetic appearance even in the absence of natural light,

- it has a valuable aesthetic appearance, which allows it to be classified as a quality or luxury product,

- can be produced industrially,

- allows the creation of an autonomous system ("off-grid" or "off-grid") for the supply of electricity; this is particularly useful for the supply of electricity to isolated users or in situations where it is difficult or impossible to connect to the electricity supply network,

- it can be easily and quickly connected to the home electrical network via its output socket,

- it has excellent features of ease of use and installation since it can be positioned both vertically and tilted,

- it is independent and compact given that all its components are suitably integrated within the overall footprint of the same, - it requires a small installation space and does not require external equipment, and

- it is flexible, modular and scalable as needed.

In particular, the panel according to the invention is particularly advantageous as it can be used to define a floor structure or a covering suitable for walking on, thus allowing to expand the possibilities and contexts for its installation.

The present invention has been illustrated in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variations may apply thereto in practice, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present patent for industrial invention.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Improved photovoltaic panel (2) comprising: - an assembly (10) comprising a matrix (3) of photovoltaic cells (4) interposed and laminated between two layers (8 ', 8' ') of encapsulating material, - at least one front / top sheet of transparent and / or translucent material (20) associated with the front / upper surface, intended to be visible, of said assembly (10), - a rear / lower sheet of electrically insulating material (12) associated with the rear / lower surface of said assembly (10), and characterized in that said panel (2) is configured to be installed horizontally, or inclined with respect to the horizontal , so as to define an outdoor floor or a covering of a walking surface, said front / top sheet in transparent and / or translucent material (20) being made of transparent and / or translucent material of a structural type and suitable for walking on . 2. Panel according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one front / top sheet made of transparent and / or translucent material (20) comprises structural glass. 3. Photovoltaic panel according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that said rear sheet (12) is made of glass or plastic material and comprises on its internal surface (27) portions (28) which are defined at least in correspondence with the spaces defined between the photovoltaic cells (4) and which are colored and / or decorated (28) to be substantially the same color as the photovoltaic cells (4), or to another desired color, and / or to present at least one certain ornamental motif. 4. Panel according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the external face of said front / upper sheet made of transparent and / or translucent material (20) is treated so as to make it super-hydrophobic. 5. Panel according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the external face of said front / upper sheet made of transparent and / or translucent material (20) is treated so as to make it non-slip. 6. Panel according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the external face of said front / upper sheet made of transparent and / or translucent material (20) comprises a texture (60) defined by a plurality of reliefs and / or engravings obtained according to a predefined scheme. 7. Panel according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises luminous means configured to be powered by the electricity that is generated by the array (3) of photovoltaic cells (4) and / or by the electricity of the network. 8. Panel according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electric cable (16) for connecting the panel itself to the domestic and / or national electrical network and / or to an external device so as to power it with the electric energy generated by said matrix (3) of photovoltaic cells (4). 9. Floor structure (50) for outdoor environments characterized in that it comprises at least two, preferably a plurality of, panels according to one or more of the preceding claims which are arranged substantially horizontally, or inclined with respect to the horizontal, and which are placed side by side between them 10. Floor structure (50) according to the previous claim, characterized by the fact of comprising a supporting frame (52) of elevation and support above which said photovoltaic panels are positioned side by side.