JP2002141543A - Solar cell module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a solar cell module usable stably for a long time, without producing products such as corrosive acetic acid, etc., by shutting off water content from infiltrating from solar cell modules peripheries. SOLUTION: The solar cell module has a solar cell 1 composed of a plurality of series or parallel connected solar cell elements between a frontside protective member 2 and a backside protective member 3, an adhesive resin seal 40 sealing the solar cell 1, the cell having a positive and negative inner leads 5, 6 electrically connected with outer leads 8. The peripheral edge of the solar cell module 11 is sealed with an adhesive metal foil tape 18 covering the edge like a picture frame with a C-shaped section.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a solar cell module installed on a gantry or a roof installed outdoors, and more particularly, to a sealing structure for a peripheral portion of a solar cell module.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, research and development of clean energy are being promoted from the standpoint of environmental protection. Above all, solar cells are attracting attention because of their infinite resources (solar rays) and no pollution. A typical example of a solar cell (photoelectric conversion device) in which a plurality of solar cell elements formed on the same substrate are connected in series is a thin-film solar cell.

Thin-film solar cells are considered to be the mainstream of solar cells in the future because of their thinness, light weight, low production cost, and easy area enlargement. Demand is expanding for business use and general residential use, which are used for such purposes. Roof tiles with solar cells have also been developed for general residential use.

In recent years, research and development of a flexible solar cell using a plastic film has been promoted, and by utilizing this flexibility, mass production is possible by a roll-to-roll or step-roll manufacturing method. I have.

In order to seal a solar cell formed on an electrically insulating film substrate with an electrically insulating protective material, the light receiving surface side and the non-light receiving surface side of the solar cell are used as the thin film solar cell module. Both are provided with a protective layer.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an example of a schematic structure of a conventional solar cell module. FIG. 6 is a sectional side view of the solar cell module, and FIG. 7 has a metal frame having a U-shaped cross section. FIG. 2 shows a side sectional view of the solar cell module mounted on a frame.

In FIG. 6, a solar cell 1 has a plurality of solar cell elements connected in series or in parallel, a surface protection member 2 such as a glass plate on a light-receiving surface side, and a tedra (one-sided) containing aluminum foil on a back surface side. A back surface protection member 3 such as ethylene fluoride is provided, and an adhesive resin sealing material 4 such as EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin), which is excellent in adhesive sealing property and inexpensive.
0 indicates heat sealing.

In the solar cell 1, internal lead wires 5 and 6 are electrically connected to the positive (+) and negative (−) electrodes, and the internal leads 5 and 6 are connected to the back surface protective member 3. The connection terminal box 7 is bonded and fixed, is guided through the back surface protection member 3, and is electrically connected to the core wires 9 and 10 of the cable 8 as an external lead wire inside the connection terminal box 7.
The solar cell module 11 is formed as a whole.

As the surface protection member 2, an organic material such as a transparent acrylic plate may be used in addition to an inorganic material such as a glass plate. In addition to the above-mentioned resin containing a metal foil, the backside protective member 3 may be an organic film alone such as a fluorine-based film, a composite material obtained by laminating an organic film and a metal foil, or a metal such as a metal plate or a glass plate.・ Inorganic materials may be used.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a solar cell module mounted on a frame. In FIG. 7, a frame 12 is arranged around the solar cell module 11, and a peripheral portion 13 of the solar cell module 11 is made of metal. Frame 12
Is inserted into a holding portion 14 having a frame 14a having a U-shaped cross section, and is fixed and held by an adhesive sealing material 15 injected so as to fill a gap. Here, as the adhesive sealing material 15, an adhesive elastic sealing material such as butyl rubber having heat fluidity or silicone rubber which becomes liquid and solid after curing is used, and the surface protection member 2 such as a glass plate and the frame 12 are used. Absorbs thermal expansion and suppresses moisture intrusion.

Further, as described above, roof tiles with solar cells and the like have been developed (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-226909). It is similar to the structure of the solar cell module shown in FIG.

The roof tile with a solar cell described in the above publication comprises a roof tile main body and a solar cell structure (solar cell module). The roof tile main body is formed by pressing a cement composition. A concave portion for inserting the solar cell structure is provided substantially at the center of the upper surface of the roof tile body, and eight nailing pedestals are provided on the water side, and a nail hole is provided substantially at the center of the nailing pedestal. Is formed so that it can be fixed to the roof.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an enlarged sectional structure of a peripheral portion of the solar cell structure described in the above publication. The solar cell structure shown in FIG.
This is a solar cell module in which the adhesive tape 7 is adhered, and the periphery of the laminated body 62a to which the adhesive tape 7 is adhered is inserted into the opening of the frame 4 having a U-shaped cross section.

The adhesive tape 7 is, for example, a tape-like sheet made of EPDM (ethylene propylene terpolymer) foam having a width of about 9 mm and a thickness of about 5 mm provided with a butyl rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one surface thereof. Tape 7 is laminated 62
After affixing the adhesive tape 7 to the peripheral edge of the frame 4, the peripheral edge of the laminated body 62a to which the adhesive tape 7 is adhered is inserted into the U-shaped opening of the frame 4 while compressing the adhesive tape 7.

In this case, the adhesive tape 7 having a thickness of about 5 mm is inserted into the gap of about 1 mm between the peripheral portion of the laminate 62a and the inner surface of the flange of the frame 4 in a compressed state. Therefore, the solar cell structure 62 can be easily manufactured simply by inserting the adhesive tape 7 into the opening having the U-shaped cross section while compressing the same, and the manufactured solar cell structure 62 can be easily manufactured.
Since the compressed adhesive tape 7 is attached to the peripheral portion of the laminated body 62a, the compressed adhesive tape 7 tries to return to the original shape, and the inner surface of the flange of the frame 4 and the peripheral edge of the laminated body 62a. As a result of pressing the portion, the space between the adhesive tape 7 and the peripheral edge of the laminate 62a becomes watertight, and rainwater does not enter from this portion to the internal solar cell.

The above publication also discloses an embodiment in which a silicone rubber molded body is used instead of the adhesive tape 7.

[0017]

However, when the conventional solar cell module as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 is installed on a stand installed outdoors or on the roof of a house, there are the following problems.

In the solar cell module shown in FIG. 7 or 8, the adhesive sealing material 15 between the solar cell module 11 and the frame 14a of FIG.
Alternatively, moisture permeates the adhesive tape 7 in FIG. 8 according to the moisture permeability of the material. In the long term, the adhesive sealing material 15 or the adhesive tape 7 is deteriorated by being exposed to sunlight, wind and rain, and the amount of water penetration increases with the deterioration.

The infiltrated water penetrates into the inside of the adhesive resin sealing material 40 from the end surface of the adhesive resin sealing material 40 on the periphery of the solar cell module, which is located on the side surface around the solar cell module 11, Eventually, the solar cell 1 and the internal lead wires 5 and 6 and their connection parts are reached and cause corrosion. In particular, EVA is applied to the adhesive resin sealing material 40.
(Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin)
VA is hydrolyzed with moisture to produce acetic acid, further accelerating corrosion.

When corrosion occurs in the solar cell 1 or the like, not only does the power generation characteristic deteriorate, but also the conductor cross-sectional area of the internal lead wires 5 and 6 decreases or breaks, and further, poor contact at the connection portion with the solar cell 1. In the worst case, the output cannot be taken out to the outside.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to block the intrusion of moisture from the periphery of a solar cell module and to produce a product such as corrosive acetic acid. It is an object of the present invention to provide a solar cell module which can be used stably for a long period without generating the solar cell module.

[0022]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, a solar cell in which a plurality of solar cell elements are connected in series or in parallel between a front surface protection member and a back surface protection member is bonded. It is sealed with a conductive resin sealing material,
In the solar cell module in which the internal lead wires of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the solar cell are electrically connected to the external lead wires, the peripheral portion of the solar cell module is framed in a U-shaped cross section by a metal foil tape with an adhesive. (The invention of claim 1).

According to the above configuration, the periphery of the solar cell module serving as a moisture intrusion path can be covered with a metal foil to prevent moisture intrusion.

The solar cell module may be directly incorporated into an installation jig, a tile, or the like provided with the above-described configuration. However, the solar cell module may be integrated by surrounding the module with a metal frame, for example, an aluminum frame. There are many. As such a solar cell module, the invention of the following claim 2 is preferable. That is, a solar cell module having a metal frame having a U-shaped cross section at a peripheral portion, wherein the solar cell module according to claim 1 is inserted into a U-shaped opening of the frame, and the module and the frame are inserted. Is fixed via an adhesive sealing material (the invention of claim 2).

According to this configuration, as in the case of the conventional solar cell module, absorption of thermal expansion and short-term intrusion of moisture can be prevented by the adhesive sealing material. Furthermore, long-term moisture intrusion from the part of the adhesive sealing material can be blocked by the metal foil. In the long term, there is a small amount of water penetration from the adhesive part between the metal foil and the solar cell module, but since the thickness of the adhesive part is thin, the amount of water penetrating from the adhesive part is small. Almost negligible.

Further, in the solar cell module according to the second aspect, the adhesive sealing material is a silicone rubber or a butyl rubber which has a liquid state or a fluidity upon heating and becomes solid after curing (the invention of the third aspect). . According to the present invention, the assembling work of the module is facilitated.

Further, in the solar cell module according to any one of the first to third aspects, the metal foil tape is obtained by bonding an organic resin film to a metal foil. According to this configuration, the strength and corrosion resistance of the metal foil itself can be improved.

Further, in the solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the adhesive resin sealing material for sealing the solar cell is EVA (ethylene-ethylene).
(Vinyl acetate copolymer resin) (the invention of claim 5). According to this configuration, like the conventional solar cell module,
Inexpensive and excellent resin sealing is possible, and the problem of generation of acetic acid by hydrolysis is eliminated.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show schematic structural views of an embodiment of the solar cell module according to the present invention. In FIGS. 1 to 5, members having the same functions as those of the solar cell module shown in FIGS. Have the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the solar cell module, taken along the line AA in FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view thereof, and FIG.
Is a side sectional view of a solar cell module attached to a frame, FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing an example of a metal foil tape with an adhesive, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a peripheral portion of the solar cell module.

In FIG. 1, the solar cell module 11
Is the same as the conventional structure shown in FIG. 6, and the description is omitted. A metal foil tape 18 with an adhesive is attached to the periphery of the solar cell module 11. The metal foil tape 18 with the adhesive is, for example, the surface 2 a of the surface protection member 2 made of a glass plate, and a tedora with an aluminum foil. The front surface 3a of the back surface protection member 3 is extended from the side surface of the module.

Here, the adhesive 18a provided in the metal foil tape 18 with adhesive is located between the metal foil tape 18 with adhesive and the periphery of the solar cell module. The type of adhesive is acrylic or Use a silicone-based organic adhesive. Further, the thickness of the adhesive is desirably 0.1 mm or less within a range where long-term moisture penetration can be ignored.

On the other hand, the lengths of the portions 18b and 18c covering the surface 2a and the surface 3a of the metal foil tape 18 with adhesive are 5
The length of the portion 18b is approximately equal to or shorter than the length of the frame 14a of the holding portion 14 of the frame 12 shown in FIG.
I try not to be exposed outside.

In FIG. 2, a metal foil tape 1 with an adhesive
Numeral 8 covers the peripheral portion of the solar cell module, and four corner portions 19 are formed by cutting the metal foil tape 18 with an adhesive in a triangular shape on the surface 2a of the surface protection member 2 shown in FIG. The gaps are made so that no gap is generated. If it is cumbersome to cut and abut in a triangular shape, it may be superimposed. FIG.
The same processing is performed on the front surface 3a of the back surface protection member 3 indicated by.

In FIG. 3, the solar cell module 11 thus manufactured is inserted into the holding portion 14 of the frame 12 like the conventional module with a frame shown in FIG. It is injected and fixed. The thickness of the adhesive sealing material 15 is 2 to 3 mm.

Next, an example of the configuration of the metal foil tape with adhesive 18 will be described with reference to FIG. The metal foil 20 of the metal foil tape 18 with an adhesive is an aluminum foil here, and has a thickness of 0.1 mm or less, and preferably 0.05 mm or less in consideration of the easiness of bending. A film 21 made of an organic material such as a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film is laminated on one side 20a of the metal foil to mechanically reinforce the metal foil 20 and to prevent corrosion due to moisture or the like. Is 0.3mm
It is below, and in order not to impair the bendability, 0.1
mm or less is desirable. On the other hand, the adhesive 18a is applied to the one surface 20b on the opposite side, and the type and thickness of the adhesive are as described above. Further, here, the film 21 is
0, but there is no problem with laminating both sides. In this case, the adhesive 18a is placed on the film on one side.
Is applied.

Next, the peripheral structure of the solar cell module will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the peripheral portion, and schematically shows a state where the solar cell module 11 is inserted into the frame 14a of the frame, in contrast to FIG.

As is apparent from FIG. 5, the adhesive sealing material 15 can prevent the absorption of thermal expansion and short-term moisture intrusion. Long-term moisture ingress from 21
It can be shielded by the metal foil 20. In the long term, there is a concern that moisture may enter from the portion of the adhesive 18a between the metal foil 20 and the solar cell module 11, but since the thickness of the portion of the adhesive is sufficiently thin as described above, Adhesive 1
The amount of water entering from the portion 8a is practically negligible.

[0040]

According to the present invention, as described above, a solar cell in which a plurality of solar cell elements are connected in series or in parallel between a surface protection member and a back surface protection member is sealed with an adhesive resin sealing material. In a solar cell module in which the internal lead wires of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the solar cell are electrically connected to external lead wires through connection terminals, the peripheral portion of the solar cell module is formed by a metal with an adhesive. A solar cell module having a U-shaped cross-section framed and sealed with a foil tape (the invention of claim 1), or a metal frame body having a U-shaped cross-section at a peripheral portion, The solar cell module according to claim 1 is inserted into a U-shaped opening of the frame, and the module and the frame are fixed with an adhesive sealing material therebetween (claim 2). Invention) To block moisture from entering from the solar cell module periphery, generating the product, such as corrosive acid without, it is possible to provide a solar cell module that can be used in long-term stable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a schematic configuration of a solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the solar cell module of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a schematic configuration of a solar cell module in which the module of FIG. 1 is mounted on a frame.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a metal foil tape with an adhesive according to the present invention.

5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of the solar cell module of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of a schematic configuration showing an example of a conventional solar cell module.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a schematic configuration of a solar cell module in which the module of FIG. 6 is mounted on a frame.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of a different conventional solar cell module.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: solar cell 2: surface protection member 3: back surface protection member
5, 6: internal lead, 8: external lead, 11: solar cell module, 12: frame, 14a: frame, 1
5: adhesive sealing material, 18: metal foil tape with adhesive,
20: metal foil, 21: organic resin film, 40: adhesive resin sealing material.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2E108 KK01 LL09 NN07 5F051 BA03 BA18 EA02 EA17 EA18 EA20 GA02 GA03 JA02 JA04 JA05 JA06 JA08

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:
A solar cell in which a plurality of solar cell elements are connected in series or in parallel is sealed with an adhesive resin sealing material, and the internal lead wires of the positive and negative electrodes of the solar cell are electrically connected to external lead wires. A solar cell module comprising: a solar cell module comprising: a peripheral portion of the solar cell module covered with a metal foil tape with an adhesive in a frame shape with a U-shaped cross section; 2. A solar cell module having a metal frame having a U-shaped cross section at a peripheral portion, wherein the solar cell module according to claim 1 is inserted into a U-shaped opening of the frame.
A solar cell module, wherein the module and the frame are fixed with an adhesive sealing material therebetween. 3. The solar cell module according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive sealing material is a silicone rubber or a butyl rubber that is liquid or has a fluidity upon heating and becomes solid after curing. . 4. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the metal foil tape is obtained by bonding an organic resin film to a metal foil. 5. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive resin sealing material for sealing the solar cell is EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin). Characteristic solar cell module.