JP2011140662A - Resin sealing sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a resin sealing sheet which is free from an organic peroxide inducing a crosslinking reaction, and thus has no risk of the decomposition of the organic peroxide in the distributing stage of the resin sealing sheet, when the resin sheet is used for solar cells, can maintain such characteristics of conventional resin sheets as transparency, adhesiveness and creep resistance, and which is capable of eliminating an peroxide inducing a crosslinking reaction and such a bad influence on other members of a solar cell or the like as is caused by the decomposition of the peroxide and of attaining a speed-up of the process by the elimination of the conventional crosslinking process, which is so far difficult, and also of uniforming securely without a gap thicknesses of the glass for solar cells, wiring and electric generator cells with the resin sealing sheet. <P>SOLUTION: The method for producing solar cell modules includes (a) a process of forming resin sealing sheet by forming an ionizing radiation-crosslinkable resin which is free from organic peroxides, (b) a process of irradiating the resin sealing sheet obtained in the process (a) with ionizing radiation to adjust the resin sheet to have a gel fraction of 2-60 wt.%, and (c) a process of forming solar cell modules by using the irradiated resin sealing sheets obtained by the process (b), and the method is characterized by not including the cross linking process in the process (c). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a resin sealing sheet. Since the resin-encapsulated sheet of the present invention does not contain an organic peroxide that induces a crosslinking reaction, there is no risk of decomposition of the organic peroxide at the distribution stage of the resin-encapsulated sheet, and the resin-encapsulated sheet of the present invention Is used in solar cells, while maintaining the transparency, adhesion, and creep resistance that are the characteristics of conventional resin-encapsulated sheets, organic peroxides that induce a crosslinking reaction and solar cells resulting from decomposition thereof, etc. Eliminates adverse effects on other components, speeds up the process by eliminating the conventional cross-linking process, which was difficult in the past, and ensures unevenness such as the thickness of solar glass, wiring, and power generation cells with a resin-encapsulated sheet The present invention relates to a resin sealing sheet that can be sealed without a gap.

  In recent years, the global warming phenomenon has heightened awareness of the environment, and a new energy system that does not generate greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide is attracting attention. Renewable energy that is friendly to the environment, such as solar power generation and wind power generation, does not emit carbon dioxide and other gases that are said to induce global warming. Therefore, research and development has been actively conducted as clean energy. Solar cell power generation is attracting attention not only as a household energy source but also as industrial energy because of its safety and ease of handling. In Japan, where resources are scarce, in order to cover the power consumption of each household, it has become popular in recent years to generate electricity by placing a photovoltaic power generation system on the roof, consume it as household power, and sell surplus power. It has become to. Above all, in Europe centering on Germany, it is attracting attention not only for household use, but also for generating industrial power and investing in large-scale power generation by arranging solar cells on a vast site.

  There are various power generation methods for solar cells that are attracting attention in this way, and typical power generation methods are those using monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells (crystalline silicon cells) or amorphous silicon. For example, any type of power generation method can be used to protect the power generation part over a long period of time because it is exposed to wind and rain outdoors for a considerable period of time. By sticking together with a glass plate or back sheet to make a module, moisture can be prevented from flowing in from the outside, and measures such as protecting the power generation part and preventing leakage can be taken to achieve stable module protection over the long term. is doing. A structure that protects the power generation part for a long time generally requires that the power generation surface transmit the light source necessary for power generation, so transparent glass or transparent resin is used, and the non-power generation surface is an aluminum foil called a back sheet A laminated sheet of barrier coating such as polyvinyl fluoride resin (PVF), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or silica thereof is used. In modularization, after sandwiching the power generation part with a resin sealing sheet, the resin sealing sheet is melted by covering the outside further with glass or a back sheet and making the resin sealing sheet high temperature. (Modular)

  Such a resin encapsulated sheet has <1> adhesion to glass, a power generation part and a back sheet, <2> prevention of flow of the power generation part due to melting of the resin encapsulated sheet at high temperature (creep resistance) < 3> Transparency that does not impede sunlight is a required characteristic. Usually, resin-encapsulated sheets are made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) as a light-resistant agent or ultraviolet absorber as a measure against ultraviolet deterioration, a coupling agent for improving adhesion to glass, an organic peroxide for crosslinking, etc. Additives are added, and the film is supplied by calendering or T-die casting. In solar cell modules using single crystal or polycrystalline silicon cells, glass / resin encapsulated sheet / crystalline silicon cell and other power generation parts / resin encapsulated sheet / back sheet are stacked in this order, with the glass side facing down. Using a dedicated solar cell vacuum laminator, the resin encapsulating sheet is melted and pasted through a preheating step and a pressing step above the melting temperature of the resin used (in the case of EVA, a temperature condition of 150 ° C.). At this time, the resin of the resin encapsulating sheet is melted in the first preheating process, and a member that adheres to the melted resin in the pressing process comes into contact and is vacuum-laminated. In the laminating step, (i) the organic peroxide contained in the resin encapsulating sheet is decomposed by the temperature to promote EVA crosslinking, and (ii) the coupling agent contained in the resin encapsulating sheet is in contact By preventing the flow of the power generation part due to the melting of the resin encapsulating sheet at high temperature (creep resistance) by covalently bonding to the member and improving the adhesion to the member, glass, power generation part The adhesiveness with the back sheet is improved. In addition, since the resin-encapsulated sheet is exposed to sunlight for a long time, an additive such as a light-resistant agent is blended from the viewpoint of preventing a decrease in optical properties due to deterioration of the resin. This maintains a level of transparency that does not hinder long-term sunlight.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-334207 (Patent Document 1) discloses a module in which an organic polymer resin encapsulated sheet crosslinked by electron beam irradiation is laminated on an amorphous silicon solar cell. Examples of this organic polymer resin encapsulating sheet include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and ethylene-methyl acrylate (EMA). These organic polymer resin encapsulating sheets include antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers. , A light stabilizer, a silane coupling agent, and a resin encapsulating sheet sheeted by extrusion molding from a slit and vacuum laminated at 150 ° C. with a power generation portion and a back sheet to produce a module. Patent Document 1 discloses that a crosslinking treatment is performed by irradiating an irradiation voltage of 300 kGy with an acceleration voltage of 500 kV from the light receiving surface of the module, or using a resin sealing sheet that has been crosslinked by electron beam irradiation at 180 ° C. It is described that a solar cell module excellent in creep resistance and weather resistance can be provided by producing a module by vacuum lamination.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-119047 (Patent Document 2) discloses a solar cell element sealing material made of an ethylene copolymer subjected to electron beam irradiation. Crosslinking gelation using a resin selected from ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer and ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer as representative of ethylene copolymer According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a solar cell element sealing material having creep resistance that does not flow or deform with a high degree of crosslinking of 65% or more.

JP-A-6-334207 JP 2001-119047 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a heat resistance by crosslinking a resin by electron beam irradiation to an ethylene vinyl copolymer represented by an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) in a conventionally disclosed publication. The resin encapsulating sheet can be prevented from flowing when the solar cell module is exposed to the sun at high temperatures (creep resistance). However, in the conventional electron beam crosslinking technology, Because the gel fraction is high, the resin-encapsulated sheet that has been cross-linked in advance using an electron beam has the unevenness and wiring formed on the solar cell glass itself and the thickness of the power generation cell in order to improve the light collection characteristics and adhesion. The resulting irregularities cannot be reliably sealed with the resin sealing sheet, and the air remaining in the gap repeatedly expands / contracts due to temperature changes such as temperature changes. Or, the gap moisture flows into the problem of or increase the risk of leakage and invasion has been left up to the power generation portion.

  In particular, in Patent Document 1, since the electron beam irradiation processing is performed from the light receiving surface side even under the conditions of 300 to 500 kV and 300 kGy disclosed in the examples, the power generation portion cannot reach the back surface of the crystalline silicon cell, and the resin sealing A place where the stop sheet is not crosslinked is created. Therefore, the resin-sealed sheet in the module has a partially non-uniform gel fraction in a high-temperature environment, so it may not be possible to stably hold the crystalline silicon cell. The problem that the part flows is left. In addition, when using a resin encapsulated sheet that has been subjected to electron beam irradiation treatment under such irradiation conditions before vacuum lamination, unevenness produced on the solar cell glass itself and unevenness resulting from the thickness of the wiring and power generation cell The resin sealing sheet cannot be surely sealed without a gap, and as a result, it is necessary to change the lamination conditions. In many cases, it is necessary to increase the laminating temperature by about 30 ° C., which may cause problems such as excessive damage to the power generation portion and a decrease in power generation efficiency.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, there is a description that the higher the gelation rate is, the better the heat resistance is. However, similar to Patent Document 1, the unevenness formed in the solar cell glass itself, the unevenness caused by the thickness of the wiring and the power generation cell. Cannot be reliably sealed with a resin sealing sheet, and as a result, it is necessary to change the lamination conditions. In many cases, it is necessary to increase the laminating temperature by about 30 ° C., which may cause excessive damage to the power generation portion and decrease the power generation efficiency.

  The present invention relates to a resin-encapsulated sheet, and since the resin-encapsulated sheet of the invention does not contain an organic peroxide that induces a crosslinking reaction, there is a risk of decomposition of the organic peroxide in the distribution stage of the resin-encapsulated sheet. When the resin-encapsulated sheet of the present invention is used for solar cells, the organic peroxide induces a crosslinking reaction while maintaining the transparency, adhesiveness, and creep resistance, which are the characteristics of the conventional resin-encapsulated sheet. And the negative effects on other components such as solar cells due to its decomposition, speeding up the process by eliminating the conventional cross-linking process, which was difficult in the past, such as the thickness of the glass for solar cells, wiring and power generation cells It is possible to provide a resin sealing sheet that can reliably seal the irregularities with the resin sealing sheet without gaps.

  As a result of intensive studies to achieve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have invented a method for producing a solar cell module including a resin-encapsulated sheet that achieves the object of the present invention.

That is, the present invention is as follows.
(1) (a) forming an ionizing radiation cross-linking resin not containing an organic peroxide to obtain a resin encapsulating sheet;
(b) a step of adjusting the gel fraction to 2 to 60 wt% by irradiating the resin sealing sheet obtained by the step (a) with ionizing radiation; and
(c) A method for producing a solar cell module, comprising a step of producing a solar cell module using the irradiated resin-encapsulated sheet obtained in the step (b), wherein a crosslinking step is performed during the step (c). The manufacturing method is not performed.
(2) (a) The process of forming the resin sealing sheet which has an ionizing radiation crosslinked resin layer containing the ionizing radiation crosslinked resin which does not contain an organic peroxide,
(b) a step of adjusting the gel fraction of the ionizing radiation cross-linked resin layer to 2 to 60 wt% by irradiating the resin sealing sheet obtained by the step (a) with ionizing radiation; and
(c) A process for producing a solar cell module using the irradiated resin-encapsulated sheet obtained by the step (b), and a method for producing a solar cell module, wherein a crosslinking step is performed during the step (c). The manufacturing method is not performed.
(3) The method for producing a solar cell module according to (1) or (2), wherein the ionizing radiation-crosslinking resin contains at least one kind of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or polyolefin resin.
(4) The manufacturing method of the solar cell module according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the tree sealing fat sheet includes a coupling agent of 0.01-5 wt%.

  The softening in the present invention will be described. The softening in the present invention means that energy such as heat is given to the resin to make the resin softened. The energy at that time is preferable because heat is simple, but is not limited thereto. Also, how to give heat to the resin can be heated directly with heating wire, indirect such as radiant heat, even if the molecular chain of the resin is vibrated and the resin itself undergoes molecular motion to generate heat, Any method may be used. In the sealing method of the present invention, a softened resin is adhered to a material to be sealed, and is fixed by solidifying the resin. When long-term durability is required, the resin and the resin are coated. It is preferable that the sealing material is closely attached and fixed, and a method that excludes air, such as a vacuum laminating method, is usually used, but is not limited thereto.

  The following are mentioned as resin which comprises the resin sealing sheet in this invention.

  The resin-encapsulated sheet of the present invention is at least one selected from ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer, and polyolefin resin. Even if it is a single layer of resin, the above-mentioned resin or a mixed layer with other resin may be sufficient. In the case of a multilayer structure, the resin used for the surface layer is ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturation from the viewpoint of non-adhesive adhesion. Carboxylic acid ester copolymers and polyethylene resins are preferred. Furthermore, by the polarization due to the polar group of the monomer used in the copolymerization, the adhesion function with the adherend such as glass can be exhibited, the transparency of the resin sealing sheet is ensured, or the polar group has Since the polymer tends to contain additives, the surface layer is selected from, for example, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, and an ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer. A single layer of at least one kind of resin or a mixed layer containing these resins is preferable from the viewpoint of adhesiveness. Further, in the case of crosslinking by irradiating with ionizing radiation, a resin having a polar group is more easily crosslinked, and the above resin is preferable also in this respect.

  The ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, and ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer of the present invention include an ethylene monomer, vinyl acetate, and an aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid. A polymer obtained by copolymerization with at least one selected from an acid, an aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester and the like is shown. The polymerization at the time of copolymerization may be polymerized by any known method such as a high-pressure method or a melting method, and there is no problem even with a multi-site catalyst or a single-site catalyst. In addition, there is no problem even if the bonding shape of each monomer during polymerization is random bond or block bond, but from the viewpoint of optical properties, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer polymerized by random bond using a high-pressure method. An ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and an ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer are preferred.

  In the case of vinyl acetate, the copolymerization ratio of ethylene monomer and vinyl acetate, aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid, aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester is acetic acid to the entire copolymer from the viewpoint of optical properties, adhesiveness and flexibility. The proportion of vinyl is preferably 2 to 65 wt%, more preferably 5 to 55 wt%, and still more preferably 5 to 40 wt%. Further, MFR (190 ° C., 2.16 kg: hereinafter, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester, from the viewpoint of resin-encapsulated sheet processability The same condition for the copolymer) is preferably 0.3 to 30, more preferably 0.5 to 30, and still more preferably 0.8 to 25.

  The ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and the ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer have the same role as EVA, but specifically, an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (hereinafter, EAA), ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer (hereinafter referred to as EMAA), ethylene-acrylic acid ester (selected from components of alcohols having 1 to 8 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl). ) Copolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid esters (chosen from components of alcohols having 1 to 8 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, etc.) copolymers, etc., and other components are added. A ternary copolymer of three or more components (for example, a ternary or more copolymer suitably selected from ethylene, an aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid and the same ester, etc.) Good. The content of these carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid ester groups is usually 3 to 35% by weight, and MFR (190 ° C., 2.16 kg: below, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, The same conditions apply for ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymers.)

  In the case of a multilayer structure, the above polymer can be used for the surface layer, and any other resin may be used as the inner layer. You may introduce | transduce into the inner layer of this invention the resin layer of the mixture of a single resin layer or resin or resin, and an additive as a new layer further. As a new layer to be newly introduced for the purpose of improving cushioning properties, a thermoplastic resin can be cited. The thermoplastic resin refers to a resin that exhibits rubber elasticity at room temperature and has thermoplasticity, and is obtained by blending a copolymer rubber and a polymer at an arbitrary weight ratio. The copolymer rubber can be present in the thermoplastic resin in a state such as uncrosslinked, partially crosslinked, or entirely crosslinked.

  Examples of the thermoplastic resin used in the present invention include olefin-based, styrene-based, vinyl chloride-based, polyester-based, urethane-based, chlorine-based ethylene polymer-based, polyamide-based, etc., and those having biodegradability, or plant-derived materials The system type is also included. In the present invention, a hydrogenated block copolymer resin, a propylene-based copolymer resin, and an ethylene-based copolymer resin that have good compatibility with the crystalline polypropylene resin and good transparency are preferable, and more preferably hydrogenated Block copolymer resin and propylene copolymer resin. As the hydrogenated block copolymer resin, a block copolymer of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon and conjugated diene is preferable. Examples of vinyl aromatic hydrocarbons include styrene, o-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, p-tert-butylstyrene, 1,3-dimethylstyrene, α-methylstyrene, vinylnaphthalene, vinylanthracene, and 1,1-diphenyl. Examples thereof include ethylene, N, N-dimethyl-p-aminoethylstyrene, N, N-diethyl-p-aminoethylstyrene, and styrene is particularly preferable. These may be used alone or in combination. The conjugated diene is a diolefin having a pair of conjugated double bonds, such as 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (isoprene), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3- Examples include butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene, and 1,3-hexadiene. These may be used alone or in combination. As the propylene-based copolymer resin, a copolymer obtained from propylene and ethylene or an α-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms is preferable. The ethylene or α-olefin content of 4 to 20 carbon atoms is preferably 6 to 30% by weight. Here, examples of the α-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms include 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 3-methyl-1-pentene, 1- Examples include decene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-octadecene, 1-eicosane and the like. The propylene-based copolymer resin may be polymerized using a multi-site catalyst, a single-site catalyst, or any other catalyst. Furthermore, a propylene-based copolymer in which the crystal / amorphous structure (morphology) of the polymer is controlled in nano order can also be used. The ethylene copolymer resin may be polymerized with any of a multisite catalyst, a single site catalyst, and other catalysts. Further, an ethylene copolymer in which the crystal / amorphous structure (morphology) of the polymer is controlled in nano order can also be used. In addition to the above resins, there is no problem even if a known resin such as an ionomer is introduced as a single layer or mixed.

  The polyolefin resin referred to in the present invention is an ethylene polymer, a polyethylene resin of ethylene and another monomer, a polypropylene resin of propylene or propylene and another monomer, or the like.

  The polyethylene-based resin of the present invention is one that contains a long-chain branched ethylene homopolymer or a copolymer modified with a small amount of α-olefin. Also included are those usually used as modified polyethylene copolymerized with ethylene and less than 10% by weight of the following copolymerizable comonomer, such as EVA having a vinyl acetate group content of less than 10% by weight. For example, polyethylene resins include low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density density polyethylene (LLDPE), linear very low density polyethylene (called “VLDPE”, “ULDPE”), ethylene-fat Soft polymer comprising an aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid polymer, an ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer, an α-olefin copolymer (for example, from ethylene and / or propylene and an α-olefin having 4 to 12 carbon atoms) Examples thereof include soft copolymers composed of one or more selected α-olefins or free combinations, and those having crystallinity of generally 30% or less by the X-ray method). The ethylene-α-olefin copolymer is generally polymerized using a single site catalyst or a catalyst called a multisite catalyst, and among them, one polymerized by a single site catalyst. preferable. More preferably, a copolymer with any one comonomer selected from an ethylene comonomer, a butene comonomer, a hexene comonomer, and an octene comonomer is generally more preferable because many resin manufacturers can easily obtain it.

Preferred density of the polyethylene resin, from the viewpoint of cushioning properties are those in the range of 0.860~0.930g / cm ^3, more preferably 0.863~0.915g / cm ^3, more preferably 0. 863 to 0.910 g / cm ³ . Further, the cushioning property is improved as the density is lower. On the other hand, when the density is 0.930 g / cm ³ or more, even when the inner layer is used, the transparency tends to deteriorate. When using a high-density resin as an improvement in transparency, it can be improved by adding low-density polyethylene of about 30 wt%.

  Further, from the viewpoint of processability of the resin-encapsulated sheet, the MFR (190 ° C., 2.16 kg: hereinafter, the same conditions for the polyethylene resin) is preferably 0.5 to 30, more preferably 0.8 to 30, More preferably, it is 1.0-25.

  Examples of polypropylene copolymer resins include copolymers of propylene and α-olefins such as ethylene, butene, hexene and octene, and terpolymers of propylene and ethylene and α-olefins such as butene, hexene and octene. Etc. These copolymers may be block copolymers or random copolymers, and are preferably a random copolymer of propylene and ethylene, or a random terpolymer of propylene, ethylene and butene. The polypropylene resin has a role of increasing the hardness and waist of the resin encapsulating sheet and increasing the heat resistance. The polypropylene copolymer resin is a copolymer of homo-PP, propylene having a propylene content of 70% by weight or more and one or more of α-olefins (4 to 8 carbon atoms in addition to ethylene). The polymer is not only polymerized with a conventional catalyst such as a Ziegler-Natta catalyst, but also includes syndiotactic PP and isotactic PP polymerized with the aforementioned metallocene catalyst. Further, the polypropylene resin may be a finely dispersed rubber component having a high concentration of up to about 50% by weight, and at least one of them is used. The propylene content in the polypropylene copolymer resin is preferably 60 to 90% by weight. Further, a polypropylene-based copolymer resin is a terpolymer, a propylene content of 60 to 80% by weight, an ethylene content of 10 to 30% by weight, and a butene content of 5 to 20% by weight It is more preferable because the shrinkability is improved.

  Furthermore, since the polybutene resin is particularly excellent in compatibility with the polypropylene resin in addition to the adjustment of the hardness and waist of the resin sealing sheet, it can be preferably used in combination with the polypropylene resin. The polybutene-based resin is a crystalline resin having a butene-1 content of 70 mol% or more and a copolymer with one or more of other monomers (ethylene, propylene, olefins having 5 to 8 carbon atoms). A high molecular weight material including a polymer is used. This is different from the liquid and waxy molecular weight, and the MFR (190 ° C., 2.16 kg: the same condition for polybutene resin) is usually 0.1 to 10. A preferable polybutene resin is a copolymer having a Vicat softening point of 40 to 100 ° C. Here, the Vicat softening point is a value measured according to JIS K7206-1982.

  The value of the melt flow rate measured in accordance with JIS-K-7210 of the polypropylene copolymer resin (230 ° C., 2.16 kgf: hereinafter, the same conditions for the polypropylene copolymer resin) is 0.3 to 15.0 is preferable, More preferably, it is 0.5-12, More preferably, it is 0.8-10.

  In the resin-encapsulated sheet of the present invention, a coupling agent, an antifogging agent, a plasticizer, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a colorant, an ultraviolet absorber, an antistatic agent, as long as the original characteristics are not impaired. Crystal nucleating agents, lubricants, anti-blocking agents, inorganic fillers, cross-linking regulators, etc. may be added, and the method of addition may be by adding a liquid to the molten resin or kneading and adding directly to the target resin layer, What is necessary is just to introduce | transduce into resin by a well-known method so that the effect of an additive can be exhibited even if it apply | coats after film forming.

  A coupling agent may be added to the resin-encapsulated sheet of the present invention for the purpose of ensuring stable adhesion. The addition depends on the desired degree of adhesiveness and the type of adherend, but is preferably 0.01-5 wt%, more preferably 0.03-4 wt%, even more preferably 0.05-3 wt% in terms of the amount added. . The coupling agent is an ethylene copolymer that is at least one resin selected from ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, and ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer. A substance that imparts good adhesion to solar cells, glass, and the like in the coalescence is preferable. Specific examples include organic silane compounds, organic silane peroxides, and organic titanate compounds. In addition, these coupling agents can be injected and mixed into the resin in the extruder, mixed and introduced into the extruder hopper, masterbatched in advance, mixed and added, or a known addition method. No problem. However, since it passes through an extruder, the original function may be hindered by heat or pressure in the extruder, and the amount added may need to be increased or decreased depending on the type of coupling agent. Further, the type of the coupling agent may be appropriately selected from the viewpoints of transparency of the resin, dispersion, corrosion to the extruder, and extrusion stability when mixed with the resin. Preferred coupling agents are [gamma] -chloropropylmethoxysilane, vinyltrichlorosilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyl-tris ([beta] -methoxyethoxy) silane, [gamma] -methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, [beta]-(3,4-ethoxy). (Cyclohexyl) ethyltrimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriacetoxysilane, γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, N-β- (aminoethyl) -γ-amino What has unsaturated groups and epoxy groups, such as propyltrimethoxysilane glycidoxypropyl triethoxysilane, is mentioned, What is necessary is just to select suitably from a well-known coupling agent.

  In addition to the above, an ultraviolet absorber, an antioxidant, a discoloration inhibitor, and the like can be added. In particular, when long-term transparency and adhesion maintenance are required, the content is 0 to 10 wt%, preferably 0 to 5 wt% with respect to the ethylene copolymer. You may add a well-known ultraviolet absorber, antioxidant, discoloration inhibitor, etc. Preferably, as the ultraviolet absorber, 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-n-5-sulfobenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2,2'-dihydroxy-4 , 4'-dimethoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-n-dodecyloxybenzophenone, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 2,2'-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, etc. , Sulfur, phosphorus, amine, hindered phenol, hindered amine, hydrazine, and the like.

  These ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, discoloration inhibitors and the like may be added not only to the ethylene-based copolymer but also to other resin layers, and are preferably 0 to 10 wt% with respect to the resin constituting each resin layer. Is 0 to 5 wt%. In the case of an ethylene-based resin, a resin having a silano group can be masterbatched and mixed to further impart adhesiveness.

  The term “crosslinking” as used in the present invention refers to irradiating the resin-encapsulated sheet with ionizing radiation such as α-ray, β-ray, γ-ray, neutron beam, electron beam and the like to crosslink the polymer constituting the sheet. By cross-linking by irradiation with ionizing radiation such as α-ray, β-ray, γ-ray, neutron beam, electron beam, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, ethylene- Prevents unreacted components such as organic acids and peroxides from remaining in the resin due to the elimination of the side chain portion of the copolymer of the aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer. And adverse effects on the conductive functional layer or the wiring are prevented. It is preferable to irradiate the resin encapsulating sheet with ionizing radiation such as α rays, β rays, γ rays, neutron rays, and electron beams.

  The accelerating voltage of ionizing radiation such as an electron beam may be appropriately selected depending on the thickness of the resin encapsulating sheet to be crosslinked, but in the case of a thickness of 500 μm, 300 kV or more is necessary for crosslinking all layers.

  The dose of ionizing radiation such as an electron beam is preferably 3-500 kGy, but if it is generally less than 3 kGy, a uniform crosslinked resin encapsulated sheet cannot be obtained. Moreover, when the irradiation amount of ionizing radiation exceeds 500 kGy, the gel fraction of a resin sealing sheet will become large too much, and the performance which fills the level | step difference of the place with a solar cell may be poor. The accelerating voltage and irradiation dose of ionizing radiation may be appropriately changed in order to achieve a desired gel fraction and gel distribution. Crosslinking generated by the acceleration voltage or irradiation dose of ionizing radiation is indicated by the gel fraction. In the present invention, the gel fraction is preferably 2-65 wt%, and more preferably the gel fraction of the resin-encapsulated sheet of the present invention. Is 2 to 60 wt%, more preferably 3 to 57 wt%. In order to achieve the gel distribution of the present invention, the difference in the degree of crosslinking depending on the type of resin, the difference in the degree of crosslinking due to the promotion of crosslinking by the transfer agent and the inhibition of crosslinking may be used even at the same irradiation dose.

  In addition, the cross-linking generated by the acceleration voltage and irradiation dose of ionizing radiation is represented by the gel fraction, but even if the difference in cross-linking due to the type of resin or the cross-linking due to cross-linking acceleration or cross-linking by additives is used. Good. For example, a resin having a polar group such as ethylene monomer and vinyl acetate, aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid, aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid ester is arranged on the surface layer, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), linear ultra low density When polyethylene (what is called “VLDPE” or “ULDPE”) resin is placed in the inner layer, the gel fraction of the surface layer is high and the inner layer is low even at an accelerating voltage sufficient to permeate the entire layer. Gel fraction can be achieved. Further, by adjusting the accelerating voltage, an uncrosslinked layer that does not crosslink the linear low density density polyethylene (LLDPE) or linear ultra low density polyethylene (called “VLDPE” or “ULDPE”) resin layer in the inner layer It is possible to carry out a crosslinking process by electron beam irradiation while constructing as follows. Moreover, when a polypropylene resin is arranged as the inner layer, the polypropylene resin is not crosslinked by an electron beam or the like, and therefore an uncrosslinked layer can be constructed.

  Next, although an example of the manufacturing method of the resin sealing sheet and resin sealing sheet of this invention is described, it is not limited to this. For example, the resin forming the resin sealing sheet is melted by an extruder, coextruded from a die, and rapidly cooled and solidified to obtain an original fabric. In this case, extrusion can be performed by a T-die method, a circular die (annular die) method, or the like. In the case of multiple layers, the latter is preferable. In the case of double-sided embossing treatment, the raw material obtained in this way passes between two heated embossing rolls, and in the case of single-sided embossing treatment, it passes between the embossing rolls heated only on one side to the resin-encapsulated sheet surface. An embossing process may be performed.

  When the resin sealing sheet has a multilayer structure, a multilayer T die method or a multilayer circular die (annular die) method may be used, or a multilayer structure may be formed by a known laminating method.

  In addition to post-treatment, for example, heat setting for dimensional stabilization, corona treatment, and plasma treatment, lamination with other types of resin sealing sheets and the like may be performed. Further, at least one layer of the resin-encapsulated sheet of the present invention may be cross-linked, and the cross-linking treatment includes irradiation of the above-mentioned ionizing radiation (electron beam, γ-ray, ultraviolet ray, etc.) and use of peroxide. A conventionally known method is used, and the crosslinking treatment may be performed either before or after embossing.

  The optical characteristics of the resin sealing sheet will be described. The haze in the present invention is a value (to be described later) measured using an optical measuring machine. However, if the haze is 10.0% or less, the object to be packaged can be visually confirmed and a sense of security can be obtained. ,preferable. If it exceeds 10.0%, the power generation efficiency of the solar cell may decrease. More preferably, it is 9.5% or less, More preferably, it is 9.0% or less. The total light transmittance is preferably 85% or more, more preferably 87% or more, and still more preferably 88% or more.

  The resin sealing sheet of the present invention may contain a plasticizer, an antioxidant, a surfactant, an ultraviolet absorber, an inorganic filler, an antifogging agent, an antistatic agent, an antiblocking agent, a lubricant, a crystal nucleating agent, a coloring agent, and the like. Well, as a method of adding to the resin, it may be kneaded and added directly to the target resin layer, or in some cases, a master batch may be diluted in advance.

  The resin-encapsulated sheet disclosed in the present invention, when used as a resin-encapsulated sheet constituting a solar cell module, maintained the transparency, adhesiveness, and creep resistance characteristics that are characteristic of conventional resin-encapsulated sheets. As such, it is possible to eliminate an adverse effect on the organic peroxide that induces a crosslinking reaction and other members such as solar cells due to decomposition thereof. The present invention speeds up the process by eliminating the conventional cross-linking process, which was difficult in the past, and can reliably seal unevenness such as glass for solar cells, wiring, and thickness of power generation cells with a resin sealing sheet without gaps. In the case of disposal, it has recyclability that can separate and separate glass and silicon cells.

  As for the thickness of the resin sealing sheet of this invention, 50-1500 micrometers is preferable normally. More preferably, it is a thin region of 100 to 1000 μm, and more preferably 150 to 800 μm. If it is less than 50 μm, a problem arises from the viewpoint of workability when the resin-encapsulated sheet has poor cushioning properties. On the other hand, when the thickness exceeds 1500 μm, a decrease in productivity and a decrease in adhesion may be a problem.

  The present invention relates to a resin sealing sheet. Since the resin-encapsulated sheet of the invention does not contain an organic peroxide that induces a crosslinking reaction, there is no fear of decomposition of the organic peroxide at the distribution stage of the resin-encapsulated sheet, and the resin-encapsulated sheet of the present invention is When used in solar cells, while maintaining transparency, adhesion, and creep resistance, which are the characteristics of conventional resin-encapsulated sheets, in addition to organic peroxides that induce cross-linking reactions and solar cells due to their decomposition, etc. This eliminates the negative effects on these components and speeds up the process by eliminating the conventional cross-linking process, which was difficult to achieve in the past. It can be sealed without any problems.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on Examples and Comparative Examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these Examples unless it exceeds the gist of the present invention. The evaluation method used in the present invention is as follows. Moreover, the part and% in a present Example are a basis of weight unless there is particular notice.

<Gel fraction>
A sample was extracted for 12 hours in boiling p-xylene, and the proportion of the insoluble portion was expressed by the following formula, and used as a measure of the degree of crosslinking of the resin-encapsulated sheet.
Gel fraction (wt%) = (sample weight after extraction / sample weight before extraction) × 100

<Irradiation treatment>
The resin encapsulated sheet was processed with an electron beam using an EPS-800 machine (manufactured by Nissin High Voltage) at various acceleration voltages and irradiation densities.

<Density of ethylene polymer>
It measured based on JIS-K-7112.

<MFR of ethylene polymer>
It measured based on JIS-K-7210.

<Haze and total light transmittance>
Measured according to ASTM D-1003. The sample is laminated in the order of a glass plate for solar cells (AGC white plate glass 5 cm × 10 cm square: thickness 3 mm) / resin sealing sheet / solar cell glass plate, and vacuum laminated using an LM50 type vacuum laminator (NPC). Used for measurement.

<Peel strength with glass>
A sample is laminated | stacked in order of the glass plate for solar cells (AGC company white plate glass 5cmX10cm angle | corner: thickness 3mm) / resin sealing sheet / glass plate for solar cells, and it is 150 degreeC using LM50 type vacuum laminating apparatus (NPC company). And vacuum laminated. After laminating, the two glass plates for solar cells were peeled off by hand for evaluation.
○: Strong adhesion and no peeling. (Good)
X: It peels by hand. (Bad)

<Solar cell power generation partial gap evaluation>
Glass plate for solar cell (white glass made by AGC, 5 cm × 10 cm square: thickness 3 mm) / resin sealing sheet / power generation part (single crystal silicon cell (thickness 250 μm) / resin sealing sheet / solar cell glass plate) Then, vacuum lamination was performed at 150 ° C. using an LM50 type vacuum laminating apparatus (NPC), and the contact state of the power generation portion with the resin sealing sheet of the single crystal silicon cell was visually confirmed.
◯: All contact portions between the single crystal silicon cell and the resin sealing sheet are good. (No gap)
X: A gap occurred at the contact portion between the single crystal silicon cell and the resin sealing sheet. (Almost all have gaps)

<Creep resistance evaluation>
Glass plate for solar cell (white glass made by AGC, 5 cm × 10 cm square: thickness 3 mm) / resin sealing sheet / power generation part (single crystal silicon cell (thickness 250 μm) / resin sealing sheet / solar cell glass plate) , Vacuum laminate using LM50 type vacuum laminator (NPC), and fix one glass plate of the laminated solar cell on the wall surface of a thermostat set at 85 ° C., let stand for 24 hours, Was measured.
○: There is almost no displacement of the glass plate.
X: The shift | offset | difference of a glass plate is 3 mm or more.

Examples 1-17
A tube formed by melt extrusion using a resin as shown in Tables 1 and 2, using an extruder to melt the resin, melt-extruding the resin into a tube shape from an annular die connected to the extruder Was quenched using a water-cooling ring to obtain resin-sealed sheets shown in Tables 1 and 2.

The obtained resin encapsulated sheet was subjected to electron beam crosslinking treatment under the conditions described in Tables 1 and 2.
Each resin sealing sheet was evaluated, and the results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

  From the results shown in Tables 1 and 2, the obtained resin-encapsulated sheet had excellent characteristics and was very good.

Comparative Examples 1-5
A resin-encapsulated sheet was obtained under the conditions shown in Table 3 by the same method as in Example. Thereafter, various evaluations were performed in the same manner as in the examples. The results are shown in Table 3.

  In Comparative Example 1, the gel fraction was 0 wt%, which was outside the scope of the present invention, and was not cross-linked. Therefore, a deviation from the other glass plate occurred in the thermostat set at 85 ° C.

  In Comparative Examples 2 to 5, the gel fractions exceeded 80%, which was outside the scope of the present invention, and a gap was generated around the single crystal silicon cell.

Claims (4)

(a) forming an ionizing radiation cross-linking resin not containing an organic peroxide to obtain a resin-encapsulated sheet;
(b) a step of adjusting the gel fraction to 2 to 60 wt% by irradiating the resin sealing sheet obtained by the step (a) with ionizing radiation; and
(c) A method for producing a solar cell module, comprising a step of producing a solar cell module using the irradiated resin-encapsulated sheet obtained in the step (b), wherein a crosslinking step is performed during the step (c). The manufacturing method is not performed. (a) forming a resin encapsulating sheet having an ionizing radiation-crosslinking resin layer containing an ionizing radiation-crosslinking resin not containing an organic peroxide;
(b) a step of adjusting the gel fraction of the ionizing radiation cross-linked resin layer to 2 to 60 wt% by irradiating the resin sealing sheet obtained by the step (a) with ionizing radiation; and
(c) A process for producing a solar cell module using the irradiated resin-encapsulated sheet obtained by the step (b), and a method for producing a solar cell module, wherein a crosslinking step is performed during the step (c). The manufacturing method is not performed.   The manufacturing method of the solar cell module of Claim 1 or 2 in which the said ionizing radiation crosslinking type resin contains at least 1 sort (s) of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or polyolefin resin.   The manufacturing method of the solar cell module as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3 with which the said resin sealing sheet contains a coupling agent 0.01-5 wt%.