JPH11204820A - Solar cell module, its manufacture and execution method, solar cell generation system and solar cell module array - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a high-reliability solar cell module which is never deformed if an external load/pressure is applied during forming after installation, wherein formability is improved to provide such a non-deformable solar cell module to avoid forming folds at a photosensor, and hence the conversion efficiency never deteriorates. SOLUTION: A solar cell module having a photosensor 101, reinforcing board 107 disposed at a non-photo-detecting face of the photosensor and covers 102, 105 for sealing and fixing the photosensor 101 to the reinforcing board 107, comprises a shape hold member 108 at least at a part of a non-photo-detecting face of the reinforcing board 107.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic element, a reinforcing plate provided on the non-light-receiving surface side of the photovoltaic element, and a device for sealing and fixing the photovoltaic element on the reinforcing plate. The present invention relates to a solar cell module having a coating material of the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, awareness of protection of energy resources and environmental issues has been increasing worldwide. Above all, there is a deep concern about the depletion of petroleum and the like and the global warming phenomenon associated with CO2 emissions. Therefore, solar cell energy, which can directly convert solar energy into electric power and is clean energy, has been greatly expected.

The types of solar cells widely used at present include those using crystalline silicon and those using amorphous silicon.

[0004] In particular, an amorphous silicon solar cell in which silicon is deposited on a conductive metal substrate and a transparent conductive layer is formed thereon is cheaper and lighter than a solar cell using crystalline silicon, and has a high impact resistance. It is promising because of its richness and flexibility. Recently, it has been installed on roofs and walls of buildings, taking advantage of the characteristics of amorphous silicon solar cells, such as light weight, excellent impact resistance, and flexibility. In this case, the non-light-receiving surface side of the solar cell is used as a building material by bonding a reinforcing material via an adhesive. By bonding the reinforcing material in this manner, the mechanical strength of the solar cell module is increased, and warpage and distortion due to a temperature change can be prevented. In particular, installation on a roof is being actively performed because more sunlight can be taken in.
Conventionally, when using as a roof, the process procedure of mounting a frame on a solar cell, installing a gantry on the roof, and then installing a solar cell on it, was used. The obtained solar cell module can be directly installed as a roof material by bending a reinforcing material. As a result, the cost of raw materials can be significantly reduced and the number of work steps can be significantly reduced, so that an inexpensive solar cell module can be provided. In addition, a very lightweight solar cell can be provided because no frame or mount is required. That is, the solar cell can be treated as a metal roof that has recently attracted attention because of its excellent workability, light weight, and excellent earthquake resistance.

Further, recently, there is a tendency to emphasize individual originality, and this is no exception in building materials and solar cells. There is a demand for solar cells or building materials having a variety of shapes that meet various needs. Also in this regard, metal roofs with high workability are attracting attention.

On the other hand, amorphous silicon solar cells
Generally, in order to make use of its flexibility and make a lightweight solar cell, a coating using a fluorine film on the outermost surface and various organic polymer resins as a filler inside the film has been performed. However, when the surface is covered with a film, it is less susceptible to external impact and damage (scratch resistance) than when covered with glass. In order to solve these drawbacks, a method has been devised in which a filler is impregnated with a fibrous inorganic compound such as a glass fiber nonwoven fabric to secure the strength on the light receiving surface side.

FIG. 16 is a conventional example showing a covering structure of such a solar cell module. In FIG. 16, 1603 is a fluoride polymer thin film layer, 1602 is a transparent organic polymer resin,
1601 is a photovoltaic element 1604 is an insulating film, and 1605 is a reinforcing plate. More specifically, a fluoride polymer thin film layer
1603 is a fluororesin film such as an ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) film and a PVF (polyvinyl fluoride) film, and the transparent organic polymer resin 1602 is EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer);
Butyral resin and the like. The insulating film 1604 is an organic resin film such as a nylon film, a PET (polyester) film, and an aluminum laminated Tedlar film. The reinforcing plate 1605 is made of insulated metal such as a painted zinc steel plate, carbon fiber, FRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic), or the like.

[0008]

Conventionally, when a roof is constructed, it is constructed from the eaves side of the roof toward the ridge side.
Therefore, when a craftsman stands on the eaves side and performs the construction, he will step on the roof material on the eaves side that was previously laid. Also, when constructing while standing on the ridge side, it is necessary to go back and forth between the eaves side and the ridge side many times during the construction of the roof. You will step on it many times. While repeating such trampling, a part of the metal roof may be deformed during construction. In the case of the conventional construction method, the deformed portion was returned to the initial shape, for example, by hitting it from the back side, and used as it was.

When a building material-integrated solar cell module is used as a roof material, it is constructed in the same manner as a general metal roof material. That is, when the building material-integrated solar cell module is constructed by the conventional construction method, there is a possibility that the solar cell module is stepped on and deformed. However, the effect on the solar cell module in this case or the long-term reliability in this case is not recognized at all.

In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, it is sufficient that the solar cell module is not trampled and deformed during construction, but it is necessary to reciprocate on the roof many times in actual construction. Because very difficult.

Therefore, we examined what would happen if the solar cell module was trampled and deformed. As a result, it was found that many cracks were observed on the surface of the photovoltaic element in a place where the photovoltaic element of the solar cell module had a fold that could be visually confirmed. In other words, when the solar cell module is trampled and creased during construction, the photovoltaic element breaks, which affects long-term reliability. all right.

[0012] From the above, in the unlikely event that the solar cell module is broken by stepping on during construction, it is necessary to remove and replace the solar cell module. However, as described above, since the roof is built from the eaves side, in order to remove the solar cell module on the eaves side, all the modules installed on the ridge side from that solar cell module must be removed. , Very laborious and inefficient.

Therefore, the present invention seeks to solve the following problems. During the construction, if you step on the constructed solar cell module, it will be creased. If the photovoltaic module is creased, there is a possibility that the long-term reliability of the photovoltaic module is reduced, and consequently the conversion efficiency is reduced. Therefore, if the solar cell module is creased during construction, it is necessary to remove and replace only the solar cell module, which is very time-consuming and reduces the efficiency of roof construction. If the construction is attempted without stepping on the solar cell module, great care is required, and the workability is reduced.

[0014] Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-1357 is disclosed.
No. 68 discloses a solar cell mounting structure on a roof in which at least a heat insulating material and a solar cell panel are laminated on a metal plate continuously laid on part or all of the roof. However, the effect described in this publication is the suppression and recovery of light degradation due to a rise in the temperature of the solar cell panel due to the heat insulating material. It also describes stabilizing the indoor temperature in order to improve indoor and outdoor heat insulation, and further improving fire protection by laying a metal plate under a solar cell panel. No mention is made of the workability or the strength against trampling when the solar cell module is constructed. Further, since the solar cell panel in the above publication has a glass surface on the light receiving surface side, there is no recognition or description of these.

[0015]

Means for Solving the Problems As a result of intensive research and development for solving the above problems, the present inventor has found that the following method is the best.

A solar cell comprising a photovoltaic element, a reinforcing plate provided on the non-light-receiving surface side of the photovoltaic element, and a covering material for sealing the photovoltaic element and fixing the photovoltaic element on the reinforcing plate. In the battery module, a solar cell module provided with a shape holding member on at least a part of the reinforcing plate on the non-light receiving surface side.

(Operation) The solar cell module based on the above-described configuration includes the following aspects and has remarkable effects.

A solar cell comprising a photovoltaic element, a reinforcing plate provided on the non-light-receiving surface side of the photovoltaic element, and a covering material for sealing and fixing the photovoltaic element on the reinforcing plate. In the battery module, a shape holding member is provided on at least a part of the reinforcing plate on the non-light-receiving surface side. Even if the solar cell module is trampled during construction, the solar cell module does not break, thereby improving the workability. 2. Since the photovoltaic element does not break, the conversion efficiency does not decrease, and a highly reliable solar cell module can be obtained. 3. Even in a heavy snowfall area or the like, the solar cell module does not break due to the weight of snow.

3. The shape holding member is located on the back side of the photovoltaic element. The effect of the above can be made more reliable.

4. A part or all of the reinforcing plate on the non-light receiving surface side has a shape that is concave with respect to the non-light receiving surface side. A solar cell module excellent in aesthetics with emphasis on individual originality can be obtained.

5. By disposing the shape holding member in the space of the concave portion of the reinforcing plate, Since the portion where the reinforcing plate is concave with respect to the non-light-receiving surface side is particularly vulnerable to stepping, arranging the shape holding member in the space of this portion prevents the solar cell module from being broken. Very effective in that respect.

6. By providing a transparent resin film layer on the outermost surface on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell module, Since it can be a lightweight solar cell module, it is excellent in earthquake resistance. 8. Since the solar cell module can have flexibility, design and workability are improved. 9. It prevents contamination from outside during long-term outdoor use, and prevents a decrease in the conversion efficiency of the solar cell module.

9. The photovoltaic element is a thin film semiconductor formed on a flexible substrate. It becomes a solar cell module with excellent workability.

10. The thin-film semiconductor layer is an amorphous semiconductor layer. It becomes an inexpensive, lightweight and flexible solar cell module.

11. The shape holding member has a compressive strength greater than a load strength at which the solar cell module deforms. The breakage of the solar cell module can be prevented.

The compressive strength of the shape maintaining member is 1.0 kgf / c
By characterized in that m ² or more, 13. Since the compressive strength is constant under the load applied to the solar cell module in normal construction, it is possible to reliably prevent the solar cell module from being broken.

13. Since the shape maintaining member is a heat insulating material, When amorphous silicon is used as the photovoltaic element, the photodegradation can be suppressed and recovered, so that high conversion efficiency can be obtained.

14. The heat insulating material is any one of a polystyrene resin, a polyurethane resin, a vinyl chloride resin, and an asphalt resin. Since it is lightweight and easy to process, it is easy to rework during construction and easy to handle. 16. Excellent heat insulation, heat resistance and compression resistance.

The shape holding member is made of wood, steel plate, rubber,
By being one of the other building components, 17. Since a normally used member or a commercially available inexpensive member can be used, a low-cost solar cell module can be obtained.

17. The solar cell module is a building material-integrated solar cell module. Compared with a conventional type in which a solar cell module is installed on a building material, no building material is required, so that a low-cost solar cell module can be obtained. 19. Furthermore, since the installation location can be used effectively by using it as a building material on a roof or a wall of a building, power can be generated efficiently.

21. Fixing the shape holding member on the reinforcing plate using an adhesive, Regardless of the method of manufacturing the solar cell module, it can be easily attached to the completed product.

[0032]

1 is a plan view and a sectional view of an example of a solar cell module satisfying the conditions of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 101 is a photovoltaic element, 102 is a fibrous inorganic compound, 103 is a transparent organic polymer compound, 104 is a transparent resin film located on the outermost surface, 105 is a back filler, 106 is a back insulating film, 107 is a reinforcing plate, 10
Reference numeral 8 denotes a shape holding member. The sunlight enters from the outermost film 103, reaches the photovoltaic element 101, and the generated electromotive force is taken out from an output terminal (not shown). The photovoltaic element 101 and the coating material will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view when the solar cell module used in the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 is roofed.

Reference numeral 301 denotes the solar cell module of the present invention;
02 denotes a reinforcing plate, 303 denotes a shape holding member, and 304 denotes a roof base plate. The solar cell module 301 is mounted on the roof base plate 304 from the eaves side, and the roof is sequentially superimposed on the ridge side. At this time, a conventional space is seen between the solar cell module 301 and the base plate 304, and when this portion is trampled during construction, the solar cell module 301 bends and breaks. A shape holding member 303 is provided on the non-light receiving surface side of the reinforcing plate 302.
Since there is no space, the solar cell module 301 does not bend and break even if it is stepped on during construction.

(Shape-Maintaining Member) A shape-maintaining member 108 is provided on the back side (non-light-receiving side) of the reinforcing member to maintain the shape of the solar cell module even during construction. The conditions for the material to be inexpensive, easy to obtain, easy to process the shape holding member itself, and that the shape does not change due to the load applied during construction (excellent in compression resistance), etc. Materials satisfying the above are desirable. As the compression resistance of the shape maintaining member, it is desirable to have a compression strength greater than the load strength of the solar cell module. Here, the load strength is a force (kgf / cm ² ) at which the photovoltaic element undergoes plastic deformation when a load is applied to the solar cell module, and the compressive strength is J
In the compression test defined by IS K 7220, the value obtained by dividing the load at 0.1 strain by the initial cross-sectional area of the specimen (kgf /
cm ² ).

As a specific material, wood, steel plate, building member, rubber, or a heat insulating material such as polystyrene resin, polyurethane resin, vinyl chloride resin, asphalt resin is preferable. In particular, when amorphous silicon is used as the photovoltaic element, the photodegradation can be suppressed and recovered by using a heat insulating material as the shape maintaining member. In addition, because the heat insulating material is lightweight, it can be used as a roofing material to provide a solar cell module with excellent earthquake resistance, especially when attached to a lightweight solar cell module whose surface is sealed with a resin film. If you do, the effect is great.

As a means for arranging these shape maintaining members on the back side of the reinforcing material, an adhesive tape, a hot melt, an adhesive or the like can be used.

It is preferable that the surface of the shape holding member to be attached to the reinforcing material has the same shape as the shape of the reinforcing material, and that no gap is formed between the reinforcing material and the shape holding member when the shape holding member is attached. When there is a gap, the function of the shape holding member is not sufficiently exhibited, which causes the solar cell module to be broken. Also, it is desirable that the shape holding member on the side of the base plate has no gap between the base plate and the shape holding member. When there is a rib on the surface of the shape maintaining member, it is desirable that the shape of the convex portion of the rib matches the reinforcing plate / field plate. The size of the shape maintaining member is preferably equal to or larger than that of the photovoltaic element. It is desirable that the photovoltaic element provided with the shape holding member only in part thereof is larger than the long side and / or the short side. By doing this,
Since the entire photovoltaic element can be held uniformly, breakage of the solar cell module during construction can be effectively prevented.

(Flat Solar Cell Module) A method for producing a module with a flat solar cell using a photovoltaic element, a filler, a surface resin film, a back surface covering material, and a reinforcing plate will be described below.

In order to cover the light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic element, it is general to prepare a sheet-shaped transparent polymer resin 403 and heat-press it on the front and back of the element. The laminated configuration at the time of producing the solar cell module is a configuration as shown in FIG. That is, the photovoltaic element 401, the fibrous inorganic compound 402, the transparent organic polymer resin 403, the front resin film 404, the back filler 405, the insulating film 4
06 and a reinforcing plate 407 are laminated in the order shown in the drawing or in the reverse order, and then heat-pressed to obtain a solar cell module 408. In addition, the heating temperature and heating time at the time of press bonding are determined by the temperature and time at which the crosslinking reaction sufficiently proceeds.

(Processing of Flat-panel Solar Cell Module) In order to provide the flat-panel solar cell module with a function as a roof material, processing is performed to add designability as an engaging portion and a roof. The method of processing these is not particularly limited. Roller former machine, bender machine,
This is performed using a conventional machine for processing roof materials such as a press machine. In particular, it is preferable to use a roller former machine, a press machine, or the like because mass productivity is excellent.

(Attachment of Shape Holding Member) A shape holding member is attached to the processed solar cell module. The shape maintaining member is processed according to the back surface shape of the processed solar cell module, and is adhered on the reinforcing material using an adhesive, a hot melt, an adhesive tape, or the like. At this time, it is necessary to process the solar cell module into a shape that allows the space between the base plate and the solar cell module to be buried when the solar cell module is installed on a roof or the like.

Hereinafter, other components of the present invention will be described. A typical photovoltaic element according to the present invention has a configuration in which a back reflection layer, a semiconductor active layer, a transparent conductive layer, and a current collecting electrode are laminated on a substrate. FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration diagram as one example, in which 201 is a conductive substrate, 202 is a back reflection layer, 203 is a semiconductor photoactive layer,
04 is a transparent conductive layer, 205 is a current collecting electrode, and 206 is an output terminal.

As the substrate, metal, resin, glass, ceramics, semiconductor bulk and the like are used. The surface may have fine irregularities. A structure in which light is incident from the substrate side using a transparent substrate may be employed.

However, in order to maximize the flexibility of the amorphous silicon, it is desirable to use a flexible substrate. That is, it is desirable to use metal or resin. By forming the metal or resin into a long shape, it is possible to cope with continuous film formation. Examples of the material for the resin substrate include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, aromatic polyester, aromatic polyamide, polysulfonic acid, polyimide, polyarylate, and polyetheretherketone. In addition, it is more preferable that the substrate be a conductive substrate because the substrate can serve as a lower electrode at the same time as a substrate for the photovoltaic element. Examples of the material of the conductive substrate include silicon, tantalum, molybdenum, tungsten, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, carbon sheets, lead-plated steel sheets, resin films having a conductive layer formed thereon, and ceramics. On the conductive substrate 201, the back reflection layer 2
As 02, a metal layer, a metal oxide layer, or a metal layer and a metal oxide layer may be formed. These roles serve as a reflection layer that reflects light reaching the substrate and reuses the light in the semiconductor layer. Providing irregularities on these surfaces has the effect of extending the optical path length of the reflected light in the semiconductor layer and increasing the short-circuit current. For example, Ti,
Cr, Mo, W, Al, Ag, Ni, Cu, Au, etc. are used. For the metal oxide layer, for example, ZnO, TiO.
₂ , SnO ₂ or the like is used. Examples of a method for forming the metal layer and the metal oxide layer include a resistance heating evaporation method, an electron beam evaporation method, a sputtering method, plating, and printing.

The semiconductor photoactive layer 203 is a portion that performs photoelectric conversion, and specific materials include pn junction type polycrystalline silicon, pin junction type amorphous silicon, and Cu.
InSe ₂ , CuInS ₂ , GaAs, CdS / Cu
₂ S, CdS / CdTe, CdS / InP, CdTe /
And a compound semiconductor such as Cu ₂ Te. As a method of forming the semiconductor photoactive layer, in the case of polycrystalline silicon, a sheet of molten silicon or heat treatment of amorphous silicon is used. In the case of amorphous silicon, a microwave plasma CVD method using silane gas as a raw material, a high frequency plasma CVD method In the case of a compound semiconductor, there are ion plating, ion beam deposition, vacuum evaporation, sputtering, and electrodeposition.

The transparent conductive layer 204 functions as an upper electrode of the solar cell. At the same time, diffuse reflection of incident light and reflected light is increased, and the optical path length in the semiconductor layer is extended. Further, it prevents the elements of the metal layer from diffusing or migrating into the semiconductor layer, thereby preventing the photovoltaic element from shunting. Further, by having an appropriate resistance, a short circuit due to a defect such as a pinhole in the semiconductor layer is prevented. It is desirable that the specific resistance is 10E-5 (Ωcm) or more and 10E-2 (Ωcm) or less. Further, it is preferable that the surface has irregularities as in the case of the metal layer. As a material to be used, for example, In ₂ O ₃ , SnO ₂ , In ₂ O ₃ —SnO ₂ (IT
O), ZnO, TiO ₂ , Cd ₂ SnO ₄ , and a crystalline semiconductor layer doped with a high concentration of impurities. As a forming method, resistance heating evaporation, sputtering, spraying, CVD,
There is an impurity diffusion method and the like.

A grid-like current collecting electrode 205 (grid) may be provided on the transparent conductive layer in order to efficiently collect current. As a specific material of the current collecting electrode 205, for example, Ti, Cr, Mo, W, Al, Ag, Ni, C
u, Sn, or a conductive paste such as a silver paste. As a method for forming the current collecting electrode 205, sputtering using a mask pattern, resistance heating, a CVD method, a method in which an unnecessary portion is removed by etching after depositing a metal film on the entire surface and patterning is performed,
There are a method of directly forming a grid electrode pattern by photo-CVD, a method of forming a mask of a negative pattern of the grid electrode pattern and then plating, and a method of printing a conductive paste. As the conductive paste, one obtained by dispersing silver, gold, copper, nickel, carbon, or the like in fine powder form in a binder polymer is usually used. Examples of the binder polymer include resins such as polyester, epoxy, acrylic, alkyd, polyvinyl acetate, rubber, urethane, and phenol.

Finally, to extract the electromotive force, the plus side output terminal 206a and the minus side output terminal 206b are attached to the conductive substrate and the current collecting electrode. A method of joining a metal body such as a copper tab to the conductive substrate by spot welding or soldering is adopted,
A method of electrically connecting a metal body to the collecting electrode by a conductive paste 207 or solder is used. Current collecting electrode 205
It is preferable to provide an insulating film 208 in order to prevent the output terminal from coming into contact with the conductive metal substrate or the semiconductor layer to cause a short circuit when the device is mounted on the semiconductor device.

Next, the coating material used in the present invention will be described in detail.

(Fibrous Inorganic Compound) Next, the fibrous inorganic compound 102 impregnated in the surface filler will be described below. First, the surface of a solar cell using amorphous silicon is covered with a polymer resin film in order to make full use of its flexibility. However, in this case, the outermost surface is much more vulnerable to external flaws than when the outermost surface is covered with glass.

Also, solar cell modules, especially modules installed on roofs and walls of houses, are required to have flame retardancy. However, when the amount of the transparent organic polymer resin is large, the surface coating material becomes very flammable, and when the amount is small, the internal photovoltaic element cannot be protected from external impact. Therefore, in order to sufficiently protect the photovoltaic element from the external environment with a small amount of resin, a transparent polymer resin impregnated with a fibrous inorganic compound is used as a surface coating material.

Specific examples of the fibrous inorganic compound include glass fiber nonwoven fabric, glass fiber woven fabric, glass filler and the like. In particular, it is preferable to use a glass fiber nonwoven fabric. Glass fiber woven fabrics are expensive and are not easily impregnated. Since the use of a glass filler does not significantly improve the scratch resistance, it is difficult to cover the photovoltaic element with a smaller amount of the transparent organic polymer resin. In addition, for long-term use, it is possible to treat the fibrous inorganic compound with a silane coupling agent or an organic titanate compound in the same manner as that used for the transparent organic polymer resin to ensure sufficient adhesion. desirable.

(Filler) The transparent organic polymer resin used as the surface filler 103 coats the unevenness of the photovoltaic element with the resin, and protects the element from severe external environments such as temperature change, humidity, and impact. It is necessary to protect and secure the adhesion between the surface film and the element. Therefore, weather resistance, adhesion, filling properties, heat resistance, cold resistance, and impact resistance are required.
Resins satisfying these requirements include polyolefin resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer (EEA), and butyral resin. , Urethane resin, silicone resin and the like. Among them, EVA has well-balanced physical properties for use in solar cells, and is preferably used.

Further, since EVA has a low thermal deformation temperature as it is and easily exhibits deformation and creep under high temperature use, it is desirable to crosslink to increase heat resistance. E
In the case of VA, crosslinking is generally performed with an organic peroxide. Crosslinking with an organic peroxide is performed by free radicals generated from the organic peroxide extracting hydrogen and halogen atoms in the resin to form a CC bond. Thermal decomposition, redox decomposition and ionic decomposition are known as methods for activating organic peroxides. Generally, the thermal decomposition method is preferred. Specific examples of the chemical structure of the organic peroxide are roughly classified into hydroperoxide, dialkyl (allyl) peroxide, diacyl peroxide, peroxyketal, peroxyester, peroxycarbonate, and ketone peroxide.

The amount of the organic peroxide to be added depends on the filler resin.
0.5 to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight.

It is possible to carry out crosslinking and thermocompression bonding while heating under pressure while using the above organic peroxide as a filler. The heating temperature and time can be determined by the thermal decomposition temperature characteristics of each organic peroxide. In general, the heating and pressurizing is completed when the temperature and the time at which the thermal decomposition proceeds are more than 90%, preferably 95% or more. The gel fraction of the filler is preferably 80% or more. Here, the gel fraction is determined by the following equation.

Gel fraction = (weight of undissolved portion / original weight of sample) × 100 (%)

That is, when the transparent organic polymer resin is extracted with a solvent such as xylene, the crosslinked and gelled portion does not elute but only the uncrosslinked sol portion. A gel fraction of 100% indicates that the crosslinking was completely completed. By evaporating the xylene from which the sample remaining after the extraction has been taken out, only the undissolved gel component can be obtained.

When the gel fraction is less than 80%, heat resistance and creep resistance are inferior, so that a problem occurs when used at high temperatures such as summer.

In order to carry out the crosslinking reaction efficiently, it is desirable to use triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC), which is called a crosslinking aid. Generally, the amount is 1 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the filler resin.

Although the filler material used in the present invention is excellent in weather resistance, an ultraviolet absorber may be used in combination for further improving weather resistance or protecting the lower layer of the filler. . Known compounds are used as the ultraviolet absorber, but it is preferable to use a low-volatile ultraviolet absorber in consideration of the usage environment of the solar cell module. If a light stabilizer is added in addition to the ultraviolet absorber, the filler becomes more stable to light. Specific chemical structures are roughly classified into salicylic acid, benzophenone, benzotriazole, and cyanoacrylate.
It is preferable to add at least one of these ultraviolet absorbers.

It is known that a hindered amine-based light stabilizer can be used as a method for imparting weather resistance other than the above-mentioned ultraviolet absorber. A hindered amine-based light stabilizer does not absorb ultraviolet rays unlike an ultraviolet absorber, but exhibits a remarkable synergistic effect when used in combination with an ultraviolet absorber. The addition amount is 0.1 to 0.3 with respect to 100 parts by weight of the resin.
It is generally about parts by weight. Of course, some other than hindered amines function as light stabilizers, but are often colored, which is not desirable for the filler of the present invention.

Further, an antioxidant can be added to improve heat resistance and heat workability. Addition amount is resin 1
0.1 to 1 part by weight is appropriate for 00 parts by weight. The chemical structure of antioxidants is broadly classified into monophenol-based, bisphenol-based, polymer-type phenol-based, sulfur-based, and phosphoric-acid-based.

Further, when it is assumed that the solar cell module is used in a more severe environment, it is preferable to improve the adhesion between the filler and the photovoltaic element or surface film. The adhesion can be improved by adding a silane coupling agent or an organic titanate compound to the filler. The addition amount is based on 100 parts by weight of the filler resin.
0.1 to 3 parts by weight is preferable, and 0.25 to 1 part by weight is more preferable. Further, it is effective to add a silane coupling agent or an organic titanate compound to the transparent organic polymer in order to improve the adhesion between the impregnated fibrous inorganic compound and the transparent organic polymer compound.

On the other hand, in order to minimize the decrease in the amount of light reaching the photovoltaic element, the surface filler must be transparent, and specifically, the light transmittance must be 400 nm or more and 800 n.
It is preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, in the visible light wavelength region of m or less. In addition, in order to facilitate the incidence of light from the atmosphere,
Preferably, the refractive index in degrees is from 1.1 to 2.0, more preferably from 1.1 to 1.6.

(Surface Resin Film) Since the surface resin film 104 used in the present invention is located on the outermost layer of the solar cell module, it has long-term reliability in outdoor exposure of the solar cell module including weather resistance, stain resistance and mechanical strength. Performance to ensure performance is required. Examples of the resin film used in the present invention include a fluorine resin and an acrylic resin. Among them, fluororesins are preferably used because of their excellent weather resistance and stain resistance. Specific examples include a polyvinylidene fluoride resin, a polyvinyl fluoride resin, and an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer. Polyvinylidene fluoride resin is excellent in terms of weather resistance, but ethylene tetrafluoride-ethylene copolymer is excellent in terms of compatibility between weather resistance and mechanical strength and transparency.

In order to improve the adhesiveness with the filler, it is desirable to perform a surface treatment such as a corona treatment, a plasma treatment, an ozone treatment, a UV irradiation, an electron beam irradiation and a flame treatment on the surface film. Specifically, it is preferable that the wetting index on the photovoltaic element side is 34 dyne to 45 dyne. If the wetting index is 34 dyne or less, the adhesive strength between the resin film and the filler is not sufficient, so that the filler and the resin film peel off. When using a resin film of ethylene tetrafluoride-ethylene copolymer resin,
It is difficult to make the wetting index more than 45dyne.

Further, the resin film which has been subjected to the stretching treatment has cracks. That is, when the end portion of the solar cell module is bent as in the present invention, the film is cut at the bent portion, so that peeling of the coating material and intrusion of moisture at the bent portion are promoted, and reliability is reduced. For this reason, a film that has not been stretched is more desirable. Specifically, in the ASTM D-882 test method, the tensile elongation at break was 200% in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
It is preferably from about to 800%.

(Insulating Film) The insulating film 106
It is necessary to maintain electrical insulation between the conductive metal substrate of the photovoltaic element 101 and the outside. As the material, a material that can secure sufficient electrical insulation with the conductive metal substrate, has excellent long-term durability, can withstand thermal expansion and thermal contraction, and has flexibility is preferable. Suitable films include nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, and polycarbonate.

(Back Filler) Filler 105 on the back is used to bond photovoltaic element 101 to insulating film 106 on the back. As the material, a material that can secure sufficient adhesion to the conductive substrate, has excellent long-term durability, can withstand thermal expansion and thermal contraction, and has flexibility is preferable. Materials that are preferably used include EVA, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), and ethylene-methyl acrylate.
Ethyl acrylate copolymer (EEA), polyethylene,
Examples include a hot melt material such as polyvinyl butyral, a double-sided tape, and a flexible epoxy adhesive. In addition, a tackifying resin may be applied to the surface of these adhesives in order to improve the adhesive strength with the reinforcing plate and the insulating film. These fillers are often the same material as the transparent polymer resin used as the filler 103 on the surface.
Furthermore, to simplify the process, on both sides of the insulating film,
A material in which the above-mentioned adhesive layer is integrally laminated in advance may be used.

(Reinforcing plate) Outside the covering film on the back surface, in order to increase the mechanical strength of the solar cell module, to prevent distortion and warping due to temperature change, and to provide a roof material integrated solar cell. A reinforcing plate 107 is attached to make a module. For example, a coated zinc steel plate, a plastic plate, an FRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic) plate or the like coated with an organic polymer resin having excellent weather resistance and rust resistance are preferable.

[0073]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail based on embodiments.

(Example 1) [Photovoltaic element] First, amorphous silicon (a-S
i) Produce a solar cell (photovoltaic element). The manufacturing procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

On a cleaned stainless steel substrate 201, an Al layer (film thickness: 5000) was formed as a back reflection layer 202 by sputtering.
Å) and a ZnO layer (thickness 5000 Å) are sequentially formed. Then, SiH ₄ , PH _3, and H ₂ were formed by plasma CVD.
An i-type a-Si layer from a mixed gas of SiH ₄ and H ₂ , a p-type microcrystalline μc-Si layer from a mixed gas of SiH ₄ , BF ₃ and H _2. Formed, and the thickness of the n-layer is 150Å / i-layer thickness of 4000Å / p-layer thickness of 100Å / n
Layer thickness 100 ° / i-layer thickness 800 ° / p-layer thickness 100 °
Tandem a-Si photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer 203 having a layer structure of
Was formed. Next, as the transparent conductive layer 204, In ₂ O ₃
A thin film (thickness: 700 °) was formed by depositing In by a resistance heating method in an O ₂ atmosphere. Further, a grid electrode 205 for current collection is formed by screen printing of silver paste, and finally a copper tab is attached to the stainless steel substrate as a minus side output terminal 206b using a solder 207,
As the positive output terminal 206a, a tin foil tape was attached to the current collecting electrode 205 with solder 207 to serve as an output terminal to obtain a photovoltaic element.

[Cell Block] A method of manufacturing a solar cell block by connecting the above-mentioned elements in eight series will be described with reference to FIG.

After arranging the eight elements 501 in a horizontal row, the plus terminal 503a of one element 501 of the adjacent element 501 is connected to the minus terminal 503b of the other element by using solder 504. At this time, the plus side terminal extending longer to the outside than the photovoltaic element substrate was connected to the minus side terminal. In addition, the eight elements were serialized to form serialized cell blocks. The copper tab connected to the output terminal of the element at the end was turned to the back surface, and a back surface current collecting electrode was formed so that output could be taken out from a hole in the back surface coating layer described later (not shown).

Thus, a solar cell block was completed.

[Modularization] A method of producing a solar cell module by covering the above-described elements will be described with reference to FIG.

The cell block 601 and the fibrous inorganic compound (4
0g / m ² ) 602, transparent organic polymer resin 603 on the light receiving surface side, front surface resin film 604, back side integrated laminated film 605,
A reinforcing plate 606 was prepared, and was formed by stacking them in the order shown in FIG.

The plus output terminal 6 of the cell block
07, a decorative tape 608 was laminated.

<Fibrous inorganic compound> The fibrous inorganic compound (4
0 g / m ² ) A glass fiber nonwoven fabric having a basis weight of 40 g / m ² , a thickness of 200 μm, a binder acrylic resin content of 4.0%, a wire diameter of 10 μm, and a fiber length of 13 mm was prepared.

<Transparent Organic Polymer Resin on Light-Surface Side> An ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (25% by weight of vinyl acetate) as a filler, a crosslinking agent, an ultraviolet absorber, an antioxidant, and a light stabilizer are mixed. A 460 μm EVA sheet was prepared.

<Surface Resin Film> An unstretched ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene film (ETFE) 50 μm was prepared as a surface resin film. Note that a surface in contact with the filler was subjected to plasma treatment in advance.

<Integrated backside film> As an integral laminated film, as an adhesive layer, a formulated ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (25% by weight of vinyl acetate, thickness of 225 μm) used as an organic polymer resin on the light-receiving side was used. A biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate film (PET) (thickness: 100 μm) was used as an insulating film in an EVA / PET /
An integrated laminated film having a total thickness of 550 μm, which was integrally laminated in the order of EVA, was prepared.

<Reinforcing Plate> As the reinforcing plate, a galvalume steel plate (aluminum 55%, zinc 43.4%, silicon 1.6
A steel sheet coated with a polyester-based paint on one side and a polyester-based paint with glass fiber added on the other side was prepared. The steel plate was 400 μm thick.

<Cosmetic Tape> As a decorative tape, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film (thickness: 50)
μm, color black) tape was prepared.

<Flat-plate Solar Cell Module> This laminate was vacuum-heated using a single vacuum laminating apparatus to produce a flat-plate solar cell module. The vacuum conditions at that time were as follows: evacuation speed: 76 Torr / sec., Degree of vacuum: 5 Torr, evacuation for 30 minutes.

Thereafter, the laminating apparatus was put into a hot air oven at 160 ° C. and heated for 50 minutes. EVA at this time
Is placed in an environment of 140 degrees or more and 15 minutes or more.
Thereby, EVA was melted and crosslinked.

[Roller Former Processing] Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the end of the solar cell module not including the photovoltaic element 701 was bent using a roller former forming machine. At this time, the photovoltaic element 701 is formed so that the roller does not hit the portion.

[Press Processing] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the reinforcing plate was bent by a press molding machine regardless of the presence or absence of the photovoltaic element. Pressing was performed by sandwiching the solar cell module between a lower mold having a convex portion and an upper mold having a concave portion.

[Installation of Terminal Box] As shown in FIG. 9, an electric wire 903 for extracting electric power and a terminal box 902 are attached from the back surface 901 of the solar cell module. A hole (not shown) is formed in advance in the reinforcing material corresponding to the terminal extracting portion of the photovoltaic element group, and the output terminals of the positive electrode 903a and the negative electrode 903b are extracted therefrom. Further, a terminal box 902 made of polycarbonate is provided in the take-out portion for insulation protection and waterproofing. A cable having a connector at the end is used as the cable.

[Attaching of shape holding member] As shown in FIG. 10, the shape holding member
Paste 1004. As the shape maintaining member, a polystyrene foam as a heat insulating material was used, and was adhered to almost the entire surface of the reinforcing material. The surface shape is the same as the shape of the reinforcing material,
It was stuck so that there was no gap between the shape maintaining member and the reinforcing plate. In addition, as a means for attaching this, an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) hot melt was used and attached to the back side of the reinforcing material.

[Installation] Three solar cell modules 1101 on which the shape maintaining members prepared as described above are arranged are prepared.
FIG. 11-1 is a plan view when the first solar cell module is installed, and FIG. 11-2 is a cross-sectional view when three solar cell modules are installed. An asphalt roofing material 1106 was laid on a simulated prepared roof base plate 1107 having a roof slope, and fixed with a tucker 1105. The first solar cell module was placed on a field board on which asphalt roofing material was laid, and a hook 1103 was fitted in order from the end, and the hook and the field board were fixed with a drill screw 1104. At this time, they are fixed in close contact with each other so that there is no gap between the base plate and the shape holding member. Furthermore, the second solar cell module was fitted to the first solar cell module, fixed in the same manner, and the third solar cell module was similarly fixed. Thus, a solar cell module unit was created.

(Example 2) A solar cell module was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that press working was not performed, and the portions other than the engaging portions were left flat. Using these three solar cell modules, they were installed in the same manner as in Example 1 to obtain a solar cell module unit.

Example 3 As shown in FIG. 12, a solar cell module was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a shape-retaining member (hard polystyrene foam) 1204 was arranged only at a part of the peak of the solar cell module. A battery module was created. Using these three solar cell modules, they were installed in the same manner as in Example 1 to obtain a solar cell module unit.

Example 4 A solar cell module was prepared in the same manner as in Example 3, except that wood was used as the shape maintaining member. Using these three solar cell modules, they were installed in the same manner as in Example 1 to obtain a solar cell module unit.

Example 5 A photovoltaic element similar to that used in Example 1 was used, and the elements were connected in series to form a cell block as shown in FIG. The cell block was made into a flat panel solar cell module according to the same procedure as in Example 1. In this example, the positive output terminal 1303
The connection between a and the negative output terminal 1303b was made on two sides. The long side end of the solar cell module was bent with respect to the light receiving surface side by a 90 ° roller former processing machine. Thereafter, the solar cell module was pressed into a shape as shown in FIG. A hard polystyrene foam was buried as a shape holding member 1501 in the concave portion as viewed from the non-light receiving surface side of the solar cell module, and Example 1 was installed in the same manner.
A solar cell module unit was created. Fig. 1
It is shown in FIG.

Comparative Example 1 A solar cell module was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that no shape maintaining member was provided. Using these three solar cell modules, they were installed in the same manner as in Example 1 to obtain a solar cell module unit.

Comparative Example 2 A solar cell module was prepared in the same manner as in Example 2 except that no shape maintaining member was provided. Using these three solar cell modules, they were installed in the same manner as in Example 2 to obtain a solar cell module unit.

Comparative Example 3 A solar cell module was prepared in the same manner as in Example 5, except that no shape maintaining member was provided. Using these three solar cell modules, they were installed in the same manner as in Example 5 to obtain a solar cell module unit.

(Comparative Example 4) In Example 1, since the surface shape of the shape-retaining member did not match the back surface of the reinforcing member, the same as in Example 1 except that a gap was formed between the shape-retaining member and the reinforcing member. To make a solar cell module. Using these three solar cell modules, a solar cell module unit was formed in the same manner as in Example 1.

Comparative Example 5 A solar cell module was produced in the same manner as in Example 1. These solar cell modules
Using three sheets, a solar cell module unit was produced in the same manner as in Example 1. However, since the shapes of the base plate and the shape holding member do not match, a gap is formed between the shape holding member and the base plate.

The following items were evaluated. Table 1 shows the results.

● Initial Appearance The appearance of the solar cell module after being made into a solar cell module unit was evaluated for any folds or the like.

The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 based on the following evaluation criteria. ◎: When there is no defect in appearance, and the aesthetic appearance of the roof is excellent. ○: When there is some defect in appearance but it cannot be practically used. ×: The surface is markedly scratched or deformed. Is very large and significantly impairs the aesthetics of the roofing material. For other defects, comments were added each time.

● High-Temperature and High-Humidity Test After the solar cell module unit was put in an environment of 85 ° / 85% (relative humidity) for 3000 hours, the solar cell module was taken out, and a change in appearance was visually observed.
At this time, defects such as shrinkage and peeling of the shape holding member on the back surface were observed at the same time as defects on the surface of the solar cell module. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 based on the following evaluation criteria. (Appearance) ◎: When there is no defect in appearance, ○: When there is some defect in appearance, but it cannot be practically used, ×: When peeling is remarkable and defects in appearance are very large

● Temperature / humidity cycle test The solar cell module was subjected to a temperature / humidity cycle test of -40 degrees / 0.5 hours: 85 degrees / 85% (relative humidity) / 20 hours 100 times, and then the solar cell module was taken out. The change in appearance was visually observed. At this time, defects such as shrinkage and peeling of the shape holding member on the back surface were observed at the same time as defects on the surface of the solar cell module. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 based on the following evaluation criteria. (Appearance) ◎: When there is no defect in appearance, ○: When there is some defect in appearance, but it cannot be practically used, ×: When peeling is remarkable and defects in appearance are very large

● Repeated load test A solar cell module unit is attached to a dynamic load test device conforming to UL1703. 146.
The test equipment was set so that a load of 5 kg / m ² was applied evenly, and one cycle was performed once for the front side and once for the back side.
Apply load continuously for 00 cycles. In addition, the load application speed shall be 20 cycles / min or less. The solar cell module subjected to the test as described above was checked for any change in appearance such as folds, peeling, and discoloration, and whether the PV circuit was disconnected, and the Pmax of the solar cell module was measured.

The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 based on the following criteria.
For Pmax, the rate of change from the initial value is shown in the table as a numerical value. :: When there is no change in appearance such as a fold, and no disconnection of the PV circuit. ○: There are some places where the folds have occurred,
If you do not know at a distance of 3m and you think that there is no problem in actual use on the roof. It is assumed that there is no disconnection of the PV circuit. X: A case where remarkable folds or peeling occur, which can be clearly recognized even from a point 3 m away, which may cause problems in actual use. Or, when the disconnection of the PV circuit occurs.

● Human load test A person weighing 75 kg is placed on the convex or central part of the solar cell module installed in the middle of the solar cell module unit. At this time, a change in appearance and a change in Pmax were evaluated. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 based on the following criteria. ◎ When there is no deformation even when stepping on. ：: Deforms when stepped on, but returns to the initial state when stepping is stopped. ×: When the fold is completely broken and the fold does not return even if the stepping is stopped.

As shown in Table 1, the solar cell modules of Examples 1 to 5 have no defects such as peeling and discoloration not only in the initial appearance but also in the high-temperature high-humidity test and the temperature-humidity cycle test. The solar cell modules of Examples 1 to 3 and 5 using a heat insulating material as the shape maintaining member showed good results without problems such as shrinkage and peeling of the heat insulating material. In Example 4 in which wood was used only partially as the shape maintaining member, in the high-temperature and high-humidity test, it was found that the material contained a very large amount of water and a part of the reinforcing plate and the wood were peeled off. However, there is no problem in actual use.

In the repeated load test, all the solar cell modules of the examples showed good results. This is considered to be because the shape holding member is provided and the shape is such that there is no gap at each interface between the reinforcing material, the shape holding member, and the base plate, and thus the deformation due to the load test is small.

In the human load test, Examples 1, 2, and 5, in which the shape retaining material was provided on the entire back surface side, did not deform at all and showed good results. In Examples 3 and 4 in which the shape holding member was provided only on a part of the mountain, slight deformation was observed in the portion without the shape holding member, but the state returned to the initial state when the load was originally stopped. There is no problem because the rate of change is stable at 0.99.

On the other hand, in the solar cell module of the comparative example, in each of the load tests of the repeated load and the human load, the solar cell module is broken and Pmax is lowered. In particular, in the comparative examples 1 and 3 in which the portion including the photovoltaic element of the solar remote module is processed into a convex shape and the back surface side is not provided with any shape holding member, the overload concentrated on this portion cannot be tolerated. The solar cell module is creased. In Comparative Examples 4 and 5, although the shape maintaining member was provided, the shape did not match with the solar cell module and the base plate, so that a gap was formed, so that a fold occurred due to an external load. In the solar cell module having such a fold, if the fold is severe, the photovoltaic element is damaged and Pmax is reduced.

The reference value of the test is that the rate of change of Pmax is 0.95.
Therefore, as shown in the comparative example, all the samples are NG at 0.68 to 0.82.

[0117]

[Table 1]

[0118]

According to the present invention, a photovoltaic element, a reinforcing plate provided on the non-light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic element, the photovoltaic element is sealed and fixed on the reinforcing plate. In a solar cell module having a covering material for forming the reinforcing plate, at least a part of the reinforcing plate on the non-light receiving surface side is provided with a shape holding member, so that even when the solar cell module is trampled during construction, Will not occur,
Workability is improved. In addition, since no break occurs in the photovoltaic element, a reduction in conversion efficiency does not occur, and a highly reliable solar cell module can be obtained. Furthermore, even when the solar cell module is installed in a heavy snowfall area, there is no fear that the solar cell module is deformed by the weight of snow.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view and a sectional view of a solar cell module according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a basic configuration of a photovoltaic element used in the solar cell module of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view when the solar cell module of FIG. 1 is roofed.

FIG. 4 is a stacked configuration of a solar cell module.

FIG. 5 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the cell block according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the solar cell module of Example 1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a solar cell module after roll former molding of Example 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a solar cell module after press molding in Example 1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a solar cell module after the terminal box is mounted in Example 1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a solar cell module after a shape retaining member is attached in Example 1.

FIG. 11 shows a solar cell module unit after installation in Example 1.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a solar cell module after a shape retaining member is attached in Example 3.

FIG. 13 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a cell block according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a solar cell module after press molding in Example 5.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a solar cell module after a shape holding member is attached in Example 5.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a coating configuration of a conventional solar cell module.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 401, 501, 1301, 1601 Photovoltaic element 102, 402, 602 Fibrous inorganic compound 103, 403, 603, 1602 Transparent organic polymer resin 104, 404, 604, 1603 Surface resin film 105, 405 Back filler 106, 406, 1604 Back insulating film 107, 302, 407, 606, 1605 Reinforcement plate 108, 303, 1004, 1102, 1204, 15
01 Shape holding member 201 Conductive substrate 202 Back reflection layer 203 Semiconductor photoactive layer 204 Transparent conductive layer 205 Current collecting electrode 206a, 503a, 607, 1303a Positive output terminal 206b, 503b, 1303b Minus output terminal 207 Conductive paste 208, 502, 1302 Insulating film 301, 408, 702, 802, 901, 1001,
1101, 1201, 1402, 1502 Solar cell module 304, 1107 Field plate 504, 1304 Solder 601, 701, 801, 1401 Cell block 605 Back integrated laminated film 608 Decorative tape 902, 1002, 1202 Terminal box 903 a, 1003 a, 1203 a Positive side Cable 903b, 1003b, 1203b Negative side cable 1103 Hanger 1104 Drill screw 1105 Tucker 1106 Asphalt roofing material

Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masaaki Matsushita 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Meiji Takabayashi 3-30-2, Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (38)

[Claims] 1. A photovoltaic element, a reinforcing plate provided on a non-light-receiving surface side of the photovoltaic element, and a covering material for sealing the photovoltaic element and fixing the photovoltaic element on the reinforcing plate. The solar cell module according to claim 1, further comprising a shape holding member on the non-light receiving surface side of the reinforcing plate. 2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the shape holding member is located on the back side of the photovoltaic element. 3. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the shape holding member has a size equal to or larger than a photovoltaic element. 4. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing plate has a shape that is concave with respect to the non-light receiving surface side. 5. The solar cell module according to claim 4, wherein said shape maintaining member is disposed in a space of a concave portion of said reinforcing plate. 6. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein a transparent resin film layer is provided on the outermost surface on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell module. 7. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein said photovoltaic element is a thin film semiconductor formed on a flexible substrate. 8. The solar cell module according to claim 7, wherein said thin film semiconductor layer is an amorphous semiconductor layer. 9. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the shape maintaining member has a compressive strength greater than a load strength at which the solar cell module deforms. 10. The compressive strength of the shape maintaining member is 1.0 k
The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell module has a gf / cm ² or more. 11. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the shape holding member is a heat insulating material. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the shape maintaining member is any one of a polystyrene resin, a polyurethane resin, a vinyl chloride resin, and an asphalt resin.
The solar cell module according to 1. 13. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein said shape maintaining member is any one of wood, steel plate, rubber, and other building members. 14. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell module is a building material-integrated solar cell module. 15. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the shape holding member is fixed on the reinforcing plate using an adhesive. 16. A photovoltaic element, a reinforcing plate provided on the non-light-receiving surface side of the photovoltaic element, sealing the photovoltaic element,
And a method of manufacturing a solar cell module having a covering material for fixing on the reinforcing plate, wherein a shape holding member is fixed to at least a part of the non-light-receiving surface side of the reinforcing plate. Manufacturing method. 17. The method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to claim 16, wherein the shape holding member is located on the back side of the photovoltaic element. 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the shape holding member has a size equal to or larger than a photovoltaic element. 19. The solar cell according to claim 16, further comprising a step of forming a shape that is concave with respect to the non-light receiving surface side on a part or the whole of the non-light receiving surface side of the reinforcing plate. Manufacturing method of battery module. 20. The method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to claim 19, wherein said shape holding member is fixed in a space of a concave portion of said reinforcing plate. 21. The method according to claim 16, wherein the solar cell module has a transparent resin film layer on the outermost surface on the light receiving surface side. 22. The method according to claim 16, wherein the photovoltaic element is a thin film semiconductor formed on a flexible substrate. 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the thin film semiconductor layer is an amorphous semiconductor layer. 24. The method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to claim 16, wherein said shape maintaining member has a compressive strength greater than a load strength at which said solar cell module deforms. 25. A compression strength of the shape maintaining member is 1.0 k
17. The method for producing a solar cell module according to claim 16, wherein the value is gf / cm ² or more. 26. The method according to claim 16, wherein the shape maintaining member is a heat insulating material. 27. The heat insulating material is a polystyrene resin,
17. The method for producing a solar cell module according to claim 16, wherein the method is any one of a polyurethane resin, a vinyl chloride resin, and an asphalt resin. 28. The method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to claim 16, wherein the shape holding member is any one of wood, steel plate, rubber, and other building members. 29. The method according to claim 16, wherein the solar cell module is a building material integrated solar cell module. 30. The method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to claim 16, wherein the shape holding member is fixed on the reinforcing plate using an adhesive. 31. A method for constructing a solar cell module, comprising fixing the solar cell module according to claim 1 on a field board with a fixing member, and fixing adjacent solar cell modules. 32. The method according to claim 31, wherein a bottom portion of the shape maintaining member is in contact with the base plate. 33. When the solar cell module is installed on the field board, the shape maintaining member is fixed to at least a part of the non-light receiving surface side of the solar cell module reinforcing plate. 31. The method for installing a solar cell module according to 31. 34. A solar cell power generation system, comprising: the solar cell module according to claim 1; and a power converter connected to the solar cell module. 35. A solar cell module array, wherein each of the plurality of solar cell modules according to claim 1 is fixed on an installation member. 36. The solar cell module array according to claim 35, wherein the bottom of the shape holding member is in contact with the installation member. 37. The solar cell module array according to claim 35, wherein the solar cell module installation member is a roof base plate. 38. The solar cell according to claim 35, wherein an envelope shape of a surface of the shape holding member on the installation member side is substantially the same as a surface shape of the installation member on the solar cell module side. Battery module array.