JPWO2020054130A1 - Solar cell module - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a solar cell module capable of improving output and design. The solar cell module 100 is a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cell strings 1 that electrically connect a plurality of solar cell cells by using a single ring method. The plurality of solar cell strings 1 are arranged in a predetermined direction. Adjacent solar cell strings 1 and 1 have a thickness direction in which a part of one solar cell string 1 in a predetermined direction and a part of the other solar cell string 1 in a predetermined direction intersect the main surface of the solar cell string. They are arranged so as to be separated from each other and overlap each other.

Description

The present invention relates to a solar cell module.

Recently, when modularizing a solar cell, there is a method of directly electrically and physically connecting by superimposing a part of the solar cell without using a conductive connection line. Such a connection method is referred to as a single ring method, and a plurality of solar cells electrically connected by the single ring method are referred to as a solar cell string (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the solar cell string, more solar cells can be mounted in the limited solar cell mounting area in the solar cell module, the light receiving area for photoelectric conversion is increased, and the output of the solar cell module is improved. Further, in the solar cell string in which the solar cells of the double-sided electrodes are connected by the single ring method, the bus bar electrode of one solar cell is the other in the overlapping region where a part of the adjacent solar cells are overlapped with each other. Since it is covered with the solar cell, the light-shielding loss due to the bus bar electrode is reduced, and the output of the solar cell module is improved.

JP-A-2017-517145

The solar cell module may include a plurality of the above-mentioned solar cell strings. In this case, in order to secure the insulation between the solar cell strings, it is necessary to arrange the solar cell strings apart from each other. Therefore, it is difficult to mount more solar cell strings, and it is difficult to improve the output of the solar cell module. In addition, since a gap is formed between the solar cell strings, the design is deteriorated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell module capable of improving output and design.

The solar cell module according to the present invention is a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cell strings that electrically connect a plurality of solar cell cells by using a single ring method, and the plurality of solar cell strings are arranged in a predetermined direction. In the adjacent solar cell strings, a part of one solar cell string in a predetermined direction and a part of the other solar cell string in a predetermined direction are separated from each other in the thickness direction at which the main surface of the solar cell string intersects. They are arranged so that they overlap each other.

According to the present invention, the output of the solar cell module is improved and the design is improved.

It is a figure which looked at the solar cell module which concerns on 1st Embodiment from the light receiving surface side. It is an enlarged view (light receiving surface side) of the II part of the solar cell string in the solar cell module shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of the solar cell string shown in FIG. 1 is a view of the solar cell in the solar cell string shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as viewed from the light receiving surface side. 1 is a view of the solar cell in the solar cell string shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as viewed from the back surface side. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of the solar cell shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of the solar cell shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion VIII of the solar cell laminate in the solar cell shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. It is IX-IX line sectional view of the solar cell module shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the manufacturing method of the solar cell module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the electric connection method of a plurality of solar cell strings 1 in the solar cell module which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which looked at the solar cell module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment from the light receiving surface side. It is a cross-sectional view of XIII-XIII of the solar cell module shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the manufacturing method of the solar cell module which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in each drawing. In addition, for convenience, hatching, member codes, and the like may be omitted, but in such cases, other drawings shall be referred to.

[First Embodiment]
(Solar cell module)
FIG. 1 is a view of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment as viewed from the light receiving surface side. As shown in FIG. 1, the solar cell module 100 includes a plurality of rectangular solar cell strings 1 arranged in the X direction (first direction, predetermined direction). Each of the solar cell strings 1 includes a plurality of rectangular solar cells 2 arranged in the Y direction (second direction) intersecting the X direction.
Hereinafter, a method of arranging the plurality of solar cell 2s, that is, a configuration of the solar cell string 1 will be described. The method of arranging the plurality of solar cell strings 1, that is, the configuration of the solar cell module 100 will be described later.

(Solar cell string)
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view (light receiving surface side) of the II portion of the solar cell string 1 in the solar cell module 100 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of the solar cell string 1 shown in FIG. Is. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the solar cell string 1 electrically connects a plurality of solar cell cells 2 by using a single ring method.

In the solar cell string 1, the solar cell 2 is connected in series by overlapping a part of the end portions of the solar cell 2. Specifically, a part of one of the adjacent solar cells 2 and 2 on one main surface side (for example, the light receiving surface side) on one end side in the Y direction of the solar cell 2 is the other solar cell. It overlaps a part of the other main surface side (for example, the back surface side) of the other end side opposite to the one end side in the Y direction of 2. A bus bar electrode portion (described later) extending in the X direction is formed on a part of the solar cell 2 on the light receiving surface side on one end side and a part on the back surface side on the other end side. The bus bar electrode portion on the light receiving surface side on one end side of one solar cell 2 is electrically connected to the bus bar electrode portion on the back surface side on the other end side of the other solar cell 2 via, for example, a connecting member 8. Will be done.

In this way, since the plurality of solar cells 2 have a sedimentary structure that is uniformly tilted in a certain direction as if the roof tiles were covered with roof tiles, the solar cells 2 are electrically connected in this way. The method is referred to as a single ring method. Further, a plurality of solar cell cells 2 connected in a string shape are referred to as solar cell strings.
In the following, the area where the adjacent solar cells 2 and 2 overlap is referred to as an overlapping area Ro2.

The connecting member 8 includes a ribbon wire made of a copper core material coated with a low melting point metal or solder, a conductive film formed of a thermosetting resin film containing low melting point metal particles or metal fine particles, and low melting point metal fine particles. A conductive adhesive formed with a binder, a solder paste containing solder particles, or the like is used. Further, as the connecting member 8, for example, a connecting member paste containing a barrier membrane material is used as a conductive adhesive paste in which conductive particles (for example, metal fine particles) are dispersed in a thermosetting adhesive resin material. You may. An example of such a connecting member 8 is an Ag paste or Cu paste containing an oligomer component such as an epoxy resin or urethane acrylate.
Hereinafter, the solar cell 2 will be described.

(Solar cell)
FIG. 4 is a view of the solar cell 2 in the solar cell string 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 as viewed from the light receiving surface side, and FIG. 5 is a view of the solar cell 2 as viewed from the back surface side. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of the solar cell 2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of the solar cell 2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The solar cell 2 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 is a rectangular double-sided electrode type solar cell. The solar cell 2 includes a solar cell laminate 10 having two main surfaces, a metal electrode layer 21 formed on one surface side (for example, a light receiving surface side) of the main surfaces of the solar cell laminate 10, and the sun. It has a metal electrode layer 31 formed on the other surface side (for example, the back surface side) of the main surface of the battery laminate 10.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion VIII of the solar cell laminate 10 in the solar cell shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 8, the solar cell laminate 10 is sequentially arranged on one side (for example, the light receiving surface side) of the semiconductor substrate (photoelectric conversion substrate) 110 having two main surfaces and the main surface of the semiconductor substrate 110. The laminated passivation layer 120, the first conductive semiconductor layer 121, and the transparent electrode layer 122, and the passivation layer 130, the second conductive layer 130, which are sequentially laminated on the other surface side (for example, the back surface side) of the main surfaces of the semiconductor substrate 110. It has a type semiconductor layer 131 and a transparent electrode layer 132.

<Semiconductor substrate>
As the semiconductor substrate 110, a conductive single crystal silicon substrate, for example, an n-type single crystal silicon substrate or a p-type single crystal silicon substrate is used. As a result, high photoelectric conversion efficiency is realized.
The semiconductor substrate 110 is preferably an n-type single crystal silicon substrate. This prolongs the carrier life in the crystalline silicon substrate. This is because in a p-type single crystal silicon substrate, LID (Light Induced Degradation), which is the center of recombination, may occur due to the influence of B (boron), which is a p-type dopant, due to light irradiation. This is because the substrate further suppresses LID.

The semiconductor substrate 110 has a pyramid-shaped fine uneven structure called a texture structure on the back surface side. As a result, the recovery efficiency of light that has passed through without being absorbed by the semiconductor substrate 110 is increased.
Further, the semiconductor substrate 110 may have a pyramid-shaped fine uneven structure called a texture structure on the light receiving surface side. As a result, the reflection of the incident light on the light receiving surface is reduced, and the light confinement effect on the semiconductor substrate 110 is improved.

The thickness of the semiconductor substrate 110 is preferably 50 μm or more and 250 μm or less, more preferably 60 μm or more and 230 μm or less, and further preferably 70 μm or more and 210 μm or less. This reduces material costs.
As the semiconductor substrate 110, a conductive polycrystalline silicon substrate, for example, an n-type polycrystalline silicon substrate or a p-type polycrystalline silicon substrate may be used. In this case, the solar cell is manufactured at a lower cost.

<First conductive semiconductor layer and second conductive semiconductor layer>
The first conductive semiconductor layer 121 is formed on substantially the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate 110 on the light receiving surface side via the passivation layer 120, and the second conductive semiconductor layer 131 is formed on substantially the entire surface of the back surface side of the semiconductor substrate 110. It is formed via the passivation layer 130.

The first conductive semiconductor layer 121 is formed of a first conductive silicon-based layer, for example, a p-type silicon-based layer. The second conductive type semiconductor layer 131 is formed of a second conductive type silicon-based layer different from the first conductive type, for example, an n-type silicon-based layer. The first conductive semiconductor layer 121 may be an n-type silicon-based layer, and the second conductive semiconductor layer 131 may be a p-type silicon-based layer.
The p-type silicon-based layer and the n-type silicon-based layer are formed of an amorphous silicon layer or a microcrystalline silicon layer containing amorphous silicon and crystalline silicon. B (boron) is preferably used as the dopant impurity of the p-type silicon-based layer, and P (phosphorus) is preferably used as the dopant impurity of the n-type silicon-based layer.

<Passivation layer>
The passivation layers 120 and 130 are formed of an intrinsic silicon-based layer. The passivation layers 120 and 130 function as passivation layers and suppress carrier recombination.

<Transparent electrode layer>
The transparent electrode layer 122 is formed on substantially the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate 110 on the light receiving surface side, and the transparent electrode layer 132 is formed on substantially the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate 110 on the back surface side.
The transparent electrode layers 122 and 132 are made of a transparent conductive material. As the transparent conductive material, transparent conductive metal oxides such as indium oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide and composite oxides thereof are used. Among these, an indium-based composite oxide containing indium oxide as a main component is preferable. From the viewpoint of high conductivity and transparency, indium oxide is particularly preferable. Furthermore, it is preferable to add a dopant to the indium oxide to ensure reliability or higher conductivity. Examples of the dopant include Sn, W, Zn, Ti, Ce, Zr, Mo, Al, Ga, Ge, As, Si, S and the like.

It will be described again with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 and FIGS. 2 and 3. The metal electrode layer 21 is formed on the light receiving surface side of the solar cell laminate 10, and the metal electrode layer 31 is formed on the back surface side of the solar cell laminate 10.
The metal electrode layer 21 has a so-called comb shape, and has a plurality of finger electrode portions 21f corresponding to comb teeth and one or more bus bar electrode portions 21b corresponding to support portions of comb teeth. The bus bar electrode portion 21b extends in the X direction along a part of the superposition region Ro2 on the light receiving surface side (one main surface side) on one end side in the Y direction. The finger electrode portion 21f extends from the bus bar electrode portion 21b in the Y direction intersecting the X direction.
Similarly, the metal electrode layer 31 has a comb shape and has a plurality of finger electrode portions 31f corresponding to the comb teeth and one or a plurality of bus bar electrode portions 31b corresponding to the support portions of the comb teeth. The bus bar electrode portion 31b extends in the X direction along a part of the overlapping region Ro2 on the back surface side (the other main surface side) on the other end side in the Y direction. The finger electrode portion 31f extends from the bus bar electrode portion 31b in the Y direction intersecting the X direction. The metal electrode layer 31 is not limited to the comb shape, and may be formed in a rectangular shape on substantially the entire back surface side of the solar cell 2, for example.

As shown in FIG. 7, the finger electrode portion 31f on the back surface side does not exist at a position corresponding to the superposition region Ro2 on the light receiving surface side, and is slightly shorter than the finger electrode portion 21f on the light receiving surface side. This is because the superposition region Ro2 on the light receiving surface side serves as a light-shielding portion, so that the amount of incident light is extremely small and the generated current is also small, so that the voltage drop loss due to the series resistance can be ignored.
On the other hand, the finger electrode portion 21f on the light receiving surface side is arranged at a position corresponding to the overlapping region Ro2 on the back surface side. This is because on the light receiving surface side corresponding to the superposition region Ro2 on the back surface side, both the incident amount of light and the generated amount of current are large, and it is necessary to keep the resistance low.

The metal electrode layers 21 and 31 are made of a metal material. As the metal material, for example, Cu, Ag, Al and alloys thereof are used.

(Solar cell module: How to arrange multiple solar cell strings)
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX of the solar cell module 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, in the solar cell module 100, the plurality of solar cell strings 1 described above are arranged in the X direction.
The solar cell string 1 is sandwiched between a light receiving side (first) protective member 3 and a back side (second) protective member 4. A liquid or solid sealing material (insulating member) 5 is filled between the light receiving side protective member 3 and the back side protective member 4, whereby the solar cell string 1 is sealed.

The sealing material 5 seals and protects the solar cell string 1, and protects the back surface and the back side of the solar cell string 1 between the light receiving side surface of the solar cell string 1 and the light receiving side protective member 3. It is interposed between the member 4 and between the solar cell strings 1 and 1.
The shape of the sealing material 5 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a sheet shape. This is because if it is in the form of a sheet, it is easy to cover the front surface and the back surface of the planar solar cell string 1.
The material of the sealing material 5 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an insulating material having a property of transmitting light (translucency). Further, the material of the sealing material 5 preferably has adhesiveness for adhering the solar cell 2, the light receiving side protective member 3, and the back side protective member 4.
Examples of such materials include ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene / α-olefin copolymer, ethylene / vinyl acetate / triallyl isocyanurate (EVAT), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and acrylic. Examples thereof include a translucent resin such as a resin, a urethane resin, or a silicone resin.

The light receiving side protective member 3 covers the light receiving surface of the solar cell string 1 via the sealing material 5 to protect the solar cell string 1.
The shape of the light receiving side protective member 3 is not particularly limited, but a plate shape or a sheet shape is preferable from the viewpoint of indirectly covering the planar light receiving surface.
The material of the light receiving side protective member 3 is not particularly limited, but like the sealing material 5, a material having translucency and resistance to ultraviolet light is preferable, and for example, glass or glass or Examples thereof include transparent resins such as acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin. Further, the surface of the light receiving side protective member 3 may be processed into an uneven shape, or may be coated with an antireflection coating layer. This is because the light receiving side protective member 3 makes it difficult to reflect the received light and can guide more light to the solar cell string 1.

The back side protective member 4 covers the back surface of the solar cell string 1 via the sealing material 5 to protect the solar cell string 1.
The shape of the back side protective member 4 is not particularly limited, but like the light receiving side protective member 3, a plate shape or a sheet shape is preferable from the viewpoint of indirectly covering the surface back surface.
The material of the back side protective member 4 is not particularly limited, but a material that prevents the ingress of water or the like (highly water-impervious) is preferable. For example, a laminate of a resin film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), an olefin resin, a fluorine-containing resin, or a silicone-containing resin and a metal foil such as an aluminum foil can be mentioned.

In the solar cell module 100, the adjacent solar cell strings 1 and 1 are mainly composed of a part of one solar cell string 1 in the X direction and a part of the other solar cell string 1 in the X direction. They are arranged so as to be spaced apart and overlapped in the thickness direction intersecting the surface. Specifically, the longitudinal edge portion of one solar cell string 1 along the Y direction (arrangement direction of a plurality of solar cell cells 2) and the Y direction of the other solar cell string 1 (arrangement of a plurality of solar cell cells 2). The longitudinal edges along the direction) are separated from each other in the thickness direction and overlap each other.
The area where the adjacent solar cell strings 1 and 1 overlap is called the overlapping area Ro1.

A sealing material (insulating member) 5 is arranged between a part of one solar cell string 1 and a part of the other solar cell string 1.
In the present embodiment, the solar cell is used as an insulating member (for example, equivalent to 5b in FIG. 10 described later) arranged between a part of one solar cell string 1 and a part of the other solar cell string 1. A sealing material (for example, equivalent to 5a in FIG. 10 described later) arranged between the light receiving side surface of the string 1 and the light receiving side protective member 3, and the back surface and the back side protective member 4 of the solar cell string 1. A sealing material equivalent to the sealing material arranged between them (for example, equivalent to 5c in FIG. 10 described later) was mentioned. However, the insulating member arranged between a part of one solar cell string 1 and a part of the other solar cell string 1 is not limited to this, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and olefin. Examples thereof include resin films such as based resins, fluorine-containing resins, and polyethylene-containing resins, and tape-shaped or sheet-shaped insulating tapes or insulating sheets using them as a base material.

The thickness Do of the sealing material 5 interposed between the light receiving surface of the solar cell string 1 at the odd number from one end side (for example, the left side in FIGS. 1 and 9) and the light receiving side protective member 3 in the X direction, and It is different from the thickness De of the sealing material 5 interposed between the light receiving surface of the even-numbered solar cell string 1 and the light receiving side protective member 3. Specifically, the thickness Do of the sealing material 5 interposed between the light-receiving surface of the odd-numbered solar cell string 1 and the light-receiving side protective member 3 is the light-receiving surface and the light-receiving side of the even-numbered solar cell string 1. It is thinner than the thickness De of the sealing material 5 interposed between the protective member 3.

As a result, the plurality of solar cell strings 1 are arranged so that the odd-numbered solar cell string 1 and the even-numbered solar cell string 1 in the X direction have a height difference in the thickness direction of the solar cell string 1. NS. Specifically, the odd-numbered solar cell string 1 is arranged at a higher position in the thickness direction than the even-numbered solar cell string 1.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, a sheet-shaped sealing material 5a is arranged on the entire surface of the light receiving side protective member 3, and then an odd-numbered solar cell string 1 is arranged. After that, the sheet-shaped sealing material 5b is arranged on the entire surface of the sealing material 5a and the odd-numbered solar cell string 1, and then the even-numbered solar cell string 1 is arranged. After that, the sheet-shaped sealing material 5c is arranged on the entire surface of the sealing material 5b and the even-numbered solar cell string 1, and then the back side protective member 4 is arranged. As a result, the solar cell module 100 shown in FIG. 9 is manufactured.

As described above, according to the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment, a plurality of solar cell strings 1 for electrically connecting a plurality of solar cell cells 2 by using a single ring method are provided, and a plurality of solar cell strings are provided. 1 is arranged in the X direction, and in the adjacent solar cell strings 1 and 1, a part of one solar cell string 1 in the X direction and a part of the other solar cell string 1 in the X direction are solar cell strings. They are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the thickness direction of 1 and overlap each other. As a result, more solar cell strings are mounted in the limited solar cell string mounting area of the solar cell module 100 while ensuring insulation between the solar cell strings. Therefore, the light receiving area for photoelectric conversion is increased, and the output of the solar cell module is improved.

For example, if five solar cell strings 1 are juxtaposed and six solar cell strings 1 can be increased by one as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the solar cell module can be arranged. The output is improved by about 15%.

When comparing solar cell modules having the same number of arranged solar cell strings, if the output of the solar cell modules is to be improved, it is better that the solar cell strings do not overlap. In this case, due to the manufacturing error, a gap may be formed between the solar cell strings, and the design may be deteriorated.
According to the present embodiment, since a part of the solar cell strings 1 is overlapped with each other, there is no gap between the solar cell strings 1 due to a manufacturing error, and the design of the solar cell module 100 is improved.

Further, according to the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment, a sealing material is provided between a part of one solar cell string 1 and a part of the other solar cell string 1 in the adjacent solar cell strings 1, 1. (Insulating member) 5 or an insulating member is arranged. This makes it easy to secure the insulation between the adjacent solar cell strings 1 and 1.

Here, when the odd-numbered solar cell string 1 and the even-numbered solar cell string 1 are superposed with a height difference, the size of the power generation area of the odd-numbered solar cell string 1 and the even-numbered solar cell string 1 The size of the power generation region is different, and the output current of the odd-numbered solar cell string 1 and the output current of the even-numbered solar cell string 1 are different.

In this regard, in the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, in a plurality of solar cell strings 1, the adjacent odd-order solar cell strings 1 and the even-order solar cell strings 1 are paired. A plurality of pairs of solar cell strings 1 are configured so as to form the above. Then, the pair of solar cell strings 1 out of the plurality of pairs of solar cell strings 1 are electrically connected in parallel. As a result, the output current of the entire solar cell module 100 is made uniform.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a mode in which a plurality of solar cell strings 1 are superposed is illustrated by giving a height difference between the odd-numbered solar cell string 1 and the even-numbered solar cell string 1.
In the second embodiment, a mode in which a plurality of solar cell strings 1 are superposed by using a single ring method will be described.

FIG. 12 is a view of the solar cell module according to the second embodiment as viewed from the light receiving surface side, and FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of the solar cell module shown in FIG. The solar cell module 100 of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 has a configuration in which a plurality of solar cell strings 1 are arranged as compared with the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 described above. Is different. Specifically, in the solar cell module 100 of the second embodiment, a plurality of solar cell strings 1 are superposed by using a single ring method and arranged in the X direction.

In the solar cell module 100, the solar cell strings 1 are arranged in the X direction so that a part of the end portions of the solar cell string 1 are separated and overlap each other in the thickness direction of the solar cell string 1. Specifically, a part of the light receiving surface side (one main surface side) on one end side of one of the adjacent solar cell strings 1 and 1 in the X direction is the other solar cell string 1. It overlaps with a part of the back surface side (the other main surface side opposite to the one main surface side) of the other end side opposite to the one end side in the X direction.

As a result, even in the solar cell module 100 of the second embodiment, the adjacent solar cell strings 1 and 1 are a part of one solar cell string 1 in the X direction and a part of the other solar cell string 1 in the X direction. Are arranged so as to be spaced apart and overlapped in the thickness direction intersecting the main surface of the solar cell string 1. Specifically, the longitudinal edge portion of one solar cell string 1 along the Y direction (arrangement direction of a plurality of solar cell cells 2) and the Y direction of the other solar cell string 1 (arrangement of a plurality of solar cell cells 2). The longitudinal edges along the direction) are separated from each other in the thickness direction and overlap each other.
The area where the adjacent solar cell strings 1 and 1 overlap is called the overlapping area Ro1.

A sealing material (insulating member) 5 is arranged between a part of one solar cell string 1 and a part of the other solar cell string 1.
In the present embodiment, the solar cell is used as an insulating member (for example, equivalent to 5b in FIG. 14 described later) arranged between a part of one solar cell string 1 and a part of the other solar cell string 1. A sealing material (for example, equivalent to 5a in FIG. 14 described later) arranged between the light receiving side surface of the string 1 and the light receiving side protective member 3, and the back surface and the back side protective member 4 of the solar cell string 1. A sealing material equivalent to the sealing material arranged between them (for example, equivalent to 5c in FIG. 14 described later) was mentioned. However, the insulating member arranged between a part of one solar cell string 1 and a part of the other solar cell string 1 is not limited to this, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), and olefin. Examples thereof include resin films such as based resins, fluorine-containing resins, and polyethylene-containing resins, and tape-shaped or sheet-shaped insulating tapes or insulating sheets using them as a base material.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to a second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, a sheet-shaped sealing material 5a is arranged on the entire surface of the light receiving side protective member 3, and then the solar cell strings 1 are superposed and arranged by using a single ring method. At that time, a sheet-shaped sealing material 5b is arranged between the solar cell strings 1. For example, the sealing material 5b is arranged on the back surface side of the solar cell string 1 that overlaps the solar cell strings 1 adjacent to each other in the X direction. After that, the sheet-shaped sealing material 5c is arranged on the entire surface of the sealing material 5a, the sealing material 5b, and the solar cell string 1, and then the back side protective member 4 is arranged. As a result, the solar cell module 100 shown in FIG. 13 is manufactured.

As described above, the solar cell module 100 of the second embodiment can also obtain the same advantages as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment.

In the solar cell module 100 of the second embodiment, the solar cell strings 1 are superposed by using a single ring method. In this case, the size of the power generation area of the odd-numbered solar cell string 1 and the size of the power generation area of the even-numbered solar cell string 1 in the X direction are the same, and the output current of the odd-numbered solar cell string 1 and the even-numbered solar cell string 1 are the same. The output current of the solar cell string 1 is the same. As a result, the degree of freedom of electrical connection of the solar cell string 1 is high as compared with the first embodiment.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a mode in which a solar cell string 1 including a double-sided electrode type solar cell 2 is overlapped is illustrated. However, the feature of the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be applied to the case of superimposing a solar cell string including a back contact type solar cell.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a mode in which the solar cell strings 1 including the heterozygotes type solar cell 2 are overlapped with each other is illustrated. However, the features of the present invention are not limited to this, and it is also applicable to the case of superimposing a solar cell string including various solar cells such as a homozygous solar cell.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the embodiment in which the longitudinal edges of the solar cell strings 1 are overlapped with each other has been illustrated. However, the feature of the present invention is not limited to this, and it can also be applied to the case where the short edges of the solar cell strings are overlapped.

1 Solar cell string 2 Solar cell 3 Light receiving side protective member (1st protective member)
4 Back side protective member (second protective member)
5,5a, 5b, 5c Encapsulant (insulating member)
8 Connection member 10 Solar cell laminate 21, 31 Metal electrode layer 21f, 31f Finger electrode part 21b, 31b Bus bar electrode part 100 Solar cell module 110 Semiconductor substrate 120, 130 Passion layer 121 First conductive type Semiconductor layer 131 Second conductive type Semiconductor layer 122,132 Transparent electrode layer Ro1, Ro2 Overlapping region

Claims (8)

A solar cell module including a plurality of solar cell strings for electrically connecting a plurality of solar cell cells using a single ring method.
The plurality of solar cell strings are arranged in a predetermined direction, and the solar cell strings are arranged in a predetermined direction.
Adjacent solar cell strings have a thickness in which a part of one solar cell string in the predetermined direction and a part of the other solar cell string in the predetermined direction intersect the main surface of the solar cell string. Arranged so that they are separated from each other in the direction and overlap each other,
Solar cell module. A part of the one solar cell string in the predetermined direction is a longitudinal edge portion of the one solar cell string along the arrangement direction of the plurality of solar cells.
A portion of the other solar cell string in the predetermined direction is a longitudinal edge of the other solar cell string along the arrangement direction of the plurality of solar cells.
The solar cell module according to claim 1. The solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an insulating member arranged between a part of the one solar cell string and a part of the other solar cell string. The solar cell module according to claim 3, wherein the insulating member is a sealing material for sealing a plurality of the solar cell strings. The plurality of solar cell strings are arranged so that the odd-numbered solar cell string in the predetermined direction and the even-numbered solar cell string in the predetermined direction have a height difference in the thickness direction. , The solar cell module according to claim 4. A first protective member that protects one main surface side of the plurality of solar cell strings,
A second protective member that protects the other main surface side of the plurality of solar cell strings opposite to the one main surface side,
Further prepare
The sealing material is sandwiched between the first protective member and the second protective member.
The thickness of the sealing material interposed between the one main surface of the odd-numbered solar cell string and the first protective member, and the one main surface of the even-numbered solar cell string and the first protective member. It is different from the thickness of the sealing material interposed between the protective member.
The solar cell module according to claim 5. The plurality of solar cell strings include a plurality of pairs of solar cell strings such that the adjacent odd-numbered solar cell strings and the even-numbered solar cell strings are paired.
A pair of solar cell strings out of the plurality of pairs of solar cell strings are electrically connected in parallel.
The solar cell module according to claim 5 or 6. In the adjacent solar cell strings, a part of one main surface side of the one end side of the one solar cell string in the predetermined direction is opposite to the one end side of the other solar cell string in the predetermined direction. The solar cell module according to claim 4, wherein the solar cell module is arranged so as to overlap a part of the other main surface side opposite to the one main surface side on the other end side of the above.

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