Solar cell module and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a solar cell module capable of increasing an effective power generation area while suppressing an increase in resistance, and a vehicle having the solar cell module mounted thereon. A solar cell module (1) is a perovskite-type solar cell in which a light-receiving section (1A) and a light-shielding section (1B) each have a substrate (11), a first electrode layer (12), a functional layer (13), and a second electrode layer (14) in this order. The first electrode layer (12) and the second electrode layer (14) are electrically connected. When viewed from the light incidence direction, the connection width (w1) between the first electrode layer (12) and the second electrode layer (14) in the light receiving section (1A) is smaller than the connection width (w2) between the first electrode layer (12) and the second electrode layer (14) in the light blocking section (1B).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a solar cell module and a vehicle equipped with the solar cell module. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, as such a technical field, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, an integrated solar cell module in which a first electrode layer, a functional layer, and a second electrode layer are sequentially stacked on a substrate is known. Further, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are electrically connected in the stacking direction.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-308362

[0004] With respect to the integrated solar cell module, from the viewpoint of increasing the power generation effective area, it is preferable to reduce the connection width of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in the resistance of the solar cell module, it is preferable to increase the connection width of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. According to this opposite relationship, in the above-described integrated solar cell module, there is a problem that it is not possible to increase the power generation effective area while suppressing an increase in the resistance. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application is achieved in order to solve such a technical problem, and aims to provide a solar cell module capable of increasing the power generation effective area while suppressing an increase in the resistance and a vehicle equipped with the solar cell module.

[0006] The solar cell module according to the present application is characterized in that a light-receiving portion and a light-shielding portion each have, in order, a substrate, a first electrode layer, a functional layer, and a second electrode layer, in which the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are electrically connected, and the connection width of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-receiving portion is smaller than the connection width of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-shielding portion when viewed from the direction of incidence of light.

[0007] In the solar cell module according to this invention, the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-receiving section is smaller than the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-shielding section. Since the light-receiving section is the part that contributes to power generation, reducing the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-receiving section can increase the effective power generation area in the light-receiving section. This increases the power generation of the solar cell module. On the other hand, since the light-shielding section does not contribute to power generation, increasing the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-shielding section has no effect on the power generation of the solar cell module. Therefore, by reducing the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-receiving section and increasing the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-shielding section, and taking the weighted average of the two, the increase in resistance can be suppressed. By reducing the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-receiving section, which contributes to power generation, and increasing the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-shielding section, which does not contribute to power generation, the effective power generation area can be increased while suppressing the increase in resistance. As a result, the power generation efficiency of solar cell modules can be improved.

[0008] Preferably, in the solar cell module according to the present invention, the aforementioned light-shielding portion is the edge portion of the solar cell module. In this way, since the edge portion of the solar cell module can be used as the light-shielding portion, it is not necessary to carry out structural modifications to the solar cell module to install the light-shielding portion.

[0009] Furthermore, the vehicle involved in this invention is characterized in that it is equipped with the aforementioned solar cell module.

[0010] Because the vehicle according to this invention is equipped with a solar cell module having the above-described structure, the effective power generation area can be increased while suppressing the increase in resistance. As a result, regenerative energy can be efficiently provided to the vehicle.

[0011] Preferably, in the vehicle according to the present invention, the solar cell module is mounted on the vehicle by holding the light-shielding part by the vehicle body. In this way, by utilizing the light-shielding part as a part for mounting the solar cell module on the vehicle, it is possible to prevent the light-receiving part from being affected by the installation on the vehicle.

[0012] According to the present invention, the effective power generation area can be increased while suppressing the increase in resistance. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the solar cell module involved in the implementation method.

[0014] Figure 2 (a) in the middle is along Figure 1A cross-sectional view along line I-I.

[0015] Figure 2 (b) in the middle is along Figure 1 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0016] Figure 3 These are top and sectional views used to illustrate the manufacturing process of solar cell modules.

[0017] Figure 4 These are top and cross-sectional views of an existing solar cell module.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a 3D view showing a vehicle equipped with solar cell modules.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0020] 1…Solar cell module; 1A…Light-receiving part; 1B…Light-shielding part; 10…Single cell; 11…Substrate; 12…First electrode layer; 13…Functional layer; 14…Second electrode layer; 15, 121, 141…Dividing groove; 100…Vehicle; 151…Narrow section; 152…Wide section. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the solar cell module according to the present invention and a vehicle equipped with the solar cell module will be described in sequence with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0022] [Solar Cell Module]

[0023] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the solar cell module involved in the embodiment. Figure 2 (a) in the middle is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line I-I. Figure 2 (b) in the middle is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line II-II. In the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment, the direction in which multiple individual cells 10 are arranged side by side is defined as the "individual cell side-by-side arrangement direction", the direction of the stacked substrate 11, the first electrode layer 12, the functional layer 13, and the second electrode layer 14 is defined as the "stacking direction", and the direction orthogonal to the side-by-side arrangement direction and the stacking direction is defined as the "long side direction of the solar cell module 1". However, these directions are only for ease of explanation and do not limit the posture, arrangement, etc. of the solar cell module 1. In addition, the width of the dividing groove 15 and the connection width between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14, which will be described later, refer to the width when viewed from the incident direction of light. In other words, it refers to the distance between individual cells in the side-by-side arrangement direction.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment is, for example, a thin-plate perovskite solar cell, comprising a substrate 11, a first electrode layer 12, a functional layer 13, and a second electrode layer 14. Moreover, the first electrode layer 12, the functional layer 13, and the second electrode layer 14 are sequentially stacked on the substrate 11.

[0025] The substrate 11 is, for example, an insulating substrate, which can be transparent or opaque. However, in this embodiment, light is incident from the surface of the substrate 11 (see reference). Figure 2 Therefore, a transparent substrate is used. Examples of transparent substrates include glass, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyimide, polyamide, polyamide-imide, or cyclic olefin polymers.

[0026] The first electrode layer 12 is, for example, a transparent electrode layer, stacked on the upper surface of the substrate 11. Examples of the first electrode layer 12 include ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), FTO (Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide), ZnO (Zinc Oxide), AZO (Aluminum-doped Zinc Oxide), GZO (Gallium-doped Zinc Oxide), and IGZO (Indium-Gallium-doped Zinc Oxide).

[0027] The functional layer 13 is formed, for example, by a hole transport layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and an electron transport layer. In the functional layer 13, the hole transport layer, the photoelectric conversion layer, and the electron transport layer are stacked sequentially on top of the first electrode layer 12.

[0028] As the hole transport layer, known organic or inorganic materials suitable for hole transport layers can be used. Examples of organic materials include 2,2',7,7'-tetra-(N,N-di-4-methoxyphenylamino)-9,9'-spirobisfluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD), polyvinyldioxythiophene:polystyrene sulfonic acid (PEDOT:PSS), and poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA). Examples of inorganic materials include nickel oxide and copper oxide.

[0029] The photoelectric conversion layer is a power generation layer with a perovskite-type crystalline structure that absorbs light to generate charge carriers.

[0030] As an electron transport layer, known organic or inorganic materials suitable for electron transport layers can be used. Examples of organic materials include fullerene compounds, phenanthroline derivatives, and polyethyleneimine. Examples of inorganic materials include titanium oxide, tin oxide, and zinc oxide.

[0031] The second electrode layer 14 is, for example, an inner electrode, formed of Au, Ag, Al, etc.

[0032] The solar cell module 1 of this embodiment is configured to include a light-receiving part 1A and a light-shielding part 1B. The light-receiving part 1A and the light-shielding part 1B are respectively formed to have the aforementioned substrate 11, first electrode layer 12, functional layer 13 and second electrode layer 14.

[0033] The shading part 1B is the portion that does not receive sunlight, meaning it does not contribute to the power generation of the solar cell module 1. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the light-shielding portion 1B is the edge portion of the solar cell module 1, preferably a peripheral portion extending along the long side direction of the solar cell module 1 and the direction in which the individual cells are arranged side by side. This light-shielding portion 1B is a mounting part for mounting a frame or housing (not shown) that surrounds and holds the light-receiving portion 1A. Furthermore, the frame or housing can be made of metal or a rigid, opaque resin.

[0034] On the other hand, the light-receiving part 1A is the part that receives sunlight to generate electricity, that is, the part that helps the solar cell module 1 generate electricity. The light-receiving part 1A is surrounded by the light-shielding part 1B.

[0035] The solar cell module 1 constructed in this way is equally divided into multiple individual cells 10 by multiple dividing slots 15. For example... Figure 1 As shown, multiple individual solar cells 10 are arranged side-by-side in a direction orthogonal to the long side of the solar cell module 1 (i.e., the direction in which the individual cells are arranged side-by-side). Furthermore, a dividing groove 15 extends from one end of the solar cell module 1 to the other along the long side of the solar cell module 1. This dividing groove 15 is formed having a narrow portion 151 located in the light-receiving portion 1A and a wide portion 152 located in the light-shielding portion 1B. That is, in this embodiment, the dividing groove 15 has different widths in the light-receiving portion 1A and the light-shielding portion 1B.

[0036] Specifically, the narrow portion 151 has a constant width and extends along the long side of the solar cell module 1 in the light-receiving portion 1A. Wide portions 152 are in pairs and are connected to both ends of the narrow portion 151 respectively. Each wide portion 152 has a width larger than the narrow portion 151. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in (b), each wide portion 152 does not expand its width equally to the left and right sides relative to the narrow portion 151, but only in one direction (in Figure 1 andFigure 3 (b) in the middle is the right side) widening.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown in (a) and (b), the second electrode layer 14 has a stepped structure formed so that it extends further into the interior of the dividing groove 15 from the upper surface of the functional layer 13 via the side of the functional layer 13. Furthermore, the second electrode layer 14, which enters the interior of the dividing groove 15, contacts the upper surface of the first electrode layer 12 of the adjacent single cell exposed from the dividing groove 15, thereby electrically connecting with the first electrode layer 12. In this way, between adjacent single cells 10, the second electrode layer 14 of one single cell 10 is electrically connected to the first electrode layer 12 of the other single cell 10 in the stacking direction, thereby forming a series connection between the single cells.

[0038] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown in (a) and (b), when viewed from the direction of light incidence, the connection width w1 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-receiving portion 1A is smaller than the connection width w2 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-shielding portion 1B. That is, the second electrode layer 14, which enters the interior of the dividing groove 15, is electrically connected to the first electrode layer 12 of the adjacent single cell exposed from the dividing groove 15, but the width of the connection portion is different in the narrow portion 151 and the wide portion 152. Here, the connection portion refers to the overlapping portion of the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 when viewed from the direction of light incidence (i.e., the stacking direction).

[0039] In the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment, the connection width w1 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-receiving section 1A is smaller than the connection width w2 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-shielding section 1B. Since the light-receiving section 1A is a part that contributes to power generation, by reducing the connection width w1 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-receiving section 1A, the effective power generation area in the light-receiving section 1A can be increased. Therefore, the power generation of the solar cell module 1 can be increased.

[0040] On the other hand, since the light-shielding part 1B does not contribute to power generation, increasing the connection width w2 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-shielding part 1B will not affect the power generation of the solar cell module 1. Therefore, for example, by decreasing the connection width w1 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-receiving part 1A and increasing the connection width w2 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-shielding part 1B, and taking the weighted average of the two, the increase in resistance can be suppressed.

[0041] More specifically, by changing the connection width between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-receiving section 1A and the light-shielding section 1B, the resistance of the connection portion between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 changes in both sections. However, by taking a weighted average of the resistance values ​​of both, it is possible to maintain a resistance level similar to that of existing solar cell modules. Therefore, for example, the connection widths w1 and w2 can be designed in such a way that the weighted average of the resistance of the connection portion between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-receiving section 1A and the resistance of the connection portion between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-shielding section 1B is the same as the resistance of the connection portion in existing solar cell modules.

[0042] Here, with Figure 4 The effect of the solar cell module 1 in this embodiment is further explained by comparing it with the existing solar cell module 2 shown.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the existing solar cell module 2 is the same as the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment, including a substrate 11, a first electrode layer 12, a functional layer 13, and a second electrode layer 14 sequentially stacked on the substrate 11. Furthermore, the existing solar cell module 2 is equally divided into multiple individual cells 20 by multiple dividing grooves 16. The dividing grooves 16 extend along the long side of the solar cell module 2, but unlike the dividing grooves 15 of this embodiment, they are formed in a straight line from one end of the solar cell module 2 to the other. That is, in the existing solar cell module 2, the width of the dividing grooves 16 is the same in the light-receiving portion 2A and the light-shielding portion 2B. Therefore, the connection width between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-receiving portion 2A is the same as the connection width between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-shielding portion 2B, which is w3.

[0044] In the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment, by making the connection width w2 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-shielding part 1B larger than the connection width w3 of the conventional solar cell module 2, the resistance of the light-shielding part 1B can be reduced compared to the conventional solar cell module 2. Furthermore, as described above, since the resistance of the solar cell module is determined by the weighted average of the resistance values ​​of the light-receiving part 1A and the light-shielding part 1B, reducing the resistance of the light-shielding part 1B allows for an increase in the resistance redundancy of the light-receiving part 1A. By using this redundancy to increase the resistance of the light-receiving part 1A, a connection width w1 smaller than the connection width w3 of the conventional solar cell module 2 can be obtained, thus increasing the effective power generation area compared to the conventional solar cell module 2.

[0045] By designing the solar cell module 1 in such a way that the connection width between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 of the light-receiving section 1A, which contributes to power generation, is small, and the connection width between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 of the light-shielding section 1B, which does not contribute to power generation, is large, the overall resistance of the solar cell module 1 can be maintained at the same level as that of the existing solar cell module 2. As a result, the effective power generation area can be increased while suppressing the increase in resistance. Therefore, the power generation efficiency of the solar cell module 1 can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, in the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment, the light-shielding part 1B is the edge part of the solar cell module 2. By effectively utilizing the edge part of the solar cell module 1 as the light-shielding part 1B, it is not necessary to carry out structural modifications to the solar cell module 1 to install the light-shielding part 1B.

[0047] The following is for reference Figure 3 The manufacturing method of solar cell module 1 is described.

[0048] First, a substrate 11 is prepared. Next, a first electrode layer 12 is formed integrally on the upper surface of the substrate 11. As a film formation method, a known technique can be used. Next, the formed first electrode layer 12 is first scribed to make the individual cells electrically isolated.

[0049] Scribing refers to the removal of specified material, and examples include mechanical scribing using a metal blade for scraping and laser scribing achieved through laser ablation. In this embodiment, mechanical scribing can be used. Moreover, in order to improve reproducibility and processing speed, the scribing pattern is usually linear. Furthermore, if an inkjet printer can be used for patterned coating, it is possible to form a patterned structure with scribing features without a scribing process.

[0050] In the first marking, a dividing groove 121 of a predetermined width (e.g., 100 μm) is formed at a predetermined location on the first electrode layer 12 in such a way that the first electrode layer 12 is divided into multiple single cells of the same size. This first marking removes a portion of the first electrode layer 12, thus dividing the first electrode layer 12 into multiple cells. Furthermore, by forming the dividing groove 121, a portion of the substrate 11 is exposed to the outside (see reference). Figure 3 (a) in the middle.

[0051] Next, a functional layer 13 is formed over the first electrode layer 12 and the exposed substrate 11. Thus, not only the first electrode layer 12, but also the substrate 11 exposed from the dividing groove 121 is covered by the functional layer 13. Then, a second marking is performed on the functional layer 13 such that a portion of the first electrode layer 12 is exposed to the outside. In the second marking, dividing grooves 15 of a predetermined width are formed at predetermined locations on the functional layer 13 to divide the functional layer 13 into multiple single cells of the same size.

[0052] As described above, the dividing groove 15 has a narrow portion 151 located in the light-receiving portion 1A and a wide portion 152 located in the light-shielding portion 1B. Therefore, in the second marking, a narrow portion 151 with a predetermined width t1 (e.g., 300 μm) is formed in the region of the light-receiving portion 1A, and a wide portion 152 with a predetermined width t2 (e.g., 500 μm) is formed in the region of the light-shielding portion 1B (see reference). Figure 3 (b)). Furthermore, by forming the dividing groove 15, a portion of the first electrode layer 12 is exposed to the outside.

[0053] Next, a second electrode layer 14 is formed over the functional layer 13 and the exposed first electrode layer 12. Thus, not only the functional layer 13, but also the first electrode layer 12 exposed from the dividing groove 15 is covered by the second electrode layer 14. Then, a third marking is performed on the second electrode layer 14 such that a portion of the first electrode layer 12 covered by the second electrode layer 14 is exposed to the outside.

[0054] In the third marking, a dividing groove 141 of a predetermined width (e.g., about 100 μm) is formed at a predetermined position on the second electrode layer 14 formed in the dividing groove 15, in a manner that divides the second electrode layer 14 into multiple single cells 10 of the same size. At this time, a zigzag-shaped dividing groove 141 is formed throughout the entire area of ​​the narrow portion 151 and the wide portion 152, such that the connection width w1 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-receiving portion 1A is smaller than the connection width w2 between the first electrode layer 12 and the second electrode layer 14 in the light-shielding portion 1B (see reference). Figure 3 (c) in the middle.

[0055] Specifically, for example, while ensuring that the right end of the formed dividing groove 141 is aligned with the right end of the dividing groove 15, the third marking is performed by forming a straight portion of the dividing groove 141 in the narrow portion 151 and a bent portion of the dividing groove 141 in the wide portion 152. Figure 3 As shown in (c), the straight portion of the formed dividing groove 141 extends along the long side of the solar cell module 1. The cross-section of the bent portion of the dividing groove 141 is L-shaped, and the bent portion of the dividing groove 141 is connected to the straight portion at a right angle.

[0056] By removing a portion of the second electrode layer 14 formed within the dividing groove 15 through the third etching, a portion of the first electrode layer 12 is exposed to the outside. Additionally, a portion of the second electrode layer 14 formed within the dividing groove 15 remains. Thus, in each individual cell 10, the second electrode layer 14 has a stepped structure extending from the upper surface of the functional layer 13 via the side surface of the functional layer 13 to a portion of the upper surface of the first electrode layer 12 of the adjacent individual cell. As a result, between adjacent individual cells, the second electrode layer 14 of one individual cell 10 contacts and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer 12 of the other individual cell 10, thereby forming a series connection between individual cells. In other words, a conductive path between individual cells is thus formed.

[0057] In this manufacturing method, the first marking serves to electrically isolate the first electrode layer 12, the second marking serves to connect the individual cells in series, and the third marking serves to electrically isolate the second electrode layer 14.

[0058] The above processes are used to manufacture solar cell module 1.

[0059] [Vehicles equipped with solar cell modules]

[0060] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with solar cell modules. The vehicle 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a plurality of the aforementioned solar cell modules 1. Since each solar cell module 1 is thin, flexible, and lightweight, it can be easily installed on the vehicle body by appropriately mimicking the shape of the vehicle body.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the solar cell module 1 is mounted, for example, on the hood 101, roof 102, rear window 103, and trunk lid 104. Although not shown, it is preferable that each solar cell module 1 is held by the vehicle body via its respective sunshade 1B and mounted on the hood 101, roof 102, rear window 103, and trunk lid 104. In this way, the sunshade 1B can be utilized as a part for mounting the solar cell module 1 on the vehicle 100, and the situation where the installation on the vehicle 100 affects the light-receiving part 1A can be prevented.

[0062] Since the vehicle 100 described in this embodiment is equipped with the aforementioned solar cell module 1, the effective power generation area can be increased while suppressing the increase in resistance. Therefore, regenerative energy can be efficiently provided to the vehicle 100.

[0063] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A solar cell module, wherein the light-receiving part and the light-shielding part respectively have a substrate, a first electrode layer, a functional layer and a second electrode layer in sequence. The solar cell module is characterized in that... The first electrode layer is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. When viewed from the direction of light incidence, the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-receiving part is smaller than the connection width between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the light-shielding part.

2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-shielding part is the edge of the solar cell module.

3. A vehicle, characterized in that, It is equipped with the solar cell module as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The solar cell module is installed in the vehicle by being held in place by the vehicle body over the sunshade portion.

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