Double-glass photovoltaic module

Abstract

This application relates to a double-glass photovoltaic module. A solar panel includes a double-glass photovoltaic module mounted in a frame. The double-glass photovoltaic module includes a plurality of solar cells embedded between a front glass plate and a rear glass plate. As measured in the plane of the rear glass plate, the rear glass plate exhibits a greater extension than the front glass plate in at least two spatial directions. The frame includes a clamping element that clamps only the rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module and does not clamp the front glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module. The front glass plate is either flush with the plane defined by the inner edge of the front side of the frame or protrudes beyond the front side of the frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar panel having a double - glass photovoltaic module and to a photovoltaic power station. Background Art

[0002] Single - glass photovoltaic modules are well - known in the art. In such a photovoltaic module, solar cells are encapsulated between protective films such as ethylene - vinyl acetate (EVA) films and are further protected by a highly transparent front glass plate several millimeters thick and an electrically insulating flexible foil on the rear side. The laminate is usually mounted on a metal frame. The frame provides mechanical stability and edge protection for the laminate. Thus, with this type of photovoltaic module, a laminate or stack including the front glass plate, the solar cells, and the protective back film is mounted together in the frame to form a solar panel.

[0003] In recent years, manufacturers have increasingly promoted the use of double - glass photovoltaic modules. In this type of photovoltaic module, solar cells are embedded between two glass plates (i.e., a front glass plate and a rear glass plate). Encapsulation films are also typically used to encapsulate the solar cells. For so - called " bifacial solar cells", the double - glass photovoltaic module allows an increase in the effective surface area available for power generation by additionally using the rear side of the solar cells for power generation. In addition, since this design increases the mechanical stability compared to single - glass modules, the mechanical stability of the frame itself is not necessary for double - glass photovoltaic modules. However, due to improper mechanical handling during transportation, installation, and maintenance, double - glass photovoltaic modules are sensitive to damage on the edges of the receiving glass plates and may even cause breakage of the photovoltaic module and thus complete failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, there is provided a solar panel according to claim 1.

[0005] The solar panel includes a double - glass photovoltaic module mounted in a frame. The double - glass photovoltaic module includes a plurality of solar cells embedded between a front glass plate and a rear glass plate, the front glass plate being arranged to face the sun during operation of the solar panel. As measured in the plane of the rear glass plate, the rear glass plate exhibits a greater extension than the front glass plate in at least two transverse spatial directions. The frame includes clamping elements that clamp only the rear glass plate of the double - glass photovoltaic module and not the front glass plate of the double - glass photovoltaic module. In the solar panel of the present invention, the front glass plate is either flush with a reference plane defined by the inner edge of the front side of the frame or projects beyond the front side of the frame.

[0006] The present invention is based on the recognition that improper mechanical handling of double-glass photovoltaic modules during transportation, installation, and maintenance cannot be safely avoided. Thus, contrary to the latest trends in the art, the present invention is based on the assumption that the frame is also used for the continuous use of double-glass photovoltaic modules.

[0007] The inventors have also recognized that the cleaning requirements imposed by the use of the frame are particularly caused by the frame protruding in the plane of the glass plate and thus forming a protruding inner frame edge, which hinders the drainage of water from the photovoltaic module and also prevents the sliding of snow in winter. Thus, especially in the case where the solar panel is installed at a relatively low angle with respect to the ground, it results in poor drainage of water and snow, leading to the rapid formation of a dirt cover not only near its edges but also on the active area of the photovoltaic module. If not cleaned regularly, this indeed results in a loss of electrical performance during operation. In addition, the edge between the front glass plate and the frame is particularly vulnerable to treatments such as biofouling. These treatments exert a deteriorating effect on the sealing material, such that eventually water may enter the seal and damage the photovoltaic module.

[0008] However, in the solar panel of the present invention, in the case where the rear glass plate extends beyond the size of the front glass plate in at least two spatial directions, the double-glass photovoltaic module is installed, i.e., it is only mechanically clamped to the rear glass plate by a clamping element, which is an integral part of the frame profile. This design enables the front glass plate to be laterally adjacent to the inner edge of the frame in the installed state. Thus, compared with the known solar panel designs, the protrusion of the inner edge of the frame is avoided, and a solar panel with improved drainage in the installed state is achieved. Through the proper mutual adaptation of the frame design and the module design, the protrusion of the inner edge of the frame is completely avoided.

[0009] Since only the rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module is clamped by the clamping element of the frame profile and is thus supported by the frame in its outer or edge region, the photovoltaic module is fixed in position by the interaction of the frame engaging with the rear glass plate alone. As described above, the protrusion of the inner edge of the frame is achieved by appropriately designing the frame according to the given module design, for example, by providing a clamping element in the frame profile, which fixes the rear-side plane of the rear glass plate of the module at an appropriate distance from the reference plane defined by the inner edge in the front, and this distance is at most equal to the total thickness of the double-glass photovoltaic module. If the distance is less than the total thickness of the double-glass photovoltaic module, the module protrudes from the front of the frame. If the distance is equal to the total thickness of the double-glass photovoltaic module, the front glass plate is flush with the reference plane defined by the inner edge in the front of the frame. In other words, the front surface of the front glass plate is flush with the front surface of the panel.

[0010] The advantages resulting from this specific design are, on the one hand, importantly, that potential chemical and / or bioactive agents and / or the edges of the surface on which snow may settle are effectively avoided. On the other hand, in the case where the frame is partially or fully locked around the double-glazed photovoltaic module, the rigidity of the assembly is increased compared to a conventional double-glazed photovoltaic module. As a result, the solar panel is significantly less likely to be damaged during transportation and installation, thereby increasing the flexibility of the solar panel, for example, with respect to the designated installation location. Thus, the solar panel of the present invention avoids the aforementioned disadvantages of using a frame for edge protection and allows the advantages of edge protection to be combined with the advantage of avoiding the formation of dirt near the edges of the frame on the surface of the front glass plate of the double-glazed photovoltaic module. This in turn improves performance and reduces the requirements for cleaning, maintenance, and even repair during the on-site operation of the solar panel.

[0011] It should be noted that the use of the terms "front glass plate" and "back glass plate" is intended to imply that the front glass plate is arranged facing the sun during the operation of the solar panel, while the back glass plate is arranged facing away from the sun during the operation of the solar panel.

[0012] Furthermore, it should be noted that the term "reference plane" mentioned in this specification is only for explanatory purposes and does not refer to a tangible structural element of the solar panel.

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the solar panel according to the first aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the back glass plate of the double-glazed photovoltaic module has a rectangular shape. This specific shape facilitates the easy and thus cost-effective installation of the module, as it allows for the use of standard fasteners and, if required, standard frame profiles to provide a connection between the back glass plate and the installation surface. In a variant of this embodiment, the back glass plate has a square shape.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment, the shape of the back glass plate of the double-glazed photovoltaic module or the entire double-glazed photovoltaic module is circular or has any other technically feasible shape. Even in the case where the back glass plate is circular, the back glass plate can still be used to mount the entire double-glazed photovoltaic module due to its greater extension compared to the front glass plate.

[0016] Three different sets of embodiments have different geometries for achieving a greater extension of the back glass plate compared to the front glass plate.

[0017] In one of the embodiments of these groups, the rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module extends beyond the opposite edges of the front glass plate only on its two opposite sides. In the solar panel of this embodiment, the rear glass plate is clamped separately by the frame only on these two opposite sides where the rear glass plate has a greater lateral extension than the front glass plate. With this embodiment, the advantage is obtained that the photovoltaic module can be safely and firmly installed using the rear glass plate with a minimum of fastening means.

[0018] In an advantageous variant of this embodiment, the solar panel has a frame that projects from a reference plane and extends beyond the front glass plate on those other opposite sides of the frame where the rear glass plate is not clamped. In other words, the front glass plate is flush with or projects from the front plane of the frame part only on the two opposite sides of the frame that clamp the rear glass plate. In a rectangular double-glass photovoltaic module, the other two opposite sides of the module may or may not be clamped by the frame. Any suitable clamping element in the frame profiles on these other sides accommodates the full thickness of the module, which includes the front glass plate and the rear glass plate. Therefore, different frame profiles may be required for clamping the two different pairs of opposite sides of the module.

[0019] Considering the on-site and ground-inclined installation of the solar panel (assuming for simplicity that the ground is flat), this embodiment allows water and snow to flow completely out of the solar panel under the action of gravity via the lower one of the two (horizontal) frame edges that are flush with the front glass plate. Herein, the "lower frame edge" refers to the frame edge with a shorter ground distance, and the "upper frame edge" refers to the frame edge with a longer ground distance. This embodiment of the solar panel allows the use of known standard frame profiles for the inclined frame sides.

[0020] In the installation of a multi-panel array using this embodiment of the solar panel, such as in the installation on an inclined roof, the lower edges and upper edges of vertically adjacent solar panels are appropriately flush with each other or installed in a shingled manner so that water or snow is not blocked during the process of descending from the upper part of the next adjacent solar panel to the ground. Even in the case where the inclined (vertical) edges of the panel project beyond the front glass plate, this embodiment avoids the formation of dirt or dust on the surface of the front glass plate.

[0021] In another group of embodiments, the rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module extends beyond the edge of the front glass plate only on its two mutually orthogonal sides.

[0022] In another group of currently preferred embodiments, the rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module extends beyond all the edges of the front glass plate. With this particular embodiment, a frame lock can be provided around the entire rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module. Thus, this design allows for a particularly high level of protection of the photovoltaic module against potential damage during the transportation of the module and / or during the installation and service phases.

[0023] From the three different groups of embodiments of the double-glass photovoltaic module that protrude from above, it is clear that the solar panel of the present invention advantageously reduces the cleaning and maintenance requirements during operation without complicating the installation process during manufacturing, but also increases the flexibility of on-site installation of the photovoltaic module. However, at the same time, the reliability and safety of the installation of the photovoltaic module are not compromised. Moreover, since the module will remain clean, the energy production is increased.

[0024] In different embodiments, the glass materials for the front glass plate and the rear glass plate are different. In some embodiments, the glass material is tempered glass, which has the advantage of providing a specific mechanical strength compared to ordinary glass. However, in other embodiments, ordinary, i.e., untempered or semi-tempered glass is used.

[0025] In another embodiment, the edge of the front glass plate facing away from the solar cell is a polished edge. Although in some other embodiments, a simply machined, i.e., cut or chamfered, edge of the front glass plate can be used, the polished edge of this embodiment provides the specific advantage of avoiding additional surfaces or edges and improving the optical properties. In particular, this additionally avoids the accumulation of chemical and / or biological agents in the relevant areas, such that the agents (such as water) cannot deteriorate the front and rear glass plates or the sealing between the photovoltaic module and the fastening means.

[0026] In another embodiment, a plurality of solar cells of the double-glass photovoltaic module are embedded between a top cushioning material and a bottom cushioning material. The cushioning material can be suitably selected from, but not limited to, one of the following materials. The cushioning layer can be made of a polymer such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefin elastomer (POE)-based material, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ionomer, or silicone resin. Additionally, the material selected for the top cushioning layer may be different from the material of the bottom cushioning layer. Since the material for the cushioning layer is to be selected from a wide range of materials with different physical properties, the material can be selected such that it provides the highest resistance to degradation caused by, for example, water. This advantageously provides a high level of flexibility regarding the installation location of the solar panel and also provides a high level of protection of the solar cells against environmental influences.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of solar cells of a double-glass photovoltaic module are embedded between a front glass plate and a rear glass plate, with a gap therebetween, and the gap is filled with air or gas. With this specific embodiment, the advantage is obtained that the air or gas-filled gap between the front and rear glass plates and the solar cells effectively isolates the solar cells. Additionally, the air or gas-filled gap can be used as a detection means for the seal of a damaged photovoltaic module. That is, if the pressure in the gap is sufficiently higher or lower than the ambient pressure, the normalized pressure in the gap indicates a damaged seal, which can in turn trigger a repair action before the actual solar cells may be damaged.

[0028] In some embodiments, the double-glass photovoltaic module includes a double-sided arrangement of solar cells between the front glass plate and the rear glass plate. A single-sided arrangement is used in other embodiments.

[0029] In another embodiment, the clamping element has a C-shape. That is, both the clamping groove of the frame and the outer or edge region of the rear glass plate have complementary, mating C-shapes. This design provides particular advantages. First, during the assembly process, the double-glass photovoltaic module automatically aligns well with the frame of the solar panel. Second, the double-glass photovoltaic module is immediately held tightly in position, which reliably prevents the glass of the photovoltaic module from cracking due to unwanted movement of the module in its frame.

[0030] In another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the rear glass plate is additionally fixed in the clamping groove by a longer extension of the clamping means on the side surface of the rear glass plate. In the case of large-sized solar panels, it is desirable to further support the rear glass plate and thus the entire double-glass photovoltaic module, which increases the stability of the entire solar panel. This feature provides the advantage that even quite large solar panels can be realized, which results in higher energy production.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, a gap is formed between the inner surface of the frame and the front glass plate of the photovoltaic module. The gap is filled with an elastic sealant to seal the photovoltaic module to the frame, and the sealant is either flush with the front of the frame or projects beyond a reference plane defined by the inner edge of the front of the frame, but does not exceed the plane defined by the front of the front glass plate.

[0032] In the case where the sealant is flush with the front of the frame and does not project beyond the front of the front glass plate, the seal between the frame and the double-glass photovoltaic module increases the ability of the solar panel to avoid unwanted accumulation of chemical and / or biological agents and / or snow on the solar panel. This gives the advantages of effectively protecting the photovoltaic module from environmental influences, reducing the number of required cleaning cycles, and also extending the life of the seal.

[0033] The sealant used to fill the gap between the frame and the photovoltaic module can be freely selected. However, preferably, the sealant can be a ductile rubber material or a viscous sealant such as silicone or an acrylic-based seal compound.

[0034] In addition to the clamping elements that align the double-glass photovoltaic module with the frame and fix it in position relative to the frame, or alternatively, the clamping elements that align the double-glass photovoltaic module with the frame and fix it in position relative to the frame, the photovoltaic module can be glued into the frame. According to the present invention, the same glue / sealant can be used to fix the photovoltaic module in position and seal the gap between the frame and the module. This can also be done in a single processing step or in two separate processing steps. That is, the photovoltaic module can first be glued into the frame, and subsequently, the gap can be filled with the selected sealant or glue, and vice versa.

[0035] In a second aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic power station according to claim 12 is provided. The photovoltaic power station according to the third aspect of the present invention includes at least one solar panel according to the present invention. The photovoltaic power station shares the advantages of the solar panel. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Hereinafter, further embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 (A) shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a double-glass photovoltaic module including a plurality of solar cells embedded between a front glass plate and a rear glass plate;

[0038] Figure 1 (B) shows Figure 1 a top view of a variant of the double-glass photovoltaic module of (A);

[0039] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a solar panel including a framed double-glass photovoltaic module, with a detailed view attached;

[0040] Figure 3 shows a C-shaped clamping element formed by the rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module and the frame;

[0041] Figure 4 shows a solar panel with a gap filled with an elastic sealant to seal the photovoltaic module to the frame and the support element to fasten the photovoltaic module to the surface;

[0042] Figure 5A shows a schematic top view of a solar panel according to another embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5B shows a Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the solar panel along line A-A'; and

[0044] Figure 5C shows a Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the solar panel along line B-B'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] For simplicity, in the drawings, those details of the structure of the double-glass photovoltaic module of the corresponding embodiment that are not necessary for conveying its main features are not shown. In addition, even though different variants are shown throughout the drawings, some of the reference numerals used are the same where appropriate to allow easier identification of similar features in different variants.

[0046] Figure 1 (A) of shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a double-glass photovoltaic module 100 that includes a plurality of solar cells 130 embedded between a front glass plate 110 and a rear glass plate 120. The rear glass plate 120 is shown as a dashed line to highlight the fact that, as measured in the plane of the rear glass plate, the rear glass plate 120 exhibits a greater extension than the front glass plate 110 in at least two spatial directions. According to Figure 1 (A) of, a greater extension of the rear glass plate is shown in the positive x-direction and the negative x-direction. For simplicity, those details of the structure of the double-glass photovoltaic module 100 that are not necessary for conveying the main features of the present invention are not shown.

[0047] On the other hand, in a variant of Figure 1 (B), it is visible in a top view of the double-glass photovoltaic module 100, while the plurality of solar cells 130 are not visible. Figure 1 (B) of shows an embodiment in which the rear glass plate 120 extends beyond all edges of the front glass plate 110. According to Figure 1 (B) of, it is in the positive x and y directions and the negative x and y directions.

[0048] In addition, generally, the thickness (T) of the front glass plate 110 is equal to the thickness (T) of the rear glass plate 120. However, in some cases, it may be advantageous to specify that the front glass plate is thicker than the rear glass plate, and vice versa. Those cases can be where the thickness of the front glass plate is reduced to a minimum to reduce the total weight of the photovoltaic module, but the rear glass plate must maintain a certain, predefined thickness to match the clamping element 220 of the frame 210.

[0049] Figure 2Shows a simplified and more detailed cross-sectional view of a solar panel 200 including a double-glass photovoltaic module 100 and a corresponding frame 210. For simplicity, other layers that may be used for, e.g., encapsulation of the solar cells are omitted in Figure 2 . In this cross-sectional view, the front glass plate 110 of the double-glass photovoltaic module 100 is shown together with the rear glass plate 120, a plurality of solar cells 130, the frame 210 of the solar panel, and a clamping element 220 that clamps only the rear glass plate 120. The clamped rear glass plate 120 shown in Figure 2 has a simple chamfered edge 224 that reduces the sensitivity of the edge to damage and helps prevent cuts, and thus increases the safety of the installer. Additionally, in Figure 2 , an optional protrusion (P) of the front glass plate is schematically shown by a dashed line, and the glass plate is either flush with a reference plane defined by the inner edge of the front face 230 of the frame 210 or protrudes beyond the front face of the frame. In Figure 2 , it is highlighted by a dotted circle D that only the rear glass plate 120 is used to fix the double-glass photovoltaic module in the frame 210. Any remaining space between the photovoltaic module 100 and the frame 210 is appropriately sealed by a sealant 222 made of an elastomer. Other suitable sealants are known in the art. Optionally, glue can be used to fix the module particularly firmly in the frame.

[0050] As can be seen from the cross-sectional view in Figure 2 , the clamping element 220 is similar to a rectangular C-shape. It has three mutually perpendicular faces. Specifically, the bottom face of the C-shaped clamping element faces upward and faces the rear face of the rear glass plate 120. Additionally, the side faces face the faceted side 224 of the rear glass plate 120, and the top face of the claimed element faces downward and thus faces the top face of the rear glass plate 120. The bottom face of the clamping element 220 is positioned in the frame 210 at an appropriate distance from the front face 230 of the frame such that, taking into account any sealant present, the front glass plate is either flush with a reference plane defined by the inner edge of the front face 230 of the frame 210 or even protrudes beyond the front face of the frame.

[0051] The sealing process can be carried out in a single processing step or in two consecutive processing steps.

[0052] In the former case, an excess of sealant 222, appropriately in a liquid or viscous state, is inserted into the clamping element 220. Subsequently, the double-glass photovoltaic module 100 is pressed into the clamping element, causing the excess sealant to be extruded from the clamping element 220 and fill the space extending between the front glass plate 110 and the frame 210. With this method, the double-glass photovoltaic module 100 is fixed and sealed to the frame 210 in a single processing step.

[0053] Optionally, in the latter case, the double-glazed photovoltaic module 100 is first fixed in the frame 210 and subsequently sealed onto the frame 210, thus using two processing steps.

[0054] Figure 3 A detailed view of an alternative embodiment of the clamping element 220 of the solar panel 200 is shown. Figure 3 is for the above-described embodiment of the solar panel and is limited in scope to correspond to the cross-section indicated by the circle D in Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the clamping element 220A is C-shaped, forming a C-shaped clamping groove. As can be seen from Figure 3 this design provides the particular advantage that the rear glass plate 120 of the double-glazed photovoltaic module 100 is automatically well-aligned with the frame 210 of the solar panel 200, and the double-glazed photovoltaic module 100 is immediately held tightly in position, which prevents the glass of the photovoltaic module from cracking due to unwanted movement of the module in its frame.

[0055] In Figure 4 a detailed cross-sectional view of the solar panel 200 is shown. A gap 300 is shown to be formed between the inner surface 310 of the frame 210 and the front glass plate 110 of the double-glazed photovoltaic module 100. This figure also shows the support means 232 forming the lower part of the frame 210. The support means 232 is formed by a hollow profile section which is commonly used to mount the solar panel 200 on the roof top surface 234 and similar mounting locations for solar panels, and which is combined with a support element 330 which is required to establish, for example, a friction-locking connection between the frame 210 and the roof top surface 234 by pressing the frame against the surface.

[0056] In Figure 4 the embodiment shown, the support element 330 also has a clamping device 332 which generally matches the extension of the front face 230 of the frame 210. Thus, the clamping device 332 does not extend across the front face 340 of the front glass plate 110 of the double-glazed photovoltaic module 100, thereby preventing potential damage to the front glass plate 110 caused by a component, typically made of metal, clamping onto the glass. Additionally, the thickness of the front glass plate can be further increased such that the front glass plate also protrudes beyond the front face 334 of the support element 330. For example, when the front face 340 of the front glass plate 110 on which snow may settle extends vertically beyond the front face 334 of the support element 330, this measure can help avoid local accumulation of snow.

[0057] For simplicity, only one of many potentially viable fastening methods for the solar panel 200 has been described above. However, similar advantages can be obtained for different fastening methods.

[0058] Figure 4 A gap 300 is also shown filled with an elastic sealant 222 or optionally glue to seal the photovoltaic module 100 to the frame 210 as described above. Importantly, the sealant 222 is either flush with the front face 230 of the frame 210 or projects beyond a reference plane defined by the inner edge of the front face of the frame 230, but does not exceed the plane defined by the front face 340 of the front glass plate 110.

[0059] Figures 5A to 5C is a different view of another embodiment of the solar panel. Figure 5A is a schematic top view of a solar panel according to another embodiment; Figure 5B shows Figure 5A of the solar panel along Figure 5A a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 5C shows Figure 5A of the solar panel along Figure 5A a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in. The following description refers to Figures 5A to 5C in parallel.

[0060] The solar panel 500 of the present embodiment has a rectangular frame composed of frame portions 502 to 508. The frame houses a double-glass photovoltaic module 510, which is only schematically represented by its front glass plate 512 and its rear glass plate 514 in Figure 5B and Figure 5C . As can be seen in Figure 5B and Figure 5C , the rear glass plate 514 exhibits a greater extension along line B-B′ than the front glass plate 512, while the two glass plates 512 and 514 have the same extension along line A-A′. Thus, in the present embodiment, the rear glass plate 514 has a greater extension than the front glass plate 512 in exactly two directions, one direction along line B-B' from B to B', and the other direction along line B-B' in the opposite manner, i.e., from B' to B.

[0061] As in Figure 5CAs shown, only the rear glass plate 514 is clamped by the C-shaped first clamping element 516 in the frame profiles of the frame parts 506 and 508. However, both the front glass plate and the rear glass plate are clamped by the second clamping element 518 provided in the frame parts 502 and 504. The second clamping element 518 differs from the first clamping element 516 in that the extension of its vertical C-shaped rod of the C-shape is greater than that of the first clamping element 516. In this way, both the glass plates 512 and 514 can be accommodated only by the frame parts 502 and 504.

[0062] Therefore, for only two edges (here the long edges), the frame clamps both the glass plates 512 and 514. The frame only holds the rear glass plate 514 along the other two edges.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the front glass plate 512 protrudes beyond the front of the frame, and the front of the frame is defined (and includes) by the fronts 506.1 and 508.1 of the frame parts 506 and 508, and the fronts 506.1 and 508.1 of the frame parts 506 and 508 are parallel to the front surface 512.1 of the front glass plate 512. However, as is known from the solar panels of the prior art itself, on the remaining two sides formed by the frame parts 502 and 504, the frame profiles protrude beyond the front surface 512.1 of the front glass plate 512. However, compared with such solar panels of the prior art, the solar panel 500 allows water and snow to pass along the direction B-B' or B'-B.

[0064] In a variant of the present embodiment, the front glass plate is flush with the fronts 506.1 and 508.1. In another variant of the present embodiment, the two frame parts from which the front glass plate 512 protrudes do not form the short sides of the panel ( Figure 5A 506, 508 in Figure 5A ), but the long sides (

[0065] 502 and 504 in Figures 5A to 5C ) of the panel. The two mentioned variants can be combined to form another variant.

[0066] Although in the shown embodiment the rear glass plate extends beyond the lateral extension of the front glass plate in two and four directions, of course, the rear glass plate can also extend beyond the lateral extension of the front glass plate in three directions.

[0067] In summary, the solar panel according to the present invention includes a double-glass photovoltaic module mounted in a frame. As measured in the plane of the rear glass plate, the rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module exhibits a greater extension than the front glass plate in at least two spatial directions. The frame includes a clamping element in its frame profile, which clamps only the rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module and not the front glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module. The clamping element is arranged such that the front glass plate is either flush with a reference plane defined by the inner edge of the front face of the frame or projects beyond the front face of the frame. Among other advantages, the solar panel continuously achieves its desired electrical performance indicators during operation without the need for cleaning or similar maintenance costs.

Claims

1. A solar panel, comprising - a double-glass photovoltaic module mounted in a frame, wherein, - the double-glass photovoltaic module includes a plurality of solar cells, the plurality of solar cells being embedded between a front glass plate and a rear glass plate, the front glass plate being arranged to face the sun during operation of the solar panel, - as measured in the plane of the rear glass plate, the rear glass plate exhibits a greater extension than the front glass plate in at least two spatial directions, - the frame includes a clamping element, the clamping element being an integral part of the frame profile of the frame and the clamping element being configured to mechanically clamp only the rear glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module without mechanically clamping the front glass plate of the double-glass photovoltaic module, such that the photovoltaic module is fixed in position by the interaction of the frame engaging only with the rear glass plate, and wherein, - the front glass plate is either flush with a reference plane defined by the inner edge of the front face of the frame or projects beyond the front face of the frame.

2. The solar panel according to claim 1, wherein, The rear glass plate has a rectangular shape.

3. The solar panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The rear glass plate extends beyond the opposite edges of the front glass plate only on two opposite sides of the rear glass plate.

4. The solar panel according to claim 3, wherein, The frame projects from the reference plane and beyond the front glass plate on those other opposite sides of the frame that do not clamp the rear glass plate.

5. The solar panel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rear glass plate extends beyond all edges of the front glass plate.

6. The solar panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The edge of the front glass plate facing away from the solar cells is polished.

7. The solar panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plurality of solar cells are embedded between a top cushioning material and a bottom cushioning material.

8. The solar panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plurality of solar cells are embedded between the front glass plate and the rear glass plate, with a gap between the front glass plate and the rear glass plate, and wherein the gap is filled with air or gas.

9. The solar panel according to any one of the preceding claims, including a double-sided arrangement of the solar cells between the front glass plate and the rear glass plate.

10. The solar panel according to claim 1, wherein, The clamping element for clamping the rear glass plate is C-shaped, thus forming a clamping groove.

11. The solar panel according to claim 10, wherein, The rear glass plate is additionally fixed in the clamping groove by a clamping device.

12. The solar panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, - a gap is formed between the inner surface of the frame and the front glass plate of the photovoltaic module, and - the gap is filled with an elastic sealant to seal the photovoltaic module to the frame, and the sealant is either flush with the front face of the frame or projects beyond the reference plane defined by the inner edge of the front face of the frame but does not project beyond the plane defined by the front face of the front glass plate.

13. A photovoltaic power station having at least one solar panel according to any one of the preceding claims.

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