Terminal box, solar cell, and solar cell connector

Abstract

A terminal box (10) according to an embodiment includes a terminal box body, first connection terminals (16a, 16b), and second connection terminals (18a, 18b). The terminal box main body is attached to a solar cell element (1) having a monolithic structure. The terminal box main body has a connection portion electrically connected to terminals (8a, 8b) of the solar cell element (1). The first connection terminals (16a, 16b) are electrically connected to the connection part. The first connection terminals (16a, 16b) are arranged at the front ends of cables (15a, 15b) extending from the terminal box main body to the outside. Second connection terminals (18a, 18b) are electrically connected to the connection part. Second connection terminals (18a, 18b) are formed on the outer surface of the terminal box body. The second connection terminals (18a, 18b) can be connected to the first connection terminals (16a, 16b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a terminal box, a solar cell, and a solar cell connection structure. Background Art

[0002] A solar cell includes a solar cell element and a terminal box. The terminal box has connection terminals. The connection terminals of adjacent solar cells are connected to form a solar cell connection body. It is desirable to reduce the costs of the terminal box, solar cells, and solar cell connection body.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2007 / 015346

[0006] Patent Document 2: Patent No. 3572265 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal box, a solar cell, and a solar cell connection body that can suppress costs.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The terminal box of the embodiment includes a terminal box body, a first connection terminal, and a second connection terminal. The terminal box body is mounted on a monolithic solar cell element. The terminal box body includes a connection portion electrically connected to a terminal of the solar cell element. The first connection terminal is electrically connected to the connection portion. The first connection terminal is arranged at the front end of a cable extending outward from the terminal box body. The second connection terminal is electrically connected to the connection portion. The second connection terminal is formed on the outer surface of the terminal box body. The second connection terminal can be connected to the first connection terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a plan view of the solar cell according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of the positive terminal box.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a side cross-sectional view of the negative terminal box.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a top view of the parallel connection body.

[0015] Figure 5It is a plan view of the solar cell connection structure according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a plan view of a solar cell connection structure according to a first modification of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a plan view of a solar cell according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a top view of the parallel connection body.

[0019] Figure 9 It is a plan view of a solar cell connection structure according to a second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 This is an illustration of a single-piece structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, a terminal box, a solar cell, and a solar cell connection body according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (First embodiment)

[0023] Figure 1 1 is a plan view of a solar cell 20 in the first embodiment. The solar cell 20 includes a solar cell element (solar cell module) 1. The solar cell element 1 includes a semiconductor layer 3, a scribe line 5, a positive electrode 7a, a negative electrode 7b, and a terminal box 10.

[0024] In this application, the X direction, Y direction and Z direction of the orthogonal coordinate system are defined as follows. The X direction (first direction) is a direction parallel to the surface of the solar cell element 1 and in which the scribe line 5 extends. The X direction is the left-right direction of the paper. The +X direction (the first side of the first direction) is the left direction of the paper, and the -X direction (the second side of the first direction) is the right direction of the paper. The Y direction (the second direction) is a direction parallel to the surface of the solar cell element 1 and in which the positive electrode 7a and the negative electrode 7b are arranged. The +Y direction (the first side of the second direction) is the direction from the negative electrode 7b toward the positive electrode 7a, and the -Y direction (the second side of the second direction) is the direction from the positive electrode 7a toward the negative electrode 7b. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to the surface of the solar cell element 1. The +Z direction is the direction in which the semiconductor layer 3 is formed relative to the substrate 2, and the -Z direction is the opposite direction of the +Z direction.

[0025] The semiconductor layer 3 is disposed on the surface of a substrate 2 such as a glass substrate or a flexible film substrate. The semiconductor layer 3 is a perovskite semiconductor, a transmissive cuprous oxide (Cu2O) semiconductor, or the like. The perovskite semiconductor includes a perovskite structure in at least a portion. The perovskite structure is one type of crystal structure and is the same crystal structure as perovskite. Typically, the perovskite structure is composed of ions A, B, and X and is represented by the following general formula (1).

[0026] ABX3···(1)

[0027] A can utilize primary ammonium ions. Specifically, CH3NH3 + 、C2H5NH3 + 、C3H7NH3 + 、C4H9NH3 + and HC(NH2)2 + etc., preferably CH3NH3 + , but is not limited thereto. In addition, A is also preferably Cs + , Rb + , 1,1,1-trifluoro-ethylammonium iodide (FEAI), but not limited to these. B can utilize Pb 2+ or Sn 2+ X can be a divalent metal ion such as Cl - Br - or I - The materials that make up ions A, B, or X can be either single or mixed. The ions do not necessarily need to conform to the stoichiometric ratio of ABX3 to function.

[0028] Figure 10 This is an illustration of a single-piece structure. Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of line XX.

[0029] Scribe lines 5 are the P1, P2, and P3 scribe lines of the so-called monolithic structure. Specifically, lower electrode 4a is formed in the +Z direction of substrate 2, and lower electrode 4a is divided by the P1 scribe line. Next, semiconductor layer 3 is formed in the +Z direction of lower electrode 4a, and semiconductor layer 3 is divided by the P2 scribe line. Next, upper electrode 4b is formed in the +Z direction of semiconductor layer 3, and upper electrode 4b is divided by the P3 scribe line.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, scribe lines 5 extend in the X direction. Multiple scribe lines 5 are arranged in the Y direction. Semiconductor layer 3 is divided by the scribe lines 5 into multiple cells arranged in the Y direction. Multiple cells are electrically connected in series to form a so-called monolithic module. The generated voltage of solar cell element 1 is adjusted by the number of cells divided by scribe lines 5.

[0031] The positive electrode 7a is connected to the +Y end of the semiconductor layer 3. From the perspective of carrier recovery efficiency, the width of the positive electrode 7a in the X direction is preferably equal to the width of the semiconductor layer 3 in the X direction, but this is not limited to this. The positive electrode terminal 8a extends from the center of the positive electrode 7a in the X direction in the +Y direction. The positive electrode terminal 8a is arranged at the +Y end of the solar cell element 1.

[0032] The negative electrode 7b is connected to the -Y end of the semiconductor layer 3. From the perspective of carrier recovery efficiency, the width of the negative electrode 7b in the X direction is preferably equal to the width of the semiconductor layer 3 in the X direction, but this is not limited to this. The negative electrode terminal 8b extends from the center of the negative electrode 7b in the X direction in the -Y direction. The negative electrode terminal 8b is located at the -Y end of the solar cell element 1.

[0033] The solar cell 20 includes a positive terminal box 10a connected to the positive terminal 8a and a negative terminal box 10b connected to the negative terminal 8b as a terminal box (connection box) 10. The positive terminal box 10a and the negative terminal box 10b are both formed in the +Z direction of the substrate 2, which is the same as the semiconductor layer 3, but can also be formed in the -Z direction of the substrate 2, which is opposite to the semiconductor layer 3.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 FIG1 is a side sectional view of the positive terminal box 10 a along line II-II.

[0035] The positive electrode terminal box 10a includes a positive electrode terminal box body (terminal box body) 11a, a first positive electrode connection terminal (first connection terminal) 16a, and a second positive electrode connection terminal (second connection terminal) 18a.

[0036] The positive terminal box body 11a is formed from a resin material, etc. The positive terminal box body 11a has a positive electrode connecting portion (connecting portion) 12a inside. The positive electrode connecting portion 12a is a connection pad, etc. The positive electrode connecting portion 12a is electrically connected to the positive terminal 8a of the solar cell element 1 using solder, etc. The connection between the positive electrode connecting portion 12a and the positive terminal 8a is sealed with a potting agent 13. The potting agent 13 is a resin adhesive, etc. The positive terminal box body 11a is attached to the solar cell element 1 via the potting agent 13. The longitudinal direction of the positive terminal box body 11a is approximately parallel to the X direction.

[0037] The first positive connection terminal 16a is located at the front end of the positive cable (cable) 15a in the +X direction. The positive cable 15a extends outward from the +X end of the positive terminal box body 11a. The -X end of the positive cable 15a is connected to the positive connection portion 12a. The first positive connection terminal 16a is electrically connected to the positive connection portion 12a via the positive cable 15a. The length of the positive cable 15a is equal to the width of the solar cell element 1 in the X direction.

[0038] The second positive electrode connection terminal 18a is a connection port formed on the outer surface of the positive terminal box body 11a in the -X direction. The second positive electrode connection terminal 18a is electrically connected to the positive electrode connection portion 12a via wiring (not shown).

[0039] First positive connection terminal 16a and second positive connection terminal 18a are connectors based on standards such as MC4. First positive connection terminal 16a and second positive connection terminal 18a can be connected to each other. For example, first positive connection terminal 16a is a plug (male), and second positive connection terminal 18a is a socket (female).

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 1 is a side sectional view of the negative terminal box 10b along the III-III line.

[0041] The negative electrode terminal box 10b includes a negative electrode terminal box body (terminal box body) 11b, a first negative electrode connecting terminal (first connecting terminal) 16b, and a second negative electrode connecting terminal (second connecting terminal) 18b.

[0042] The negative terminal box body 11b is formed from a resin material, etc. The negative terminal box body 11b has a negative electrode connection portion (connection portion) 12b inside. The negative electrode connection portion 12b is a connection pad, etc. The negative electrode connection portion 12b is electrically connected to the negative terminal 8b of the solar cell element 1 using solder, etc. The connection between the negative electrode connection portion 12b and the negative terminal 8b is sealed with a potting agent 13. The potting agent 13 is a resin adhesive, etc. The negative terminal box body 11b is attached to the solar cell element 1 via the potting agent 13. The longitudinal direction of the negative terminal box body 11b is approximately parallel to the X direction.

[0043] The first negative connection terminal 16b is located at the +X-direction end of the negative cable (cable) 15b. The negative cable 15b extends outward from the +X-direction end of the negative terminal box body 11b. The -X-direction end of the negative cable 15b is connected to the negative connection portion 12b. The first negative connection terminal 16b is electrically connected to the negative connection portion 12b via the negative cable 15b. The length of the negative cable 15b is equal to the X-direction width of the solar cell element 1.

[0044] The second negative electrode connection terminal 18b is a connection port formed on the outer surface of the negative electrode terminal box body 11b in the -X direction. The second negative electrode connection terminal 18b is electrically connected to the negative electrode connection portion 12b via wiring (not shown).

[0045] The first negative connection terminal 16b and the second negative connection terminal 18b are connectors based on standards such as MC4. The first negative connection terminal 16b and the second negative connection terminal 18b can be connected to each other. For example, the first negative connection terminal 16b is a socket (socket, jack, female), and the second negative connection terminal 18b is a plug (pin, male). The first negative connection terminal 16b can be a plug (pin, male), and the second negative connection terminal 18b can be a socket (socket, jack, female), but in this case, the first positive connection terminal 16a is a socket (socket, jack, female), and the second positive connection terminal 18a needs to be changed to a plug (pin, male).

[0046] As described above, the first positive connection terminal 16a of the positive terminal box 10a is a plug compliant with MC4 or other standards. The first negative connection terminal 16b of the negative terminal box 10b is a socket compliant with MC4 or other standards. The first positive connection terminal 16a and the first negative connection terminal 16b are connectable.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a top view of a parallel connection body 30. The parallel connection body 30 is formed by connecting multiple solar cells 20 in parallel. The multiple solar cells 20 are arranged in the X direction. A pair of solar cells 20 adjacent to each other in the X direction is defined as a first solar cell 21 and a second solar cell 22. The first solar cell 21 is located in the +X direction, and the second solar cell 22 is located in the -X direction. The second positive connection terminal 18a of the first solar cell 21 is connected to the first positive connection terminal 16a of the second solar cell 22. The second negative connection terminal 18b of the first solar cell 21 is connected to the first negative connection terminal 16b of the second solar cell 22.

[0048] The plurality of solar cell units 20 include a first end solar cell unit 28 and a second end solar cell unit 29. The first end solar cell unit 28 is located at the end in the +X direction, and the second end solar cell unit 29 is located at the end in the -X direction. The parallel connection unit 30 is connected to the outside via the first positive connection terminal 16a and the first negative connection terminal 16b of the first end solar cell unit 28.

[0049] The parallel connection body 30 includes a positive electrode cap 30a and a negative electrode cap 30b. The positive electrode cap 30a is attached to the second positive electrode connection terminal 18a of the second end solar cell 29. The negative electrode cap 30b is attached to the second negative electrode connection terminal 18b of the second end solar cell 29. Commercially available products compliant with standards such as MC4 can be used as the positive electrode cap 30a and the negative electrode cap 30b. The positive electrode cap 30a and the negative electrode cap 30b suppress leakage from the parallel connection body 30.

[0050] Figure 5 This is a top view of a solar cell connection body 40 in the first embodiment. The solar cell connection body 40 is formed by connecting multiple parallel connection bodies 30 in series. The multiple parallel connection bodies 30 are arranged in the Y direction. A pair of adjacent parallel connection bodies 30 in the Y direction is defined as a first parallel connection body 31 and a second parallel connection body 32. The first parallel connection body 31 is located in the +Y direction, and the second parallel connection body 32 is located in the -Y direction. The first negative electrode connection terminal 16b of the solar cell 28 at the first end of the first parallel connection body 31 is connected to the first positive electrode connection terminal 16a of the solar cell 28 at the first end of the second parallel connection body 32.

[0051] The plurality of parallel connection bodies 30 include a first end parallel connection body 38 and a second end parallel connection body 39. The first end parallel connection body 38 is located at the end in the +Y direction, and the second end parallel connection body 39 is located at the end in the -Y direction.

[0052] The solar cell connector 40 includes a positive line 40a and a negative line 40b. Positive line 40a is connected to the first positive connection terminal 16a of the first-end solar cell 28 of the first-end parallel connector 38. Negative line 40b is connected to the first negative connection terminal 16b of the first-end solar cell 28 of the second-end parallel connector 39. Positive line 40a and negative line 40b are arranged in the +X direction of the solar cell connector 40. The solar cell connector 40 is connected to the outside via positive line 40a and negative line 40b.

[0053] As described above in detail, the solar cell unit 20 of the embodiment includes a solar cell element 1, a positive terminal box 10a, and a negative terminal box 10b. The solar cell element 1 includes a perovskite semiconductor and has a positive terminal 8a and a negative terminal 8b. The positive terminal box 10a is connected to the positive terminal 8a, and the negative terminal box 10b is connected to the negative terminal 8b.

[0054] The positive terminal box 10a includes a positive terminal box body 11a, a first positive connection terminal 16a, and a second positive connection terminal 18a. The positive terminal box body 11a is attached to the solar cell element 1 and includes a positive connection portion 12a electrically connected to the positive terminal 8a of the solar cell element 1. The first positive connection terminal 16a is electrically connected to the positive connection portion 12a and is located at the tip of a positive cable 15a extending outward from the positive terminal box body 11a. The second positive connection terminal 18a is electrically connected to the positive connection portion 12a and is formed on the outer surface of the positive terminal box body 11a and can be connected to the first positive connection terminal 16a.

[0055] The negative terminal box 10b includes a negative terminal box body 11b, a first negative electrode connection terminal 16b, and a second negative electrode connection terminal 18b. The negative terminal box body 11b is attached to the solar cell element 1 and includes a negative electrode connection portion 12b electrically connected to the negative terminal 8b of the solar cell element 1. The first negative electrode connection terminal 16b is electrically connected to the negative electrode connection portion 12b and is located at the tip of a negative electrode cable 15b extending outward from the negative terminal box body 11b. The second negative electrode connection terminal 18b is electrically connected to the negative electrode connection portion 12b and is formed on the outer surface of the negative terminal box body 11b and can be connected to the first negative electrode connection terminal 16b.

[0056] The first positive electrode connection terminal 16a and the first negative electrode connection terminal 16b are connectable.

[0057] Compared to conventional silicon solar cells, the amount of current generated by a solar cell element 1 containing a perovskite semiconductor is smaller. Therefore, for practical application, a configuration in which multiple solar cells 20 are connected in parallel is envisioned. Conventional connection components are suitable for connecting solar cells in series. Using these components to achieve parallel connection requires, for example, the use of multiple special branch cables, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost, number of components, and connection workload. In this embodiment, the positive cable 15a of one solar cell 20 is extended, and the first positive connection terminal 16a of one solar cell 20 is connected to the second positive connection terminal 18a of an adjacent solar cell 20. The negative cable 15b of one solar cell 20 is extended, and the first negative connection terminal 16b of one solar cell 20 is connected to the second negative connection terminal 18b of an adjacent solar cell 20. This allows for simple parallel connection of multiple solar cells 20. The number of solar cells 20 connected in parallel can be easily adjusted. Special branch cables, etc., are not required for connecting multiple solar cells 20 in parallel. This also prevents errors during construction, thereby contributing to a shorter construction period. As a result, the cost of the solar cell connection body 40 can be suppressed.

[0058] The positive terminal box 10a and the negative terminal box 10b are composed of two connection terminals and one cable. The positive terminal box 10a and the negative terminal box 10b have simple structures, which can reduce the cost of the terminal box 10 and the solar cell 20.

[0059] The same positive terminal box 10a and negative terminal box 10b are attached to all solar cells 20. By mass-producing the positive terminal box 10a and negative terminal box 10b, the cost of the terminal box 10 and the solar cells 20 can be reduced.

[0060] The shape of the first positive electrode connection terminal 16 a is different from the shape of the first negative electrode connection terminal 16 b .

[0061] Connection errors among the plurality of solar battery cells 20 can be suppressed.

[0062] Solar cell element 1 has scribe lines 5 extending in the X direction. A direction parallel to the surface of solar cell element 1 and perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as the Y direction. A positive electrode terminal 8a is located at the end of solar cell element 1 in the +Y direction. A negative electrode terminal 8b is located at the end of solar cell element 1 in the -Y direction.

[0063] When the positive terminal box 10a and the negative terminal box 10b are integrated, routing wiring is required to route one of the positive terminal 8a and the negative terminal 8b to the vicinity of the other terminal. In the embodiment, the positive terminal box 10a and the negative terminal box 10b are separate, eliminating the need for routing wiring. This eliminates the need for an insulating film between the routing wiring and the solar cell element 1, and eliminates the need for alignment of the insulating film. This reduces the cost of the solar cell unit 20.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the positive electrode cable 15a extends outward from the positive terminal box body 11a in the +X direction. The second positive electrode connection terminal 18a is formed in the -X direction of the positive terminal box body 11a. The negative electrode cable 15b extends outward from the negative terminal box body 11b in the +X direction. The second negative electrode connection terminal 18b is formed in the -X direction of the negative terminal box body 11b.

[0065] The positive terminal box 10a and the negative terminal box 10b are arranged parallel to the scribe line 5. The positive terminal box 10a and the negative terminal box 10b can be arranged near the semiconductor layer 3. The lengths of the positive terminal 8a and the negative terminal 8b are shortened, which can reduce the cost of the solar cell 20.

[0066] In the first embodiment, both the positive cable 15a and the negative cable 15b extend in the +Y direction, thereby facilitating connection of the plurality of solar cell units 20 .

[0067] In the first embodiment, the solar cell connection structure 40 includes the parallel connection structure 30 , the positive electrode line 40 a , and the negative electrode line 40 b .

[0068] In the parallel connection body 30, a plurality of the aforementioned solar cell units 20 are arranged in the X direction. In a pair of adjacent solar cell units 20 in the X direction, the solar cell unit 20 located in the +X direction is designated as the first solar cell unit 21, and the solar cell unit 20 located in the -X direction is designated as the second solar cell unit 22. At this time, the second positive electrode connection terminal 18a of the first solar cell unit 21 is connected to the first positive electrode connection terminal 16a of the second solar cell unit 22. Simultaneously, the second negative electrode connection terminal 18b of the first solar cell unit 21 is connected to the first negative electrode connection terminal 16b of the second solar cell unit 22.

[0069] A plurality of parallel-connected bodies 30 are arranged in the Y direction. Of a pair of adjacent parallel-connected bodies 30 in the Y direction, the parallel-connected body 30 located in the +Y direction is designated as a first parallel-connected body 31, and the parallel-connected body 30 located in the -Y direction is designated as a second parallel-connected body 32. At this point, the first negative electrode connection terminal 16b of the solar cell 20 located at the +X direction end of the first parallel-connected body 31 is connected to the first positive electrode connection terminal 16a of the solar cell 20 located at the +X direction end of the second parallel-connected body 32.

[0070] Positive line 40a is connected to first positive connection terminal 16a of solar cell 20 located at the +X end of parallel connection body 30 located at the +Y end. Negative line 40b is connected to first negative connection terminal 16b of solar cell 20 located at the +X end of parallel connection body 30 located at the -Y end.

[0071] The number of solar cell units 20 included in the parallel connection body 30 can be easily changed. The number of parallel connection bodies 30 included in the solar cell connection body 40 can be easily changed. The cost of the solar cell connection body 40 can be reduced. The positive electrode line 40a and the negative electrode line 40b are both arranged in the +X direction of the solar cell connection body 40. External connection of the solar cell connection body 40 is facilitated.

[0072] The solar cell connection body 40 includes a positive electrode cap 30a attached to the second positive electrode connection terminal 18a and a negative electrode cap 30b attached to the second negative electrode connection terminal 18b of the solar cell 20 located at the end in the −X direction of the parallel connection body 30 .

[0073] The leakage of electricity from the parallel connection body 30 of the solar cell connection body 40 is suppressed.

[0074] Figure 6This is a top view of a solar cell connection body 40 in a first variation of the first embodiment. As described above, the solar cell connection body 40 of the first embodiment includes a positive electrode cap 30a and a negative electrode cap 30b. Instead, the solar cell connection body 40 of the first variation includes a bypass diode 35. The description of the first variation regarding portions common to the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0075] The parallel connection body 30 includes a bypass diode 35. The bypass diode 35 is connected between the second positive connection terminal 18a and the second negative connection terminal 18b of the second end solar cell 29 located at the end of the parallel connection body 30 in the -X direction.

[0076] Some of the parallel-connected bodies 30 may not generate power. In this case, the current generated by the remaining parallel-connected bodies 30 flows through the bypass diodes of the parallel-connected bodies 30, allowing current to be extracted from the solar cell connection 40.

[0077] The bypass diode 35 can be easily connected to the parallel connection body 30. No special cable or the like is required for connecting the bypass diode 35 to the parallel connection body 30. The cost of the solar cell connection body 40 can be reduced.

[0078] (Second embodiment)

[0079] Figure 7 This is a top view of a solar cell unit 20 according to the second embodiment. As described above, in the solar cell unit 20 according to the first embodiment, the positive cable 15a and the negative cable 15b extend in the same direction. In contrast, in the solar cell unit 20 according to the second embodiment, the positive cable 15a and the negative cable 15b extend in opposite directions. The description of the second embodiment regarding portions common to the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0080] The negative terminal box 10b of the second embodiment is attached to the solar cell element 1 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The positive terminal box 10a of the second embodiment is reversed in the X direction from the first embodiment and attached to the solar cell element 1. A positive cable 15a extends outward from the -X end of the positive terminal box body 11a. A first positive connection terminal 16a is located at the -X end of the positive cable 15a. A second positive connection terminal 18a is formed on the +X outer surface of the positive terminal box body 11a.

[0081] Figure 8This is a top view of the parallel connection body 30. The three solar cell units 20 arranged along the X direction are defined as the first solar cell unit 21, the second solar cell unit 22, and the third solar cell unit 23. The first solar cell unit 21 is located in the +X direction, the third solar cell unit 23 is located in the -X direction, and the second solar cell unit 22 is located in the center. The first positive connection terminal 16a of the second solar cell unit 22 is connected to the second positive connection terminal 18a of the third solar cell unit 23. The first negative connection terminal 16b of the second solar cell unit 22 is connected to the second negative connection terminal 18b of the first solar cell unit 21.

[0082] The parallel connection body 30 is connected to the outside via the first positive electrode connection terminal 16 a of the second end solar cell 29 and the first negative electrode connection terminal 16 b of the first end solar cell 28 .

[0083] The positive electrode cap 30 a is attached to the second positive electrode connection terminal 18 a of the first end solar cell 28 , and the negative electrode cap 30 b is attached to the second negative electrode connection terminal 18 b of the second end solar cell 29 .

[0084] Figure 9 This is a top view of a solar cell connection structure 40 according to the second embodiment. In the second parallel connection structure 32, the positive electrode cap 30a attached to the second positive electrode connection terminal 18a of the first end solar cell 28 is removed. In the second parallel connection structure 32, the negative electrode cap 30b is attached to the first positive electrode connection terminal 16a of the second end solar cell 29.

[0085] The first negative electrode connection terminal 16b of the first end solar cell 28 of the first parallel connection body 31 and the second positive electrode connection terminal 18a of the first end solar cell 28 of the second parallel connection body 32 are connected via a conversion connector 45. For example, both ends of the conversion connector 45 are plugs (pin, male). As the conversion connector 45, a commercially available product based on standards such as MC4 can be used.

[0086] Positive line 40a is connected to first positive connection terminal 16a of second end solar cell 29 of first end parallel connection body 38. Negative line 40b is connected to first negative connection terminal 16b of first end solar cell 28 of second end parallel connection body 39.

[0087] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the costs of the terminal box 10 , the solar battery cells 20 , and the solar battery cell connection body 40 can be suppressed.

[0088] In the aforementioned embodiment, first positive connection terminal 16a is a plug, second positive connection terminal 18a is a socket, first negative connection terminal 16b is a socket, and second negative connection terminal 18b is a plug. Alternatively, first positive connection terminal 16a may be a socket, second positive connection terminal 18a may be a plug, first negative connection terminal 16b may be a plug, and second negative connection terminal 18b may be a socket.

[0089] According to at least one embodiment described above, there are terminal boxes 10a, 10b, each having a terminal box body 11a, 11b, first connection terminals 16a, 16b, and second connection terminals 18a, 18b. The first connection terminals 16a, 16b are arranged at the front ends of cables 15a, 15b extending outward from the terminal box body 11a, 11b. The second connection terminals 18a, 18b are formed on the outer surface of the terminal box body 11a, 11b. As a result, the cost of the terminal box 10, the solar cell 20, and the solar cell connection body 40 can be reduced.

[0090] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also intended to be included within the scope of the invention set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0091] Description of Reference Numerals

[0092] 1 Solar cell element, 5 scribe line, 8a positive terminal (terminal), 8b negative terminal (terminal), 10 terminal box, 10a positive terminal box (terminal box), 10b negative terminal box (terminal box), 11a positive terminal box body (terminal box body), 11b negative terminal box body (terminal box body), 12a positive electrode connecting portion (connecting portion), 12b negative electrode connecting portion (connecting portion), 15a positive electrode cable (cable), 15b negative electrode cable (cable), 16a first positive electrode connecting terminal (first connecting terminal) ), 16b first negative connection terminal (first connection terminal), 18a second positive connection terminal (second connection terminal), 18b second negative connection terminal (second connection terminal), 20 solar cell unit, 21 first solar cell unit, 22 second solar cell unit, 30 parallel connection body, 30a positive electrode cap, 30b negative electrode cap, 31 first parallel connection body, 32 second parallel connection body, 35 bypass diode, 40 solar cell unit connection body, 40a positive electrode line, 40b negative electrode line.

Claims

1. A terminal box having: A terminal box body is mounted on the monolithic solar cell element and has a connection portion electrically connected to a terminal of the solar cell element; a first connecting terminal electrically connected to the connecting portion and disposed at a front end of a cable extending from the terminal box body to the outside; as well as The second connection terminal is electrically connected to the connection portion, is formed on an outer surface of the terminal box body, and can be connected to the first connection terminal.

2. The terminal box according to claim 1, The solar cell element includes a perovskite semiconductor or a transmissive cuprous oxide semiconductor.

3. A solar cell unit comprising: A solar cell element having a monolithic structure and having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and a positive terminal box connected to the positive terminal and a negative terminal box connected to the negative terminal, The positive terminal box has: a positive terminal box body mounted on the solar cell element and having a positive electrode connecting portion electrically connected to the positive terminal of the solar cell element; a first positive electrode connection terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode connection portion and disposed at a front end of a positive electrode cable extending from the positive electrode terminal box body to the outside; as well as A second positive electrode connection terminal is electrically connected to the positive electrode connection portion, is formed on the outer surface of the positive electrode terminal box body, and can be connected to the first positive electrode connection terminal. The negative terminal box has: a negative terminal box body mounted on the solar cell element and having a negative electrode connection portion electrically connected to the negative terminal of the solar cell element; a first negative electrode connection terminal electrically connected to the negative electrode connection portion and disposed at a front end of a negative electrode cable extending from the negative electrode terminal box body to the outside; as well as A second negative electrode connection terminal is electrically connected to the negative electrode connection portion, is formed on the outer surface of the negative electrode terminal box body, and can be connected to the first negative electrode connection terminal. The first positive electrode connection terminal and the first negative electrode connection terminal are connectable.

4. The solar cell unit according to claim 3, The shape of the first positive electrode connection terminal is different from the shape of the first negative electrode connection terminal.

5. The solar cell unit according to claim 3 or 4, The solar cell element has a scribe line extending along a first direction, When a direction parallel to the surface of the solar cell element and perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, The positive electrode terminal is arranged at an end portion of the solar cell element on the first side in the second direction. The negative electrode terminal is arranged at an end portion of the solar cell element on the second side in the second direction.

6. The solar cell unit according to claim 5, The positive cable extends outward from the first side of the positive terminal box body in the first direction. The second positive connection terminal is formed on the second side of the positive terminal box body in the first direction. The negative electrode cable extends outward from the first side of the negative terminal box body in the first direction. The second negative electrode connection terminal is formed on the second side of the negative electrode terminal box body in the first direction.

7. The solar cell unit according to claim 3 or 4, The solar cell element includes a perovskite semiconductor or a transmissive cuprous oxide semiconductor.

8. A solar cell unit connection body, A parallel connection body is provided, in which a plurality of solar cell units according to claim 6 are arranged in the first direction, and in a pair of adjacent solar cell units in the first direction, when the solar cell unit located on the first side in the first direction is set as the first solar cell unit and the solar cell unit located on the second side in the first direction is set as the second solar cell unit, the second positive electrode connection terminal of the first solar cell unit is connected to the first positive electrode connection terminal of the second solar cell unit, and the second negative electrode connection terminal of the first solar cell unit is connected to the first negative electrode connection terminal of the second solar cell unit. The plurality of parallel-connected bodies are arranged in the second direction. In a pair of adjacent parallel-connected bodies in the second direction, when the parallel-connected body located on the first side in the second direction is set as the first parallel-connected body and the parallel-connected body located on the second side in the second direction is set as the second parallel-connected body, the first negative electrode connection terminal of the solar cell located at the end portion of the first parallel-connected body on the first side in the first direction is connected to the first positive electrode connection terminal of the solar cell located at the end portion of the second parallel-connected body on the first side in the first direction. The solar cell unit connector has a positive line connected to the first positive connection terminal of the solar cell located at the end portion of the first side of the first direction in the parallel connection body located at the end portion of the first side of the second direction, and a negative line connected to the first negative connection terminal of the solar cell located at the end portion of the first side of the first direction in the parallel connection body located at the end portion of the second side of the second direction.

9. The solar cell connection structure according to claim 8, It has a positive cap and a negative cap, the positive cap is installed on the second positive connection terminal of the solar cell unit located at the end of the parallel connection body on the second side of the first direction, and the negative cap is installed on the second negative connection terminal of the solar cell unit located at the end of the parallel connection body on the second side of the first direction.

10. The solar cell unit connection structure according to claim 8, A bypass diode is provided, and the bypass diode is connected between the second positive electrode connection terminal and the second negative electrode connection terminal of the solar cell located at an end portion of the parallel connection body on the second side in the first direction.

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