Solar panel, solar park or power plant, and energy production method

Abstract

The invention relates to a solar panel, a solar park or power plant, and an energy production method. The solar panel (1) comprises a plurality of solar cells (2), each solar cell (2) being mechanically coupled to a reflector (3) adjacent to that solar cell (2).

Description

Solar panels, solar parks or power plants, and energy production methods Technical Field

[0001] The invention disclosed in this document relates to a solar panel, a solar park or power plant, and a method for energy production using the solar panel. Background Technology

[0002] Today, the most common way to utilize solar energy is through the use of "solar panels," also known as photovoltaic panels. These solar panels are particularly effective at converting solar radiation into electrical energy. A solar panel consists of a set of "solar cells" (also known as photovoltaic cells), which are electronic components that respond to solar radiation through the photoelectric effect.

[0003] Given current environmental and climate challenges, solar energy, as a renewable energy source, plays a vital role in society. Therefore, improving the efficiency of solar panels is crucial, which is typically achieved by developing increasingly high-performance semiconductors to create solar cells.

[0004] However, the manufacturing process of solar cells obtained through such research and development is becoming increasingly complex, so there is a desire for another way to improve the efficiency of solar panels.

[0005] Against this backdrop, US Patent 7,368,656B2 discloses a solar cell for a spacecraft solar panel, which is coupled to a reflector having a free end. The mechanical flexibility of the reflector is determined to keep it in a position with its upper surface facing outwards when there is no vertical pressure, while under such pressure, its upper surface faces the plane of the solar panel. US Patent Application 2023 / 0155543A1 discloses a solar panel whose edge is coupled to a reflector whose angle with the solar panel surface is variable to avoid casting shadows. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a solution that can enhance the performance of solar panels.

[0007] To this end, the present invention proposes a solar panel comprising multiple components, each component comprising: - a solar cell, and - a reflector, the reflector being adjacent to and mechanically coupled to the solar cell, the reflector extending along a plane, the angle (α) formed between the plane and the solar cell being between 50° and 85°.

[0008] Each such component improves the efficiency of its associated solar panel. In fact, the reflector, placed adjacent to the solar cell, is oriented to reflect solar radiation that would normally pass by the solar cell back onto it. Therefore, the solar cell receives more solar radiation than without a reflector, and its electrical output increases accordingly. This angle is chosen to achieve good performance considering that the solar cell typically faces solar radiation, ideally perpendicular to it, or at least forms an angle of less than 30° with it.

[0009] The inventors determined that an angle between 65° and 70° (preferably about 67.5°) is preferred. This angle maximizes efficiency when the solar cell is oriented perpendicular to solar radiation. The preferred value does not limit the scope of the invention, partly because improvements in solar panel performance exist within an angle range of 50° to 85°, and partly because the solar panel is not precisely perpendicular to radiation at every moment of the day; the angle between solar radiation and the plane of the solar panel must be considered when practically evaluating solar panel performance, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

[0010] In this way, the present invention provides a compact mechanical device that is directly mechanically coupled to solar cells and / or solar panels to improve the energy conversion performance of solar panels.

[0011] In this document, "solar panel" refers to an assembly of multiple electrically connected solar cells, as is known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, any portion of a solar panel comprising multiple electrically connected solar cells can also be considered a solar panel in the sense of this application. The use of this term in this document assumes that the solar cells can be electrically connected to functionalize the solar panel, even if this is not described in detail.

[0012] In this document, the term "reflector" is used to refer to an object capable of altering the trajectory of light radiation (typically solar radiation). Specifically, according to the invention, a reflector is used to redirect solar radiation that should not normally interact with the solar cell to the solar cell. The reflector is typically an optical reflector. Depending on the final location of the solar panel, any type of reflector known to have sufficient rigidity can be used. For example, the reflector is made of an aluminum plate with a thickness of 1.0 to 2.0 mm.

[0013] In this document, the concept of "mechanical coupling" between two elements refers to the mechanical holding of the two elements in relative position to each other. This term includes the possibility of direct fixation between the two elements, as well as the possibility of indirect fixation via at least one intermediate element. Mechanical coupling between two elements does not preclude possible relative movement between the two elements.

[0014] Specifically, in this invention, it is preferable that the reflector rotates relative to its connecting axis with the solar cell (or the support frame described below) to adjust the orientation of the reflector relative to the solar cell and / or solar panel. This adjustment can be performed manually or guided and / or controlled by an electromechanical device connected to the mechanical coupling.

[0015] The aforementioned mechanical coupling can be achieved via a hinge, optionally arranged on a structure surrounding the solar cell and / or solar panel. Alternatively, the reflector can be completely fixed relative to the solar cell and / or solar panel, possibly via the aforementioned structure. Since the reflector is adjacent to the solar cell, the mechanical coupling is typically performed without an intermediary (e.g., by direct fixing), or, according to a preferred embodiment, via a connecting element (e.g., the aforementioned structure and / or hinge), which is typically small in size and serves as the connection between the solar cell and / or solar panel and the reflector.

[0016] The term “adjacent and mechanically coupled to” can be replaced by “connected to”, which may be connected by connecting elements (such as the structure described above) and / or pivoting connections (such as the hinge described above).

[0017] In this document, as is known to the public, the “angle” between two spatial planes corresponds to the minimum angle between the directions of the normal vectors perpendicular to these planes. Therefore, the “angle” between two spatial planes is an acute angle or a right angle. As those skilled in the art will understand, reflectors are typically oriented radially outward from the solar cell and / or solar panel. This prevents the reflector from dangling over the solar cell and / or solar panel, thus avoiding obstruction of natural solar radiation directed towards them. Therefore, in practice, the rotation angle corresponding to the physical rotation of the reflector onto the solar cell and / or solar panel is preferably a supplementary angle to the aforementioned angle.

[0018] This document uses the verb "include" and its variants and inflections to introduce elements, without excluding the existence of other elements besides the reference element. The use of the indefinite article "a," "one," or the definite article "the," "this," or "the described" to introduce elements does not exclude the existence of multiple such elements.

[0019] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used in this document primarily to distinguish different elements, without implying the order of these elements.

[0020] According to one embodiment, each component may include two such reflectors mechanically coupled to opposite sides of the solar cell. Preferably, the solar cell is rectangular in shape, and the reflectors are fixed (possibly having rotational degrees of freedom) on two opposite sides of the solar cell, facing each other.

[0021] Compared to having only one reflector, this implementation advantageously increases the amount of solar radiation redirected to the solar cell. Arranging reflectors on two opposite sides of the solar cell allows for a symmetrical reflector arrangement, thus forming the same angle with the solar cell. This facilitates the orientation of the solar cell and / or reflector according to solar radiation. The side of the solar cell adjacent to the reflector is preferably the longest side of the solar cell to increase the amount of solar radiation redirected to the solar cell without requiring the reflector to extend excessively a distance perpendicular to the solar cell (which could otherwise create shadows on the solar cell).

[0022] As described below, the solar panel assembly can be integrated into the solar panel in a variety of ways. The conventional solar cells of the solar panel can be replaced with the assembly according to the invention, and / or a large reflector can be attached to the solar panel such that the adjacent portion of the solar cell located at the edge of the solar panel and the reflector forms the assembly according to the invention. Furthermore, as described below, this attachment can be performed in a variety of ways.

[0023] According to the first embodiment, the solar panel is divided into multiple regions: - a first region occupied by solar cells, and - a second region without solar cells.

[0024] Since the solar panel includes multiple components according to the invention, and the multiple solar cells are solar cells of such components, they are mechanically coupled to at least one reflector.

[0025] This first embodiment is advantageous because it proposes a solar panel in which at least one solar cell is "missing," thus leaving a location without a solar cell that defines a second region. This solar panel therefore converts less solar radiation into electricity because it contains fewer solar cells; however, given the technological complexity behind solar cell production, this solar panel is more convenient and less expensive. The limited productivity of the solar panel is advantageously compensated by providing solar cells with components according to the invention (these components are mechanically coupled to a reflector and are typically small in size to avoid shading adjacent solar cells, at least for the properly oriented solar panel as described above).

[0026] To optimize the efficiency of the solar panel according to the invention, each solar cell may belong to a module, and thus each is mechanically coupled to at least one reflector. Alternatively, to simplify the design of the solar panel, only a portion of the solar cells may be mechanically coupled to reflectors, thereby forming a module according to the invention. For example, the solar cells may be arranged in a limited number (e.g., one or two rows) of rows or columns to facilitate the attachment of reflectors, which may be formed by individual reflectors adjacent to multiple solar cells. Preferably, the number of solar cells belonging to a module accounts for one-third to all of the total number of solar cells in the solar panel, more preferably at least half, to compensate for the absence of solar cells in a second region.

[0027] Preferably, each first region is adjacent to a second region. Therefore, the solar panel contains uniformly distributed solar cells, resulting in uniform power generation on the solar panel. This configuration also avoids the congestion and potential shading areas that could result from a large number of reflectors in the same section of the solar panel. It also facilitates the implementation of the following embodiments.

[0028] According to a preferred implementation of the first embodiment, the reflector of the component whose solar cell occupies a first region is suspended in a second region adjacent to the first region. Except for reflectors that may face outwards from the solar panel and be located at its edge, most reflectors (preferably all reflectors) are preferably arranged in this manner.

[0029] Advantageously, the second region not only reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing solar panels, but more importantly, it allows for the easy and uniform arrangement of reflectors within the solar panel without shading other solar cells. In practice, since the reflector is oriented radially outward from the solar cell, it inevitably hangs over the adjacent region of the first region occupied by that solar cell. If that adjacent region is also the first region, the solar cell located there will be shaded by the reflector and unable to achieve its full efficiency. Designating this adjacent region as the second region avoids this drawback while simultaneously reducing and simplifying the solar panel designation.

[0030] Preferably, the number of the first and second regions of the solar panel according to the first embodiment is equal or differs by no more than 10%, and they are preferably evenly distributed on the solar panel. This facilitates the realization of the above-described preferred implementation and the configuration in which all or part of the reflectors are suspended above the second region.

[0031] Preferably, the first and second regions of the solar panel according to the first embodiment are arranged in a regular and / or alternating manner, such as in rows, columns, or a staggered pattern. This helps to highlight the aforementioned advantages in the layout and proportion of the solar panel and the second region.

[0032] The arrangement of the first regions in rows or columns facilitates electrical connections between solar cells. However, within the scope of this invention, a quincunx arrangement is preferred because it allows for the arrangement of multiple reflectors in multiple directions, facing multiple solar cells around them, and simultaneously optimizes the construction of the first and second regions in terms of energy and mechanics. Thus, each second region can have multiple reflector overhangs, each reflector adjacent to and mechanically coupled to a solar cell occupying a first region adjacent to that second region, thereby forming multiple modules.

[0033] For example, this advantage is demonstrated in the claimed embodiment, wherein, for each second region, the solar panel includes a number (typically 2 to 4) of first regions located at the edge of the targeted second region, and at least the same number of reflectors suspended from the second region, each reflector being adjacent to and mechanically coupled to a solar cell in one of the (2 to 4) first regions to form the aforementioned number of components. In other words, the available space within the second region is used to improve the efficiency of its adjacent first regions, wherein the reflectors are oriented toward these first regions in a manner similar to a roof slope.

[0034] Therefore, the reflector suspended in the second region faces each of the first regions that are connected to the second region.

[0035] Preferably, the angle α of each component thus formed (i.e., the component associated with a second region) is between 65° and 70°, and / or preferably the same. As described above, this optimizes the energy efficiency of the solar panel while simplifying its construction.

[0036] Preferably, the number is 4 for most of the second regions. Considering the aforementioned quincunx arrangement, the efficiency of all solar cells in the first region adjacent to most of the second regions can be optimized. The reflector suspended in one of the second regions of this majority is preferably arranged in a hipped roof shape with a ridge. The ridge thus corresponds to the intersecting edges of two opposing maximum slopes.

[0037] An alternative description of the shape is a triangular prism, with one base placed on the second region, and the two ends of the triangular prism perpendicular to the base being truncated by two planes that slope from the base toward the center of the second region and form the angle with the base.

[0038] This implementation allows for the creation, orientation, and proper placement of four reflectors suspended over the second region in a remarkably simple, efficient, and robust manner. For example, these shapes (such as small pyramid shapes) can be mass-produced in a reflective material (e.g., aluminum) and placed and secured to the second region of the solar panel. Therefore, the manufacture of the solar panel is simple, and separate oriented reflectors are not required because the reflectors are already correctly oriented when supplied in this form.

[0039] The reflector can also be formed within the solar panel support plate that supports the solar cells in the solar panel. In this case, the aforementioned shape can be machined from a thick sheet of reflective material (e.g., aluminum), with cavities corresponding to the first region machined into the sheet to house the solar cells. Therefore, the shape (constituting the reflector) and the support plate are integrally formed, which enhances the robustness and long-term durability of the solar panel. The solar cells are also easily placed in the cavities reserved for this purpose and possess lateral stability due to being surrounded by multiple prism shapes.

[0040] The quincunx arrangement encourages the use of this shape and facilitates the manufacture and maintenance of solar panel components according to these two practical implementations.

[0041] Preferably, the solar panel comprises an edge formed by a frame and a tempered glass panel laterally fixed by the frame and supported by each ridge. Advantageously, the ridges of the shape are thus used to support the tempered glass panel. The free ends of the reflectors forming the ridges can be chamfered to provide more efficient ridges for this purpose and / or to accommodate material for securing the tempered glass panel to the ridges. The tempered glass panel is essential within the scope of this invention. Preferably, the tempered glass is enclosed between the support plate and the tempered glass panel, which both protects the solar cells and reflectors and significantly improves the long-term durability of the solar panel. The tempered glass prevents wind-blown leaves and other objects from getting stuck between the shapes and obstructing the solar cells, thus preventing the solar panel from failing.

[0042] Preferably, the frame is also formed of a reflective material and has an inner surface facing the solar cell it is in contact with, so as to form an assembly according to the invention. Thus, the frame itself is advantageously used to form a reflector.

[0043] According to the second embodiment, the solar panels are arranged so that the components are similar and aligned. The solar cells of the components according to the invention are formed in continuous rows. Each reflector is formed from a portion of the same reflector (referred to as the "main reflector").

[0044] In other words, this second embodiment corresponds to the case where the reflector is adjacent to and mechanically coupled to the solar panel. The solar panel can be a conventional solar panel or a solar panel according to the first embodiment. The advantage of this second embodiment is that it is easier to implement and allows solar radiation to be directly redirected to a large number of solar cells using a larger reflector, without having to consider multiple small reflectors.

[0045] In this document, the term "reflector" is used similarly to the term "reflector," and therefore considerations regarding reflectors apply to reflectors. The two terms are used to more easily distinguish between an implementation where the reflector is connected to a single solar cell and an implementation where the reflector is more integrally attached to a solar panel (thus connecting to multiple solar cells simultaneously). In any case, there is overlap between the second and first implementations, because in this document, all or part of the reflector directly adjacent to the solar cell is considered to define a reflector in the sense of this invention.

[0046] The reflector may be made of aluminum and / or plastic and / or reflective materials known to those skilled in the art. The thickness of the reflector should be small enough to avoid adding weight to the solar panel, while being large enough to withstand moderate winds or other weather phenomena. The thickness is preferably 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0047] Preferably, the solar panel according to the second embodiment comprises a plurality of consecutive rows of similar solar cells arranged in a rectangular shape having a length and a width (the width being less than or equal to the length). Specifically, the solar cells are arranged in a matrix, which is prior art known in the art. Subsequent rows of solar cells located within the aforementioned rows of solar cells in the component according to the invention are not necessarily part of the component according to the invention and may be conventional solar cells, i.e., without reflectors attached to them.

[0048] The support frame (or simply frame) is preferably rectangular in shape surrounding the rows of solar cells. The main reflector is then mechanically coupled to one side of the support frame (also called the "main side"). This implementation allows the main reflector to be attached to one edge of the solar panel very simply by mechanically coupling or securing it to the main side of the support frame.

[0049] The solar panel preferably includes two such main reflectors, mechanically coupled (and attached) to opposite main sides of the support frame. This directs more solar radiation to the solar cells, thus enhancing their performance. The main reflectors being located on opposite sides allows for a symmetrical configuration, forming the same angle with the solar panel, avoiding interference between them, especially when two such solar panels are placed side-by-side.

[0050] Preferably, one or more main sides of the support frame correspond to the length of the rectangular shape. In this case, one or more main reflectors preferably each have dimensions similar to the rectangular shape and extend along the entire main side of the support frame to which they are mechanically coupled (attached).

[0051] The choice of the main side of the support frame corresponds to the length of the rectangular shape, allowing one or more main reflectors to extend along the longest side of the support frame. This allows solar radiation to be directed to a large number of solar cells without the main reflectors needing to extend too far radially outward from the support frame (and consequently from the solar panels), thus minimizing their potential space occupation and potential shading (depending on the orientation of the solar panels).

[0052] In this document, "similar size design" means that the dimensions differ by no more than 10%. The advantage of using support panels with dimensions similar to a rectangular shape is that they easily fit together without exceeding the permitted dimensions, which is very practical for storing solar panels, especially portable backup solar panels. In practice, the length of the main reflector is, for example, 5.0 mm to 20 mm longer than that of the rectangular shape.

[0053] Since the support frame is rectangular, it includes two additional sides, referred to as "side edges," each corresponding to the width of the rectangular shape. Preferably, a reflector (referred to as a "side reflector") is mechanically coupled (attached) to one side edge. Preferably, the side reflector is sized similarly to at least half of the rectangular shape and extends along the entire side edge. More preferably, such a side reflector is attached to each side edge. This implementation is typically used for standalone solar panels, where the amount of solar radiation directed to the solar cells can be maximized by using three or four reflectors, each mechanically coupled (attached) to a different side of the support frame.

[0054] However, the inventors have demonstrated that, in the preferred case where the length of the rectangular shape is greater than or equal to twice its width, one or more side reflectors do not play a significant role in enhancing the performance of the solar panel. In this case, it is simpler and perfectly sufficient to provide only two main reflectors of similar size to the rectangular shape as described above.

[0055] The second embodiment of the invention is particularly suitable for stand-alone solar panels, such as portable backup solar panels or stand-alone solar panels mounted on solar trackers known to those skilled in the art. Although the solar panels according to the invention (especially those according to the first embodiment) can be mounted on the roof of a building with a suitable orientation, such solar panels are still preferred by the invention.

[0056] Preferably, each reflector is mechanically coupled to one side of the support frame via a pivoting connection (e.g., via one or more hinges). In this case, each reflector is held at an angle by a removable retaining device. These devices are implemented, for example, by pawls or tensioners. Tensioners have the advantage of preventing the reflector from being held at an angle too rigidly relative to the solar panel, which could otherwise damage the pivoting connection or even the entire solar panel in the event of wind or other weather phenomena. Furthermore, tensioners are easy to place and remove. Thus, in a folded configuration of the solar panel, the reflector can be folded onto the rows of solar cells. The length of the tensioner is primarily defined by the angle.

[0057] The inventors also propose a support structure for solar panels in this document, comprising a support frame and a base plate enclosed by the frame, with one or more reflectors, as described above, mechanically coupled to the support frame. The "base plate" is, for example, a metal or plastic grid or plate, having the same dimensions as the support frame. This support structure advantageously allows for support of rows of solar cells (or conventional solar panels) simply by placing them on the base plate within the frame. Thus, the rows of solar cells (or conventional solar panels) are held within the structure, which imparts enhanced performance to the respective solar panels through one or more reflectors.

[0058] These support structures make it easier to clean, repair, and / or replace solar panels when they are damaged and / or their efficiency can be improved. In practice, solar panels can be permanently placed in one location, such as on a rooftop or on a solar tracker.

[0059] The present invention also proposes an energy production method comprising the steps of providing a solar panel according to the invention, and (during the day) placing the solar cells (preferably all rows of solar cells) in a configuration and holding the solar cells in a direction substantially perpendicular to solar radiation.

[0060] The various embodiments of the solar panel of the present invention and their advantages are equally applicable to this method after necessary adjustments. In particular, the method of the present invention allows for more efficient energy production based on solar radiation. The term "generally vertical" preferably corresponds to the orientation between the plane of the solar panel extending and the solar radiation axis, which is between 75° and 105°.

[0061] Preferably, the above-described maintenance steps are performed mechanically by a solar tracker and / or manually by reorienting the solar cells every two to six hours (e.g., three times a day). Attached Figure Description

[0062] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG1 shows a top three-dimensional view of a solar panel according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG2 shows a rear three-dimensional view of the solar panel of FIG1 arranged on a mechanical orientation device; FIG3 shows a side view of the entire assembly of FIG2 in a folded and portable configuration; FIG4 shows a mid-section view of the solar panel of FIG1; FIG5 shows a top three-dimensional view of a solar panel according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG6 shows a top view of another solar panel according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG7 shows a cross-sectional view of the solar panel shown in FIG6 along axis VII; FIG8 shows a cross-sectional view of the solar panel shown in FIG6 along axis VIII; and FIG9 shows a side view of a solar panel according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0063] The above figures are not drawn to scale. Identical elements in the figures are generally denoted by the same reference numerals. In this document, identical or similar elements may use the same reference numerals. Furthermore, reference numerals or letters appearing in the figures should not be considered limiting, especially when such numerals or letters are specified in the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0064] This section describes in detail preferred embodiments of the present invention. The invention is described through specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, but is not limited thereto. In particular, the drawings described below are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Reference numerals L, l, L1, l1, L2, l2, α, β, γ, Z1, and Z2 shown in some of the drawings primarily correspond to markings or geometric references used for quantifying and / or visualizing the characteristics of embodiments of the present invention.

[0065] Figures 1, 2, and 4 show the above views of the portable backup solar panel 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a usage configuration.

[0066] The solar panel includes a plurality of solar cells 21 arranged in a continuous row in a rectangular shape with a length of L and a width of l ≤ L. The solar cells 21 are electrically connected, in particular, in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The solar panel includes a rectangular support frame 4 surrounding the solar cells. Reflectors 31 and 32 are mechanically coupled to the support frame 4 to direct (and reflect) all or part of the solar radiation 9 incident on the reflectors onto the solar cells.

[0067] As shown in the figure, each of the reflector plates 31, 32 is directly mechanically coupled (by hinges 5 which serve as pivot connectors) to the support frame 4 without intermediate elements. Each side of the support frame is associated with a reflector plate 31, 32, and the size of the reflector plate is designed such that it can extend along all or almost all of the corresponding side. The rectangular reflector plates 31, 32 are preferred, but other shapes or rounded corner designs can also be used, all of which do not deviate from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0068] More specifically, two similar main reflector plates 31 are attached to the opposite sides of the support frame 4 associated with the length L, and two similar side reflector plates 32 are attached to the opposite sides of the support frame 4 associated with the width l. When 2l ≤ L, the technical effect produced by the two side reflector plates 32 is limited.

[0069] The length L1 of the main reflector plate 31 is approximately equal to L, and the width l1 is approximately equal to l. For example: 95% < L1 / L < 105% and 95% < l1 / l < 105%. When the main reflector plates 31 are folded onto the support frame 4 and the solar cells 21, they completely or almost completely cover the support frame 4 and the solar cells 21 without exceeding its scope, which is very practical for storing the solar panel 1 and also facilitates protecting the solar cells 21 during storage.

[0070] The length L2 of the side reflector plate 32 is greater than or equal to L / 3, and the width l2 is approximately equal to l. Preferably, L > L2, and more preferably L2 is approximately equal to L / 2 to limit the space occupied by the side reflector plate 32 externally. For example: 95% < 2L2 / L < 105% and 95% < l2 / l < 105%.

[0071] Each of the reflector plates 31, 32 extends along a plane that forms an angle α between 50° and 85° with the solar cell 21. In other words, the angle α is the angle between the plane of the reflector plates 31, 32 and the plane of extension of the solar cell 21 (or equivalently, the plane in which the rectangular shape lies). When the solar cell 21 is oriented perpendicular to the solar radiation 9, the angle α is preferably between 65° and 70° to direct more solar radiation 9 towards the solar cell 21. Preferably, the angle α of each of the reflector plates 31, 32 is the same.

[0072] As shown in the middle cross-section of Figure 4, the angle α is the minimum angle between the above two planes (extended by dotted lines in the figure). The supplementary angle of the angle α is denoted as γ = 180° - α. The angle corresponds to the rotation angle for physically rotating each of the reflector plates 31, 32 onto the solar cell 21. The angle γ deviates radially outward from the solar cell 21 by an angle β = γ - 90°, and this angle β is between 5° and 40°, preferably between 20° and 25°.

[0073] The reflectors 31 and 32 are held at the aforementioned angle by a removable retaining device 6 (typically a tensioner as shown in Figures 1 and 2). A notch 61 is provided at the top of the reflectors 31 and 32 for inserting the tensioner and for holding them at the specified angle α.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2, the support frame 4 is mounted on the mechanical orientation structure 8 of the solar panel 1. This structure allows the solar cell 21 to be oriented perpendicular to solar radiation 9 according to the time of day by adjusting the handle 81. Therefore, the direction and spatial orientation of the solar panel 1 can be changed two to three times a day to improve its performance.

[0075] It is known that the solar cell is electrically connected to the power output terminal 7, which can be connected to various suitable devices via cables.

[0076] Preferably, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mechanical orientation structure 8 is foldable. In particular, Figure 3 shows the portable backup solar panel 1 from Figures 1, 2, and 4 in a folded configuration. The reflectors 31 and 32 and the mechanical orientation structure 8 are all folded in the same plane, which greatly facilitates the storage of the solar panel.

[0077] The solar cells 2, 21 of the solar panel 1, located at the edge of the support frame 4, are adjacent to and mechanically coupled to one of the reflectors 31, 32, such that the pairing formed by each part of the reflectors 31, 32 adjacent to the solar cells 2, 21 and the solar cells 2, 21 constitutes the solar panel assembly of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the solar panel assembly according to the present invention that differs from those of Figures 1 to 4. The solar panel 1 is divided into a first region Z1 occupied by solar cells 2 and a second region Z2 without solar cells. Each solar cell 2 constitutes part of the assembly, i.e., each solar cell 2 is attached to at least one reflector 3, which is adjacent to and mechanically coupled to the solar cell 2.

[0079] This attachment can be done by direct fixing, or more preferably by using a frame surrounding the solar cell 2 as an intermediate element. In the case shown, two such reflectors 3 are attached from opposite sides of the solar cell 2.

[0080] The reflectors 3 of the solar cells 2 are arranged in rows with similar orientations to limit possible shading. The reflectors 3 are small in size, for example, about 25% to 100% of the surface area of ​​the solar cells, preferably about 50%. Each reflector extends along a plane that forms an angle α with the plane of the solar panel 1 on which the solar cells 2 are arranged, the angle α being between 50° and 85°.

[0081] Advantageously, each first region Z1 is adjacent to at least one second region Z2, such that the reflector 3 of the solar cell 2 in the first region Z1 is suspended in the adjacent second region Z2. The first and second regions are alternately distributed on the solar panel 1 in a quincunx pattern in the example of FIG. 5, but this example does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0082] The edge of the solar panel 1 can be defined by the frame 41 in a known manner. When there is insufficient lateral space at the final installation location of the solar panel 1, the reflector 3 suspended from the frame can be omitted, or as an alternative (not shown), it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, provided the frame 41 is thick enough and made of reflective material, the frame 41 itself can have an inner surface facing the solar cell 2 it is in contact with, so as to act as a reflector.

[0083] Figures 6 to 8 illustrate an implementation related to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, wherein two reflectors 3 (denoted as 33) suspended in a second region Z2 are connected along their upper edge (or ridge, in terms of their subsequent roof-like shape) and are laterally truncated to allow for the arrangement of two additional lateral reflectors 3 (denoted as 34), such that the reflectors 3 suspended in the second region Z2 are thus arranged in a hipped roof shape 33 with the ridge. In the implementation shown in Figure 6, whenever possible (considering the second region Z2 connected to the frame 41), all solar cells 2 are rectangular and arranged in the same manner, with reflectors 35 (correspondingly 34) respectively adjacent to and mechanically coupled to the longer (correspondingly shorter) side of the adjacent solar cell 2 to form a solar panel assembly according to the invention.

[0084] The pattern formed by this quincunx arrangement of shape 33 allows solar radiation to be distributed to adjacent solar cells in four directions and two directions, thereby improving the efficiency of solar panel 1. Furthermore, as described in the invention, this arrangement is very easy to construct.

[0085] In the cross-sections of Figures 7 and 8, solar cells 2A and 2C (correspondingly 2B and 2D) are visible in the foreground, i.e., the first row of the cross-section (correspondingly in the background, i.e., the second row of the cross-section). A plate 10 made of tempered glass (not visible in Figure 6) is provided to protect the solar cells 2 and the reflector 3, and to prevent dust, debris, and / or plant deposits and / or getting stuck between the shapes 33, thus affecting the normal operation of the solar panel 1. Advantageously, the ridges of these shapes 33 are utilized to provide support for the tempered glass plate 10, which is particularly evident in Figure 8. The tempered glass plate 10 is laterally secured by a frame 41, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the profile of which is preferably designed to accommodate this securing method. Although the tempered glass plate 10 may limit the solar radiation reaching the solar cells 2, the advantages it brings far outweigh this disadvantage.

[0086] Solar panel 1 can be fixed in place, facing solar radiation, tilted at 35 degrees relative to the horizontal plane and 22.5 degrees laterally. This arrangement can also be used with known solar panels to optimize their efficiency, especially in solar parks or power plants.

[0087] Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. Advantageously, the invention can be applied to conventional solar panel parks or solar power plants. For example, solar panels containing solar cells 21 are placed on the ground 92, oriented towards solar radiation, and supported by a known structure 91. In this case, the space between the solar panels is often wasted. The invention proposes to utilize this space to place a reflector 3 (or reflector plate), so that all or part of the solar panels in the park or power plant become solar panels according to the invention. In this case, the reflector 3 is preferably fixed to the end of the solar panel, even if the resulting angle α does not maximize the performance of the solar panel. In practice, by fixing the reflector 3 to the top of the solar panel on one side and to the bottom behind the solar panel on the other side, the reflector 3 can be fixed stably enough to resist wind forces, while stabilizing the entire solar park or power plant. The size of the reflector 3 is adapted to this use and is designed to occupy all available space between the solar panels to maximize their performance.

[0088] In other words, the present invention provides a solar park or power plant comprising a sequence of multiple solar panels, the solar panels being aligned sequentially and at least partially fixed in a vertical direction, wherein each solar panel 1, starting at least from the second one in the sequence, is a solar panel according to a second embodiment and has a main reflector 31 (or equivalent reflector). The main reflector 31 extends from the bottom of the solar panel 1 to the top of the preceding solar panel in the sequence. As is known to those skilled in the art, the bottom and top are defined by the vertical direction of the solar panel. This implementation can also be achieved by replacing conventional solar panels with solar panels according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] In summary, the present invention relates to an assembly for a solar panel 1, the assembly being formed of a solar cell 2 mechanically coupled to an adjacent reflector 3; more particularly, the present invention relates to a solar panel 1 equipped with such an assembly.

[0090] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, but these embodiments are merely exemplary and not limiting. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present invention is not limited to the examples described above, but its scope is more broadly defined by the claims below.

Claims

1. A solar panel (1) comprising multiple components, wherein, Each component includes: - a solar cell (2); and - a reflector (3) adjacent to and mechanically coupled to the solar cell (2), the reflector (3) extending along a plane, the angle (α) formed between the plane and the solar cell (2) being between 50° and 85°.

2. The solar panel (1) according to claim 1 is divided into a first region (Z1) occupied by solar cells (2, 21) and a second region (Z2) without solar cells (2, 21), wherein, The solar cell (2) of a component is located in a first region (Z1), and the reflector (3) of the component is suspended in a second region (Z2) adjacent to the first region (Z1).

3. The solar panel (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The first region (Z1) and the second region (Z2) are arranged in a regular and staggered quincunx pattern.

4. The solar panel (1) according to claim 3, wherein, For each second region (Z2), the solar panel (1) includes two to four first regions (Z1) located at the edge of the second region (Z2), and at least the same number of reflectors (3) suspended in the second region (Z2), each of the reflectors (3) being adjacent to and mechanically coupled to a solar cell (2, 21) occupying one of the two to four first regions (Z1) to form the number of the components.

5. The solar panel (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The angle (α) of each component thus formed is the same.

6. The solar panel (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, For the majority of the second regions (Z2), the number is equal to 4, and the reflector (3) suspended in one of the second regions (Z2) of the majority of the second regions (Z2) is arranged in a four-sloped roof shape (33) with a ridge.

7. The solar panel (1) according to claim 6, comprising an edge formed by a frame (41) and a tempered glass panel (10) laterally fixed by said frame (41) and supported by each ridge.

8. The solar panel (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The reflector (3) is formed in the support plate of the solar panel, which supports the solar cell (2, 21).

9. The solar panel (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The components are similar and arranged in a straight line, the solar cells (2) form a continuous row, and each of the reflectors (3) is formed from a portion of the same main reflector (31).

10. The solar panel (1) according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of similar continuous rows of solar cells (2, 21) arranged in a rectangular shape having a length (L) and a width (l) less than or equal to the length (L), and surrounded by a support frame (4), wherein the main reflector (31) is mechanically coupled to a main side of the support frame (4).

11. The solar panel (1) according to claim 10, wherein the solar panel (1) comprises a pair of main reflectors (31) mechanically coupled to opposite main sides of the support frame (4), wherein, The one or more main sides of the support frame (4) are associated with the length (L) of the rectangular shape, and wherein each of the main reflectors (31) is similar in size to the rectangular shape and extends along the entire length of the main side to which it is mechanically coupled, and wherein the lateral side of the support frame (4) associated with the width (l) of the rectangular shape is mechanically coupled to the side reflector (32), the side reflector (32) being at least half the size of the rectangular shape and extending along the entire lateral side.

12. The solar panel (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the solar panel (1) is a portable backup solar panel, Each reflector (31, 32) is fixed to one side of the support frame (4) by a pivot connector (5) and held at the angle by a removable retaining device (6) such that the reflector (31, 32) can be folded onto the row of the solar cells (2, 21) in the folding configuration of the solar panel (1).

13. A solar park or power plant comprising a sequence of solar panels, the solar panels being aligned sequentially and at least partially fixed in a vertical direction, wherein each solar panel (1) in the sequence, starting at least from the second one, is a solar panel according to any one of claims 1 to 10, each solar panel (1) having a main reflector (31) extending from the bottom of the solar panel (1) to the top of the preceding solar panel in the sequence.

14. An energy production method comprising the steps of providing a solar panel (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and placing the solar cell (2) of the panel during the day and holding the solar cell (2) of the panel in a direction substantially perpendicular to solar radiation (9).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The maintenance steps are performed mechanically via a solar tracker or manually by reorienting the solar cell (2) every two to six hours.

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