Improved design photovoltaic module

Abstract

The invention relates to a photovoltaic module (PVM) comprising: A first protective layer, A second protective layer arranged opposite the first protective layer, A sealing gasket (14) arranged between the first and second protective layers positioned opposite each other, to delimit a watertight internal volume between the first and second protective layers, At least one first photovoltaic cell (15) positioned in said internal volume, A first electrical connection element (16) arranged to connect to said at least one first photovoltaic cell (15), A liquid compound (17) housed in said internal volume and arranged to create a liquid interface between said at least one first photovoltaic cell (15) and the first and / or second protective layers. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2A

Description

Title of the invention: Photovoltaic module with improved design Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a new embodiment of a photovoltaic module, allowing in particular easier disassembly and more successful recycling. State of the art

[0002] In a known manner, a photovoltaic module comprises photovoltaic cells intended to convert solar energy into electrical energy.

[0003] When the module is at the end of its life or faulty, it is relevant to want to recycle the photovoltaic module. Such a photovoltaic module in fact contains many interesting materials to recover and recycle.

[0004] Conventionally, a photovoltaic module is in the form of a multi-layer stack composed of the assembly of three superimposed layers fixed together: - A first layer forming a first protective element on the rear face - A second layer, called the intermediate layer; this intermediate layer comprises one or more photovoltaic cells, the electrical connection between the cells, and an encapsulation envelope arranged around the photovoltaic cells; - A third layer forming a second protective element on the front face; this third layer is transparent to light rays and can be made, for example, of glass, or of a polycarbonate or fiber-epoxy type material;

[0005] In this architecture, the encapsulation envelope adheres to the protective layers, the cells and the electrical connection elements. When recycling the module, these different elements are therefore difficult to separate, which makes the materials used difficult to exploit and recover. This is reinforced by the fact that the connection elements are mechanically linked to the metallization present on the surface of the photovoltaic cells by a soldering process (at low temperature for heterojunction cells) or by bonding with a conductive glue. This interconnection step also consumes materials for which the recycling effort may seem disproportionate given the small volume used.

[0006] To overcome these drawbacks and facilitate the recovery of materials, an alternative architecture was proposed in patent application FR2831714A1. According to This architecture eliminates the need for an encapsulation envelope around the photovoltaic cells. The two protective glass elements (front and rear) are pressed against the connection elements by a depression created inside the module and maintained using a seal placed around the perimeter of the module between the two protective elements.

[0007] However, this architecture has certain drawbacks listed below: - The difference in optical indices between the glass of the protective elements and the air inside the module induces parasitic reflections and therefore a loss of current generated by the cell, and therefore a drop in efficiency. - The thin air or vacuum layer between the glass protection elements and the photovoltaic cells is a high-resistance thermal insulator, which greatly limits the diffusion of heat accumulated in the cell during its operation, even though the cell is capable of providing more electrical energy when its temperature is low. - During the life cycle of such a module (currently approximately 25 years), the connection elements are exposed to temperature cycles ranging from approximately -20°C to 70°C. These thermomechanical stresses cause cycles of elongation and retraction of the connection elements and can lead to offsets between the connection elements and the metallization zones present on the cells. The quality of the electrical contacts can therefore be altered over time, causing short circuits or malfunctions of the module.

[0008] The aim of the invention is to propose a photovoltaic module having an architecture whose different components are easy to separate for better recovery during its recycling, and which does not cause a loss of energy production, nor malfunction during its life cycle. Statement of the invention

[0009] The aim of the invention is achieved by a photovoltaic module comprising: - A first layer of protection, - A second layer of protection, arranged opposite the first layer of protection, - A sealing joint arranged between the first protective layer and the second protective layer positioned opposite each other, to delimit a sealed internal volume between the first protective layer and the second protective layer, - At least one first photovoltaic cell positioned in said internal volume, - A first electrical connection element arranged to connect to said at least first photovoltaic cell, - A liquid compound housed in said internal volume and arranged to create a liquid interface between said at least first photovoltaic cell and the first protective layer and / or the second protective layer, - Said first protective layer comprising: • A first substrate having two opposite faces, an internal face oriented towards the internal volume, and an opposite external face, and • On its internal face, a first solid layer, made of a material distinct from that of the first substrate, - Said first electrical connection element being mechanically wedged against one face of said at least first photovoltaic cell, by said first solid layer.

[0010] According to a particular feature, the first solid layer is made of a material chosen from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a polymer from the polyolefin family, a thermoplastic polymer such as an ionomer, a compound from the silicone family and a polymer from the polyurethane family.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the second protective layer comprises: - A second substrate having two opposite faces, an internal face oriented towards the internal volume, and an opposite external face, and - On its internal face, a second solid layer, made of a material distinct from that of the second substrate.

[0012] According to a particular feature, the second solid layer is made of a material chosen from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a polymer from the polyolefin family, a thermoplastic polymer such as an ionomer, a compound from the silicone family and a polymer from the polyurethane family.

[0013] According to another particularity, the module comprises a second electrical connection element mechanically wedged against a face of a second photovoltaic cell housed in said internal volume, by said second solid layer.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the module comprises: - Several photovoltaic cells positioned in said internal volume and connected to each other to form a chain of photovoltaic cells, - Several electrical connection elements arranged to connect the photovoltaic cells to each other, - Said several electrical connection elements being mechanically wedged against one face of each photovoltaic cell by said first solid layer and / or the second solid layer.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, each photovoltaic cell has two faces opposite, called front face and rear face and an electrical connection element is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the front face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the rear face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element being mechanically wedged by a part between the first photovoltaic cell and the first solid layer and by a second part between the second photovoltaic cell and the second solid layer.

[0016] According to another particular embodiment, each photovoltaic cell comprises two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and an electrical connection element is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the front face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the front face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the electrical connection element being mechanically wedged between the first solid layer and the front face of the first photovoltaic cell and the front face of the second photovoltaic cell.

[0017] According to another particular embodiment, each photovoltaic cell comprises two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and an electrical connection element is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the rear face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the rear face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element being mechanically wedged between the second solid layer and the rear face of the first photovoltaic cell and that of the second photovoltaic cell.

[0018] According to another particular embodiment, each photovoltaic cell comprises two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and an electrical connection element is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the front face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the rear face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element being housed by a part in a groove dug in the first solid layer and by a second part in a groove dug in the second solid layer.

[0019] According to another particular embodiment, each photovoltaic cell comprises two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and an electrical connection element is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the front face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the front face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element being housed in a groove dug in the first solid layer.

[0020] According to another particular embodiment, each photovoltaic cell comprises two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and an electrical connection element is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the rear face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the rear face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element being housed in a groove dug in the second solid layer.

[0021] According to one feature, the liquid compound is chosen from glycerin, a compound from the glycol family, silicone oils, a paraffin and a gel.

[0022] According to another feature, the sealing joint is made of polyisobutylene.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module as defined above, the method comprising steps of: - Creation of a watertight internal volume between the first protective layer and the second protective layer, - Positioning of the photovoltaic cells in said internal volume, - Connection of the photovoltaic cells to each other using electrical connection elements mechanically wedged between the photovoltaic cells and at least the first solid layer or the second solid layer, - Insertion of a layer of the liquid compound into said internal volume so that it occupies the space existing between each photovoltaic cell and on one side the first solid layer and on the other side the second solid layer. Brief description of the figures

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages will appear in the detailed description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings in which: - [Fig.lA] shows schematically, from a top view, the architecture of a photovoltaic module and [Fig.lB] illustrates a configuration for connecting the photovoltaic cells of the module to each other; - Figures 2A and 2B schematically represent the architecture of a photovoltaic module according to the invention, respectively according to two 90° cross sections; - Figures 3 to 5 illustrate several variants of the solid layer used for each protective layer of the photovoltaic module; - Figures 6 and 7 show several variant embodiments of the photovoltaic module of the invention, using different electrical connection configurations between the photovoltaic cells; - [Fig.8] shows an example of a manufacturing process for a photo module voltaic according to the invention;

[0025] Detailed description of at least one embodiment Photovoltaic Module

[0026] [Fig.lA]

[0027] [Fig.lB]

[0028] [Fig.2A]

[0029] [Fig.2B]

[0030] The invention relates to a photovoltaic module M_PV having an architecture whose components are easily separable to facilitate the collection of the materials which make up the module.

[0031] An orthonormal reference frame X, Y, Z is defined. The terms "front" and "rear" used below are to be understood by taking as reference the Z axis of the reference frame, the front being located above the rear along this Z axis. The front face of the module is a face exposed to light radiation.

[0032] The invention can also be applied to a so-called bifacial photovoltaic module, i.e. provided with two active opposite faces 10, 11, each capable of capturing light radiation. In this case, the photovoltaic cells of the M_PV module are therefore advantageously chosen with two active faces. Of course, the rear face of the photovoltaic module could not be transparent and / or the cells could have a facing face which is active or not active.

[0033] This photovoltaic module M_PV thus comprises a stack in the Z direction, composed mainly of: - A front protective layer 12 and a rear protective layer 13, each extending over a surface along X, Y and held facing each other perpendicular to the Z direction so as to delimit a non-zero internal volume; - A seal 14 arranged between the two protective layers 12, 13 to keep them facing each other; - One or more photovoltaic cells 15 connected to each other and housed in the internal volume; - At least one electrical connection element 16 for electrically connecting each photovoltaic cell, to an external system or for connecting the cells to each other; [Fig.lB] shows a classic example of implementing electrical connections between cells via S-shaped elements (see below); - A liquid compound 17 placed in the internal volume, this liquid compound being inserted to create a liquid interface between each photovoltaic cell and at least one of the two protective layers;

[0034] First protective layer and second protective layer

[0035] [Fig.2A]

[0036] [Fig.2B]

[0037] The two protective layers 12, 13 each form the two opposite faces 10, 11, front and rear, of the photovoltaic module.

[0038] In the context of the invention, the protective layers 12, 13 each comprise a substrate 120, 130. This substrate is advantageously made of glass but another material could be envisaged for one and / or the other of the two substrates (in particular in the case where one of the two faces of the module is not active). The substrate 120, 130 comprises a so-called external face oriented towards the outside of the module and an internal face oriented towards the internal volume of the module.

[0039] At least one of the two protective layers 12, 13, advantageously the two protective layers 12, 13, comprises a solid layer 121, 131, applied against the internal face of its substrate 120, 130, this solid layer being made of a material distinct from that used for the substrate 120, 130.

[0040] The solid layer 121, 131 is advantageously chosen to meet the following constraints: - Strong electrical insulation with a dielectric strength greater than 10 kV / mm and a volume resistivity greater than 1014 Q.cm; - Low physical / chemical degradation under UV exposure, with a yellowing index of less than 2; - Thickness less than that of the connection elements, generally around 200 pm; - Optical index close to that of the substrate used, for example around 1.5; the layer 121, 131 is also preferably chosen to meet the constraints below: - Sufficient transparency over a spectrum ranging from 300nm to 1100nm; - Sufficient adhesion to the substrate between 50N / cm and 100 N / cm;

[0041] In a non-limiting manner, the solid layer is chosen from one of the following materials: - Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA); - A polymer from the Polyolefin (POE) family; - A thermoplastic polymer such as an ionomer or other transparent polymer; - A compound from the silicone family; - A polymer from the polyurethane family;

[0042] It will be seen below that each solid layer 121, 131 can be structured in a suitable manner, not occupying the entire face of the substrate 120, 130 on which it is applied.

[0043] Advantageously, the two protective layers 12, 13 each comprise a solid layer 121, 131 applied against the internal face of its respective substrate.

[0044] It will be seen below that the solid layer 121, 131 has the function of mechanically maintaining the electrical connection elements 16. Sealing gasket

[0045]

[0046] [Fig.2A] [Fig.2B]

[0047] This seal 14 is positioned between the two protective layers 12, 13 and is bonded against the internal face of the first substrate 120 and against the internal face of the second substrate 130. It is preferably positioned to follow the perimeter of each substrate 120, 130. It makes it possible to keep the two protective layers facing each other. It has a thickness in the Z direction which is non-zero and sufficient to delimit an internal volume between the two substrates.

[0048] The seal 14 is chosen to fulfill several objectives: Ensure the mechanical maintenance of the two substrates 120, 130 facing each other, and separate them by a given non-zero distance; Ensure the sealing of the internal volume of the M_PV module, to prevent any leakage of liquid from the inside to the outside and any penetration of humidity from the outside to the inside;

[0049] To achieve these objectives, joint 14 must meet several criteria: Low physical / chemical degradation under UV exposure; Chemical stability over time; High gas impermeability; Reliable over a wide temperature range, e.g. -40°C to +85°C Stable in solid form over the operating temperature range, e.g. -40°C to +85°C;

[0050] In a non-limiting manner, the seal 14 will for example be manufactured from a material such as polyisobutylene (PIB), this material meeting the criteria mentioned above. Photovoltaic cells

[0051] [Fig.lB]

[0052] [Fig.2A]

[0053] [Fig.2B]

[0054] [Fig.6]

[0055] [Fig.7]

[0056] The photovoltaic module comprises one or more photovoltaic cells 15 housed in the internal volume created between the two protective layers 12, 13.

[0057] In a module with several photovoltaic cells 15, all the cells 15 making up a photovoltaic module are for example chosen to be identical. They are generally connected in series, so as to form a chain.

[0058] The cells are for example crystalline cells, based on Silicon.

[0059] Each photovoltaic cell 15 has a front face 150 and a rear face 151 opposite. Each photovoltaic cell has at least one active face, capable of capturing light radiation to produce electrical energy. The two faces of the photovoltaic cell 15 can also be identical and active, that is to say each capable of capturing light radiation to produce electrical energy. In the latter case, the photovoltaic module will for example be chosen to be bifacial.

[0060] There are different configurations of photovoltaic cells.

[0061] Some cells have, on one face, the negative polarity and electrical contact, while the positive polarity and electrical contact are located on the opposite face.

[0062] If such cells have the same polarity on the front face, the electrical connection element 16 may have a double curvature (S-shaped configuration - [Fig.lB]) to connect the positive electrical contact on the rear face of one cell to the negative electrical contact on the front face of the next cell in the chain. It is also possible to alternate the polarities of adjacent cells, so as to use a connection element 16 ([Fig.6]) with a planar configuration.

[0063] Some photovoltaic cells also have their two electrical contacts on the rear face, allowing interconnection by flat connection elements ([Fig.7]). Electrical connection elements

[0064] The electrical connection elements 16, also called connectors or connection strips or connection wires according to the parallelepiped or circular section, are arranged to ensure the electrical connection of the photovoltaic cells 15 to each other (see above). As indicated above, their shape will depend on the type of photovoltaic cell 15 used and possibly on the connection configuration set up between the photovoltaic cells.

[0065] The mechanical maintenance of the position of the electrical connection elements 16 is ensured by means of a single solid layer 121, 131 (case of [Fig. 7]) or of the two solid layers 121, 131 (case of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and of [Fig. 6]) of the protective layers 12, 13. Once the electrical connection element 16 is taken in the volume of a solid layer, its movement is in fact blocked and its position fixed. This mechanical maintenance makes it possible to ensure the electrical contact of each electrical connection element against the connection zones (located on a front face or back of the cell) of the two adjacent photovoltaic cells, and thus ensure the series connection of the two photovoltaic cells. Contact is therefore not obtained by welding, soldering or conductive bonding: It is obtained by simple and unique mechanical pressure achieved by holding the two substrates against each other.

[0066] Each electrical connection element 16 is therefore mechanically wedged against the faces of two adjacent photovoltaic cells by a single solid layer (planar connection element) or two solid layers (for example, the case of an S-shaped connection element). Liquid compound

[0067] [Fig.2A]

[0068] [Fig.2B]

[0069] According to the invention, a liquid compound 17 is inserted into the internal volume delimited by the two protective layers 12, 13.

[0070] By the term “liquid”, we understand of course that it can also be a gel having a given viscosity.

[0071] This liquid compound 17 is deposited in the spaces present between the photovoltaic cells 15 and is inserted between at least one solid layer, advantageously the two solid layers 121, 131, and the faces 150, 151 of the photovoltaic cells 15 located opposite each other. In other words, the liquid compound 17 forms an interface between each photovoltaic cell and the solid layer located opposite each other (outside the zones occupied by the electrical connection elements 16).

[0072] The liquid compound 17 chosen must meet several objectives: - Create a minimum of parasitic reflection for the incident light rays which reach the photovoltaic cells 15; - Do not cause the solid layer 121, 131 to adhere to the face of the opposite photovoltaic cell; - Allow the diffusion of heat accumulated by the photovoltaic cell 15 during its operation; - Avoid transmitting mechanical stresses against the photovoltaic cells 15, in particular when sealing the photovoltaic module M_PV or during thermal cycling;

[0073] For this, the liquid compound 17 advantageously meets the following criteria: - It remains in the liquid state over a temperature range between - 40°C and +85°C, including after prolonged exposure; - It has a coefficient of thermal expansion which varies little according to temperature, whatever its state (solid or liquid); - It has strong electrical insulation, with a dielectric strength of higher than 10 kV / mm and a volume resistivity higher than 1014 Q.cm; - It shows low physical / chemical degradation under UV exposure, with a yellowing index of less than 2; - It is transparent in the operating range of a photovoltaic module, with a transparency greater than 85% over a spectrum ranging from 300nm to 1100nm; - It is chemically stable; - It has an optical index close to that of the material used for the substrates, for example around 1.5; - It advantageously has a viscosity between 0.01 and 100,000 Pa.s over the temperature range from -40°C to +85°C.

[0074] In a non-limiting manner, the liquid compound can be chosen from: • Glycerin, • A compound from the Glycol family, • A compound chosen from the family of silicone oils, • A paraffin, • A gel meeting the previous specifications. Photovoltaic module architecture

[0075] [Fig.2A]

[0076] [Fig.2B]

[0077] [Fig.3]

[0078] [Fig.4]

[0079] [Fig.5]

[0080] Based on the different elements described above, the photovoltaic module M_PV can have different architectures.

[0081] It is therefore produced in the form of a stack comprising the protective layers 12, 13 on the front face and on the rear face. Each protective layer comprises, for example, its substrate 120, 130 and its solid layer 121, 131.

[0082] Each solid layer 121, 131 can be deposited on the entire internal face of the substrate or be structured.

[0083] The structuring may consist of creating grooves 122, 132 in the areas for receiving the electrical connection elements 16 ([Fig.5]) present on each solid layer 121, 131. In another alternative embodiment, each solid layer 121, 131 may be structured so as to be present only in localized areas, for example on a surface which corresponds to that of the face of the photovoltaic cell located opposite ([Fig.3]) or for example only opposite the locations dedicated to the connection elements ([Fig.4]). In the latter case, the solid layer 121, 131 is produced in the form of several parallel strips.

[0084] As indicated above, the connection elements 16 can take different configurations depending on the type of cells used and the electrical connection mode: - S-shaped configuration to connect to the opposite faces of the two adjacent cells ([Fig.2A]); - Planar configuration to connect the two adjacent cells by the same face (front or back) ([Fig.7]), possibly by turning over every other cell in the chain ([Fig.6]);

[0085] The sealed internal volume produced between the two layers is used to accommodate the photovoltaic cells 15, the electrical connection elements 16 and the liquid compound, according to the arrangement described above. Manufacturing of the photovoltaic module

[0086] [Fig.2A]

[0087] [Fig.2B]

[0088] [Fig.8]

[0089] In a non-limiting manner, the manufacturing principle of the photovoltaic module M_PV as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is for example the following:

[0090] El: The solid layers 121, 131 are deposited on each of the two substrates 120, 130, according to the chosen configuration (with the adapted structuring) - A space is left around the periphery of each substrate 120, 130 to bond the joint 14;

[0091] E2: The seal 14 is deposited on the periphery of the substrate 130 of the rear protective layer 13;

[0092] E3: On the rear protective layer 13, the connection elements 16 are deposited against its solid layer - Each photovoltaic cell 15 is for example connected to the adjacent photovoltaic cell using two separate connection elements;

[0093] E4: The liquid compound 17 is deposited in the spaces left free between the connection elements 16;

[0094] E5: The photovoltaic cell 15 is deposited with its rear face 151 resting against the two connection elements 16 - The liquid compound 17 is then present at the interface between the rear face 151 of the photovoltaic cell 15 and the solid layer 131 of the rear protective layer 13;

[0095] E6: Two connection elements 16 are placed against the front face 150 of the photovoltaic cell 15;

[0096] E7: The liquid compound 17 is added to the front face 150 of the photovoltaic cell and in the spaces left free by the connection elements 16;

[0097] E8: The front protective layer 12 is applied against the rear protective layer 13 by crushing the seal 14, so as to close the internal volume of the module - The assembly can be carried out by thermal sealing - The liquid compound 17 forms an interface between, on one side, the rear face 151 of each cell 15 and, on the other side, the substrate 130 of the rear protective layer 13, as well as the solid layer 131 of the rear protective layer on the areas where it is present, and forms an interface between, on one side, the front face 150 of each cell 15 and, on the other side, the substrate 120 of the front protective layer 12, as well as the solid layer 121 of the front protective layer on the areas where this layer is present;

[0098] Of course, this manufacturing process should be considered in a non-limiting manner and may vary depending on the connection system implemented between the cells, the structuring or not of the solid layers, the liquid compound used, etc. The configuration of the module thus obtained is a symmetrical configuration, but it would be possible to adapt the manufacturing principle for an asymmetrical module, i.e. with a single solid layer and planar electrical connection elements (see description above).

[0099] The invention has several advantages, including: - Ease of separation of the different components for recycling: substrate, solid layer, liquid compound, cells and connection elements; - Improved thermal diffusivity of the module: better heat dissipation while maintaining the passivity of the device; - Absorption of mechanical forces by the elasticity of the solid layer and possibly by acting on the viscosity of the liquid; - Possibility of manufacturing according to a “pick and place” type model; - Guarantee of maintaining a suitable and sufficiently high optical index between the substrate, the solid layer and the liquid compound; - Simplified maintenance of connection elements by housing in the solid layer;

Claims

Claims

1. Photovoltaic module (M_PV) comprising: - A first protective layer, - A second protective layer, arranged opposite the first protective layer, - A sealing joint (14) arranged between the first protective layer and the second protective layer positioned opposite each other, to delimit a sealed internal volume between the first protective layer and the second protective layer, - At least one first photovoltaic cell (15) positioned in said internal volume, - A first electrical connection element (16) arranged to connect to said at least first photovoltaic cell (15), Characterized in that it comprises: - A liquid compound (17) housed in said internal volume and arranged to create a liquid interface between said at least first photovoltaic cell (15) and the first protective layer and / or the second protective layer,- Said first protective layer comprising: • A first substrate (120) having two opposite faces, an internal face oriented towards the internal volume, and an opposite external face, and • On its internal face, a first solid layer (121), made of a material distinct from that of the first substrate, - Said first electrical connection element (16) being mechanically wedged against one face of said at least first photovoltaic cell, by said first solid layer (121).,

2. Photovoltaic module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first solid layer (121) is made of a material chosen from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a polymer from the polyolefin family, a thermoplastic polymer such as an ionomer, a compound of the silicone family and a polymer of the polyurethane family.

3. Photovoltaic module according to claim 1, characterized in that the second protective layer comprises: - A second substrate (130) having two opposite faces, an internal face oriented towards the internal volume, and an opposite external face, and - On its internal face, a second solid layer (131), made of a material distinct from that of the second substrate.

4. Photovoltaic module according to claim 3, characterized in that the second solid layer (131) is made of a material chosen from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a polymer from the polyolefin family, a thermoplastic polymer such as an ionomer, a compound from the silicone family and a polymer from the polyurethane family.

5. Photovoltaic module according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises a second electrical connection element mechanically wedged against a face of a second photovoltaic cell housed in said internal volume, by said second solid layer (131).

6. Photovoltaic module according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises: - Several photovoltaic cells (15) positioned in said internal volume and connected to each other to form a chain of photovoltaic cells, - Several electrical connection elements (16) arranged to connect the photovoltaic cells (15) to each other, - Said several electrical connection elements (16) being mechanically wedged against one face of each photovoltaic cell by said first solid layer (121) and / or the second solid layer (131).

7. Photovoltaic module according to claim 6, characterized in that each photovoltaic cell (15) has two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and in that an electrical connection element (16) is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the front face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a zone connection made on the rear face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element being mechanically wedged by a part between the first photovoltaic cell and the first solid layer (121) and by a second part between the second photovoltaic cell and the second solid layer (131).

8. Photovoltaic module according to claim 6, characterized in that each photovoltaic cell (15) has two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and in that an electrical connection element (16) is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the front face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the front face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the electrical connection element (16) being mechanically wedged between the first solid layer (121) and the front face of the first photovoltaic cell and the front face of the second photovoltaic cell.

9. Photovoltaic module according to claim 6, characterized in that each photovoltaic cell (15) has two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and in that an electrical connection element (16) is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the rear face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the rear face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element being mechanically wedged between the second solid layer (131) and the rear face of the first photovoltaic cell and that of the second photovoltaic cell.

10. Photovoltaic module according to claim 6, characterized in that each photovoltaic cell (15) has two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and in that an electrical connection element (16) is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the front face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the rear face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element (16) being housed by a part in a groove (122) dug in the first solid layer and by a second part in a groove (132) dug in the second solid layer.

11. Photovoltaic module according to claim 6, characterized in that each photovoltaic cell (15) has two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and in that an electrical connection element (16) is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the front face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the front face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element being housed in a groove (122) hollowed out in the first solid layer (121).

12. Photovoltaic module according to claim 6, characterized in that each photovoltaic cell (15) has two opposite faces, called front face and rear face and in that an electrical connection element (16) is arranged to connect a connection zone made on the rear face of a first photovoltaic cell of the chain to a connection zone made on the rear face of a second photovoltaic cell of the chain, adjacent to the first photovoltaic cell, the connection element being housed in a groove (132) hollowed out in the second solid layer (131).

13. Photovoltaic module according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the liquid compound (17) is chosen from glycerin, a compound from the glycol family, silicone oils, a paraffin and a gel.

14. Photovoltaic module according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the sealing joint (14) is made of polyisobutylene.

15. A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module as defined in one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that it comprises steps of: - Producing a sealed internal volume between the first protective layer and the second protective layer, - Positioning the photovoltaic cells in said internal volume, - Connecting the photovoltaic cells to each other using electrical connection elements (16) mechanically wedged between the photovoltaic cells and at least the first solid layer (121) or the second solid layer (131), - Inserting a layer of the liquid compound (17) into said internal volume so that it occupies the space existing between each photovoltaic cell and on one side the first solid layer (121) and on the other side the second solid layer (131).

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