Solar cell module and solar power generation system

Abstract

To provide a solar cell module in which a power generation amount is stabilized to be suitable for installation on curved shapes.SOLUTION: A solar cell module 1 includes: a plurality of solar cells 10 spaced apart from each other and arrayed along a first direction D1 and a second direction D2; and connection members 31, 32 electrically connecting the plurality of solar cells 10. The solar cells 10 are arrayed along a curved shape. One solar cell 10 and another solar cell 10 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are electrically connected in series. One solar cell 10 and another solar cell 10 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are electrically connected in parallel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells and a solar power generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, development has been underway to equip vehicles such as automobiles with photovoltaic power generation systems that convert light energy into electrical energy by installing solar cell modules on the surface of the vehicle body. The voltage of the electricity generated by the solar cell module is converted by a power converter such as a DC / DC converter, and the electricity is charged into a battery.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a solar cell module that includes multiple solar cells and is placed on the roof of a vehicle, in which a sealing film and a top film are provided to cover all of the solar cells on a back sheet. The back sheet is formed by vacuum forming or heat press forming a thermoplastic resin sheet so as to have a curved shape that fits the roof. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-33573 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this type of photovoltaic power generation system, it is ideal for the entire surface of the solar cell module to receive sunlight uniformly. However, the installation surface of the solar cell module on a vehicle is not flat but has curved shapes with various curvatures. As shown in Fig. 11, for example, when a solar cell module 80 having a plurality of solar cells 81 is installed on an installation surface 82 having a curved shape, the arrangement of the solar cell 81 varies depending on the installation position, such as solar cell 81a arranged substantially horizontally and solar cell 81b arranged at an inclined angle. The same is true for a solar cell module installed on a curved portion of a structure such as a building.

[0006] In the solar cell module 80 installed in a curved shape, even if sunlight 85 is uniformly irradiated, depending on the position where the solar cell 81 is arranged, an appropriate inclination angle with respect to the sunlight 85 cannot be obtained. Therefore, the amount of solar radiation incident on each solar cell 81 differs, and a difference occurs in the current value generated by the solar cell 81 (for example, solar cell 81a, 81b).

[0007] If a difference occurs in the current values ​​generated by each solar cell that makes up a solar cell module, for example if the current value generated by one of multiple solar cells connected in series is lower than the others, the current value of the solar cell module will be limited by the low current value of the one solar cell, resulting in a decrease in the amount of power generation.

[0008] In addition, as vehicles move through various environments, sunlight may be blocked by structures such as viaducts and buildings, casting shadows on the solar cell module. In such cases, there is a risk of a difference in current value between multiple solar cells, and the current value of the solar cell module may be limited by the current value reduced by the shadow.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell module that stabilizes the amount of power generated and is suitable for installation in a curved shape, and a solar power generation system including such a solar cell module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The solution of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned object is based on a solar cell module having a plurality of solar cells arranged at a distance from each other along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a connecting member electrically connecting the plurality of solar cells, wherein the plurality of solar cells are each flat, sealed with a resin layer having a curved shape, and arranged along the curved shape, and the connecting member electrically connects one solar cell and the other solar cell adjacent to each other in the first direction in series, and electrically connects one solar cell and the other solar cell adjacent to each other in the second direction in parallel, forming a solar cell group.

[0011] A more specific configuration of the solar cell module is as follows: That is, in the solar cell module having the above configuration, the solar cell groups may be arranged in plurality in the second direction, and adjacent solar cell groups may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0012] Furthermore, in the solar cell module having the above configuration, the number of solar cells arranged in the first direction of the solar cell groups may be equal between one solar cell group and the other solar cell group of adjacent solar cell groups.

[0013] Furthermore, in the solar cell module having the above configuration, the total number of solar cells included in one of the adjacent solar cell groups may be equal to the total number of solar cells included in the other solar cell group.

[0014] Furthermore, in the solar cell module having the above configuration, the total number of solar cells included in one of the adjacent solar cell groups may be greater than the total number of solar cells included in the other solar cell group.

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, a solar power generation system including the solar cell module according to each of the above-mentioned solutions is also included in the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. That is, as a solar power generation system, the solar cell module is installed on a curved installation surface.

[0016] Furthermore, in the solar power generation system, it is preferable that one arrangement unit is formed in which the multiple solar cell units are arranged to match the curved shape of the installation surface, one solar cell group is provided for each arrangement unit, and the multiple solar cell groups included in the solar cell module are electrically connected in parallel.

[0017] In the solar power generation system having the above-described configuration, the installation surface may be the surface of a vehicle, or may be the surface of a structure fixed to the ground.

[0018] By providing a solar cell module having the above-mentioned specific features, and a solar power generation system having the solar cell module, it is possible to provide connection structures for both solar cell cells connected in series and solar cell cells connected in parallel, which can eliminate the problem of current flowing around a solar cell with a low current value among multiple solar cells, thereby limiting the current flow to the low current value of that solar cell, and stabilize the amount of power generated by the solar cell module. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the obtained current value, and to stabilize the amount of power generated by the solar cell module even when the solar cell module is installed in a curved shape. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a solar cell module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of the solar cell module. [Diagram 3] 1 is a plan view showing a solar power generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a vehicle equipped with the solar cell module. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 5A] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module when installed in the vehicle, the cross-sectional view corresponding to the AA cross-section in FIG. 1. [Figure 5B] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module when installed in the vehicle, the cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-section BB in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a solar cell module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a solar cell module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a solar cell module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the solar cell module when installed in the vehicle, which is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the CC cross-section in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a vinyl greenhouse equipped with the solar cell module. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the amount of solar radiation in a solar cell module provided on a conventional curved installation surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a solar cell module and a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (Embodiment 1) Solar cell modules Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a solar cell module 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of the solar cell module 1. Note that in Fig. 1, a resin layer, a protective member, and the like provided in the solar cell module 1 are omitted.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the solar cell module 1 has a panel 40 including a plurality of solar cells 10 arranged at a distance from one another, and a plurality of connection members (31, 32...) that electrically connect the plurality of solar cells 10.

[0024] 2, the solar cell module 1 has a structure in which solar cells 10 and the like are sealed between a light-transmitting substrate 41 and a protective member 42 by a light-transmitting resin layer 43. The resin layer 43 is configured to have a curved shape at least in part as a whole of the solar cell module 1, and the light-transmitting substrate 41 and the protective member 42 are disposed along the curved shape of the resin layer 43. As will be described later, each solar cell 10 is sealed with the resin layer 43 and arranged along the curved shape of the resin layer 43.

[0025] The solar cell 10 is a flat-plate photovoltaic element that generates electricity when irradiated with light. The solar cell 10 includes an electrode 101 and a back electrode 102. For example, the front electrode 101 includes a bus bar electrode 103 and a finger electrode (not shown). The bus bar electrode 103 is strip-shaped and is formed linearly in a first direction D1 on the front surface of the solar cell 10. The finger electrodes are formed extending from both side edges of the bus bar electrode 103 in a second direction D2. The finger electrodes are patterned at regular intervals from each other to cover the entire light receiving surface of the solar cell 10.

[0026] The back electrode 102 is formed in a linear band shape in the first direction D1 on the back surface of the solar cell 10, and is provided so as to face the bus bar electrode 103 on the front and back sides. The first connection member 31 is connected to the bus bar electrode 103 of the front electrode 101 of one solar cell 10 and the back electrode 102 of the other solar cell 10, thereby connecting adjacent solar cells 10 in series. The light-transmitting substrate 41 is provided so as to face the front side of the solar cell 10 (the upper side in FIG. 2). The protective member 42 is provided so as to face the back side of the solar cell 10 (the lower side in FIG. 2).

[0027] The first connection member 31 has a configuration in which the outer surface of a substrate formed in a long and thin strip shape or a wire having a substantially circular cross section is coated with a conductive adhesive or solder. The materials of the substrate and the wire are not particularly limited, but metals such as copper can be used.

[0028] 1, the solar cell modules 1 each have a flat shape, and are exemplified by dividing a solar cell substrate having a size of, for example, about 156 mm square into two. The divided solar cell 10 has an overall size of about 156 mm x 78 mm square, and as shown, two corners of one side in a predetermined direction (for example, the second direction D2) are chamfered (cut).

[0029] The solar cell 10 thus configured is arranged in a matrix shape along a first direction (column direction) D1 and a second direction (row direction) D2. As shown in Fig. 1, in the solar cell module 1 according to the example embodiment, a total of 48 solar cell cells 10 (C11 to C14, C21 to C24, C31 to C34, C41 to C44, C51 to C54, C61 to C64, C71 to C74, C81 to C84, C91 to C94, C101 to C104, C111 to C114, C121 to C124) are arranged in a 4 x 12 matrix.

[0030] For example, solar cells C11 and C21 arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are connected in series by a first connection member 31 arranged along the first direction D1. Specifically, the first connection member 31 is arranged parallel to the surface of the flat solar cell C11, with the lower surface of the first connection member 31 joined to the surface of the solar cell C11 and the upper surface of the first connection member 31 joined to the back surface of the solar cell C21.

[0031] For example, solar cells C11 and C12 arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are connected in parallel by second connection members 32 arranged along the second direction D2. Solar cells C13 and C14 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are also connected in parallel by second connection members 32.

[0032] The second connection member 32 has a configuration in which a conductive adhesive or solder is coated on the outer surface of a substrate formed in a long and narrow strip shape or a wire having a substantially circular cross section. The material of the substrate and the wire is not particularly limited, but a metal such as copper can be used, for example. The second connection member 32 may also be a metal foil such as copper foil. The second connection member 32 is connected to the first connection member 31 or the electrode of the solar cell 10, and connects the solar cell 10 adjacent in the second direction D2 in parallel. For example, the second connection member 32 is disposed on the back side of the solar cell 10 and is connected to the first connection member 31 connected to the back electrode 102 of one of the solar cell 10. , and is connected to the first connection member 31 which is connected to the back electrode 102 of the other solar cell 10, thereby connecting the solar cells 10 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 in parallel.

[0033] In this manner, the solar cell group 20 is formed by electrically connecting one solar cell 10 and the other solar cell 10 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 in series and electrically connecting one solar cell 10 and the other solar cell 10 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 in parallel. That is, the solar cell group 20 of the solar cell module 1 has a connection structure of both solar cell cells 10 connected in series and solar cell cells 10 connected in parallel. The end of the solar cell group 20 is connected to the end electrode wiring 34 via the intermediate connection wiring 33 connected to the second connection member 32.

[0034] Solar power generation system As a solar power generation system according to the first embodiment, a configuration in which the solar cell module 1 is installed on a vehicle 60 will be described as an example.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing a vehicle 60 equipped with a solar cell module 1 as an example of a solar power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a front view of the vehicle 60 in Fig. 3. Also, Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views of the solar cell module 1 when installed in the vehicle 60, with Fig. 5A being a cross-sectional view equivalent to the AA cross-section in Fig. 1, and Fig. 5B being a cross-sectional view equivalent to the BB cross-section in Fig. 1.

[0036] The solar cell module 1 can be installed, for example, on a roof 63 of a vehicle 60 such as an automobile. A longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 60 corresponds to the overall length of the vehicle 60 from the vehicle's front end (front) 61 to the vehicle's rear end (rear) 62, and is a direction along the forward or backward movement. A width direction Y of the vehicle 60 corresponds to the vehicle's left-right direction, and is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof 63 of the vehicle 60, which is the installation surface of the solar cell module 1, is formed with at least a part having a curved shape. The panel 40 (resin layer 43) of the solar cell module 1 is arranged along the surface of the roof 63, and therefore has the same curved shape as the roof 63 as a whole.

[0037] 3 and 4, on the roof 63 of the vehicle 60, the solar cell module 1 is disposed with a first direction D1 parallel to the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 60 and a second direction D2 parallel to the width direction Y of the vehicle 60. The multiple solar cells 10 of the solar cell module 1 are disposed inside the panel 40 in the front-rear direction X and width direction Y along the curved shape of the roof 63.

[0038] That is, as shown in Fig. 5A, the multiple solar cells 10 of the solar cell module 1 are arranged along a gently curved shape in a second direction D2 corresponding to the width direction Y of the vehicle 60. Also, as shown in Fig. 5B, in a first direction D1 corresponding to the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 60, the multiple solar cells 10 are arranged along a curved shape with different curvatures on one end side and the other end side.

[0039] In this case, as shown in Fig. 5B, the solar cell C11 (C12, C13, C14) arranged on the vehicle front-most part 61 side (forward X1) is arranged at a tilt angle greater than the solar cell C121 (C122, C123, C124) arranged on the vehicle rear-most part 62 side (rear X2). Also, the solar cell C41, C51, etc. arranged at approximately the middle part of the first direction D1 have a smaller tilt angle than the solar cell C11 and are arranged nearly horizontally. The light receiving surfaces of the respective solar cell 10 are arranged facing various directions.

[0040] In this manner, one of the solar cells 10 (such as the solar cell C11 located on the end side in the example shown in FIG. 5B) among the multiple solar cells 10 constituting the solar cell module 1 is arranged on a curved surface portion with a large curvature. The power generation area of ​​this solar cell 10 is reduced compared to the other solar cells 10 arranged on curved surface portions with a small curvature, and the electrical characteristics (particularly the current) are different.

[0041] In a solar cell module having a conventional structure, in such a case, a mismatch in current flows through multiple types of solar cells with different electrical characteristics occurs, and as described above, the current value of the solar cell module is limited by the current value of the solar cell with the lowest current through the series connection circuit. As a result, there is a problem that power cannot be efficiently extracted (output is reduced). In addition, when the solar cell module is shaded by a building or the like, the amount of sunlight of some solar cells included in the shaded area is reduced, and the current value is reduced, resulting in the problem of being limited by the reduced current value.

[0042] In contrast, the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment has a connection structure for both the solar cell cells 10 connected in series and the solar cell cells 10 connected in parallel, and the solar cell cells 10 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are connected in parallel. The solar cell 10 with a reduced current value becomes an electric resistance, so that the current flows through the parallel connection circuit that avoids the solar cell 10. This makes it possible to solve the conventional problem that the current value of one solar cell 10 is limited by the low current value of the other solar cell 10. This makes it possible to suppress the reduction in the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 1, and to stabilize the amount of power generated even in an installation form having a curved shape such as the roof 63 of the vehicle 60.

[0043] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a solar cell module 1 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0044] In the present invention, the arrangement and connection of the multiple solar cells 10 in the solar cell module 1 is not limited to that shown in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, and various other arrangements can be used. In the following description of the solar cell modules 1 according to embodiments 2 to 4, configurations common to the above-mentioned embodiment 1 are indicated by common reference symbols, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0045] 6, the solar cell module 1 includes a solar cell group 20 in which a total of 48 solar cells 10 (C11 to C16, C21 to C26, C31 to C36, C41 to C46, ​​C51 to C56, C61 to C66, C71 to C76, C81 to C86) are arranged in an 8×6 array along a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The panel 40 of the solar cell module 1 has its longitudinal direction aligned with the second direction D2.

[0046] For example, solar cells C11 and C21 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are connected in series by a first connection member 31 arranged along the first direction D1. Solar cells C11 and C12 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are connected in parallel by a second connection member 32 arranged along the second direction D2. Solar cells C15 and C16 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are also connected in parallel by the second connection member 32. Each solar cell 10 is arranged such that one side having two chamfered corners is oriented parallel to the second direction D2.

[0047] The solar cell module 1 has a plurality of solar cells 10, each of which is electrically connected in series with the other solar cell 10 adjacent to the first direction D1, and each of which is electrically connected in parallel with the other solar cell 10 adjacent to the first direction D2. Thus, the solar cell group 20 is constituted. At the end of the solar cell group 20, intermediate connection wiring 33 is connected to the second connection members 32 between solar cells C13, C14 and between solar cells C83, C84 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2, and the intermediate connection wiring 33 is connected to the end electrode wiring 34.

[0048] In such a case, it is preferable that the solar power generation system is configured with the solar cell module 1 installed in such a manner that the first direction D1 corresponds to the width direction Y of the vehicle 60 and the second direction D2 corresponds to the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 60. This allows the solar cell module 1 to be installed by making the most of the area of ​​the roof 63 of the vehicle 60, and similarly to the solar cell module 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the current value of one solar cell 10 from decreasing due to the low current value of the other solar cell 10 being limited through the parallel connection circuit of the solar cells 10, thereby making it possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation.

[0049] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of a solar cell module 1 according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0050] In the present invention, the number of solar cell groups 20 provided in the solar cell module 1 is not limited to one, and a plurality of solar cell groups 20 may be provided. As shown in Fig. 7, the solar cell module 1 includes two solar cell groups 20A and 20B, which are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction D2.

[0051] In the solar cell group 20A, a total of 24 solar cell cells 10 (C11 to C12, C21 to C22, C31 to C32, C41 to C42, C51 to C52, C61 to C62, C71 to C72, C81 to C82, C91 to C92, C101 to C102, C111 to C112, C121 to C122) are arranged in a 2 x 12 array along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0052] In the solar cell group 20A, for example, solar cells C11 and C21 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are connected in series by a first connection member 31 arranged along the first direction D1. Also, solar cells C11 and C12 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are connected in parallel by a second connection member 32 arranged along the second direction D2.

[0053] In addition, in the solar cell group 20B, a total of 24 solar cell 10 (C13 to C14, C23 to C24, C33 to C34, C43 to C44, C53 to C54, C63 to C64, C73 to C74, C83 to C84, C93 to C94, C103 to C104, C113 to C114, C123 to C124) are arranged in a 2 x 12 array along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0054] In the solar cell group 20B, for example, solar cells C24 and C34 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are connected in series by a first connection member 31 arranged along the first direction D1. Also, solar cells C13 and C14 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are connected in parallel by a second connection member 32 arranged along the second direction D2.

[0055] Thus, in both solar cell groups 20A and 20B of the solar cell module 1, one solar cell 10 and the other solar cell 10 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are electrically connected in series, and one solar cell 10 and the other solar cell 10 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are electrically connected in parallel. Each solar cell 10 is arranged with one side having two chamfered corners oriented parallel to the second direction D2.

[0056] In addition, the number of solar cells 10 arranged along the first direction D1 in each of the two solar cell groups 20A, 20B is equal between one solar cell group 20A and the other solar cell group 20B, and in Fig. 7, 12 solar cells 10 are provided in the first direction D1. In addition, the total number of solar cells 10 included in one solar cell group 20A of the two adjacent solar cell groups 20A, 20B is equal to the total number of solar cells 10 included in the other solar cell group 20B. The adjacent solar cell groups 20A, 20B are electrically connected in parallel via intermediate connection wiring 35.

[0057] In the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment, when considering the installation form on the roof 63 of the vehicle 60, it is preferable that the solar power generation system is configured in an installation form in which the longitudinal direction of the panel 40 is the first direction D1, this first direction D1 corresponds to the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 60, and the second direction D2 corresponds to the width direction Y of the vehicle 60. This makes it possible to install the solar cell module 1 by making maximum use of the area of ​​the roof 63 of the vehicle 60, and also makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation due to a decrease in the current value.

[0058] (Embodiment 4) FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a solar cell module 1 according to embodiment 4 of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a view equivalent to the CC cross section in FIG. 8 showing a schematic cross section of the solar cell module 1 when installed in a vehicle 60 as a solar power generation system.

[0059] When multiple solar cell groups 20 are provided in the solar cell module 1, the solar cell groups 20 may be arranged to match the curved shape of the installation surface, and the total number of solar cells 10 included in each solar cell group 20 may be different.

[0060] For example, the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment includes two solar cell groups 20C and 20D. The panel 40 of the solar cell module 1 has a longitudinal direction in the second direction D2, and the solar cell groups 20C and 20D are arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction D2. Each solar cell 10 is arranged such that one side having two chamfered corners is parallel to the second direction D2.

[0061] In the solar cell group 20C of the solar cell module 1, a total of 32 solar cell cells 10 (C11 to C14, C21 to C24, C31 to C34, C41 to C44, C51 to C54, C61 to C64, C71 to C74, C81 to C84) are arranged in an 8×4 array along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0062] In the solar cell group 20C, for example, solar cells C11 and C21 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are connected in series by a first connection member 31 arranged along the first direction D1. Also, solar cells C11 and C12 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are connected in parallel by a second connection member 32 arranged along the second direction D2.

[0063] Furthermore, in the solar cell group 20D, a total of 16 solar cell 10 (C15 to C16, C25 to C26, C35 to C36, C45 to C46, ​​C55 to C56, C65 to C66, C75 to C76, C85 to C86) are arranged in an 8×2 array along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0064] In the solar cell group 20D, for example, solar cells C75 and C85 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 are connected in series by a first connection member 31 arranged along the first direction D1. Also, solar cells C85 and C86 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are connected in parallel by a second connection member 32 arranged along the second direction D2.

[0065] Even in this embodiment, one solar cell 10 and the other solar cell 10 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 of the solar cell module 1 are electrically connected in series, and one solar cell 10 and the other solar cell 10 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2 are electrically connected in parallel. In this case, the total number of solar cells 10 included in one solar cell group 20C is 32, which is more than the total number of solar cells 10 included in the other solar cell group 20D, 16. The number of solar cells 10 arranged in the first direction D1 in the solar cell group 20C is equal to the number of solar cells 10 arranged in the first direction D1 in the solar cell group 20D. These adjacent solar cell groups 20C and 20D are electrically connected in parallel via the intermediate connection wiring 35.

[0066] In a solar power generation system equipped with the solar cell module 1 of this embodiment, taking into consideration an installation form in which the roof 63 of the vehicle 60 is used as the installation surface, it is preferable to have an installation form in which the longitudinal direction of the panel 40 is the second direction D2, this second direction D2 corresponds to the fore-aft direction X of the vehicle 60, and the first direction D1 corresponds to the width direction Y of the vehicle 60.

[0067] 9, the solar cell module 1 is disposed so that the second direction D2 corresponds to the front-rear direction X of the vehicle 60. Moreover, the solar cell module 1 is preferably installed so that the solar cell C16 (C26, C36, C46, ​​C56, C66, C76, C86) is disposed on the front X1 side of the vehicle 60, and the solar cell C11 (C21, C31, C41, C51, C61, C71, C81) is disposed on the rear X2 side of the vehicle 60.

[0068] As described above, the roof 63 of the vehicle 60 has a curved shape with a different curvature in the fore-and-aft direction X. For example, the roof 63 has an upward slope from the vehicle front 61 side (forward X1) to a midpoint toward the rear X2, and then has a downward slope from that midpoint toward the vehicle rear 62 side (rear X2). The upwardly sloping forward X1 side of the roof 63 has a curved shape with a greater curvature than the downwardly sloping rear X2 side of the roof 63.

[0069] As a solar power generation system, it is preferable to configure arrangement units for the multiple solar cell 10 to be arranged in accordance with the curved shape of the surface of the roof 63, which is the installation surface, and to provide one solar cell group 20C, 20D for each arrangement unit. That is, as an installation form of the solar cell module 1, one arrangement unit of solar cell 10 is configured on the front X1 side and one arrangement unit of solar cell 10 is configured on the rear X2 side in correspondence with the front X1 side and rear X2 side of the roof 63, which have different curvatures. It is preferable to arrange the solar cell groups 20D, 20C for each arrangement unit.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 9, the solar cell module 1 is installed such that the solar cell group 20D is located on the surface of the roof 63 that slopes upward from the front X1 to the rear X2, and the solar cell group 20C is located on the surface of the roof 63 that slopes downward toward the rear X2.

[0071] The solar cell 10 (C16, C15) arranged on the front X1 side and the solar cell 10 (C14, C13, C12, C11) arranged on the rear X2 side may have different electrical characteristics due to the difference in the curvature of the installation surface, but the solar cell 10 (C16, C15) with a curved surface portion having a relatively large curvature is provided in the solar cell group 20D, and the solar cell 10 (C14, C13, C12, C11) with a curved surface portion having a relatively small curvature is provided in the solar cell group 20C. As described above, the solar cell group 20D and the solar cell group 20C are electrically connected in parallel via the intermediate connection wiring 35. This makes it possible to prevent the current value in one of the cell groups from being limited by the low current value generated in the other cell group. Moreover, each of the solar cell groups 20D and 20C has a connection structure of both the solar cell cells 10 connected in series and the solar cell cells 10 connected in parallel, so that In the solar cell groups 20D and 20C, it is possible to prevent the current value from decreasing due to being limited by the low current value of any one of the solar cell 10.

[0072] Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of power generation caused by a decrease in the current value of the solar cell module 1. Also, the solar cell module 1 can be installed by making the most of the area of ​​the roof 63 of the vehicle 60, and the installation form is adapted to the curved shape of the installation surface, thereby improving the power generation efficiency.

[0073] In this way, when the solar cell module 1 is installed on a curved installation surface, arrangement units of solar cell 10 are created that are adapted to the curved shape (adapted to parts with different curvatures), and one solar cell group 20 is provided for each arrangement unit. A solar power generation system is formed by connecting multiple solar cell groups 20 in parallel, thereby further stabilizing the amount of power generation and improving the power generation efficiency.

[0074] In addition, an upper limit voltage is specified for the solar power generation system that can be installed in the vehicle 60, but since all of the solar cell modules 1 according to the above-mentioned embodiments have connection structures for both solar cell cells 10 connected in series and solar cell cells 10 connected in parallel, the output voltage of the solar cell module 1 can be set within a specified range, making it possible to stabilize the amount of power generation.

[0075] (Other embodiments) The solar cell module 1 of the present invention can be embodied in various other forms in addition to the above-described embodiments 1 to 4. In addition, since the solar cell module 1 has a curved shape, a solar power generation system can be constructed by using the surfaces of various curved structures as an installation surface in addition to the roof 63 of the vehicle 60 shown as an example.

[0076] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a vinyl greenhouse 70 equipped with a solar cell module 1 as another installation form of the solar power generation system according to this embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the vinyl greenhouse 70 is fixed to the ground and has a roof surface 71 having a curved shape. The solar cell module 1 may be installed using the roof surface 71 of the vinyl greenhouse 70 having such a curved shape as an installation surface.

[0077] The solar cell module 1 installed on the roof surface 71 can stabilize the amount of power generation by suppressing the current from being limited to a low value even if a difference occurs in the current value generated by the solar cell. The solar cell module 1 can obtain a stable amount of power generation by installing it on the surface of a structure having various curved shapes, such as a soundproof wall on a highway or the roof surface of a carport. The panel 40 of the solar cell module 1 can have various shapes, not limited to the shapes shown as examples, and may have flat parts or parts with different curvatures, or may have a curved shape that is curved overall.

[0078] The solar cell 10 included in the solar cell module 1 may be of a single-sided light receiving type or a double-sided light receiving type. The type of the solar cell 10 is not particularly limited, and solar cells made of various semiconductor materials such as polycrystalline semiconductors and thin-film semiconductors can be used.

[0079] The above-disclosed embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not interpreted solely by the above-disclosed embodiments, but is defined by the claims. Also, all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Solar cell module 10 Solar Cell 101 Surface electrode 102 Back electrode 103 Busbar electrode 20 Solar cell group 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D solar cell group 31 First connecting member (connecting member) 32 Second connecting member (connecting member) 33 Intermediate connection wiring 34 End electrode wiring 35 Intermediate connection wiring 40 Panel 41 Translucent substrate 42 Protective materials 43 Resin layer 60 vehicles 63 Roof 70 Vinyl greenhouse 71 Roof surface D1 1st direction D2 2nd direction X Anteroposterior direction Y Width direction

Claims

1. a plurality of solar cells arranged at intervals along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a connecting member that electrically connects the plurality of solar cells, the plurality of solar cells are sealed with a resin layer having a curved surface and arranged along the curved surface; the connecting members include a first connecting member arranged along the first direction and a second connecting member arranged along the second direction, a solar cell group in which one solar cell and another solar cell adjacent to each other in the first direction are electrically connected in series by the first connection member, and one solar cell and another solar cell adjacent to each other in the second direction are electrically connected in parallel by the second connection member; A solar cell module characterized in that at the end of the solar cell group in the first direction, end electrode wiring is arranged along the second direction, the first connection member is connected to the second connection member, and the second connection member is connected to the end electrode wiring via an intermediate connection wiring.

2. The solar cell module according to claim 1 , The solar cell module is characterized in that a plurality of the solar cell groups are arranged in the second direction, and adjacent solar cell groups are electrically connected in parallel.

3. The solar cell module according to claim 2, A solar cell module characterized in that the number of solar cells arranged in the first direction of the solar cell group is equal between one solar cell group and the other solar cell group of adjacent solar cell groups.

4. The solar cell module according to claim 3, A solar cell module, characterized in that the total number of solar cells included in one of the adjacent solar cell groups is equal to the total number of solar cells included in the other solar cell group.

5. The solar cell module according to claim 3, A solar cell module characterized in that the total number of solar cells included in one of the adjacent solar cell groups is greater than the total number of solar cells included in the other solar cell group.

6. The solar cell module according to claim 1, The solar cell module is characterized in that the solar cell is a divided cell obtained by dividing a solar cell substrate having a predetermined square dimension into two.

7. A solar power generation system comprising the solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A solar power generation system characterized in that the solar cell module is installed on an installation surface having a curved surface shape.

8. The solar power generation system according to claim 7, a single arrangement unit is configured in which the plurality of solar cells are arranged in accordance with the curved surface shape of the installation surface, and one solar cell group is provided for each arrangement unit; A solar power generation system, wherein the solar cell groups included in the solar cell module are electrically connected in parallel.

9. The solar power generation system according to claim 7 or 8, A solar power generation system, wherein the installation surface is a surface of a vehicle.

10. The solar power generation system according to claim 7 or 8, A solar power generation system characterized in that the installation surface is the surface of a structure fixed to the ground.

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