3D Photovoltaic Module

Abstract

The three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) comprises a three-dimensional support structure (3), the three-dimensional support structure comprising a central axis (A) and a plurality of support elements (4) distributed around the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3), each support element (4) comprising an apex (5) and two support faces (6) which are substantially planar and connected to each other along a ridge line (Le), the ridge line (Le) of each of the support elements (4) being inclined with respect to the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3), the apex (5) being inclined with respect to the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3), and the apex (5) being inclined with respect to the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3). a three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) comprising: a three-dimensional support structure (3) extending away from the apex (5) of each of the support elements (4) to the apex (5) of each of the support elements (4); and a plurality of photovoltaic panels (7) fixed to the three-dimensional support structure (3), each of the photovoltaic panels (7) being disposed on a corresponding support surface (6) and extending substantially parallel to the corresponding support surface (6), each of the photovoltaic panels (7) comprising at least one solar cell and at least partially covering the respective support surface (6).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of photovoltaics, and more particularly to three-dimensional photovoltaic modules. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of solar power generation, generally, from top to bottom, An anti-reflection layer to limit the reflection of sunlight on the underlying semiconductor layer; A protective glass layer to protect the underlying semiconductor layer; Conductive grid, N-type or P-type semiconductor layer, A P-type or N-type semiconductor layer, and Base layer, It is known to use two-dimensional photovoltaic panels which are constructed by the superposition of several layers, generally consisting of:

[0003] The main drawback of this type of solar panel is that it is 2 The problem is that the energy production per square meter is low. In fact, two-dimensional solar panels have 2 The energy production per unit is not optimized.

[0004] In addition, this type of photovoltaic panel does not produce energy uniformly throughout the day: in fact, this production follows Gauss's law, being maximum when the sun is at its highest point and decreasing during the rest of the day, specifically at the beginning and end of the day.

[0005] Furthermore, conventional solutions require that the photovoltaic panels be optimally oriented with respect to the solar radiation, which is not always easy to do depending on the configuration of the building housing such photovoltaic panels.

[0006] To overcome such shortcomings, A three-dimensional support structure having a pyramidal shape with a square base and four support surfaces, each having a triangular shape; a plurality of photovoltaic panels fixed to the three-dimensional support structure, each photovoltaic panel disposed on and extending substantially parallel to a corresponding support surface, each photovoltaic panel comprising at least one solar cell and at least partially covering a respective support surface; It is known to manufacture three-dimensional photovoltaic modules comprising:

[0007] Such a configuration of the 3D photovoltaic module allows for an increased deployed area covered with the active material of the solar cells, and therefore allows for the generation of more energy per unit area than a conventional photovoltaic panel, when the sun is at its zenith and the 3D photovoltaic module is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0008] However, the amount of energy generated by such a three-dimensional photovoltaic module per year is not optimal due to the shadows cast by the three-dimensional support structure due to the movement of the sun throughout the day. In addition, at some points in the movement of the sun, some of the photovoltaic panels are not receiving sunlight, generating a resistive load against the energy provided by the photovoltaic panels that are receiving sunlight, which further limits the amount of energy generated by such a three-dimensional photovoltaic module per year.

[0009] Furthermore, when multiple three-dimensional photovoltaic modules of the aforementioned type are assembled together to form a photovoltaic device, each three-dimensional support structure may cause shadows and even darkness on the photovoltaic panels of adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules due to the movement of the sun, which may therefore significantly limit the amount of energy produced annually by such a photovoltaic device. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention aims to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks.

[0011] Therefore, the technical problem at the origin of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional photovoltaic module that produces more annual energy per unit area than conventional three-dimensional photovoltaic modules.

[0012] To this end, the present invention comprises: 1. A three dimensional support structure comprising: the three-dimensional support structure includes a central axis and a plurality of support elements distributed about the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure, each support element including a vertex and two support faces that are substantially planar and connected to each other along a ridge, the ridge of each of the support elements being inclined with respect to the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure and extending away from the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure to the vertex of each of the support elements; A three-dimensional support structure; a plurality of photovoltaic panels secured to the three-dimensional support structure, Each of the photovoltaic panels is disposed on a corresponding support surface and extends substantially parallel to the corresponding support surface, and each of the photovoltaic panels includes at least one solar cell and at least partially covers the corresponding support surface. A solar panel and The present invention relates to a three-dimensional solar power generation module equipped with the above structure.

[0013] Such configuration of the three-dimensional support structure and therefore of the different photovoltaic panel orientations maximizes the solar receiving surface of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module at each instant of the sun's movement, thereby making it possible to capture a large amount of energy originating from the sun, without the need for any drive mechanism configured to change the orientation of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module according to the position of the sun.

[0014] In particular, the arrangement of the support elements limits the phenomenon of shadowing caused by each support element on other support elements of the three-dimensional support structure, in particular on photovoltaic panels arranged on the support surfaces of other support elements of the three-dimensional support structure, allowing good light transmission into the three-dimensional photovoltaic module.

[0015] In addition, taking into account the arrangement of the support elements and therefore the support surfaces, all photovoltaic panels receive sunlight at least partially simultaneously over a large portion of the sun's movement, which ensures a more regular energy production throughout the day (especially during the rising and setting of the sun) and therefore throughout the year. The arrangement of the support elements also makes it possible to produce electricity from earlier in the day to later in the day compared to prior art three-dimensional photovoltaic modules.

[0016] Furthermore, when a photovoltaic panel does not receive sunlight directly (due to its own shadow generated by the respective support element), it is nevertheless able to capture at least a part of the light reflected by the photovoltaic panels arranged on the other support elements. In other words, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module according to the invention significantly reduces the risk of obscuration generated by the respective support element on the photovoltaic panels arranged on the support surface of the other support element. Finally, even if a photovoltaic panel arranged on a support element does not receive sunlight either directly or indirectly, this is only a part of the photovoltaic panel in the three-dimensional photovoltaic module that does not receive sunlight.

[0017] As a result, 3D photovoltaic modules are capable of producing more energy per unit area than conventional photovoltaic panels and conventional 3D photovoltaic modules, not only instantaneously but especially throughout the year.

[0018] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module may further have one or more of the following features, considered alone or in combination:

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the development surface of the support surface of the support elements to the ground surface occupied by the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is greater than 3, for example in the range of 4-6, preferably in the range of 4.5-5.5. These arrangements ensure a relatively high energy production per unit area compared to the energy produced per unit area by three-dimensional photovoltaic modules of the prior art.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the central axis of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is configured to extend substantially vertically when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the photovoltaic panels of the plurality of photovoltaic panels are different from each other and are connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one photovoltaic panel, for example each photovoltaic panel, of the plurality of photovoltaic panels is flexible.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each photovoltaic panel comprises a number of solar cells connected in parallel and / or in series.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vertices of the support elements are distributed, for example evenly distributed, around a central axis of the three-dimensional support structure.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vertices of the support elements are equidistant from the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure, in other words, the vertices of the support elements are arranged on a circle centered on the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ridge line is substantially a secant with a point of intersection located on the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each edge is a straight line.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ridges are evenly distributed around a central axis of the three-dimensional support structure.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the ridges is inclined with respect to the central axis at an inclination angle in the range of 10°-40°, preferably in the range of 20°-30°, for example about 26°.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the support surfaces has a generally triangular shape.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, each support surface includes a first end extending along a respective ridge, a second end extending to an apex of the respective support element, and a third end opposite the apex of the respective support element. Preferably, the second end of each support surface is opposite the respective apex and has a terminus closer to the central axis than the respective apex.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second end of each support surface is inclined relative to a central axis of the three-dimensional support structure, such that the terminus of this second end, opposite each apex, is closer to the central axis than each apex.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, each support surface of each support element is inclined at an inclination angle of 5°-10°, for example about 7°, relative to a respective reference plane that is parallel to the central axis and passes through the third end of the support surface.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first edge of each support surface has a length in the range of 35mm-55mm, preferably in the range of 40mm-50mm, for example about 44mm.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second end of each support surface has a length in the range of 55mm-75mm, preferably in the range of 60mm-70mm, for example about 65mm.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, the third edge of each support surface has a length in the range of 25mm-45mm, preferably in the range of 30mm-40mm, for example about 34mm.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the number of support elements is in the range of 3-6.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, for each pair of adjacent support elements of the three-dimensional support structure, adjacent support surfaces of the two adjacent support elements are located opposite each other.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, for each pair of adjacent support elements of the three-dimensional support structure, adjacent support surfaces of the two adjacent support elements are connected to each other along a connection region that is inclined with respect to a central axis of the three-dimensional support structure and extends downwardly away from the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, all support surfaces of a support element have different orientations.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention, the two support surfaces of each support element are symmetrical with respect to a corresponding plane of symmetry passing through a corresponding edge line.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the planes of symmetry of the support elements intersect according to a line of intersection that substantially coincides with the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, each support element has a plane of symmetry passing through each edge.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention, each support element has a triangular shape, for example an equilateral triangle shape, as can be seen from the above, in other words, the orthogonal projection of all points of the support element onto a reference plane perpendicular to the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure defines a triangular shaped surface, preferably an equilateral triangular shaped surface.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the first edge of each support surface to a side of the equilateral triangle shape is in the range of 1.7-2.2, preferably in the range of 1.8-2, for example in the range of 1.90-1.95.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the second edge of each support surface to a side of the equilateral triangle shape is in the range of 2.7-3, preferably in the range of 2.8-2.9, for example about 2.86.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the third edge of each support surface to the side of the equilateral triangle shape is in the range of 1.2-1.8, preferably in the range of 1.3-1.7, more preferably in the range of 1.4-1.6. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the height of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module to the side of the equilateral triangle shape is in the range of 2.5-3.5, preferably in the range of 2.8-3.3, for example in the range of 3-3.1.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module further includes a base disposed below the three-dimensional support structure and at least partially defining an inner housing in which electrical wires connected to the photovoltaic panel are at least partially housed.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the invention, the base has a polygonal shape, for example a generally hexagonal shape.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional support structure is made in one piece.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, the support elements of the three-dimensional support structure are separate from each other and the three-dimensional support structure is formed by assembly of the support elements.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module includes a protective cap, also called a sealing cap, covering the photovoltaic panel, the protective cap being made of a material transparent to optical radiation.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention, the protective cap is configured to at least partially close an interior space located between the support elements.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protective cap is formed by curing a transparent resin.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module includes an anti-reflective surface layer disposed on an upper surface of the protective cap.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the top surface of the protective cap extends substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the three-dimensional support structure.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the invention, the upper surface of the protective cap extends beyond the apex of the support element.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a three-dimensional photovoltaic module includes a main positive terminal to which the positive terminals of all of the photovoltaic panels are electrically connected, and a main negative terminal to which the negative terminals of all of the photovoltaic panels are electrically connected.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module has a polygonal shaped cross-section, for example a hexagonal cross-section.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module has a height of 3 cm-6 cm, for example, about 4 cm. In particular, such a height of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is maintained when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is intended to be installed on a sloping roof or a horizontal roof. However, in other applications, for example, when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is intended to be installed according to a substantially vertical direction, the height of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module may be much higher than 6 cm.

[0061] The present invention further comprises a photovoltaic device comprising a plurality of three-dimensional photovoltaic modules according to the present invention, the three-dimensional photovoltaic modules being arranged adjacent to each other. Preferably, the photovoltaic device extends according to an extension plane.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, for each pair of adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules of the photovoltaic device, the bases of the two adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules are juxtaposed, i.e., they are in contact with each other. Preferably, one side of the base of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module is configured to extend along one side of the base of the adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic module and to contact one side of the base of the adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic module. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0063] The present invention will be better understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which identical reference numbers correspond to structurally and / or functionally identical or similar elements, and in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a three-dimensional photovoltaic module according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a three-dimensional support structure belonging to the three-dimensional photovoltaic module of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the three-dimensional support structure of FIG. 2 with a photovoltaic panel. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the three-dimensional support structure of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] In this specification, a "photovoltaic panel" is to be understood as a photovoltaic element comprising at least one or more solar cells, either supported or unsupported by a base substrate layer, which may be, for example, flexible or rigid.

[0065] 1-4 show a three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 has a polygonal shaped cross-section, for example a hexagonal cross-section.

[0066] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 comprises a three-dimensional support structure 3 including a central axis A configured to extend vertically when the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0067] The three-dimensional support structure 3 comprises a number of support elements 4 distributed around a central axis A. Preferably, the number of support elements 4 is in the range of 3-6. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the number of support elements 4 is equal to 6, each support element 4 having a triangular shape, for example an equilateral triangle, when viewed from above. However, in variants of the invention, the number of support elements 4 may also be equal to 3, 4 or 5.

[0068] For example, the three-dimensional support structure 3 may be made in one piece, for example obtained by 3D printing, but the three-dimensional support structure 3 can also be obtained by assembling a number of support elements 4 that are separate from one another, i.e. formed independently of one another, for example by 3D printing.

[0069] Each support element 4 comprises a vertex 5 and two substantially planar support faces 6. Preferably, all support faces 6 of a support element 4 have different orientations. According to an embodiment of the invention, the ratio of the development surface of the support faces 6 of a support element 4 to the ground surface occupied by the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 is greater than 3, for example in the range of 4-6, preferably in the range of 4.5-5.5.

[0070] 2 and 3, the two support surfaces 6 of each support element 4 are connected to each other along a straight ridge line Le. The ridge line Le of each support element 4 is inclined with respect to the central axis A and extends away from the central axis A to the vertex 5 of each support element 4.

[0071] Preferably, the ridge lines Le are secants at intersections located on the central axis A of the three-dimensional support structure 3, and are evenly distributed around the central axis A. More specifically, each of the ridge lines Le is inclined with respect to the central axis A at an inclination angle α in the range of 10°-40°, preferably in the range of 20°-30°, for example, approximately 26°.

[0072] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the support surfaces 6 has a generally triangular shape and includes a first end B1 extending along a respective ridge Le, a second end B2 extending to a vertex 5 of the respective support element 4, and a third end B3 opposite the vertex 5 of the respective support element 4. Preferably, the second end B2 of each support surface 6 is inclined with respect to the central axis A of the three-dimensional support structure 3, so that the end of this second end B2 opposite the vertex 5 is closer to the central axis A than the respective vertex 5.

[0073] 2, for each pair of adjacent support elements 4 of the three-dimensional support structure 3, the adjacent support surfaces 6 of the two adjacent support elements 4 are located opposite each other. Preferably, for each pair of adjacent support elements 4 of the three-dimensional support structure 3, the adjacent support surfaces 6 of the two adjacent support elements 4 are connected to each other along a connection area Z that is inclined with respect to the central axis A of the three-dimensional support structure 3 and extends downwards away from the central axis A of the three-dimensional support structure 3. Thus, the third end B3 of each support surface 6 extends along the respective connection area Z.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the first end B1 of each support surface 6 to the side C of the equilateral triangular shape (defined by each support element 4 when viewed from above) is in the range of 1.7-2.2, preferably in the range of 1.8-2, more preferably in the range of 1.90-1.95, for example equal to about 1.94 or about 1.92. The ratio of the second edge B2 of each support surface 6 to the side C of said equilateral triangle shape is in the range of 2.7-3, preferably in the range of 2.8-2.9, for example about 2.86. The ratio of the third edge B3 of each support surface 6 to the side C of said equilateral triangle shape is in the range of 1.2-1.8, preferably in the range of 1.3-1.7, and more preferably in the range of 1.4-1.6, for example equal to about 1.47 or about 1.58. The ratio of the height of the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 to the side C of said equilateral triangular shape is in the range of 2.5-3.5, preferably in the range of 2.8-3.3, more preferably in the range of 3-3.1, for example equal to about 3.06.

[0075] 3, the vertices 5 of the support elements 4 are evenly distributed around and equidistant from the central axis A of the three-dimensional support structure 3. In other words, the vertices 5 of the support elements 4 are arranged on a circle centered on the central axis A of the three-dimensional support structure 3.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in the figures, each support element 4 has a plane of symmetry P passing through each edge line Le, and the planes of symmetry P of the support elements 4 intersect along a line of intersection that coincides with the central axis A of the three-dimensional support structure 3.

[0077] Preferably, each support surface 6 of each support element 4 is inclined at an inclination angle in the range of 5°-10°, for example approximately 7°, relative to a respective reference plane parallel to the central axis A and passing through the third end B3 of said support surface 6.

[0078] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 further comprises a number of photovoltaic panels 7 fixed to the three-dimensional support structure 3. More specifically, each photovoltaic panel 7 is arranged on a respective support surface 6 and extends parallel to the respective support surface 6. Preferably, each photovoltaic panel 7 comprises several solar cells connected in parallel and / or in series and partially or completely covers the respective support surface 6. For example, the solar cells of each photovoltaic panel 7 may be supported by a base substrate layer. Preferably, each photovoltaic panel 7 is generally triangular in shape and has substantially the same dimensions as the respective support surface 6. According to an embodiment of the present invention, each photovoltaic panel 7 has a thickness of about 1 mm.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the photovoltaic panels 7 of the plurality of photovoltaic panels are independent of each other and are connected in series and / or in parallel. Preferably, at least one photovoltaic panel 7, for example each of the photovoltaic panels 7, may be flexible.

[0080] The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 also includes a base 8 disposed beneath the three-dimensional support structure 3 and having a polygonal shape, e.g., generally hexagonal. The base 8 at least partially defines an inner housing 9 in which electrical wires connected to the photovoltaic panels 7 are at least partially housed. The three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 further includes a main positive terminal to which the positive terminals of all the photovoltaic panels 7 are electrically connected, and a main negative terminal to which the negative terminals of all the photovoltaic panels 7 are electrically connected.

[0081] 1, the three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 further includes a protective cap 14, also called a sealing cap, which covers and protects the photovoltaic panel 7. The protective cap 14 is made of a material transparent to optical radiation, for example formed by curing a transparent resin. More specifically, the protective cap 14 is configured to close the interior space located between the support elements 4.

[0082] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the protective cap 14 includes a top surface that extends beyond the vertices 5 of the support elements 4 and perpendicular to the central axis A of the three-dimensional support structure 3. Preferably, the protective cap 14 is configured such that the three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 have a generally prismatic shape and that the respective bottom surfaces of the three-dimensional photovoltaic modules have a generally hexagonal shape.

[0083] The 3D photovoltaic module 2 also includes an anti-reflective surface layer 15 disposed on the top surface of the protective cap 14. Nevertheless, if the protective cap 14 is made of a material having anti-reflective properties, the 3D photovoltaic module 2 may not have an anti-reflective surface layer 15.

[0084] Several three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 according to the invention can be assembled to form a photovoltaic device, which extends according to a plan d'extension and thus has an outline similar to that of a conventional photovoltaic panel. For this purpose, the three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 are arranged adjacently and connected in series and / or in parallel by connecting their main positive and negative terminals. Preferably, for each pair of adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 of a photovoltaic device, the bases 8 of the two adjacent three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 are juxtaposed, i.e. in contact with each other, at a height from their adjacent sides. Preferably, such a photovoltaic device comprises a support or a support frame, which defines a compartment in which the different three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 are arranged.

[0085] The fact that the base 8 of each three-dimensional photovoltaic module 2 has a hexagonal shape preferably makes it possible to obtain an optimized array arrangement of the different three-dimensional photovoltaic modules 2 of the photovoltaic power generation device.

[0086] The photovoltaic device according to the invention can be installed in more locations than photovoltaic devices formed by three-dimensional photovoltaic modules of the prior art, and therefore has fewer restrictions on orientation and inclination. In particular, the photovoltaic device according to the invention can be installed on an east-, south- or west-facing inclined roof, on a horizontal roof without additional supports, or on the ground, or on an east-, south- or west-facing facade (and therefore essentially vertically), i.e. as a replacement for all existing photovoltaic devices coated with photovoltaic materials with the same technical characteristics, with at least three times more annual power production for the same surface.

[0087] The photovoltaic device according to the invention can be installed on all existing means of transportation, both current and future, since it has an annual energy production at least three times higher than that of a prior art photovoltaic device coated with a photovoltaic material with the same technical characteristics, and overcomes most directional constraints.

[0088] Of course, the invention is presented purely by way of example and is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated: modifications are further possible, in particular with regard to the arrangement of the various elements or by the substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional photovoltaic power generation module (2), comprising: A three-dimensional support structure (3), The three-dimensional support structure (3) comprises a central axis (A) and a plurality of support elements (4) distributed around the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3), each support element (4) comprising a vertex (5) and two support surfaces (6) which are substantially planar and connected to each other along a ridge line (Le), the ridge line (Le) of each of the support elements (4) being inclined with respect to the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3) and extending away from the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3) to the vertex (5) of each of the support elements (4). A three-dimensional support structure (3); A plurality of photovoltaic panels (7) fixed to the three-dimensional support structure (3), Each of the photovoltaic panels (7) is arranged on a corresponding support surface (6) and extends substantially parallel to the corresponding support surface (6), each of the photovoltaic panels (7) comprises at least one solar cell and at least partially covers the respective support surface (6). A solar panel (7); A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) comprising:

2. The vertices (5) of the support elements (4) are distributed around the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3); A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 1.

3. the vertices (5) of the support elements (4) are equidistant from the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3); A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The ridge lines (Le) intersect at an intersection point located substantially on the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3); A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Each of the ridges (Le) is inclined with respect to the central axis (A) by an inclination angle (α) in the range of 10°-40°, preferably in the range of 20°-30°, for example, about 26°. A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Each of said support surfaces (6) is generally triangular in shape. A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The number of said support elements (4) is in the range of 3-6; A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the two support surfaces (6) of each of the support elements (4) are symmetrical with respect to a corresponding plane of symmetry (P) passing through the corresponding edge line (Le); A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the plane of symmetry (P) of the support element (4) intersects with a line of intersection substantially coinciding with the central axis (A) of the three-dimensional support structure (3); A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 8.

10. a base (8) disposed beneath the three-dimensional support structure (3) and at least partially defining an inner housing (9) in which electrical wires connected to the photovoltaic panel (7) are at least partially housed; A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The base (8) is polygonal in shape, for example generally hexagonal. A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to claim 10.

12. a protective cap (14) for covering the photovoltaic panel (7), the protective cap (14) being made of a material transparent to optical radiation; A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. An anti-reflective surface layer (15) disposed on the upper surface of the protective cap (14), A three-dimensional photovoltaic module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A photovoltaic power generation device comprising a plurality of the three-dimensional photovoltaic power generation modules according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The three-dimensional photovoltaic modules are arranged adjacent to each other. Solar power generation equipment.

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