Solar cell device and solar cell system

JP2025028588APending Publication Date: 2025-03-03KYOCERA CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023133497
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-08-18
Publication Date
2025-03-03

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

【0006】 本開示によれば、受光面に雨水等が溜まりにくくなるため、雨水等による受光面の汚れの発生を低減することができる。

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Abstract

To reduce the occurrence of dirt on a light receiving surface caused by rainwater or the like in building material-integrated solar cells.MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM: A solar cell device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a main body having a first portion having a first surface parallel to a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second portion protruding at an end of the first portion in the first direction toward a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction; and a solar cell module having a light receiving surface and positioned on the first surface. In the third direction, the distance between an upper surface of the second portion and the first surface is smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a solar cell device and a solar cell system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, solar cell devices integrated with building materials (hereinafter also referred to as building material-integrated solar cells) and solar cell systems in which these are connected have been known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-003612 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A challenge for typical building-integrated solar cells is to reduce the amount of dirt on the light-receiving surface caused by rainwater, etc., in order to prevent a decline in power generation efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A solar cell device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main body having a first portion having a first surface parallel to a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second portion protruding at an end of the first portion in the first direction toward a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and a solar cell module having a light receiving surface and positioned on the first surface, wherein in the third direction, the distance between an upper surface of the second portion and the first surface is smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, rainwater and the like is less likely to accumulate on the light receiving surface, thereby reducing the occurrence of contamination of the light receiving surface due to rainwater and the like. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a solar cell system SY constituted by a solar cell device A1 according to one embodiment is installed on an inclined surface IS of a structure B. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the solar cell device A1 of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the solar cell module Mo1 of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the solar cell module Mo1 of FIG. 3, as viewed from the rear side. [Diagram 5] 2 is an end view of the power generating unit Mo10 in a cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of a portion VI of the solar cell device A1 in FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is an end view of the solar cell device A1 taken along a cross section of line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is an end view of the solar cell device A1 taken along a cross section of line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a main body part MP1 in FIG. 2. [Figure 10] 10 is a rear perspective view of the external appearance of the main body MP1 of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 10 is a partial enlarged view of the periphery of the end portions of the main body portion MP1 in FIG. 9 on the negative side in the first direction D1 and on the positive side in the second direction D2. [Figure 12] 10 is an end view taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 9 . [Figure 13] 10 is a partial enlarged view of the periphery of the end portions on the negative side in the first direction D1 and the negative side in the second direction D2 of a modified example of the main body portion MP1 in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 14] 3 is a partial enlarged view of the solar cell device A1 of FIG. 2, viewed in a second direction D2. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a modified example of the solar cell device A1 of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a cover body CO1 in FIG. 2. [Figure 17] 3 is another partially enlarged view of the solar cell device A1 of FIG. 2, viewed in the second direction D2. FIG. [Figure 18] 3 is a partial enlarged view of the periphery of the end portions of the solar cell device A1 in FIG. 2 on the negative side in the first direction D1 and on the positive side in the second direction D2. FIG. [Figure 19] 3 is a partial enlarged view of the periphery of the end portions on the negative side in the first direction D1 and the negative side in the second direction D2 of the solar cell device A1 in FIG. 2, viewed in the third direction D3. FIG. [Figure 20] 17 is a partial enlarged view of the periphery of the end portion of the cover body CO1 in FIG. 16 on the negative side in the second direction D2. [Figure 21] 10 is yet another partially enlarged view of the solar cell device A1 of FIG. 2, viewed in the second direction D2. FIG. [Figure 22] 8 is an end view of the solar cell device A1 taken along a cross section of line VII-VII in FIG. 6, relating to a modified example of the second side surface protection portion PPs2 in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the construction status of the solar cell array of FIG. 1. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a partial enlarged view for explaining the installation process of the solar cell device A1 when constructing the solar cell system SY1 of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] 2 is a diagram showing a side of the solar cell system SY1 of FIG. 1 when viewed in a second direction D2. FIG. [Figure 26] 1. FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view showing the ends on the negative side in the first direction D1 of two solar cell modules Mo1 adjacent to each other along the second direction D2 in the solar cell system SY1 of FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is an external view of a solar cell device A2 according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the positive side in a first direction D1. [Figure 28] 28 is an end view of the solar cell device A2 taken along a cross section of line XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 27. [Figure 29] 11 is an end view of a power generating unit Mo10 according to embodiment 2, taken along a cross section perpendicular to a first direction D1. FIG. [Diagram 30]FIG. 11 is an external view of a solar cell device A3 according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the positive side in a first direction D1. [Diagram 31] 13 is an external view of a solar cell device A4 according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed from the negative side of the second direction D2. FIG. [Diagram 32] 13 is an external view of a solar cell device A5 according to a fifth embodiment, as viewed from the positive side in a first direction D1. [Diagram 33] 33 is an end view of the solar cell device A5 taken along the cross section of line XXXIII-XXXIII in FIG. 32. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Since the building material-integrated solar cell is installed outdoors, rainwater adheres to the light receiving surface of the solar cell device when it rains. Since rainwater contains atmospheric substances, when the rainwater dries while adhering to the light receiving surface of the solar cell device, the rainwater causes the precipitation of dissolved substances or the adhesion of dust in the rainwater, causing dirt on the light receiving surface of the solar cell device. Such dirt reflects or attenuates the sunlight irradiated to the solar cell device, which may reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the inside of the solar cell device. This may reduce the power generation efficiency of the solar cell device.

[0009] The inventors of the present application have created a technology that can reduce the occurrence of contamination of the light receiving surface caused by rainwater, etc., by making it difficult for rainwater, etc., to accumulate on the light receiving surface.

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, parts having similar configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted in the following description. The drawings are schematic.

[0011] <1. Embodiment 1> <1-1. Solar cell system SY1> The solar cell system SY1 according to this embodiment is a device that receives light and outputs electricity, in other words, the solar cell system SY1 is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy.

[0012] In this embodiment, the solar cell system SY1 is installed on a structure B. More specifically, the solar cell system SY1 is installed on an inclined surface IS, which is an outer surface OS inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, among the outer surfaces OS of the structure B. Here, the outer surface OS is a surface exposed to the outside among the surfaces of the structure B.

[0013] Structure B is an object having an artificially created structure. Structure B may be, for example, a building or a mobile object. The building may be a structure fixed to land. The building may be a building under the Building Standards Act or a building under the Design Act. Structure B may be a house, condominium, apartment, factory, building, commercial facility, station, etc., or may be a gate, a fence, etc. Structure B may also be a ship or a vehicle, etc.

[0014] Structure B has an inclined surface IS. The absolute value of the inclination angle of the inclined surface IS with respect to the horizontal plane needs to be greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than 90 degrees. From another perspective, it is sufficient that the horizontal plane and the inclined surface IS are not parallel to each other.

[0015] Next, the definitions of directions and coordinate systems in this disclosure will be described. In this disclosure, in the description of the embodiment and in each drawing, a right-handed D1D2D3 coordinate system (hereinafter also referred to as this coordinate system) consisting of a first direction D1, a second direction D2, and a third direction D3 will be used for the description. Note that the first direction D1 may be referred to as the D1 direction, the second direction D2 as the D2 direction, and the third direction D3 as the D3 direction.

[0016] In the following, the vertically upward direction may be referred to as the first reference direction DR1, and the vertically downward direction may be referred to as the second reference direction DR2. Note that the first reference direction DR1 and the second reference direction DR2 may not be distinguished from each other, and the vertical direction may be referred to as the reference direction DR. The reference directions DR (first reference direction DR1, second reference direction DR2) are directions perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In addition, in the following, the upper side in the vertical direction (the side where the first reference direction DR1 is positive) may be referred to as the upper side, and the lower side in the vertical direction (the side where the second reference direction DR2 is positive) may be referred to as the lower side.

[0017] The first direction D1 is a direction parallel to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. The first direction D1 may be a direction parallel to the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) of the solar cell module Mo1 and perpendicular to the second direction D2. The first direction D1 may be a direction parallel to the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1 and perpendicular to the second direction D2. In other words, the first surface smp1 is a plane including the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The positive direction of the first direction D1 is a direction from the upper side to the lower side of the reference direction DR. The first direction D1 may be a direction from the ridge side to the eaves side of the structure B.

[0018] The second direction D2 is parallel to the inclined surface IS and perpendicular to the reference direction DR. The second direction D2 may be the longitudinal direction of the structure B. It may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0019] The third direction D3 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and also perpendicular to the second direction D2. That is, the third direction D3 is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The direction of the third direction D3 from the lower side to the upper side of the reference direction DR is positive. From another perspective, the third direction D3 may be a direction perpendicular to the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) of the solar cell module Mo1 described later. The third direction D3 may be a direction perpendicular to the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1 described later.

[0020] The solar cell system SY1 according to this embodiment is a system in which a plurality of solar cell devices A1 are connected. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the solar cell system SY1 according to this embodiment may be composed of a plurality of solar cell devices A1 installed on an inclined surface IS of a structure B. The solar cell system SY1 may be considered as a solar cell array composed of solar cell modules Mo1 included in the solar cell devices A1 connected to each other.

[0021] The outer surface OS of the structure B is a surface of the structure B that is exposed to the outside of the structure B. The inclined surface IS of the structure B is a surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. Here, the horizontal plane is a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction (reference direction DR) and is a virtual surface. The inclined surface IS of the structure B may be the roof surface, rooftop surface, wall surface, etc. of the structure B. The inclined surface IS of the structure B may be, for example, the main surface of a sheathing board that constitutes the roof surface of the structure B. Here, the main surface of the sheathing board refers to a surface of the sheathing board that has a larger area than the other surfaces. The sheathing board may be covered with a roofing material for waterproofing. In addition, a crosspiece w may be fixed to the sheathing board so as to extend in the girder direction. A plurality of crosspieces w may be arranged parallel to each other from the ridge side to the eaves side.

[0022] In the solar cell system SY1, the solar cell devices A1 may be two-dimensionally arranged on the inclined surface IS of the structure B. In the solar cell system SY1, the solar cell devices A1 may be arranged to line up along the second direction D2 (row direction). In the solar cell system SY1, the solar cell devices A1 may be arranged to line up in a plurality of rows, each row being formed by lining up along the second direction D2 (row direction), along the first direction D1 (direction from the ridge side to the eaves side). In the solar cell system SY1, any solar cell device A1 may be partially overlapped on another solar cell device A1 located on the eaves side of the solar cell device A1.

[0023] <1-2. Solar cell device A1> The solar cell device A1 is a device that can convert light energy into electrical energy. The solar cell device A1 has a main body MP1 and a solar cell module Mo1 located on the main body MP1. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the solar cell device A1 may have a main body MP1, a solar cell module Mo1, and a cover CO1.

[0024] <1-2-1. Solar cell module Mo1> The solar cell module Mo1 has a power generation unit Mo10. As shown in Fig. 3, the solar cell module Mo1 may have the power generation unit Mo10. As shown in Fig. 4, the solar cell module Mo1 may further have a terminal box Mo16 and a cable Mo17.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the solar cell module Mo1 has a first main surface ms1 and a second main surface ms2. The first main surface ms1 and the second main surface ms2 are surfaces perpendicular to the third direction D3. The first main surface ms1 is a surface facing the negative side of the third direction D3. From another perspective, the first main surface ms1 is a surface facing the main body portion MP1 described below. Also, the second main surface ms2 is a surface facing the positive side of the third direction D3. In this case, the first main surface ms1 is The first main surface ms1 corresponds to the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1. The second main surface ms2 corresponds to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. The first main surface ms1 may be a surface of a back surface base material Mo12 (described later) facing the negative side of the third direction D3. The second main surface ms2 may be a surface of a light-transmitting base material Mo11 (described later) facing the positive side of the third direction D3.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the solar cell module Mo1 may have a first side surface ss1, a second side surface ss2, a third side surface ss3, and a fourth side surface ss4. The first side surface ss1 is a side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 on the positive side of the second direction D2. The second side surface ss2 is a side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 on the positive side of the first direction D1. The third side surface ss3 is a side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 on the negative side of the second direction D2. The fourth side surface ss4 is a side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 on the negative side of the first direction D1.

[0027] The terminal box Mo16 is located on a first region of the first main surface ms1 of the power generation unit Mo10. In other words, the first region of the first main surface ms1 of the power generation unit Mo10 is the region of the first main surface ms1 that is in contact with the terminal box Mo16. Moreover, the region of the first main surface ms1 that is not in contact with the terminal box Mo16 is the second region of the first main surface ms1 of the power generation unit Mo10. In other words, the solar cell module Mo1 has, on its back surface, a first region that is in contact with the terminal box Mo16 and a second region that is not in contact with the terminal box Mo16.

[0028] [Power Generation Unit Mo10] The power generating section Mo10 receives light and generates power. The power generating section Mo10 may have a flat plate shape parallel to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 5, the power generating section Mo10 may have a light-transmitting base material Mo11, a back surface base material Mo12, a plurality of solar cell elements Mo14, a filler Mo13, and an inner lead Mo15. The power generating section Mo10 may be arranged in the order of the light-transmitting base material Mo11, the plurality of solar cell elements Mo14 arranged along the second direction D2, and the back surface base material Mo12 along a direction from the second main surface ms2 side (light-receiving surface side) toward the first main surface ms1 side (back surface side) (negative direction of the third direction D3). In this case, the inner lead Mo15 electrically connects adjacent solar cell elements Mo14 among the plurality of solar cell elements Mo14. The filler Mo13 is located between the light-transmitting base material Mo11 and the back surface base material Mo12 so as to protect each of the plurality of solar cell elements Mo14 and the periphery of the inner lead Mo15.

[0030] The light-transmitting base material Mo11 is a base material having light transmissivity to light in a specific wavelength range. The specific wavelength range may include, for example, a wavelength range of light that can be absorbed by the solar cell element Mo14 to cause photoelectric conversion. Specifically, the specific wavelength range may include a wavelength range of visible light of about 400 nm to 700 nm and a wavelength range of infrared light of about 700 nm to 1200 nm. This allows, for example, light incident on the solar cell device A1 to pass through the light-transmitting base material Mo11 and reach the solar cell element Mo14. Here, for example, if the specific wavelength range includes a wavelength of light with high irradiation intensity that constitutes sunlight, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell device A1 is improved.

[0031] The material of the light-transmitting base material Mo11 may be, for example, glass such as reinforced glass, or plastic such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The material of the light-transmitting base material Mo11 may be reinforced glass. In this way, the durability of the solar cell module Mo1 can be improved.

[0032] The light-transmitting substrate Mo11 constitutes the light-receiving surface of the power generating section Mo10. The material Mo11 constitutes the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. Here, constituting the light receiving surface means that the main surface of the light-transmitting base material Mo11 on the positive side in the third direction D3 becomes the surface that receives light. In other words, light that passes through the main surface of the light-transmitting base material Mo11 on the positive side in the third direction D3 is incident on the solar cell element Mo14.

[0033] The light-transmitting base material Mo11 may have a chamfered edge on the positive side of the third direction D3 among the edges on the positive side of the first direction D1. From another perspective, among the four edges included in the light-receiving surface (second main surface ms2), the edges on the positive side of the first direction D1 may be chamfered. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, among the four edges included in the light-receiving surface (second main surface ms2), the edge X2 that is the edge on the positive side of the first direction D1 may be chamfered. For example, the edge X2 may have a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 7. With this configuration, rainwater or the like that has flowed over the light-receiving surface can slide down toward the second portion MP24 described later. This can reduce the occurrence of dirt on the light-receiving surface due to rainwater or the like.

[0034] The light-transmitting base material Mo11 may have irregularities on the light-receiving surface. In other words, the power generating section Mo10 may have irregularities on the second main surface ms2. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the drainage of rainwater and the like that adheres to the second main surface ms2 of the solar cell module Mo1. The uneven shape may be regular or irregular. The uneven shape may be a matte pattern or may have other patterns. The uneven shape is formed along the first direction D1 on the side surface (second side surface ss2) of the solar cell module Mo1 on the positive side in the first direction D1. The grooves may be arranged at regular intervals, and may extend in a straight line or may be serpentine.

[0035] The unevenness formed on the light-receiving surface of the light-transmitting base material Mo11 may have a pitch between adjacent convex portions that is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be determined based on the particle size of raindrops falling in the area where the solar cell device A1 (power generation unit Mo10) is installed. In this way, the size of the unevenness can be made smaller than the particle size of raindrops, so that the contact angle of the raindrops with respect to the light-receiving surface can be made large. As a result, the water repellency of the light-receiving surface of the light-transmitting base material Mo11 is increased. From another perspective, the hydrophilicity of the light-receiving surface of the light-transmitting base material Mo11 is reduced. For the above reasons, such a configuration makes it easier for rainwater, etc., flowing on the light-receiving surface to slide down toward the second portion MP24. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of dirt on the light-receiving surface caused by rainwater, etc.

[0036] The predetermined value may be, for example, a value between 1.8 millimeters (mm) and 0.8 mm in Japan or in a region with a climate zone similar to that of Japan. This is described in a non-patent document (Moeka YAMAJI, Hiroshi G. TAKAHASHI, Takuji KUBOTA, Riko OKI, Atsushi HAMADA, Yukari N. TAKAYABU, “4-year climatology of global drop size distribution and its seasonal variability observed by spaceborne Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar”, Journal of In Fig. 5 of the Meteorological Society of Japan. Ser. II, 2020 Volume 98 Issue 4 Pages 755-773, the size of raindrops in the mid-latitude and subtropical regions of the northwest Pacific Ocean is It is noted that the range is reported to be between 1.8 mm and 0.8 mm, and the predetermined value may be 1.6 mm, 1.4 mm, or 1.2 mm.

[0037] The material of the rear substrate Mo12 may be glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, or the like. The material of the rear substrate Mo12 may be PET (Poly-Ethylene Terephthalate) or PVF (Poly-Vinyl Fluoride). The shape of the rear substrate Mo12 may be, for example, a flat plate, a sheet, or a film. The thickness of the rear substrate Mo12 may be, for example, about 0.01 mm to 5 mm.

[0038] The solar cell element Mo14 may be, for example, a flat substrate made of single crystal silicon or polycrystalline silicon, etc. When such a silicon substrate is used, adjacent solar cell elements Mo14 are electrically connected to each other by inner leads Mo15 as described above.

[0039] The type of the solar cell element Mo14 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a thin-film solar cell made of amorphous silicon, a CIGS solar cell, a CdTe solar cell, a solar cell in which an amorphous thin film is formed on a crystalline silicon substrate, a perovskite solar cell, etc. Also, a tandem solar cell in which a plurality of the above-mentioned solar cells are combined may be used.

[0040] [Terminal box Mo16] The terminal box Mo16 outputs the power generated by the power generating unit Mo10 to the outside. The terminal box Mo16 may be provided on the first main surface ms1 side of the power generating unit Mo10. The terminal box Mo16 may be provided near the center of the power generating unit Mo10 in the second direction D2. With this configuration, the total length of the inner leads Mo15 in the solar cell module Mo1 can be shortened, and the internal resistance can be reduced.

[0041] The terminal box Mo16 may be formed of a box body made of modified polyphenylene ether resin (modified PPE resin, PPE: Poly-Phenylen Ether) or polyphenylene oxide resin (PPO resin, PPO: Poly-Phenylen Oxide).

[0042] [Cable Mo17] The cable Mo17 is a member that outputs the electric power generated by the solar cell module Mo1 to an external device. The cable Mo17 may be led out from the terminal box Mo16. The cable Mo17 may include a first polarity cable Mo17a and a second polarity cable Mo17b. The first polarity cable Mo17a and the second polarity cable Mo17b may have polarities different from each other.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the first polarity cable Mo17a may extend along the second direction D2 in the solar cell device A1. The second polarity cable Mo17b may extend along the opposite direction to the direction in which the first polarity cable Mo17a extends in the solar cell device A1. That is, when the first polarity cable Mo17a extends along the positive side of the second direction D2, the second polarity cable Mo17b may extend along the negative side of the second direction D2, and when the first polarity cable Mo17a extends along the negative side of the second direction D2, the second polarity cable Mo17b may extend along the positive side of the second direction D2. The first polarity cable Mo17a may terminate within a cable housing part MP14 described later when viewed from the third direction D3 in the solar cell device A1. The second polarity cable Mo17b may terminate beyond the cable housing part MP14 when viewed from the third direction D3 in the solar cell device A1.

[0044] <1-2-2.Main body MP1> The main body part MP1 is a member in contact with the inclined surface IS of the structure B. Specifically, in a state where the solar cell system SY1 is constructed on the inclined surface IS, the main body part MP1 is a member of the solar cell device A1 in contact with the inclined surface IS. The main body part MP1 may be, for example, a building material used when constructing the structure B. The main body part MP1 may be, for example, a roofing material or an exterior wall material. The main body part MP1 may be, for example, a flat roof tile, slate, galvalume steel sheet (registered trademark), zinc potassium steel sheet (registered trademark), asphalt shingle, ceramic roof tile, ceramic plate, galvanized iron, cement roof tile, copper plate, clay roof tile, Western roof tile, Japanese roof tile, or the like. The main body part MP1 may be siding, tile, concrete panel, or the like. The main body part MP1 may have a structure as shown in, for example, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

[0045] The main body part MP1 may be directly supported by the inclined surface IS by being directly fixed to the inclined surface IS, or may be indirectly supported by the inclined surface IS by being indirectly fixed to the inclined surface IS via a member such as a crosspiece w.

[0046] The main body MP1 has a first portion MP11 and a second portion MP24. The first portion MP11 has a first surface smp1 that is a surface parallel to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The second portion MP24 is a portion that protrudes toward the third direction D3 at an end of the first portion MP11 on the positive side of the first direction D1. In other words, the second portion MP24 is a portion that protrudes from the first portion MP11 on the positive side of the first direction D1 from the first surface smp1 toward the positive side of the third direction D3. 9 to 14, the main body MP1 may further include an overlapping portion MP12, a terminal box housing portion MP13, a cable housing portion MP14, a bottom wall portion MP15, an erecting portion MP16, an intermediate portion MP17, a connecting portion MP18, a step portion MP19, an extended erecting portion MP20, an underlap portion MP21, a first leg portion MP22, a second leg portion MP23, or a first notch MP25. Among the faces of the main body MP1, a face opposite to the first face smp1 in the third direction D3 may be referred to as a second face smp2. The end of the first portion MP11 refers not only to the end of the first portion MP11 (main body MP1) but also to a certain region from the end.

[0047] The main body MP1 has a first portion MP11. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the main body MP1 may have the first portion MP11. The main body MP1 may further have a terminal box housing portion MP13, a cable housing portion MP14, a connecting portion MP18, an underlap portion MP21, a first leg portion MP22, and a second leg portion MP23. The main body MP1 may be generally quadrangular or rectangular when viewed from above in the third direction D3. In the present disclosure, generally quadrangular or rectangular means a shape that forms a quadrangular or rectangular shape in the absence of partial cutouts or the like.

[0048] The first portion MP11 may support the solar cell module Mo1 so as to face the first main surface ms1. The first portion MP11 may include a flat portion facing the positive side of the third direction D3. The first portion MP11 may support the solar cell module Mo1 with the flat portion in surface contact with the first main surface ms1.

[0049] As shown in Figure 10, on the surface of the first part MP11 on the negative side in the third direction D3, a stepped overlap part MP12 may be formed at the end on the negative side in the second direction D2, which is recessed further toward the positive side in the third direction D3 than other parts and extends along the positive side of the first direction D1.

[0050] The length of the first portion MP11 along the second direction D2 may be a working width, i.e., the length of a portion that is not covered by an adjacent solar cell device A1 along the second direction D2 when the solar cell device A1 is installed on the inclined surface IS to form the solar cell system SY1.

[0051] 9, the terminal box housing portion MP13 may be recessed from the first portion MP11 toward the negative side of the third direction D3. The terminal box housing portion MP13 may house the terminal box Mo16 in the solar cell device A1 so as to cover a portion of the terminal box Mo16 on the negative side in the third direction D3.

[0052] The cable housing MP14 may house the cable Mo17 so as to cover a portion of the cable Mo17 on the negative side in the third direction D3. The cable housing MP14 supports the cable Mo17 including the first polarity cable Mo17a and the second polarity cable Mo17b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the cable housing part MP14 may have a bottom wall part MP15, a standing part MP16, and an intermediate part MP17. The bottom wall part MP15 is a part having a plane perpendicular to the third direction D3. The standing part MP16 is a part located at an end part of the bottom wall part MP15 on the negative side of the first direction D1 and standing toward the positive direction of the third direction D3. The standing part MP16 may extend along the second direction D2. The intermediate part MP17 is a part located at an end part of the bottom wall part MP15 on the positive side of the first direction D1 and standing toward the positive direction of the third direction D3. The intermediate part MP17 may extend along the second direction D2. The intermediate part MP17 is located between the bottom wall part MP15 and the connecting part MP18 in the first direction D1.

[0053] The cable housing portion MP14 may be located on the negative side of the first direction D1 relative to the first portion MP11. The cable housing portion MP14 may be directly or indirectly continuous with the first portion MP11. When the terminal box housing portion MP13 is formed, the cable housing portion MP14 may be located on the negative side of the terminal box housing portion MP13 in the first direction D1. The cable housing portion MP14 may be continuous with the terminal box housing portion MP13. The cable housing portion MP14 may extend so as to be continuous along the second direction D2. The cable housing portion MP14 may extend from an end portion on the positive side or the negative side of the second direction D2 of the main body portion MP1.

[0054] In a state where another solar cell device A1 is arranged in at least one of the positive and negative directions of the second direction D2 to form a solar cell system SY1, the cable housing part MP14 may be covered by the other solar cell device A1 from the negative side of the third direction D3. For example, one end of the cable housing part MP14 of an arbitrary solar cell device A1 in the second direction D2 may be overlapped with an end of the cable housing part MP14 of another solar cell device A1 adjacent to the arbitrary solar cell device A1. To achieve such a configuration, the length of the cable housing part MP14 in the second direction D2 may be greater than the length of the first part MP11 in the second direction D2.

[0055] The cable housing portion MP14 may have a step portion MP19 that covers the cable housing portion MP14 of the other solar cell device A1 from the negative side of the third direction D3. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 13, the cable housing portion MP14 may have a step portion MP19 at at least one of the ends on the positive side or the negative side of the second direction D2. The cable housing portion MP14 may have a step portion MP19 at the end on the negative side of the second direction D2.

[0056] When the step MP19 is provided at the end of the cable housing part MP14 on either the positive or negative side of the second direction D2, the end of the cable housing part MP14 in the second direction D2 where the step MP19 is provided and the end of the cable housing part MP14 in the second direction D2 where the step MP19 is not provided may be offset in the third direction D3. Specifically, when the step MP19 is provided at the end of the cable housing part MP14 on the negative side of the second direction D2, the end of the cable housing part MP14 on the negative side of the second direction D2 and the end of the cable housing part MP14 on the positive side of the second direction D2 may be offset in the third direction D3. That is, in this case, the step MP19 and the bottom wall part MP15 of the cable housing part MP14 may be offset in the third direction D3. The step MP19 may be positioned, for example, offset toward the positive side of the third direction D3 or toward the negative side of the third direction D3 from the bottom wall part MP15. The step portion MP19 may extend from the end of the bottom wall portion MP15 toward the negative side in the second direction D2.

[0057] An extended standing portion MP20 may be provided at the end of the step portion MP19 on the negative side in the first direction D1, extending along the second direction D2 and standing in the positive direction of the third direction D3. The extended standing portion MP20 may be shifted, for example, toward the negative side of the first direction D1 from the standing portion MP16. The extended standing portion MP20 may extend in the negative direction of the second direction D2 from the end of the standing portion MP16.

[0058] In a state in which the solar cell system SY1 is formed by arranging another solar cell device A1 on at least one of the positive and negative sides of the second direction D2 of the solar cell device A1, the step MP19 may overlap an end of the cable housing portion MP14 of the other solar cell device A1 in the second direction D2 when viewed from above from the positive side of the third direction D3. From another perspective, when the step MP19 is provided, the length of the cable housing portion MP14 excluding the step MP19 along the second direction D2 may be equal to or shorter than the length of the first portion MP11. Specifically, further in this case, the length of the cable housing portion MP14 including the step MP19 along the second direction D2 may be equal to or longer than the length of the first portion MP11.

[0059] 9, the coupling part MP18 may be formed between the terminal box housing part MP13 and the cable housing part MP14 in the first direction D1. In other words, the coupling part MP18 may couple the terminal box housing part MP13 and the cable housing part MP14. The coupling part MP18 may accommodate the cable Mo17 so as to cover a portion of the cable Mo17 on the negative side in the third direction D3.

[0060] The coupling part MP18 may have, for example, a groove-like structure extending along the first direction D1. The length of the coupling part MP18 along the second direction D2 may be sufficient to accommodate the cable Mo17. Specifically, the length of the coupling part MP18 along the second direction D2 may be greater than the diameter of the cable Mo17. Furthermore, the length of the coupling part MP18 along the second direction D2 may be greater than the sum of the diameters of the first polarity cable Mo17a and the second polarity cable Mo17b. Furthermore, the length of the coupling part MP18 along the second direction D2 may be shorter than the length of the terminal box housing part MP13 along the second direction D2.

[0061] The underlap portion MP21 is located at the end of the first portion MP11 on the positive side or the end on the negative side in the second direction D2. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the underlap portion MP21 may be located at the end on the positive side in the second direction D2. The underlap portion MP21 may extend along the first direction D1. The underlap portion MP21 may have a groove shape extending along the first direction D1. The end of the underlap portion MP21 on the positive side in the first direction D1 may be open.

[0062] The underlap portion MP21 may further extend toward the positive side of the first direction D1 beyond the cable housing portion MP14. More specifically, the underlap portion MP21 may extend along the side of the first portion MP11 on the positive side of the second direction D2. The length of the underlap portion MP21 along the second direction D2 may be constant. Also, the length of the underlap portion MP21 along the second direction D2 may change so as to increase toward the positive direction of the first direction D1. Also, the length of the underlap portion MP21 along the second direction D2 may change so as to decrease toward the positive direction of the first direction D1.

[0063] In a state in which the solar cell system SY1 is formed by arranging another solar cell device A1 on the positive side of the second direction D2, the underlap portion MP21 may not entirely overlap with the overlap portion MP12 when viewed from above from the positive side of the third direction D3. In other words, the underlap portion MP21 may partially overlap with the overlap portion MP12 when viewed from above from the positive side of the third direction D3. From another perspective, the underlap portion MP21 may be positioned offset from the overlap portion MP12 in the second direction D2. The length of the underlap portion MP21 along the second direction D2 may be equal to or less than the length of the overlap portion MP12 along the second direction D2.

[0064] The first leg MP22 is a portion of the main body MP1 that is in contact with the inclined surface IS of the structure B. The first leg MP22 is in contact with the crosspiece w of the structure B, and thus is supported on the inclined surface IS of the structure B. The first leg MP22 may be indirectly in contact with the inclined surface IS of the structure B. The first leg MP22 may be directly in contact with the inclined surface IS of the structure B by being fixed to the inclined surface IS of the structure B. As shown in FIG. 10, the first leg MP22 may be located on the negative side of the first direction D1 from the first portion MP11. The first leg MP22 may be located near the positive side of the cable housing portion MP14 in the first direction D1. The first leg MP22 may protrude toward the negative side of the third direction D3. The first leg MP22 may have a ridge-like shape extending along the second direction D2.

[0065] The second leg MP23 is a portion of the main body MP1 that is in contact with another solar cell device A1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 25, in a state in which a plurality of solar cell devices A1 constitute a solar cell system SY1, when the solar cell device A1 located on the negative side (upper side) along the first direction D1 is the first solar cell device A11 and the solar cell device A1 located on the positive side (lower side) along the first direction D1 is the second solar cell device A12, the second leg MP23 of the first solar cell device A11 may be a portion that is in contact with the second solar cell device A12. The second leg MP23 may be in contact with the second solar cell device A12 by being in contact with the cover body CO1 of the second solar cell device A12. Also, the second leg MP23 may be in contact with the second solar cell device A12 by being in contact with the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) of the solar cell module Mo1 of the second solar cell device A12. When observed from the positive side of the third direction D3, the second leg portion MP23 of the first solar cell device A11 may not overlap with the solar cell element Mo14 of the second solar cell device A12. From another perspective, when observed from the positive side of the third direction D3, the second leg portion MP23 of the first solar cell device A11 may be in contact with the second solar cell device A12 in an area of ​​the light receiving surface of the second solar cell device A12 where the solar cell element Mo14 of the second solar cell device A12 is not present. With this configuration, it is possible to make the solar cell element Mo14 of the second solar cell device A12 less likely to be damaged. Also, the second leg portion MP23 of the first solar cell device A11 may be in contact with the cover body CO1 of the second solar cell device A12. With this configuration, when force is applied to the second solar cell device A12 through the second leg portion MP23 of the first solar cell device A11, the force is dispersed by the cover body CO1, making it possible to prevent damage to the main body portion MP1 of the second solar cell device A12.

[0066] The second leg MP23 may be located at an end of the main body MP1 on the positive side in the first direction D1. The second leg MP23 may protrude toward the negative side in the third direction D3. The second leg MP23 may extend along the second direction D2.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, the second part MP24 is located at the end of the first part MP11 (main body part MP1) on the positive side of the first direction D1. The second part MP24 may protrude from the entire end of the first part MP11 (main body part MP1) to the positive side of the first direction D1, or may protrude from a part of the end of the first part MP11 (main body part MP1) to the positive side of the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 2, in the solar cell device A1, the second part MP24 is exposed from the solar cell module Mo1 when observed from the positive side of the third direction D3. The second part MP24 may extend along the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 12, the second part MP24 protrudes from the flat part of the first part MP11 toward the positive side of the third direction D3. When seen through from the positive side of the third direction D3, the second part MP24 may overlap with the second leg part MP23.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the second portion MP24 has an upper surface su which is the surface on the positive side in the third direction D3. From another perspective, the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 may be considered to be the end surface of the second portion MP24 on the positive side of the third direction D3 (upper side in the vertical direction). The upper surface su may be inclined with respect to the light receiving surface or the first surface smp1, or may be parallel to it. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the second portion MP24 may have unevenness on the upper surface su. In other words, the second portion MP24 may have unevenness at the end on the positive side in the third direction D3. With such a configuration, it is possible to improve the drainage of rainwater and the like adhering to the upper surface su of the second portion MP24. The shape of the unevenness may be regular or irregular. The shape of the unevenness may be a matte pattern or other pattern. The shape of the unevenness may be a structure in which grooves extending along the first direction D1 to the side surface of the second portion MP24 on the positive side of the first direction D1 are arranged at regular intervals. The grooves may extend linearly or may be serpentine.

[0069] The position of the upper surface su of the second part MP24 in the third direction D3 is determined as described below. Specifically, the position of the upper surface su of the second part MP24 in the third direction D3 is determined so that the distance between the upper surface su of the second part MP24 and the first surface smp1 in the third direction D3 is smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface smp1. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 21, in the third direction D3, the first distance d1, which is the distance between the upper surface su of the second part MP24 of the main body part MP1 and the first surface smp1 of the first part MP11 of the main body part MP1, is smaller than the second distance d2, which is the distance between the second main surface ms2 (light receiving surface) of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the first part MP11 of the main body part MP1. From another perspective, the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 is located closer to the positive side in the third direction D3 than the upper surface su of the second part MP24 of the main body part MP1. In other words, the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 is located above the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 of the main body MP1 in the reference direction DR (vertical direction). With this configuration, when a plurality of solar cell modules Mo1 constitute the solar cell system SY1, rainwater or the like adhering to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 is less likely to be blocked by the second portion MP24 when it flows from the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 to the positive side of the first direction D1 via the second portion MP24 of the main body MP1. With this configuration, the solar cell system SY1 can reduce contamination of the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 by rainwater or the like.

[0070] The first distance d1, which is the distance between the upper surface su of the second part MP24 of the main body part MP1 and the first surface smp1 of the first part MP11 of the main body part MP1, is the distance from the first surface smp1 of the first part MP11 of the main body part MP1 to the upper surface su of the second part MP24 of the main body part MP1, with the first surface smp1 of the first part MP11 of the main body part MP1 as a reference. Specifically, the first distance d1 may be the distance between the line segment formed by the upper surface su and the inner surface and the line segment formed by the first surface smp1 and the inner surface on the side surface (hereinafter also referred to as the inner surface) of the second part MP24 that faces the second side surface ss2. From another perspective, the first distance d1 may be the thickness of the second part MP24 along the third direction D3 on the inner surface.

[0071] The second distance d2, which is the distance between the second main surface ms2 (light receiving surface) of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the first portion MP11 of the main body part MP1, is the distance from the first surface smp1 of the first portion MP11 of the main body part MP1 to the second main surface ms2 (light receiving surface) of the solar cell module Mo1, with the first surface smp1 of the first portion MP11 of the main body part MP1 as a reference. Specifically, the second distance d2 may be the distance between the line segment formed by the light receiving surface and the imaginary cross section and the line segment formed by the first surface smp1 and the imaginary cross section in a cross section (hereinafter also referred to as an imaginary cross section) parallel to the second side surface ss2 including the second side surface ss2. From another perspective, the second distance d2 may be the sum of the thickness of the solar cell module Mo1 along the third direction D3 and the thickness of the adhesive part AP along the third direction D3 in the imaginary cross section.

[0072] The position of the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 in the third direction D3 may be determined so that the second difference Δ2 is greater than the first difference Δ1 at any position as viewed from the third direction D3, as shown in Fig. 14. The first difference Δ1 is the difference between the position in the third direction D3 of the surface on the positive side of the third direction D3 of the solar cell device A1 and the position in the third direction D3 of the upper surface su of the second portion MP24. The second difference Δ2 is the difference between the position in the third direction D3 of the surface on the negative side of the third direction D3 of the solar cell device A1. 14, the second difference Δ21 at the first position p1 is larger than the first difference Δ11 at the first position p1 arbitrarily selected in the first direction D1. Also, the second difference Δ22 arbitrarily selected in the first direction D1 is larger than the first difference Δ12 at the second position p2 arbitrarily selected in the first direction D1.

[0073] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the main body MP1 may have a first notch MP25 at a corner on the negative side of the first direction D1 and the negative side of the second direction D2. The first notch MP25 may overlap with an opening formed on the negative side of the second direction D2 of the gutter portion CO13 when observed from the positive side of the third direction D3. The length of the first notch MP25 along the second direction D2 may be equal to or greater than the length of the underlap portion MP21 along the second direction D2. The length of the underlap portion MP21 along the second direction D2 compared to the length of the first notch MP25 along the second direction D2 may be the length along the second direction D2 at the end of the underlap portion MP21 on the negative side of the first direction D1.

[0074] The main body MP1 may be non-combustible. The "non-combustible" of the main body MP1 refers to the property of being a non-combustible material as defined by laws and regulations (for example, the Building Standards Act or the Enforcement Order of the Building Standards Act in Japan). The main body MP1 having non-combustible properties may be, for example, a bonded body of grains. The bonded body of grains may be an object formed by bonding rock grains by the effect of chemical change. The bonded body of grains may be, for example, concrete, pottery, etc. Concrete is a composite material in which coarse aggregates such as gravel and crushed stone, and fine aggregates such as sand and crushed sand are solidified using a binder such as cement, lime, gypsum, asphalt, sulfur, plastic, etc. Sand is rock grains of 1 / 16 mm to 2 mm.

[0075] <1-2-3. Cover body CO1> As shown in Fig. 2, the cover body CO1 may be located on the negative side of the solar cell module Mo1 in the first direction D1. As shown in Fig. 16, the cover body CO1 may be generally rectangular and flat. The cover body CO1 may extend along the second direction D2.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 2, the cover body CO1 may cover at least a part of the connecting portion MP18 from the positive side of the third direction D3. The cover body CO1 may cover the entire connecting portion MP18 from the positive side of the third direction D3. Also, as shown in Fig. 15, the cover body CO1 may cover the cable housing portion MP14 from the positive side of the third direction D3.

[0077] The cover body CO1 may be non-combustible or flame-retardant. The cover body CO1 having non-combustible properties may be formed of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The cover body CO1 having flame-retardant properties may be formed of a flame-retardant resin such as polyvinyl chloride. When the cover body CO1 is made of metal, it may be fixed to the main body part MP1 by any method. For example, the cover body CO1 may be mechanically fixed to the main body part MP1 by a member such as a nail, or may be fixed to the main body part MP1 by adhesion with a resin or the like. When the cover body CO1 is made of resin, it may be fixed by adhering to the main body part MP1 using an adhesive.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 16, the cover body CO1 may have a covering portion CO11, a protruding portion CO12, a groove portion CO13, and a gripping portion CO14.

[0079] The covering portion CO11 is a flat portion parallel to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The covering portion CO11 may extend continuously in the second direction D2. As shown in Fig. 17, in the solar cell device A1, the covering portion CO11 may cover an end portion of the solar cell module Mo1 on the negative side in the first direction D1 from the positive side in the third direction D3.

[0080] The convex portion CO12 may protrude from a portion of the cover body CO1 where the convex portion CO12 is provided toward the positive side of the third direction D3. The convex portion CO12 may protrude from the cover portion CO11 toward the positive side of the third direction D3, for example. The protruding tip of the convex portion CO12 may be bent or curved toward the positive side of the first direction D1. The cover body CO1 may have a plurality of convex portions CO12. The plurality of convex portions CO12 may be arranged side by side along the first direction D1 or may be arranged side by side along the second direction D2. When a plurality of convex portions CO12 are provided, the plurality of convex portions CO12 arranged in a straight line along the second direction D2 may be considered as a single convex portion CO12.

[0081] 16, the convex portion CO12 may extend along the second direction D2. The convex portion CO12 may have a second notch CO15 at a portion in the second direction D2. When a plurality of convex portions CO12 are provided, the second notch CO15 may be formed in the convex portion CO12 located furthest in the positive direction of the first direction D1.

[0082] The gutter portion CO13 may be located on the negative side of the first direction D1 relative to the protrusion portion CO12. As shown in Fig. 2, 16 and 17, when the solar cell device A1 is observed from the positive side of the third direction D3, the gutter portion CO13 may be located between the first portion MP11 and the cable housing portion MP14 in the first direction D1.

[0083] The gutter portion CO13 may extend continuously along the second direction D2. As shown in FIG. 18, at the end on the positive side of the second direction D2, the gutter portion CO13 may have an opening that connects the underlap portion MP21 and the gutter portion CO13. The connection between the underlap portion MP21 and the gutter portion CO13 means connecting a space defined by the bottom wall portion MP15 and the side wall portion CO132 that constitute the underlap portion MP21 to a space defined by the bottom wall portion CO131, the side wall portion CO132, and the imaginary ceiling wall that constitute the gutter portion CO13. The bottom wall portion CO131 that constitutes the gutter portion CO13 is a wall having a surface located on the negative side of the third direction D3. The side wall portion CO132 that constitutes the gutter portion CO13 is a wall that stands toward the positive side of the third direction D3 along the outer edge of the bottom wall portion CO131 that constitutes the gutter portion CO13. The imaginary ceiling wall of the gutter portion CO13 is a planar imaginary wall passing through the end of the side wall portion CO132 on the positive side in the third direction D3. As shown in Fig. 18, the first opening portion CO16 may be formed without forming the side wall portion CO132 at the end of the gutter portion CO13 on the positive side in the second direction D2.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 19, the end of the gutter portion CO13 on the negative side in the second direction D2 may reach the first notch MP25 of the main body portion MP1 when observed from the negative side of the third direction D3 in the solar cell device A1. Furthermore, the end of the gutter portion CO13 on the negative side in the second direction D2 may terminate at a position displaced toward the positive side in the second direction D2 from the end of the main body portion MP1 on the negative side in the second direction D2 by a length equal to or less than the length of the underlap portion MP21 along the second direction D2. The end of the main body portion MP1 on the negative side in the second direction D2 means the part of the main body portion MP1 that is the most negative side in the second direction D2. For example, when the main body portion MP1 is substantially rectangular, the end of the main body portion MP1 on the negative side in the second direction D2 may be the end on the negative side in the second direction D2 at the point where the length of the main body portion MP1 along the second direction D2 is maximum. In this case, the end of the main body part MP1 on the negative side in the second direction D2 is the end of the first part MP11 on the negative side in the second direction D2.

[0085] In the solar cell device A1, the gutter portion CO13 may have an inner bottom surface ib of the bottom wall portion CO131 that is located on the negative side of the solar cell module Mo1 in the first direction D1. As shown in Fig. 17, in the solar cell device A1, the inner bottom surface ib of the bottom wall portion CO131 may be located on the negative side of the second main surface ms2 (light receiving surface) of the solar cell module Mo1 in the third direction D3. The inner bottom surface ib is the surface of the bottom wall portion CO131 on the positive side in the third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 2, the groove portion CO13 may be located on the positive side of the underlap portion MP21 in the third direction D3.

[0086] An opening may be formed at the end of the gutter portion CO13 on the negative side in the second direction D2. For example, as shown in Fig. 20, a second opening CO17 may be formed without forming a sidewall at the end of the gutter portion CO13 on the negative side in the second direction D2.

[0087] 21, in solar cell device A1, the height of bottom wall portion CO131 of gutter portion CO13 in the third direction D3 may be determined so that a height difference δ1 between the first leg portion MP22 and the second leg portion MP23 in the third direction D3 is equal to a height difference δ2 between the second portion MP24 and bottom wall portion CO131 of gutter portion CO13. The height difference δ1 between the first leg portion MP22 and the second leg portion MP23 in the third direction D3 is the difference in position in the third direction D3 between the portion of the first leg portion MP22 closest to the negative side in the third direction D3 and the portion of the second leg portion MP23 closest to the negative side in the third direction D3. The height difference δ2 between the second portion MP24 and the bottom wall portion CO131 of the gutter portion CO13 in the third direction D3 is the difference between the position of the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 in the third direction D3 and the position of the inner bottom surface ib of the bottom wall portion CO131 of the gutter portion CO13 in the third direction D3.

[0088] The gutter portion CO13 may overlap with the first leg portion MP22 when observed from the third direction D3. Specifically, the gutter portion CO13 may be disposed so as to overlap with the first leg portion MP22 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 when observed from the third direction D3.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 17, the gripping portion CO14 grips the solar cell module Mo1 from the negative side of the first direction D1. The gripping portion CO14 may have a shape that protrudes from the covering portion CO11 toward the negative side of the third direction D3. In this case, the gripping portion CO14 may have a shape in which an end of the protruding portion extends toward the positive side of the first direction D1. In other words, the gripping portion CO14 may have a shape that protrudes from the covering portion CO11 toward the negative side of the third direction D3 and bends toward the positive side of the first direction D1.

[0090] <1-2-4. Covering PP> As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 22, the covering portion PP is a member that contacts the side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and covers the solar cell module Mo1. Specifically, the covering portion PP is a member that contacts the side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and covers the side surface of the solar cell module Mo1. Here, the side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 refers not only to the side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 but also to a certain area from the side surface. By providing the covering portion PP, the force applied to the side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 can be alleviated, and the durability of the solar cell module Mo1 can be improved. The covering portion PP may be provided on at least one of the first side surface ss1, the second side surface ss2, the third side surface ss3, and the fourth side surface ss4. The material of the covering portion PP may be a resin. For example, a silicone resin may be used as the material of the covering portion PP. The covering portion PP may contact not only the side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 but also the light receiving surface or the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1. In this case, the covering portion PP may cover the side of the solar cell module Mo1 from the side surface to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. When the covering portion PP contacts the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1, the covering portion PP may have a portion located between the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1. In this case, the covering portion PP may bond the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1. In this case, the covering portion PP may be separated from the adhesive portion AP described later, may be in contact with the adhesive portion AP, or may be integrated with the adhesive portion AP. The covering portion PP may have a first covering portion PPs1, a second covering portion PPs2, a third covering portion PPs3, or a fourth covering portion PPs4.

[0091] The first covering portion PPs1 is a member that covers at least the first side surface ss1 of the solar cell module Mo1. In other words, the first covering portion PPs1 has a portion that covers the first side surface ss1 of the solar cell module Mo1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the first covering portion PPs1 may have a portion that covers the first side surface ss1 of the solar cell module Mo1 on the positive side of the second direction D2. The material of the first covering portion PPs1 may be a resin. From another perspective, the first covering portion PPs1 may contain a resin. For example, a silicone resin may be used as the material of the first covering portion PPs1. By providing the first covering portion PPs1, the force applied to the first side surface ss1 of the solar cell module Mo1 can be alleviated, and the durability of the solar cell module Mo1 can be improved.

[0092] The first covering portion PPs1 may be in contact with not only the first side surface ss1 of the solar cell module Mo1 but also the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) of the solar cell module Mo1. When the first covering portion PPs1 is in contact with the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1, the first covering portion PPs1 may have a protruding portion Bu that protrudes toward the positive side of the third direction D3 from the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. That is, the first covering portion PPs1 may have a portion that covers the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. In this case, the first covering portion PPs1 may cover the side portion of the solar cell module Mo1 on the positive side of the second direction D2 from the first side surface ss1 to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the first covering portion PPs1 may cover an area along the first side surface ss1 of the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. With this configuration, the amount of rainwater, etc. adhering to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 that flows along the first side surface ss1 of the solar cell module Mo1 into the underlap portion MP21 is reduced, and therefore the inflow of rainwater, etc. onto the inclined surface IS of the structure B due to rainwater overflowing from the underlap portion MP21 can be reduced.

[0093] The first covering portion PPs1 may be in contact with not only the first side surface ss1 of the solar cell module Mo1 but also the back surface (first main surface ms1). When the first covering portion PPs1 is in contact with the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1, the first covering portion PPs1 may have a portion located between the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1. That is, the first covering portion PPs1 may have a portion located between the solar cell module Mo1 and the main body portion MP1 and covering the back surface (first main surface ms1) of the solar cell module Mo1. In this case, the first covering portion PPs1 may bond the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1. In this case, the first covering portion PPs1 may be separated from the adhesive portion AP described later, may be in contact with the adhesive portion AP, or may be integrated with the adhesive portion AP.

[0094] The first covered portion PP1 may be connected to a third covered portion PPs3 (described later) via a second covered portion PPs2. The first covered portion PPs1 may be connected to a third covered portion PPs3 (described later) via an adhesive portion AP.

[0095] The second covering portion PPs2 is a member that contacts the second side surface ss2 and covers the second side surface ss2. Specifically, the second covering portion PPs2 is a member that contacts the side portion of the solar cell module Mo1 on the positive side of the first direction D1 and covers the side portion. For example, the second covering portion PPs2 may have a shape as shown in FIG. 22. The material of the second covering portion PPs2 may be a resin. From another perspective, the second covering portion PPs2 may contain a resin. For example, a silicone resin may be used as the material of the second covering portion PPs2. By providing the second covering portion PPs2, the durability of the solar cell module Mo1 can be improved even when the distance between the upper surface su and the first surface smp1 of the second portion MP24 is made smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface smp1. This is because, when the distance between the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 and the first surface smp1 is made smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface smp1, at least a part of the second side surface ss2 of the light-transmitting base material Mo11 of the solar cell module Mo1 is exposed to the outside. However, by covering the second side surface ss2 with the second covering portion PPs2, the translucent base material Mo11 can be made less susceptible to breakage. The tempered glass that is normally used for the translucent base material Mo11 of the solar cell module Mo1 generally has lower durability against forces applied from the side surface compared to durability against forces applied from the light-receiving surface side. For this reason, by providing the second covering portion PPs2, the translucent base material Mo11 can be made less susceptible to breakage.

[0096] The second covering member PPs2 may not be in contact with the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) of the solar cell module Mo1. From another perspective, the second covering member PPs2 may be located below the light receiving surface in the third direction D3. With this configuration, rainwater, etc. flowing over the light receiving surface is not impeded by the second covering member PPs2 when it flows toward the positive side of the first direction D1, so that accumulation of rainwater, etc. on the light receiving surface can be reduced.

[0097] The second covering portion PPs2 may be in contact with the second portion MP24 of the main body portion MP1. Specifically, the second covering portion PPs2 may be in contact with the upper surface su of the second portion MP24. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the intrusion of rainwater or the like between the second portion MP24 of the main body portion MP1 and the second side surface ss2 of the solar cell module Mo1.

[0098] The second covering portion PPs2 may be in contact with not only the second side surface ss2 of the solar cell module Mo1 but also the back surface (first main surface ms1). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22, the second covering portion PPs2 may be present in the space between the second portion MP24 of the main body portion MP1 and the solar cell module Mo1 and may be in contact with the back surface. When the second covering portion PPs2 is in contact with the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1, the second covering portion PPs2 may have a portion located between the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1. In this case, the second covering portion PPs2 may bond the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1. In this case, the covering portion PP may be separated from the adhesive portion AP described later, may be in contact with the adhesive portion AP, or may be integrated with the adhesive portion AP.

[0099] The third covering portion PPs3 is a member that covers at least the third side surface ss3 of the solar cell module Mo1. In other words, the third covering portion PPs3 has a portion that covers the third side surface ss3 of the solar cell module Mo1. Specifically, the third covering portion PPs3 may have a portion that covers the third side surface ss3 of the solar cell module Mo1 on the negative side of the second direction D2. The material of the third covering portion PPs3 may be a resin. From another perspective, the third covering portion PPs3 may contain a resin. For example, a silicone resin may be used as the material of the third covering portion PPs3. By providing the third covering portion PPs3, the force applied to the third side surface ss3 of the solar cell module Mo1 can be alleviated, and the durability of the solar cell module Mo1 can be improved. The third covering portion PPs3 may have the same configuration as the first covering portion PPs1, or may have a different configuration.

[0100] The third covering portion PPs3 may be in contact with not only the third side surface ss3 of the solar cell module Mo1 but also the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) of the solar cell module Mo1. When the third covering portion PPs3 is in contact with the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1, the third covering portion PPs3 may have a protruding portion Bu that protrudes toward the positive side of the third direction D3 from the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. That is, the third covering portion PPs3 may have a portion that covers the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. In this case, the height of the protruding portion Bu of the third covering portion PPs3 in the third direction D3 may be different from the height of the protruding portion Bu of the first covering portion PPs1 in the third direction D3. For example, the height of the protruding portion Bu of the third covering portion PPs3 in the third direction D3 may be greater than the height of the protruding portion Bu of the first covering portion PPs1 in the third direction D3. On the other hand, the height of the raised portion Bu of the third covered portion PPs3 in the third direction D3 may be the same as the height of the raised portion Bu of the first covered portion PPs1 in the third direction D3. With this configuration, the solar cell device A1 can be manufactured more easily.

[0101] The third covering portion PPs3 may be in contact with not only the third side surface ss3 of the solar cell module Mo1 but also the back surface (first main surface ms1). When the third covering portion PPs3 is in contact with the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1, the third covering portion PPs3 may have a portion located between the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1. That is, the third covering portion PPs3 may have a portion located between the solar cell module Mo1 and the main body portion MP1 and covering the back surface (first main surface ms1) of the solar cell module Mo1. In this case, the third covering portion PPs3 may bond the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the main body portion MP1. In this case, the third covering portion PPs3 may be separated from the adhesive portion AP described later, may be in contact with the adhesive portion AP, or may be integrated with the adhesive portion AP.

[0102] The fourth covering member PPs4 is a member that contacts the fourth side surface ss4 and protects the fourth side surface ss4. Specifically, the fourth covering member PPs4 is a member that contacts the side portion of the solar cell module Mo1 on the negative side of the first direction D1 and covers the side portion. The material of the fourth covering member PPs4 may be resin. From another perspective, the fourth covering member PPs4 may contain resin.

[0103] <1-2-5. Adhesive part AP> The adhesive part AP is a member that bonds the first surface smp1 of the main body part MP1 and the back surface of the solar cell module Mo1. More specifically, it is a member that bonds the first surface smp1 of the main body part MP1 and the second region of the power generating part Mo10. With this configuration, when a force is applied to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1, the adhesive part AP relieves the force, thereby improving the durability of the solar cell module Mo1. The adhesive part AP may be present in the entire space between the main body part MP1 and the solar cell module Mo1. The material of the adhesive part AP may be a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or an elastomer-based resin. The material of the adhesive part AP may be, for example, a silicone resin.

[0104] <1-3. Summary of the structure of the solar cell device A1> The structure of the solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0105] In the solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment, in the third direction D3, the distance between the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 and the first surface smp1 is smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface smp1. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in the third direction D3, the distance between the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 of the main body MP1 and the first surface smp1 of the first portion MP11 of the main body MP1 is smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) of the solar cell module Mo1 and the first surface smp1 of the first portion MP11 of the main body MP1. From another perspective, the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) of the solar cell module Mo1 is located on the positive side in the third direction D3 than the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 of the main body MP1. In other words, the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) of the solar cell module Mo1 is located above the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 of the main body MP1 in the vertical direction. With this configuration, in a state where a plurality of solar cell modules Mo1 constitute the solar cell system SY1, rainwater or the like adhering to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 is less likely to be blocked by the second portion MP24 when it flows from the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 to the positive side of the first direction D1 through the second portion MP24 of the main body MP1. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the contamination of the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 by rainwater or the like.

[0106] In the solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment, the main body MP1 has a first portion MP11 having a first surface smp1, and a second portion MP24 protruding upward from an end of the first portion MP11 in the first direction D1 beyond the first surface smp1. In this case, the direction in which the second portion MP24 protrudes may be the vertical direction, the third direction D3, the reference direction DR, or the like. , may be a direction intersecting with the first surface smp1. The second portion MP24 terminates below a virtual plane including the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2). In other words, the second portion MP24 is located below a virtual plane including the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2). Here, the virtual plane including the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) is a plane obtained by virtually extending the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. With this configuration, when a plurality of solar cell modules Mo1 constitute the solar cell system SY1, rainwater or the like attached to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 is less likely to be blocked by the second portion MP24 when it flows from the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 to the positive side of the first direction D1 through the second portion MP24 of the main body MP1. This makes it possible to reduce the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 from being soiled by rainwater or the like.

[0107] 2 and 6, in the solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment, the distance between the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 and the first surface smp1 may be smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) and the first surface smp1 over the entire length in the second direction D2. With this configuration, rainwater or the like adhering to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 at any position in the second direction D2 is less likely to be blocked by the second portion MP24 when flowing toward the positive side of the first direction D1. This can further reduce the contamination of the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 by rainwater or the like.

[0108] The solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment may further include a first covering portion PP1 that contacts the first side surface ss1 or the third side surface ss3 of the solar cell module Mo1 to protect the first side surface ss1 or the third side surface ss3 of the solar cell module Mo1. With this configuration, the force applied to the side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 can be reduced, and the durability of the solar cell module Mo1 can be improved.

[0109] In the solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment, the first covering portion PP1 may cover the solar cell module Mo1 from the first side surface ss1 or the third side surface ss3 of the solar cell module Mo1 to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1. That is, the solar cell device A1 may further include a first covering portion PPs1 having a portion covering the first side surface ss1, which is the side surface of the solar cell module Mo1 on the positive side of the second direction D2, a portion covering the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2), and a portion located between the solar cell module Mo1 and the main body portion MP1 and covering the back surface (first main surface ms1). In this case, the first covering portion PPs1 may contain a resin. With this configuration, the amount of rainwater, etc. that flows into the underlap portion MP21 along the first side surface ss1 of the solar cell module Mo1 among the rainwater, etc. that adheres to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 is reduced, so that the inflow of rainwater, etc. onto the inclined surface IS of the structure B due to the rainwater overflowing from the underlap portion MP21 can be reduced.

[0110] In the solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment, the light-transmitting base material Mo11 may have, among its sides on the positive side in the first direction D1, a side on the positive side in the third direction D3 chamfered. From another perspective, among the four sides included in the light-receiving surface, the side on the positive side in the first direction D1 may be chamfered. With this configuration, rainwater or the like flowing over the light-receiving surface can slide down toward the second portion MP24. This can reduce the occurrence of contamination of the light-receiving surface due to rainwater or the like.

[0111] The solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment may have a second covering portion PP2 that contacts the second side surface ss2 and protects the second side surface ss2. With this configuration, the durability of the solar cell module Mo1 can be improved even when the distance between the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 and the first surface smp1 in the third direction D3 is made smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) and the first surface smp1 in the third direction D3. This is because the second portion When the distance between the upper surface su of the portion MP24 and the first surface smp1 is made smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) and the first surface smp1, the second side surface ss2 of the light-transmitting base material Mo11 of the solar cell module Mo1 is exposed to the outside, but the second covering portion PPs2 protects the second side surface ss2, making it possible to make the light-transmitting base material Mo11 less likely to be damaged. The tempered glass that is usually used for the light-transmitting base material Mo11 of the solar cell module Mo1 generally has lower durability against forces received from the side surface compared to durability against forces received from the light-receiving surface side. For this reason, by providing the second covering portion PPs2, it is possible to make the light-transmitting base material Mo11 less likely to be damaged.

[0112] In the solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment, the second portion MP24 may have an uneven surface su. In other words, the second portion MP24 may have an uneven surface at an end portion on the positive side of the third direction D3. This configuration can improve the drainage of rainwater and the like adhering to the upper surface su of the second portion MP24.

[0113] The solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment may have an adhesive part AP that bonds the first surface smp1 to a second region, which is a region of the rear surface of the solar cell module Mo1 that is not in contact with the terminal box Mo16. With this configuration, when a force is applied to the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1, the adhesive part AP relieves the force, thereby improving the durability of the solar cell module Mo1.

[0114] In the solar cell device A1 according to this embodiment, the light-transmitting base material Mo11 may have irregularities on the light-receiving surface (second main surface ms2). With this configuration, it is possible to improve the drainage of rainwater and the like adhering to the second main surface ms2 of the solar cell module Mo1. The shape of the unevenness may be regular or irregular. The uneven shape may be a matte pattern or other patterns. The uneven shape is a groove extending along the first direction D1 to the side surface (second side surface ss2) of the solar cell module Mo1 on the positive side in the first direction D1. The grooves may be arranged at regular intervals. The grooves may extend linearly or may be serpentine.

[0115] <1-4. Summary of the structure of the solar cell system SY1> The structure of a solar cell system SY1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 25, in a state where a plurality of solar cell devices A1 constitute a solar cell system SY1, when the solar cell device A1 located on the negative side (upper side) along the first direction D1 is the first solar cell device A11 and the solar cell device A1 located on the positive side (lower side) along the first direction D1 is the second solar cell device A12, the second leg MP23 of the first solar cell device A11 may be in contact with the second solar cell device A12. The second leg MP23 of the first solar cell device A11 may be in contact with the cover body CO1 of the second solar cell device A12. The second leg MP23 may be in contact with the second solar cell device A12 by being in contact with the light receiving surface of the solar cell module Mo1 of the second solar cell device A12. When observed from the positive side of the third direction D3, the second leg MP23 of the first solar cell device A11 may be located so as not to overlap with the solar cell element Mo14 of the second solar cell device A12. From another perspective, when observed from the positive side of the third direction D3, the second leg portion MP23 of the first solar cell device A11 may be in contact with the second solar cell device A12 in an area of ​​the light receiving surface of the second solar cell device A12 where the solar cell element Mo14 is not present inside the second solar cell device A12. With this configuration, it is possible to make it difficult for the solar cell element Mo14 of the second solar cell device A12 to be damaged. Also, the second leg portion MP23 of the first solar cell device A11 may be in contact with the cover body CO1 of the second solar cell device A12. With this configuration, when a force is applied to the second solar cell device A12 via the second leg portion MP23 of the first solar cell device A11, the force is dispersed by the cover body CO1, so that the second solar cell device A12 is prevented from being damaged. This makes it possible to make the main body MP1 of the solar cell device A12 less susceptible to damage.

[0117] <1-5. How to install the solar cell system SY1> A method for forming a solar cell system SY1 by installing a plurality of solar cell devices A1 having the above-mentioned configuration on an inclined surface IS will be described below. As shown in Fig. 23, the solar cell devices A1 may be installed on the inclined surface IS in order from the eaves side. Also, the solar cell devices A1 may be installed in order along the second direction D2 (row direction) from the negative side of the second direction D2 with the positive side of the first direction D1 facing the eaves side.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 24, the newly installed solar cell device A1a is installed from the positive side of the third direction D3 so that the underlap portion MP21 of the solar cell device A1b already installed on the inclined surface IS is entirely covered with the overlap portion MP12 of the newly installed solar cell device A1a. The newly installed solar cell device A1a may be installed so that the first portion MP11 of the solar cell device A1b adjacent thereto along the second direction D2 (row direction) is adjacent to each other. In this case, the first portion MP11 of the newly installed solar cell device A1a may be in contact with the first portion MP11 of the solar cell device A1b adjacent thereto along the second direction D2 (row direction) or may be located at a certain distance. As shown in FIG. 25, the newly installed solar cell device A1a may be installed so that its second leg portion MP23 is in contact with the cover body CO1 of the solar cell device A1c on the eaves side. The newly installed solar cell device A1a may be installed so that the first leg portion MP22 is engaged with the crosspiece w.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 26, the second polarity cable Mo17b of a newly installed solar cell device A1a may be connected to the first polarity cable Mo17a of an adjacent already installed solar cell device A1b along the second direction D2 (row direction) after being installed on the inclined surface IS.

[0120] The solar cell device A1 installed on the inclined surface IS may be fixed to the inclined surface IS by any means. For example, the solar cell device A1 may be fixed to the inclined surface IS via a crosspiece w using a fastener such as a nail.

[0121] <1-6. Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described first embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0122] <2. Embodiment 2> In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0123] The solar cell device A2 according to the second embodiment has a curved shape along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the solar cell device A2 according to the second embodiment may have a shape with a concave center along the second direction D2. Note that the cable Mo17 is not shown in FIG. 27. This shape makes it easier for rainwater to collect in the center, and the collected rainwater droplets become larger. Therefore, rainwater or the like adhering to the light receiving surface slides down toward the second portion MP24. This can reduce the occurrence of dirt on the light receiving surface caused by rainwater or the like.

[0124] In the solar cell device A2 according to the second embodiment, the distance in the third direction D3 between the upper surface su and the first surface smp1 of the second portion MP24 is also smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) and the first surface smp1. For example, as shown in Figs. 27 and 28, in the solar cell device A2 according to the second embodiment, the distance in the third direction D3 between the upper surface su and the first surface smp1 of the second portion MP24 may be smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface (second main surface ms2) and the first surface smp1. Here, as shown in Fig. 28, for example, The distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface smp1 can be considered to correspond to the distance between the side XX and the side YY. The distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface smp1 can be considered to correspond to the distance between the side ZZ and the side YY. The side XX is a side corresponding to the upper surface su of the second portion MP24 in the XXVIII-XXVIII cross section (hereinafter also referred to as the imaginary surface) in FIG. 27. In other words, the side XX is a side formed by the imaginary surface and the upper surface su. The side YY is a side corresponding to the first surface smp1 of the first portion MP11 in the imaginary surface in FIG. 27. In other words, the side YY is a side formed by the imaginary surface and the first surface smp1. The side ZZ is a side corresponding to the second main surface ms2 of the solar cell module Mo1 (power generation unit Mo10) in the imaginary surface in FIG. 27. In other words, the side ZZ is a side formed by the imaginary surface and the second main surface ms2.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 29, the solar cell module Mo1 according to the second embodiment includes a translucent base material Mo11, a transparent electrode, a photoelectric conversion unit, a back electrode, an extraction electrode, a back surface base material Mo12, and a filler Mo13. The transparent electrode is in contact with the translucent base material Mo11. The photoelectric conversion unit is in contact with the transparent electrode. A part of the photoelectric conversion unit may be in contact with the translucent base material Mo11. The back surface electrode may be in contact with the photoelectric conversion unit and the transparent electrode. The extraction electrode is in contact with the transparent electrode. A part of the extraction electrode may be in contact with the translucent base material Mo11 or the back surface base material Mo12. In the example of FIG. 29, a case where a plurality of photoelectric conversion units are arranged along the second direction D2 is described.

[0126] In the solar cell module Mo1 according to the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 29, the rear surface base material Mo12 is positioned so as to face the light-transmitting base material Mo11. The solar cell module Mo1 according to the second embodiment has an internal space between the light-transmitting base material Mo11 and the rear surface base material Mo12. The solar cell module Mo1 according to the second embodiment may have other components such as a photoelectric conversion unit disposed in the internal space. In other words, the other components of the solar cell module Mo1 according to the second embodiment may be positioned between the light-transmitting base material Mo11 and the rear surface base material Mo12.

[0127] The photoelectric conversion section is a member that receives light energy and outputs electrical energy. A thin-film solar cell may be used for the photoelectric conversion section. An organic thin-film solar cell, a compound solar cell, a silicon thin-film solar cell, or the like may be used for the thin-film solar cell. The organic thin-film solar cell may be a perovskite solar cell, a dye-sensitized solar cell, an organic semiconductor solar cell, or the like. The compound solar cell may be a CIGS solar cell, a CIS solar cell, a CdTe solar cell, a GaAs solar cell, or the like. The silicon thin-film solar cell may be an amorphous silicon solar cell, a microcrystalline silicon solar cell, or the like. The thin-film solar cell may be a multi-junction solar cell in which a plurality of the above-mentioned thin-film solar cells are combined, or a tandem solar cell.

[0128] The filler Mo13 is a member that fills the gap in the space (hereinafter also referred to as the internal space) between the light-transmitting base material Mo11 and the back base material Mo12. The filler Mo13 may have insulating properties. The filler Mo13 contacts a plurality of photoelectric conversion units in the internal space. For example, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyvinyl acetal such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and acid-modified resin are applied as the material of the filler Mo13. For example, modified polyolefin resin that can be formed by graft modification of resin such as polyolefin with acid are applied as the acid that can be used for graft modification of the acid-modified resin. For example, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, maleic anhydride, hymic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, and the like are applied as the acid-modified resin.

[0129] The transparent electrode is an electrode that is transparent to light in a specific wavelength range. As a material for the transparent electrode, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) that is transparent to light in a specific wavelength range may be used. Examples of TCO include indium tin oxide (ITO) and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (Al-doped zinc oxide). ZO) may also be used.

[0130] The back electrode is an electrode that collects carriers generated in response to irradiation of the photoelectric conversion unit with light. The back electrode may be made of a material having excellent electrical conductivity, such as gold (Au), or a TCO.

[0131] The extraction electrode is an electrode used to extract electricity generated in the multiple photoelectric conversion units to the outside of the solar cell module Mo1 according to embodiment 2. Specifically, the extraction electrode is an electrode used to extract carriers collected by the transparent electrode or the back electrode to the outside. The material of the extraction electrode may be a metal or a conductive polymer.

[0132] The solar cell device A2 according to the embodiment 2 may have a shape curved along the second direction D2 because the main body part MP1 according to the embodiment 2 has a shape curved along the second direction D2. In this case, the solar cell module Mo1 according to the embodiment 2 may have a shape curved along the second direction D2 following the shape of the main body part MP1 according to the embodiment 2.

[0133] <3. Embodiment 3> In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0134] The solar cell device A3 according to the third embodiment has a curved shape along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the solar cell device A3 according to the third embodiment has a shape with a bulging center along the second direction D2. In this case, the structure B may be a dome-shaped structure B, or may be a structure B with a curved inclined surface IS. This shape makes it difficult for rainwater to collect in the center. Therefore, impurities contained in rainwater or the like adhering to the light-receiving surface are unlikely to precipitate in the center of the light-receiving surface, and therefore it is possible to reduce the occurrence of contamination of the light-receiving surface caused by rainwater or the like.

[0135] In the solar cell device A3 according to the embodiment 3, the main body part MP1 according to the embodiment 3 may have a shape curved in a convex shape toward the positive side of the third direction D3 along the second direction D2. In this case, the solar cell module Mo1 according to the embodiment 3 may have a shape curved in a convex shape toward the positive side of the third direction D3 along the second direction D2, following the shape of the main body part MP1 according to the embodiment 3. In addition, the solar cell module Mo1 according to the embodiment 3 may have a similar configuration to the solar cell module Mo1 according to the embodiment 1 or the solar cell module Mo1 according to the embodiment 2.

[0136] The solar cell module Mo1 according to the third embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. Also, in FIG. 30, the cable Mo17 is omitted.

[0137] <4. Embodiment 4> In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0138] The solar cell device A4 according to the fourth embodiment has a shape that is curved in a convex shape toward the positive side of the third direction D3 along the first direction D1. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, the solar cell device A4 according to the fourth embodiment has a shape that bulges in the center along the first direction D1. In this case, the structure B may be a dome-shaped structure B, or may be a structure B whose inclined surface IS is a curved surface. By adopting such a shape, rainwater is less likely to collect in the center. Therefore, impurities contained in rainwater or the like that adheres to the light-receiving surface are less likely to precipitate in the center of the light-receiving surface, and thus the occurrence of contamination of the light-receiving surface due to rainwater or the like can be reduced.

[0139] In the solar cell device A4 according to the embodiment 4, the main body part MP1 according to the embodiment 4 may have a shape curved in a convex shape toward the positive side of the third direction D3 along the first direction D1. In this case, the solar cell module Mo1 according to the embodiment 4 may have a shape curved along the first direction D1 following the shape of the main body part MP1 according to the embodiment 4. The solar cell module Mo1 according to the embodiment 4 may have a similar configuration to the solar cell module Mo1 according to the embodiment 1 or the solar cell module Mo1 according to the embodiment 2.

[0140] <5. Embodiment 5> In the fifth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0141] In the solar cell device A5 according to embodiment 5, the second portion MP24 has a 2A portion MP24A and a 2B portion MP24B having a first distance d1 different from that of the 2A portion MP24A. The 1B distance d1B, which is the first distance of the 2B portion MP24B, may be greater than or smaller than the 1A distance d1A, which is the first distance of the 2A portion MP24A. In the examples of FIGS. 32 and 33, the 1B distance d1B is smaller than the first distance d1A. That is, in this case, the 2B portion MP24B may be a portion of the second portion MP24 that is recessed toward the third direction D3. From another perspective, in this case, the second portion MP24 is recessed toward the third direction D3. In this way, it is possible to improve the drainage at the upper surface su of the second portion MP24.

[0142] 6. Summary of this disclosure This disclosure includes the following:

[0143] In one embodiment, (1) a solar cell device includes a main body having a first portion having a first surface parallel to a first direction and a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and a second portion protruding at an end of the first portion in the first direction toward a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and a solar cell module having a light receiving surface and located on the first surface, wherein in the third direction, the distance between an upper surface of the second portion and the first surface is smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface.

[0144] (2) In the solar cell device of (1) above, the distance between an upper surface of the second portion and the first surface in the third direction is smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface over the entire length in the second direction.

[0145] (3) Any of the solar cell devices (1) to (2) above further includes a first covering portion having a portion covering a first side surface, which is the side surface of the solar cell module in the second direction, a portion covering the light receiving surface, and a portion located between the solar cell module and the main body portion and covering the first surface, wherein the first covering portion includes a resin.

[0146] (4) Any of the solar cell devices (1) to (3) above further has a second covering portion covering a second side surface of the solar cell module in the first direction, the second side surface being a side surface facing the second portion, the second covering portion including a resin, and the second covering portion being located below the light receiving surface in the third direction.

[0147] (5) In the solar cell device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, the second portion has projections and recesses on the upper surface.

[0148] (6) In any one of the solar cell devices (1) to (5) above, the solar cell module has a back surface opposite to the first surface, the back surface having a first region in contact with a terminal box and a second region not in contact with the terminal box, and a bonding material for bonding the first surface and the second region. The adhesive portion further includes a bonding portion.

[0149] (7) In the solar cell device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the solar cell module has a light-transmitting base material that constitutes the light-receiving surface, and the light-transmitting base material has projections and recesses on the light-receiving surface.

[0150] (8) A solar cell system includes a plurality of solar cell devices according to any one of (1) to (7) above, and is located on an inclined surface of a structure, wherein the main body portion further has a first leg portion in contact with the inclined surface and a second leg portion in contact with another solar cell device located lower in the first direction than the solar cell device itself, and when observed from the third direction, the solar cell elements of the other solar cell devices do not overlap with the second leg portion.

[0151] In one embodiment, (11) a solar cell device includes a main body having a first portion having a first surface parallel to a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second portion at an end of the first portion in the first direction protruding upward from the first surface, and a solar cell module having a light receiving surface and positioned above the first surface, wherein the second portion terminates below an imaginary plane including the light receiving surface.

[0152] (12) In the solar cell device of (11) above, in a third direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, the distance between the upper surface of the second portion and the first surface is smaller than the distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface over the entire length in the second direction.

[0153] (13) Any of the solar cell devices (11) to (12) above further includes a first covering portion having a portion covering a first side surface, which is the side surface of the solar cell module in the second direction, a portion covering the light receiving surface, and a portion located between the solar cell module and the main body portion and covering the first surface, wherein the first covering portion includes a resin.

[0154] (14) Any of the solar cell devices (11) to (13) above further has a second covering portion covering a second side surface of the solar cell module in the first direction, the second side surface being a side surface facing the second portion, the second covering portion including a resin, and the second covering portion being located below the light receiving surface in the third direction.

[0155] (15) In the solar cell device according to any one of (11) to (14) above, the second portion has projections and recesses on the upper surface.

[0156] (16) In any of the solar cell devices (11) to (15) above, the solar cell module has a back surface opposite the first surface, the back surface having a first region in contact with a terminal box and a second region not in contact with the terminal box, and further having an adhesive portion that bonds the first surface and the second region.

[0157] (17) In the solar cell device according to any one of (11) to (16) above, the solar cell module has a light-transmitting base material that constitutes the light-receiving surface, and the light-transmitting base material has projections and recesses on the light-receiving surface.

[0158] (18) A solar cell system includes a plurality of solar cell devices according to any one of (11) to (17) above, and is located on an inclined surface of a structure, wherein the main body portion further has a first leg portion in contact with the inclined surface and a second leg portion in contact with another solar cell device located lower in the first direction than the solar cell device itself, and when observed from the third direction, the solar cell elements of the other solar cell devices do not overlap with the second leg portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] Solar cell system: SY1 Structure :B External surface:OS Inclined surface:IS Sanki :w Building materials: BC Solar cell device: A1, A1a, A1b, A1c, A2, A3, A4, A5, A11, A12 Solar cell module: Mo1 Power generation unit: Mo10 Transparent base material: Mo11 Back substrate: Mo12 Filler: Mo13 Solar cell element: Mo14 Inner lead: Mo15 Transparent electrode: Mo21 Photoelectric conversion part: Mo22 Back electrode: Mo23 External electrode: Mo24 First main surface: ms1 Second main surface: ms2 First side: ss1 Second side: ss2 Third side: ss3 Fourth side: ss4 Terminal box:Mo16 Cable: Mo17 First polarity cable: Mo17a Second polarity cable: Mo17b Main unit: MP1 Part 1: MP11 Overlap: MP12 Terminal box housing: MP13 Cable storage section: MP14 Bottom wall: MP15 Standing part: MP16 Middle part: MP17 Connecting part: MP18 Multilayered part: MP19 Extension standing part: MP20 Underlap section: MP21 1st leg: MP22 2nd leg: MP23 Part 2: MP24 Top surface: su Part 2A: MP24A Part 2B: MP24B First notch: MP25 Side 1:smp1 Side 2:smp2 Cover body: CO1 Cover: CO11 Convex part: CO12 Hibe:CO13 Bottom wall (of gutter): CO131 Side wall (of gutter): CO132 Gripping part: CO14 2nd notch: CO15 1st opening: CO16 2nd opening: CO17 Covering: PP First coating part: PPs1 Ridge:Bu Third coating part: PPs3 Ridge:Bu Second coating part: PPs2 Fourth coating part: PPs4

Claims

1. a main body portion including a first portion having a first surface parallel to a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second portion protruding from an end of the first portion in the first direction toward a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction; a solar cell module having a light receiving surface and positioned on the first surface; a distance between an upper surface of the second portion and the first surface in the third direction is smaller than a distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface.

2. The solar cell device according to claim 1 , wherein a distance between an upper surface of the second portion and the first surface in the third direction is smaller than a distance between the light receiving surface and the first surface over the entire length in the second direction.

3. a first covering portion including a portion covering a first side surface of the solar cell module in the second direction, a portion covering the light receiving surface, and a portion located between the solar cell module and the main body portion and covering the first surface, The solar cell device according to claim 1 , wherein the first covering portion includes a resin.

4. a second covering portion covering a second side surface of the solar cell module in the first direction, the second side surface being a side surface facing the second portion, the second covering portion includes a resin, The solar cell device according to claim 1 , wherein the second covering portion is located below the light receiving surface in the third direction.

5. The solar cell device according to claim 1 , wherein the second portion has an uneven surface on the upper surface.

6. the solar cell module has a back surface opposite to the first surface, The back surface has a first region in contact with the terminal box and a second region not in contact with the terminal box, The solar cell device according to claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive portion that bonds the first surface and the second region.

7. The solar cell module has a light-transmitting base material that constitutes the light-receiving surface, The solar cell device according to claim 1 , wherein the light-transmitting base material has irregularities on the light-receiving surface.

8. A solar cell system including a plurality of solar cell devices according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and located on an inclined surface of a structure, the main body further includes a first leg portion in contact with the inclined surface and a second leg portion in contact with another solar cell device located lower than the solar cell device in the first direction, When observed from the third direction, the solar cell element of the other solar cell device does not overlap with the second leg.

9. a main body portion including a first portion having a first surface parallel to a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second portion protruding upward from an end of the first portion in the first direction beyond the first surface; a solar cell module having a light receiving surface and positioned on the first surface; The second portion terminates below an imaginary plane that includes the light receiving surface.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Load protector

    JP1988003612A