Solar cell array

Abstract

To provide a solar cell array capable of fixing a sheet-like solar cell module to a roof material by utilizing a mounting metal fitting for a conventional solar cell module thicker than a sheet-like solar cell module.SOLUTION: A solar cell array 1 includes a solar cell module 10, a fixing member 20 for fixing the solar cell module 10 to an installation object 80, and a spacer 30 located between the solar cell module 10 and the fixing member 20. The solar cell module 10 has a photoelectric conversion part 11 and a support part 12. The fixing member 20 has a coupling part 21 coupled to the installation object 80 and a pedestal part 22. The spacer 30 has a spacer engaging part 31 engaged with the support part 12 and an abutting part 32 abutting on the pedestal part 22. The spacer engaging part 31 is configured to be movable in the first direction intersecting a side where the support part 12 is positioned with respect to the pedestal part 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to solar cell arrays. [Background technology]

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a mounting bracket for installing a solar cell module having a superstraight structure on a roof material is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-234587 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar cell array that can fix sheet-like solar cell modules to a roofing material using mounting fixtures for conventional solar cell modules that are thicker than the sheet-like solar cell modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A solar cell array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes one or more solar cell modules, a fixing member, and a spacer. The fixing member fixes each of the one or more solar cell modules to an installation target. The spacer is located between each of the one or more solar cell modules and at least a part of the fixing member. Each of the one or more solar cell modules has one photoelectric conversion unit and two support units. The photoelectric conversion unit is a substantially rectangular plate or sheet having two sides along a first direction and two sides along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The two support units are located on each of the two sides along the second direction. The fixing member has a connecting portion that is connected to the installation target, and a pedestal portion that is located closer to the solar cell module than the connecting portion. The spacer has a spacer engaging portion that engages with the supporting portion of the solar cell module to restrict movement of the supporting portion in the first direction, and an abutting portion that abuts against the pedestal portion of the fixing member. The spacer is configured such that the spacer engagement portion and the abutment portion are aligned in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the spacer engagement portion is configured to be movable in the first direction relative to a base portion of the fixing member. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the solar cell array of the present disclosure, the sheet-like solar cell modules are fixed to the roofing material using mounting fixtures for conventional solar cell modules, which are thicker than the sheet-like solar cell modules. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of a solar cell array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a front view of the solar cell array of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow A. [Diagram 3] 2 is a side view of the solar cell array of FIG. 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow B. [Figure 4] 3 is an enlarged view of a part C enclosed by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5]5 is an enlarged view of a part D enclosed by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell array in which the installation direction of the solar cell module is rotated 90 degrees from the installation direction in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 7 is a side view of the solar cell array of FIG. 6 as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow G. FIG. [Figure 8] 7 is a front view of the solar cell array of FIG. 6 as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow H. FIG. [Figure 9] This is a modified example in which the spacer is rectangular. [Figure 10] 13 is a modified example in which the spacer has a first reinforcing portion. [Figure 11] 13 is a modified example in which the spacer has a second reinforcing portion. [Figure 12] 13 is a modified example in which the spacer has a second distance adjustment portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a solar cell module. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 taken along line E-E. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a solar cell array according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 15 shown in FIG. [Figure 18] This is a configuration example in which the spacer engagement portion in FIG. 4 is provided with an elastic member. [Figure 19] This is a configuration example in which the spacer engagement portion in FIG. 17 is provided with an elastic member. [Figure 20] This is a configuration example in which the module engagement portion in FIG. 17 is provided with an elastic member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] There is a demand for fixing solar cell modules to various types of roofing materials such as folded-plate roofs. Solar cell modules with a super-straight structure are known as solar cell modules that are widely distributed. In solar cell modules with a super-straight structure, a glass substrate is used as a protective material for the cells. Solar cell modules with a super-straight structure also include a frame with a U-shaped cross section on the outer periphery. In order to fix a solar cell module with a super-straight structure to a roofing material, metal fittings are sometimes used to clamp and fix the frame of the solar cell module.

[0009] As a solar cell module having a structure different from the above-mentioned superstraight structure solar cell module, a sheet-type solar cell module is known in which a transparent film is used as a protective material for the cells instead of a glass substrate. In the sheet-type solar cell module, the frame structure may be simplified in order to reduce the weight of the solar cell module.

[0010] Here, compared to solar cell modules with a super straight structure, sheet-like solar cell modules are more likely to bend when subjected to loads caused by wind, snow accumulation, etc. When metal fittings for fixing the above-mentioned solar cell module with a super straight structure to a roofing material are used to fix a sheet-like solar cell module to a roofing material, the sheet-like solar cell module may bend when subjected to loads caused by wind, snow accumulation, etc., and the sheet-like solar cell module may fall off the metal fittings or come into contact with the roofing material.

[0011] Therefore, in this disclosure, a solar cell array 1 (see FIG. 1) is described in which a sheet-shaped solar cell module 10 (see FIG. 1) is unlikely to fall off or come into contact with a roofing material when installed on the roofing material. In other words, a structure is proposed that can firmly fix the sheet-shaped solar cell module 10 to the roofing material.

[0012] (Example of the configuration of solar cell array 1) As shown in Fig. 1, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the solar cell array 1 is installed on a folded-plate roof 80. The folded-plate roof 80 is a planar roof material formed by folding a metal plate. The plane on which the folded-plate roof 80 extends is also referred to as the roof surface of the folded-plate roof 80, and corresponds to the XY plane. The normal direction of the roof surface of the folded-plate roof 80 corresponds to the Z-axis direction.

[0013] The folded plate roof 80 has a plurality of peaks 81 protruding upward from the roof material, i.e., toward the positive side of the Z axis, and a plurality of valleys 83 located between the peaks 81. Both the peaks 81 and the valleys 83 extend in the Y axis direction, i.e., in the same direction. The direction in which the peaks 81 extend is also referred to as the extension direction of the peaks 81. In this disclosure, the extension direction of the peaks 81 corresponds to the Y axis direction. The folded plate roof 80 does not have to have the peaks 81 or the valleys 83.

[0014] Within the roof surface of the folded-plate roof 80, the peak-shaped portions 81 and the valley-shaped portions 83 are arranged alternately along a direction intersecting the extending direction of the peak-shaped portions 81.

[0015] At least some of the mountain-shaped portions 81 have a seam portion 82. The seam portion 82 is a portion where two metal plates are joined. The seam portion 82 extends along the mountain-shaped portion 81.

[0016] The solar cell array 1 may be installed on various other members without being limited to being installed on a roof material such as the folded-plate roof 80. In the present disclosure, the roof material such as the folded-plate roof 80 on which the solar cell array 1 is installed is also referred to as the installation target.

[0017] The solar cell array 1 includes one or more solar cell modules 10 and a fixing member 20. Each of the one or more solar cell modules 10 is fixed to a mountain-shaped portion 81 of a folded-plate roof 80 by the fixing member 20.

[0018] The solar cell module 10 is a plate-like or sheet-like member having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view toward the folded-plate roof 80. That is, the outer shape of the solar cell module 10 is a substantially rectangular shape having two opposing long sides and two opposing short sides. A plan view toward the folded-plate roof 80 means viewing the folded-plate roof 80 toward the negative side of the Z axis. The solar cell module 10 is installed on the folded-plate roof 80 so that its long side is aligned with the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, that is, the Y-axis direction. As described later, the solar cell module 10 may be installed so that its long side is aligned with the direction intersecting the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, that is, the X-axis direction (see FIG. 6). The solar cell module 10 may also be square-shaped.

[0019] In the example of FIG. 1, each of the two long sides of the solar cell module 10 is fixed to the folded plate roof 80 by three fixing members 20 arranged at equal intervals along the long side. In other words, one solar cell module 10 is fixed to the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded plate roof 80 by six fixing members 20. The number of fixing members 20 used to fix one solar cell module 10 is not limited to six, and may be five or less, or seven or more. The number of fixing members 20 fixing one long side of the solar cell module 10 is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more. Each of the two long sides of the solar cell module 10 may be fixed by the same number of fixing members 20, or may be fixed by a different number of fixing members 20. The multiple fixing members 20 fixing one long side of the solar cell module 10 may be arranged at equal intervals along the long side, or may be arranged at unequal intervals along the long side.

[0020] Each component of the solar cell array 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4. The fixing member 20 located between the two solar cell modules 10 fixes both of the two solar cell modules 10 to the folded-plate roof 80 on which they are to be installed. In other words, the two solar cell modules 10 located on both sides of one fixing member 20 are fixed to the folded-plate roof 80 by the fixing member 20. In the present disclosure, the two solar cell modules 10 located on both sides of one fixing member 20 and fixed to the folded-plate roof 80 by the fixing member 20 may be distinguished as the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102. In other words, the multiple solar cell modules 10 include the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102. The first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102 may be the same solar cell module 10. Hereinafter, the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102 will be simply referred to as the solar cell module 10 when there is no need to distinguish them.

[0021] One solar cell module 10 includes one photoelectric conversion unit 11 and two support units 12. The photoelectric conversion unit 11 is a substantially rectangular plate-like or sheet-like member having two sides along the first direction and two sides along the second direction. The second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction. The second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In the installation mode of the solar cell module 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the two sides along the first direction correspond to the short sides of the solar cell module 10. The two sides along the second direction correspond to the long sides of the solar cell module 10. As described above, when the solar cell module 10 is installed on the folded plate roof 80 so that the long sides of the solar cell module 10 are along the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded plate roof 80, that is, the Y-axis direction, the first direction is a direction intersecting the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded plate roof 80. As described later, when the solar cell module 10 is installed on the folded-plate roof 80 so that the long side of the solar cell module 10 is aligned along the direction intersecting the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, i.e., along the X-axis direction (see FIG. 6), the first direction is the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80. The structure of the photoelectric conversion unit 11 will be described later (see FIGS. 13 and 14). The support portion 12 is a plate-shaped member located along each of the two long sides of the approximately rectangular shape of the photoelectric conversion unit 11. The support portion 12 is located on each of the two sides along the second direction. In other words, when the solar cell module 10 is installed on the folded-plate roof 80 so that the long side of the solar cell module 10 is aligned along the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, i.e., along the Y-axis direction, the support portion 12 is located on each of the two sides along the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80 to be installed. The support portion 12 has a module engaging portion 13. The module engaging portion 13 engages with a spacer engaging portion 31 of a spacer 30, which will be described later.

[0022] The fixing member 20 includes a connecting portion 21, a base portion 22, and a clamping portion .

[0023] The connecting portion 21 is connected to an installation target. In the present disclosure, the connecting portion 21 is connected to the installation target by sandwiching a seam portion 82 of the folded-plate roof 80, which is the installation target. The connecting portion 21 is connected to the installation target by fastening two members that sandwich the seam portion 82 with a connecting portion fastening member 211. The connecting portion fastening member 211 may be a member that combines a bolt and a nut.

[0024] Pedestal portion 22 is located on the opposite side of the installation target as viewed from connecting portion 21, and faces the surface along which solar cell module 10 extends. In other words, pedestal portion 22 is located closer to solar cell module 10 than connecting portion 21. Pedestal portion 22 is configured integrally with one of the two members that configure connecting portion 21. Clamping portion 23 is located opposite pedestal portion 22.

[0025] The clamping portion 23 is fastened to the base portion 22 by a clamping portion fastening member 231. The clamping portion 23 is fastened in a direction approaching the base portion 22, thereby clamping a spacer 30 (described later) between the clamping portion 23 and the base portion 22. The clamping portion fastening member 231 may be a member formed by combining a bolt and a nut.

[0026] The solar cell array 1 further includes a spacer 30. The spacer 30 is located between the base portion 22 and the clamping portion 23 of the fixing member 20, and is clamped by the base portion 22 and the clamping portion 23. The spacer 30 includes a spacer engagement portion 31, a contact portion 32, and a distance adjustment portion 33. The spacer 30 illustrated in FIG. 4 is U-shaped in a side view along the Y axis. The spacer 30 is configured such that the spacer engagement portion 31 and the contact portion 32 are aligned in the Z-axis direction, which is the normal direction of the roof surface of the folded plate roof 80. The direction in which the spacer engagement portion 31 and the contact portion 32 are aligned is also referred to as the third direction. The third direction is a direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The third direction corresponds to the Z-axis direction.

[0027] The spacer engagement portion 31 engages with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10. The spacer engagement portion 31 engages with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10, thereby restricting movement of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the X-axis direction. In the installation mode of the solar cell module 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the X-axis direction corresponds to the first direction. In other words, the spacer engagement portion 31 restricts movement of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the first direction.

[0028] 4, the spacer engagement portion 31 is a groove-shaped recess extending in the Y-axis direction. The module engagement portion 13 is a rib-shaped protrusion extending in the Y-axis direction. In other words, when the module engagement portion 13 is a groove-shaped recess extending along the Y-axis direction, the spacer engagement portion 31 may have a rib-shaped protrusion configured to fit into the recess of the module engagement portion 13.

[0029] Conversely, the spacer engagement portion 31 may be a rib-shaped convex portion extending in the Y-axis direction, and the module engagement portion 13 may be a groove-shaped concave portion extending in the Y-axis direction. In other words, when the module engagement portion 13 is a rib-shaped convex portion extending along the Y-axis direction, the spacer engagement portion 31 may have a groove-shaped concave portion configured to fit into the convex portion of the module engagement portion 13.

[0030] Since the spacer engagement portion 31 and the module engagement portion 13 extend in the Y-axis direction, i.e., in the direction along the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10, it becomes possible to fix the solar cell module 10 at any position on the support portion 12 with the fixing member 20. Since the position at which the support portion 12 is fixed can be freely determined, the burden of the work of aligning the solar cell module 10 when fixing the solar cell module 10 to the installation target is reduced. As a result, workability is improved. In the installation mode of the solar cell module 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the second direction.

[0031] The protruding direction of the spacer engaging portion 31 or the convex portion of the module engaging portion 13 is the Z-axis direction, that is, the direction in which the spacer 30 is clamped between the clamping portion 23 and the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20. By forming the convex portion along the direction in which the spacer 30 is clamped, the spacer engaging portion 31 and the module engaging portion 13 are firmly engaged with each other when the spacer 30 is clamped by the fixing member 20.

[0032] When the spacer 30 and the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 are sandwiched between the clamping portion 23 and the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20, the spacer 30 is located between the solar cell module 10 and the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20. In other words, the spacer 30 is located between the solar cell module 10 and a part of the fixing member 20. Here, as described later, the fixing member 20 may not have the clamping portion 23. When the fixing member 20 does not have the clamping portion 23, the spacer 30 is located between the solar cell module 10 and the entire fixing member 20. The spacer 30 is located between the solar cell module 10 and at least a part of the fixing member 20, including both cases where the fixing member 20 has the clamping portion 23 and cases where it does not have the clamping portion 23.

[0033] The spacer engagement portion 31 that engages with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the first solar cell module 101 is also referred to as a first spacer engagement portion 311 (see FIG. 4). The spacer engagement portion 31 that engages with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the second solar cell module 102 is also referred to as a second spacer engagement portion 312 (see FIG. 4). The support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 is clamped between the clamping portion 23 of the fixing member 20 and the spacer engagement portion 31. The spacer 30 illustrated in FIG. 4 is divided into a first spacer having a first spacer engagement portion 311 and a second spacer having a second spacer engagement portion 312.

[0034] The abutment portion 32 abuts against the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20. The distance adjustment portion 33 adjusts the distance in the Z-axis direction between the spacer engagement portion 31 and the abutment portion 32. The distance between the roof surface of the folded-plate roof 80 on which the solar cell module 10 is to be installed and the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20 is determined by the dimensions of the fixing member 20. In other words, the spacer 30 adjusts the distance between the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 that engages with the spacer engagement portion 31 and the roof surface of the folded-plate roof 80 on which the solar cell module 10 is to be installed.

[0035] The spacer 30 separates the solar cell module 10 from the roof surface of the folded-plate roof 80 on which it is to be installed. By separating the solar cell module 10 from the roof surface, even if the solar cell module 10 is subjected to a load caused by snow accumulation or the like and the solar cell module 10 is bent, the possibility of the solar cell module 10 touching the roof surface is reduced. The length of the distance adjustment unit 33 in the Z-axis direction, i.e., the third direction, may be designed according to the possibility of the solar cell module 10 touching the roof surface when it is bent. By reducing the possibility of the solar cell module 10 touching the roof surface, the possibility of the solar cell module 10 touching the roof surface and being damaged or falling off is reduced.

[0036] The position of the spacer 30 in the Z-axis direction is limited by the abutment of the abutment portion 32 of the spacer 30 against the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20. Meanwhile, the abutment portion 32 of the spacer 30 is configured to be movable in the X-axis direction while being in abutment against the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20. Therefore, the spacer 30 can move in the X-axis direction so that the spacer engagement portion 31 engages with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10. Because the spacer 30 can move in the X-axis direction, the position of the spacer 30 in the X-axis direction can be adjusted even if the size of the solar cell module 10 in the X-axis direction does not match the interval of the seam portion 82 to which the fixing member 20 can be fixed.

[0037] The first spacer having the first spacer engagement portion 311 and the second spacer having the second spacer engagement portion 312 are configured to move in the X-axis direction independently of each other. That is, the first spacer engagement portion 311 that engages with the first solar cell module 101 and the second spacer engagement portion 312 that engages with the second solar cell module 102 are configured to be movable in the X-axis direction independently of each other. The first spacer engagement portion 311 and the second spacer engagement portion 312 can move in the X-axis direction independently of each other, so that the positions of the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102 are determined independently. In the installation mode of the solar cell module 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the X-axis direction corresponds to the first direction. That is, the spacer 30 can move in the first direction. In addition, the first spacer engagement portion 311 and the second spacer engagement portion 312 are configured to be movable in the first direction independently of each other.

[0038] The plate- or sheet-like photoelectric conversion unit 11 of the solar cell module 10 according to the present disclosure is flexible. When the flexible solar cell module 10 is bent under load, the bend of the solar cell module 10 may remain even after the load is removed. From the viewpoint of preventing rainwater and the like from accumulating on the bent solar cell module 10, it is preferable that the valleys generated when the solar cell module 10 is bent are aligned along the inclination direction of the roof surface on which the solar cell module 10 is to be installed.

[0039] When the installation target of the solar cell module 10 is a folded-plate roof 80, the solar cell module 10 is fixed by the fixing member 20 at the support part 12 located on the side along the inclination direction of the folded-plate roof 80 with respect to the seam part 82 located on the mountain-shaped part 81 of the folded-plate roof 80. When the solar cell module 10 is installed on the folded-plate roof 80 so that the long side of the solar cell module 10 is along the extension direction of the mountain-shaped part 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, that is, the Y-axis direction, as illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, if there is a difference between the width of the solar cell module 10 in the direction in which the mountain-shaped parts 81 of the folded-plate roof 80 are arranged, that is, the width in the X-axis direction, and an integer multiple of the pitch of the mountain-shaped parts 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, a difference occurs between the X-axis position of the support part 12 of the solar cell module 10 and the X-axis position of the seam part 82 to which the solar cell module 10 is fixed, in the direction in which the mountain-shaped parts 81 of the folded-plate roof 80 are arranged. That is, a difference occurs between the position in the X-axis direction of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 and the position in the X-axis direction of the seam portion 82 to which the solar cell module 10 is fixed.

[0040] Therefore, the first spacer engagement portion 311 and the second spacer engagement portion 312 can move independently of each other in the direction in which the mountain-shaped portions 81 of the folded-plate roof 80 are lined up, i.e., in the X-axis direction, relative to the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20 fixed to the seam portion 82 of the folded-plate roof 80, thereby absorbing the difference between the position in the X-axis direction of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 and the position in the X-axis direction of the seam portion 82, and the solar cell module 10 is fixed.

[0041] Furthermore, the spacer 30 is clamped between the clamping portion 23 and the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20 after the spacer engagement portion 31 engages with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10, and thus the position of the spacer 30 in the X-axis direction is fixed by the frictional force acting on the spacer 30 from the fixing member 20. Since the position of the spacer 30 in the X-axis direction is fixed after the spacer engagement portion 31 engages with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10, the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 is less likely to come off the spacer engagement portion 31. In other words, the solar cell module 10 is firmly fixed to the fixing member 20.

[0042] 5, the clamping portion 23 of the fixing member 20 has a restricting portion 232. The restricting portion 232 limits the position of the spacer 30 in the X-axis direction so that the spacer 30 does not collide with the clamping portion fastening member 231. In other words, the spacer 30 can move in the X-axis direction until it abuts against the restricting portion 232. Furthermore, the spacer 30 can move in the X-axis direction within a range in which the position of the spacer 30 in the X-axis direction does not come off the clamping portion 23 of the fixing member 20. The clamping portion 23 does not have to have the restricting portion 232.

[0043] (Example of solar cell module 10 rotated by 90 degrees) As shown in Fig. 6, the solar cell module 10 may be installed on the folded-plate roof 80 so as to be rotated 90 degrees from the installation direction of the solar cell module 10 in Fig. 1. In other words, the solar cell module 10 may be installed so that its long side intersects with the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, i.e., along the X-axis direction.

[0044] 7, the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102 may be installed side by side in the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81, i.e., in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Fig. 8, the fixing member 20 is installed such that the connecting portion 21 is connected to the seam portion 82 of the mountain-shaped portion 81.

[0045] 7, the spacer 30 is installed such that the spacer engagement portion 31 restricts the movement of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the Y-axis direction. The first spacer engagement portion 311 and the second spacer engagement portion 312 are configured to be able to move in the Y-axis direction independently of each other. That is, in an example in which the installation direction of the solar cell module 10 is rotated 90 degrees, the first direction corresponds to the Y-axis direction. Meanwhile, the second direction corresponds to the X-axis direction.

[0046] In comparison between the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fixing member 20 is arranged in the same direction so that the joint portion 21 is joined to the seam portion 82. On the other hand, the spacer 30 is arranged to rotate 90 degrees with respect to the fixing member 20 in accordance with the installation direction of the solar cell module 10. Since the spacer 30 can be rotated around the clamping portion fastening member 231 of the fixing member 20 and arranged, the installation direction of the solar cell module 10 can be determined regardless of the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded plate roof 80. As a result, the solar cell module 10 can be arranged so that its long side is along the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded plate roof 80. In addition, the solar cell module 10 can be arranged so that its long side is along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81. In addition, the solar cell module 10 can be arranged so that its long side is along a direction inclined at an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81.

[0047] (Examples of other shapes of the spacer 30 in a side view along the Y axis) The shape of the spacer 30 in a side view along the Y axis is not limited to the U-shape illustrated in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, and may be a rectangular shape illustrated in Fig. 9. In the spacer 30 illustrated in Fig. 9, a surface that abuts against the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20 corresponds to the abutment portion 32. Also, a portion that engages with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 corresponds to the spacer engagement portion 31 (first spacer engagement portion 311 in Fig. 9). In the spacer 30 illustrated in Fig. 9, a portion between the surface that corresponds to the abutment portion 32 and the surface on which the spacer engagement portion 31 is located may correspond to the distance adjustment portion 33.

[0048] 9 may not have a portion corresponding to the distance adjustment portion 33. In other words, the spacer 30 may not have the distance adjustment portion 33. When the distance adjustment portion 33 is not present, the spacer 30 may be divided into a portion including a surface that abuts against the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20 and a portion including a portion that engages with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10.

[0049] The shape of the spacer 30 in a side view along the Y axis may be any of the shapes exemplified in FIGS.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the spacer 30 may include a first reinforcing portion 37 located between the first spacer engagement portion 311 (spacer engagement portion 31) and the abutment portion 32 when the spacer 30 is viewed from the side in the direction along the Y axis. One end of the first reinforcing portion 37 may be connected to a portion of the first spacer engagement portion 311 (spacer engagement portion 31) that does not contact the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10. The other end of the first reinforcing portion 37 may be connected to a portion of the abutment portion 32 that does not contact the base portion 22. In other words, the first reinforcing portion 37 may function to support the first spacer engagement portion 311 (spacer engagement portion 31) when a force toward the negative direction of the Z axis acts on the first spacer engagement portion 311 (spacer engagement portion 31). By including the first reinforcing portion 37 in the spacer 30, the spacer 30 becomes less likely to deform when a force is applied to the spacer 30 from the solar cell module 10.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the spacer 30 may include a second reinforcing portion 38 located between the first spacer engagement portion 311 (spacer engagement portion 31) and the distance adjustment portion 33 when the spacer 30 is viewed from the side in the direction along the Y axis. One end of the second reinforcing portion 38 may be connected to a portion of the first spacer engagement portion 311 (spacer engagement portion 31) that does not contact the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10. The other end of the second reinforcing portion 38 may be connected to a portion of the distance adjustment portion 33 that does not contact the fixing member 20. In other words, the second reinforcing portion 38 may function to support the first spacer engagement portion 311 (spacer engagement portion 31) when a force toward the negative direction of the Z axis acts on the first spacer engagement portion 311 (spacer engagement portion 31). By including the second reinforcing portion 38 in the spacer 30, the spacer 30 becomes less likely to deform when a force is applied to the spacer 30 from the solar cell module 10.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the spacer 30 may include a distance adjustment portion 39 located between the first spacer engagement portion 311 (spacer engagement portion 31) and the abutment portion 32 when the spacer 30 is viewed from the side in the direction along the Y axis. The distance adjustment portion 33 is also referred to as a first distance adjustment portion. The distance adjustment portion 39 is also referred to as a second distance adjustment portion. The distance adjustment portion 39 (second distance adjustment portion) extends along the Z axis so as to be approximately parallel to the distance adjustment portion 33 (first distance adjustment portion). The distance adjustment portion 39 (second distance adjustment portion) may be connected to a portion of the first spacer engagement portion 311 that does not contact the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10. The distance adjustment portion 39 (second distance adjustment portion) may be connected to a portion of the abutment portion 32 that does not contact the base portion 22. Since spacer 30 is provided with not only distance adjustment portion 33 (first distance adjustment portion) but also distance adjustment portion 39 (second distance adjustment portion), when a force is applied from solar cell module 10 to spacer 30 causing spacer 30 to rotate counterclockwise on the page of Figure 12, one of the ends of distance adjustment portion 39 (second distance adjustment portion) that connects to abutment portion 32 receives a reaction force from base portion 22, making spacer 30 less likely to come off from fixing member 20.

[0053] The shape of the spacer 30 in a side view along the Y axis is not limited to the above example, and may be various other shapes. In the installation state of the solar cell module 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the side view of the spacer 30 along the Y axis is the side view of the spacer 30 along the second direction.

[0054] (Example of the configuration of the solar cell module 10) As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the solar cell module 10 includes a photoelectric conversion unit 11 and a support unit 12. As described above, the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is in the form of a substantially rectangular plate or sheet having two sides along a first direction and two sides along a second direction. The support unit 12 is located along the two long sides of the substantially rectangular shape of the photoelectric conversion unit 11, and supports the photoelectric conversion unit 11. In the installation mode of the solar cell module 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the two sides along the first direction correspond to the short sides of the photoelectric conversion unit 11. The two sides along the second direction correspond to the long sides of the photoelectric conversion unit 11.

[0055] The photoelectric conversion section 11 includes a front sheet 111, a back sheet 112, a solar cell element 113, a front sealing material 115, and a back sealing material .

[0056] The front sheet 111 is located on the side where sunlight enters the solar cell module 10, i.e., the front side of the solar cell module 10. A material having light transmissivity and weather resistance is used for the front sheet 111. A material further having moisture barrier properties may be used for the front sheet 111. For example, a fluororesin sheet such as FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene), ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), or ECTFE (Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene) may be used for the material of the front sheet 111. Various other materials may also be used for the material of the front sheet 111.

[0057] The back sheet 112 is located on the back side of the solar cell module 10. A material having weather resistance and moisture permeability barrier properties is used for the back sheet 112. For example, PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) may be used for the material of the back sheet 112. The same material as that of the front sheet 111 may be used for the material of the back sheet 112. A fiber reinforced composite material (FRP) in which a glass cloth is impregnated with a resin may be used for the material of the back sheet 112. A multi-layer material in which FRP and PET are laminated may be used for the material of the back sheet 112. Various other materials may be used for the material of the back sheet 112.

[0058] The solar cell element 113 is located in a space sandwiched between the front sheet 111 and the back sheet 112. A crystalline silicon-based element may be used as the solar cell element 113. Other types of elements such as thin-film silicon-based elements may be used as the solar cell element 113. A perovskite-based element may be used as the solar cell element 113. A tandem-type element may be used as the solar cell element 113. The tandem-type element may be a combination of the same type of elements from the above-mentioned elements, or a combination of different types of elements from the above-mentioned elements. The tandem-type element may be a combination of a perovskite-based element and a crystalline silicon-based element. The tandem-type element may be a combination of a perovskite-based element and a thin-film silicon-based element. The tandem-type element may be a combination of a perovskite-based element and a perovskite-based element. The tandem-type element may be a combination of a cuprous oxide (Cu2O)-based element and a thin-film silicon-based element.

[0059] The solar cell module 10 further includes wiring 114 that electrically connects the solar cell elements 113 to output the electromotive force generated in the solar cell elements 113 to the outside. For example, solder-coated copper foil may be used as the wiring 114. Various other materials may also be used as the wiring 114.

[0060] The front sealing material 115 fills the space between the front sheet 111 and the solar cell element 113. A light-transmitting material is used as the front sealing material 115. For example, EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) or POE (Polyolefin Elastomer) may be used as the front sealing material 115. Various other materials may also be used as the front sealing material 115.

[0061] The back encapsulant 116 fills the space between the back sheet 112 and the solar cell element 113. The same material as the front encapsulant 115 may be used as the back encapsulant 116. A colored material may be used as the back encapsulant 116. For example, EVA or POE may be used as the back encapsulant 116. Various other materials may also be used as the back encapsulant 116.

[0062] The support 12 of the solar cell module 10 may be made of a material having high rigidity so as to support the photoelectric conversion unit 11. For example, an aluminum alloy may be used for the support 12. Various other materials may also be used for the support 12.

[0063] (Another configuration example of the spacer 30) Another configuration example of the spacer 30 will be described with reference to Figures 15, 16, and 17. This configuration example will be described on the assumption that the solar cell module 10 is installed on the folded-plate roof 80 so that the long side of the solar cell module 10 is aligned with the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, i.e., the Y-axis direction. Therefore, in this configuration example, the X-axis direction corresponds to the first direction, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the second direction, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the third direction. On the other hand, when the solar cell module 10 is installed on the folded-plate roof 80 so that the long side of the solar cell module 10 is aligned with the extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, i.e., along the X-axis direction, the X-axis direction corresponds to the second direction, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the first direction, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the third direction.

[0064] In this configuration example, the spacer 30 is positioned together with the fixing member 20 between the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102, and fixes the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102 to the folded plate roof 80. When the spacer 30 is positioned between the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102, the spacer 30 includes one fixing portion having an abutment portion 32, a distance adjustment portion 33, and a guide portion 34, a first movable portion having a first spacer engagement portion 311 and a sliding portion 35, and a second movable portion having a second spacer engagement portion 312 and a sliding portion 35.

[0065] The first movable part and the second movable part are also collectively referred to as the movable part. That is, the spacer 30 has two movable parts. When the spacer 30 fixes only one solar cell module 10 together with the fixing member 20, the spacer 30 has one fixed part and one movable part. In the following description of this configuration example, the first spacer engagement part 311 and the second spacer engagement part 312 included in the movable part are simply referred to as the spacer engagement part 31 when there is no need to distinguish them from each other. Moreover, the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102 are simply referred to as the solar cell module 10 when there is no need to distinguish them from each other.

[0066] The fixed portion is a portion fixed to the fixed member 20. The contact portion 32 included in the fixed portion is a member that contacts the base portion 22 of the fixed member 20. The distance adjustment portion 33 included in the fixed portion is a plate-like member that protrudes in the Z-axis direction from the side of the contact portion 32 along the X-axis. The shape of the combination of the contact portion 32 and the distance adjustment portion 33 is U-shaped in side view in the X-axis direction. The guide portion 34 included in the fixed portion is two plate-like members that protrude inward from each of two sides located above each of the two distance adjustment portions 33. The guide portion 34 forms a gap extending in the X-axis direction and enables the slide portion 35 to move in the X-axis direction while restricting the movement of the slide portion 35 described later in the Z-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0067] The fixing portion abuts against the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20 at the abutment portion 32, and is fastened to the base portion 22 by the abutment portion fastening member 321. In this configuration example, the fixing member 20 may not have the clamping portion 23. When the fixing member 20 does not have the clamping portion 23, the spacer 30 is located between the solar cell module 10 and the entire fixing member 20 consisting of the joining portion 21 and the base portion 22. When the fixing member 20 has the clamping portion 23 as described above, the spacer 30 is located between the solar cell module 10 and a part of the fixing member 20 consisting of the joining portion 21 and the base portion 22. In other words, the spacer 30 is located between the solar cell module 10 and at least a part of the fixing member 20, including both cases where the fixing member 20 has the clamping portion 23 and cases where it does not have the clamping portion 23.

[0068] The movable part is a part that can move in the X-axis direction. The sliding part 35 included in the movable part is a member in which two plate-like members positioned on either side of the guide part 34 are fastened by a sliding part fastening member 351. The sliding part 35 is configured to move in the X-axis direction along a gap extending in the X-axis direction of the guide part 34. The guide part 34 is configured so that the sliding part fastening member 351 can move through the gap. The movement of the sliding part 35 in the Z-axis direction is restricted by two plate-like members sandwiching the guide part 34. In addition, the movement of the sliding part 35 in the Y-axis direction is restricted by a plate-like member of the sliding part 35 located below the guide part 34 being sandwiched between two distance adjustment parts 33 arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0069] The spacer engagement portion 31 included in the movable portion is integrally formed with a plate-shaped member located on the upper side of the guide portion 34 of the slide portion 35. The spacer engagement portion 31 is J-shaped in a side view in the Y-axis direction. The module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 is formed as a substantially rectangular opening, i.e., a long hole, so as to engage with the J-shaped spacer engagement portion 31. The J-shaped hook-shaped portion of the spacer engagement portion 31 penetrates the long hole of the module engagement portion 13 and is positioned so as to sandwich the support portion 12 between the front and back surfaces, thereby restricting the movement of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the Z-axis direction. The movement of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the Y-axis direction is restricted to a range where the J-shaped hook-shaped portion of the spacer engagement portion 31 abuts on both ends of the long hole of the module engagement portion 13 in the Y-axis direction. The movement of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the X-axis direction is restricted to a range where the support portion 12 abuts on the fixing portion of the spacer 30. Furthermore, movement of module engagement portion 13 of solar cell module 10 in the X-axis direction is restricted to the range in which the J-shaped hook portion of spacer engagement portion 31 abuts against both ends of the elongated hole of module engagement portion 13 in the X-axis direction.

[0070] Conversely, the module engagement portion 13 may be J-shaped in a side view in the Y-axis direction, and the spacer engagement portion 31 may be a substantially rectangular opening, i.e., a long hole, so as to engage with the J-shaped module engagement portion 13. In this case, the J-shaped hook-shaped portion of the module engagement portion 13 penetrates the long hole of the spacer engagement portion 31 and is positioned so as to sandwich the spacer engagement portion 31 between the front and back surfaces, thereby restricting the movement of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the Z-axis direction. The movement of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the Y-axis direction is restricted to a range in which the J-shaped hook-shaped portion of the module engagement portion 13 abuts on both ends of the long hole of the spacer engagement portion 31 in the Y-axis direction. The movement of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 in the X-axis direction is restricted to a range in which the support portion 12 abuts on the fixing portion of the spacer 30. Furthermore, movement of module engagement portion 13 of solar cell module 10 in the X-axis direction is restricted to the range in which the J-shaped hook portion of module engagement portion 13 abuts against both ends of the elongated hole of spacer engagement portion 31 in the X-axis direction.

[0071] The J-shaped hook-shaped portion of the spacer engagement portion 31 or the module engagement portion 13 may engage with the long hole of the spacer engagement portion 31 or the module engagement portion 13 with which it is to engage from the front side of the solar cell module 10 or from the back side of the solar cell module 10.

[0072] When the module engagement portion 13 is an elongated hole and the spacer engagement portion 31 is J-shaped in side view in the Y-axis direction, the dimension of the elongated hole of the module engagement portion 13 in the Y-axis direction may be longer than the dimension in the Y-axis direction of the portion where the J-shaped portion of the spacer engagement portion 31 penetrates the elongated hole of the module engagement portion 13. In other words, when the module engagement portion 13 is an elongated hole and the spacer engagement portion 31 is J-shaped in side view in the Y-axis direction, the dimension of the hole of the module engagement portion 13 in the Y-axis direction may be longer than the dimension of the spacer engagement portion 31.

[0073] Furthermore, when the spacer engagement portion 31 is a long hole and the module engagement portion 13 is J-shaped when viewed from the side in the Y-axis direction, the dimension of the long hole of the spacer engagement portion 31 in the Y-axis direction may be longer than the dimension of the portion of the J-shaped portion of the module engagement portion 13 that penetrates the long hole of the spacer engagement portion 31 in the Y-axis direction.

[0074] Because the dimension of the hole in the Y-axis direction is longer than the dimension of the J-shaped hook-shaped portion that engages with the hole in the Y-axis direction, stress generated in the module engagement portion 13 and the spacer engagement portion 31 when the solar cell module 10 expands or contracts in the Y-axis direction is alleviated.

[0075] When the module engagement portion 13 is an elongated hole and the spacer engagement portion 31 is J-shaped in side view in the Y-axis direction, the dimension in the X-axis direction of the elongated hole of the module engagement portion 13 may be longer than the dimension in the X-axis direction of the portion where the J-shaped portion of the spacer engagement portion 31 penetrates the elongated hole of the module engagement portion 13. Also, when the spacer engagement portion 31 is an elongated hole and the module engagement portion 13 is J-shaped in side view in the Y-axis direction, the dimension in the X-axis direction of the elongated hole of the spacer engagement portion 31 may be longer than the dimension in the X-axis direction of the portion where the J-shaped portion of the module engagement portion 13 penetrates the elongated hole of the spacer engagement portion 31.

[0076] Since the dimension of the hole in the X-axis direction is longer than the dimension of the J-shaped hook portion that engages with the hole in the X-axis direction, stress generated in the module engagement portion 13 and the spacer engagement portion 31 when the solar cell module 10 expands or contracts in the X-axis direction is alleviated.

[0077] As described above, resin materials are used for the front sheet 111, back sheet 112, front sealant 115, and back sealant 116 of the photoelectric conversion unit 11 of the solar cell module 10 according to the present disclosure. In this case, the linear expansion coefficient of the photoelectric conversion unit 11 may be large. When the linear expansion coefficient of the photoelectric conversion unit 11 is large, the amount of deformation of the solar cell module 10 is likely to increase due to expansion or contraction in response to temperature changes in the solar cell module 10.

[0078] On the other hand, when the solar cell module 10 is installed on a folded-plate roof 80, the linear expansion coefficient of the metal plate that is the material of the folded-plate roof 80 may be smaller than that of the resin material. When the linear expansion coefficient of the folded-plate roof 80 is smaller than that of the photoelectric conversion unit 11 of the solar cell module 10, the deformation amount of the solar cell module 10 in response to changes in temperature is larger than the deformation amount of the folded-plate roof 80 on which the solar cell module 10 is installed. For example, assume that the solar cell module 10 is installed on the folded-plate roof 80 when the temperature is 35°C. If the temperature drops to, for example, -5°C after the solar cell module 10 is installed, the amount of contraction of the solar cell module 10 becomes much larger than the amount of contraction of the folded-plate roof 80. The large contraction of the solar cell module 10 increases the tensile load applied to the solar cell module 10 from the fixing member 20 fixed to the seam portion 82 of the folded-plate roof 80. Here, the wiring 114 or the solar cell element 113 included in the photoelectric conversion unit 11 of the solar cell module 10 is weaker against tensile load than compressive load. That is, when a tensile load is applied to the solar cell module 10, the wiring 114 or the solar cell element 113 included in the photoelectric conversion unit 11 of the solar cell module 10 is more likely to break.

[0079] When one of the module engagement portion 13 and the spacer engagement portion 31 is an elongated hole and the other of the module engagement portion 13 and the spacer engagement portion 31 is J-shaped in side view in the Y-axis direction, the hook-shaped portion of the J-shape that engages with the elongated hole is configured to be movable in the Y-axis direction or the X-axis direction within the elongated hole, thereby reducing thermal stress even when the temperature changes. By reducing thermal stress, the solar cell module 10 is less likely to break even in an environment where the temperature changes greatly.

[0080] As described above, the spacer engagement portion 31 can move in the X-axis direction so as to engage with the module engagement portion 13 of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10. Because the spacer engagement portion 31 can move in the X-axis direction, the position of the spacer engagement portion 31 in the X-axis direction can be adjusted even if the size of the solar cell module 10 in the X-axis direction does not match the interval of the seam portion 82 to which the fixing member 20 can be fixed.

[0081] The first movable part having the first spacer engagement portion 311 and the second movable part having the second spacer engagement portion 312 are configured to move in the X-axis direction independently of each other. That is, the first spacer engagement portion 311 that engages with the first solar cell module 101 and the second spacer engagement portion 312 that engages with the second solar cell module 102 can move in the X-axis direction independently of each other. Since the first spacer engagement portion 311 and the second spacer engagement portion 312 can move in the X-axis direction independently of each other, the positions of the first solar cell module 101 and the second solar cell module 102 are determined independently of each other.

[0082] The plate- or sheet-like photoelectric conversion unit 11 of the solar cell module 10 according to the present disclosure is flexible. When the flexible solar cell module 10 is bent under load, the bend of the solar cell module 10 may remain even after the load is removed. From the viewpoint of preventing rainwater and the like from accumulating on the bent solar cell module 10, it is preferable that the valleys generated when the solar cell module 10 is bent are aligned along the inclination direction of the roof surface on which the solar cell module 10 is to be installed.

[0083] When the installation target of the solar cell module 10 is a folded-plate roof 80, the solar cell module 10 is fixed by the fixing member 20 at the support portion 12 located on the side along the inclination direction of the folded-plate roof 80 with respect to the seam portion 82 located on the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80. In this case, if there is a difference between the width of the solar cell module 10 and an integer multiple of the pitch of the mountain-shaped portion 81 of the folded-plate roof 80, a difference occurs between the X-axis position of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 and the X-axis position of the seam portion 82 to which the solar cell module 10 is fixed in the direction in which the mountain-shaped portions 81 of the folded-plate roof 80 are arranged. In other words, a difference occurs between the X-axis position of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 and the X-axis position of the seam portion 82 to which the solar cell module 10 is fixed.

[0084] Therefore, the first spacer engagement portion 311 and the second spacer engagement portion 312 can move independently of each other in the X-axis direction, i.e., in the direction in which the mountain-shaped portions 81 of the folded-plate roof 80 are lined up, relative to the base portion 22 of the fixing member 20 fixed to the seam portion 82 of the folded-plate roof 80, thereby absorbing the difference between the X-axis direction position of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 and the X-axis direction position of the seam portion 82, and the solar cell module 10 is fixed.

[0085] 15 to 17 is configured such that an abutment portion 32 included in the fixed portion is fixed to the base portion 22 of the fixed member 20, and a spacer engagement portion 31 included in the movable portion moves in the X-axis direction relative to the base portion 22 of the fixed member 20. On the other hand, the spacer 30 illustrated in Fig. 2 to 4 is configured such that the entire spacer 30 moves in the X-axis direction relative to the base portion 22 of the fixed member 20. In other words, the spacer 30 may be configured such that only the spacer engagement portion 31 moves in the X-axis direction, or the entire spacer 30 moves in the X-axis direction.

[0086] (Example of configuration including elastic member 36) As described above, the module engagement portion 13 of the solar cell module 10 is fixed in the X-axis direction to the spacer engagement portion 31 of the spacer 30 by engaging with the spacer engagement portion 31. For example, in a configuration in which the spacer engagement portion 31 including the first spacer engagement portion 311 and the second spacer engagement portion 312 shown in Fig. 4 engages with the module engagement portion 13, the dimension in the X-axis direction of the recess of the spacer engagement portion 31 is designed to be the same as the dimension in the X-axis direction of the protrusion of the module engagement portion 13, thereby fixing the module engagement portion 13 to the spacer engagement portion 31 in the X-axis direction.

[0087] Here, the solar cell module 10 may expand or contract in the X-axis direction due to a temperature change in the solar cell module 10. The dimensional change in the X-axis direction caused by the temperature change of the solar cell module 10 generates thermal stress in the portion where the module engagement portion 13 and the spacer engagement portion 31 are engaged with each other.

[0088] In order to alleviate the thermal stress, it is possible to provide a dimensional margin in the X-axis direction of the portion where the spacer engagement portion 31 and the module engagement portion 13 engage with each other. In other words, it is possible to provide a gap in the X-axis direction between the spacer engagement portion 31 and the module engagement portion 13. However, if a dimensional margin is simply provided, even if the thermal stress can be reduced, there is a risk that the bending will remain when the solar cell module 10 is bent due to a load caused by wind, snow accumulation, or the like.

[0089] Therefore, an elastic member 36 may be provided at a portion where the module engagement portion 13 and the spacer engagement portion 31 come into contact when they move relative to each other in the X-axis direction. In a case where the spacer engagement portion 31 of the spacer 30 is a recess and the module engagement portion 13 of the solar cell module 10 is a protrusion (see, for example, FIG. 4), the spacer engagement portion 31 may include an elastic member 36 on the surface of the recess facing the X-axis direction, as exemplified in FIG. 18. The module engagement portion 13 may include an elastic member 36 on the surface of the protrusion facing the X-axis direction.

[0090] Even when the spacer engagement portion 31 is a convex portion and the module engagement portion 13 is a concave portion, the spacer engagement portion 31 may be provided with an elastic member 36 on a surface of the convex portion facing the X-axis direction. The module engagement portion 13 may be provided with an elastic member 36 on a surface of the concave portion facing the X-axis direction.

[0091] Even when the spacer engagement portion 31 is J-shaped in side view and the module engagement portion 13 is a substantially rectangular opening (see Figures 15 to 17), an elastic member 36 may be installed in the portion where the module engagement portion 13 and the spacer engagement portion 31 abut when they move relative to each other in the X-axis direction.

[0092] 19, the spacer engagement portion 31 may include an elastic member 36 on an inner surface of the J-shaped hook portion facing the X-axis direction. The spacer engagement portion 31 may include an elastic member 36 on an outer surface of the hook portion facing the X-axis direction.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 20, the module engagement portion 13 may include an elastic member 36 on the surface facing the X-axis direction on the inside of the opening.

[0094] Even when the spacer engagement portion 31 is an opening and the module engagement portion 13 is J-shaped in side view, the spacer engagement portion 31 may include an elastic member 36 on a surface facing the X-axis direction on the inside of the opening. The module engagement portion 13 may include an elastic member 36 on a surface facing the X-axis direction on the inside of a portion bent into a hook shape of the J. The module engagement portion 13 may include an elastic member 36 on a surface facing the X-axis direction on the outside of the hook-shaped portion.

[0095] By providing at least one of the spacer engagement portion 31 and the module engagement portion 13 with the elastic member 36, thermal stress when the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 is displaced in the X-axis direction is reduced by the elastic member 36. In addition, the elastic member 36 applies a restoring force in the X-axis direction to the support portion 12. By applying the restoring force in the X-axis direction to the support portion 12, the solar cell module 10 is prevented from remaining bent after receiving a load.

[0096] As described above, when a gap is provided between the spacer engagement portion 31 and the module engagement portion 13 in the X-axis direction, i.e., the first direction, thermal stress can be reduced, but there is a risk that the deflection of the solar cell module 10 will remain when the load is removed after the solar cell module 10 has deflected under load. Therefore, by providing an elastic member 36 between the spacer engagement portion 31 and the module engagement portion 13 in the X-axis direction, i.e., the first direction, it is possible to both eliminate the deflection of the solar cell module 10 when the load is removed after the solar cell module 10 has deflected under load, and reduce the possibility of damage to the solar cell module 10 by reducing thermal stress.

[0097] (summary) As described above, the solar cell array 1 according to the present disclosure includes the spacer 30 located between the solar cell module 10 and the fixing member 20. By including the spacer 30 in the solar cell array 1, in order to fix the sheet-like solar cell module 10 to the folded-plate roof 80, it becomes possible to use mounting brackets for mounting modules thicker than the sheet-like solar cell module 10.

[0098] The spacer 30 is configured to be movable in the X-axis direction, i.e., the first direction, while engaging with the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10. By configuring the spacer 30 to be movable in the X-axis direction, even if the length of the solar cell module 10 in the X-axis direction does not match the pitch in the X-axis direction of the seam portion 82 of the folded-plate roof 80 on which the solar cell module 10 is to be installed, the difference between the position in the X-axis direction of the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10 and the position in the X-axis direction of the seam portion 82 of the folded-plate roof 80 to which the fixing member 20 is fixed is absorbed. By absorbing the difference between the position of the support portion 12 and the position of the seam portion 82, the sheet-shaped solar cell module 10 is installed so as not to bend easily. Since the sheet-shaped solar cell module 10 is not easily bent, the sheet-shaped solar cell module 10 is not easily dropped off or contacted with the folded-plate roof 80. As a result, the solar cell module 10 is firmly fixed to the folded-plate roof 80.

[0099] Furthermore, by engaging the spacer 30 with the support portion 12 of the solar cell module 10, the spacer 30 functions as a substitute for the frame of the module with the superstraight structure. By the spacer 30 functioning as a substitute for the frame of the module with the superstraight structure, it becomes possible to use members for installing the module with the superstraight structure on the folded-plate roof 80. In other words, it is possible to use general-purpose members that are available in the market for installing the sheet-like solar cell module 10.

[0100] The drawings for explaining the embodiments according to the present disclosure are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones.

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications or alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications or alterations are included in the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component can be rearranged so as not to be logically inconsistent, and multiple components can be combined into one or divided. It should be understood that these are also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0102] In this disclosure, descriptions such as "first" and "second" are identifiers for distinguishing the configuration. Configurations distinguished by descriptions such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure may have their numbers in the configuration exchanged. For example, the first direction may exchange the identifiers "first" and "second" with the second direction. The exchange of identifiers is performed simultaneously. The configurations remain distinguished even after the exchange of identifiers. Identifiers may be deleted. A configuration from which an identifier has been deleted is distinguished by a symbol. Descriptions of identifiers such as "first" and "second" in this disclosure alone should not be used to interpret the order of the configuration or to justify the existence of an identifier with a smaller number.

[0103] In the present disclosure, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are provided for convenience of explanation and may be interchanged. The configuration according to the present disclosure has been described using an orthogonal coordinate system formed by the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The positional relationship of each configuration according to the present disclosure is not limited to an orthogonal relationship.

[0104] In one embodiment, (1) a solar cell array includes one or more solar cell modules, a fixing member for fixing each of the one or more solar cell modules to an installation target, and a spacer located between each of the one or more solar cell modules and at least a part of the fixing member. Each of the one or more solar cell modules has one photoelectric conversion unit that is substantially rectangular in shape and has two sides along a first direction and two sides along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and two support parts located on each of the two sides along the second direction. The fixing member has a joining part that is joined to the installation target, and a pedestal part that is located closer to the solar cell module than the joining part. The spacer has a spacer engagement part that engages with the support part of the solar cell module to restrict movement of the support part in the first direction, and an abutment part that abuts on the pedestal part of the fixing member, and is configured so that the spacer engagement part and the abutment part are aligned in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The spacer engagement portion is configured to be movable in the first direction relative to the base portion of the fixing member.

[0105] (2) In the solar cell array described above in (1), the installation target may have a mountain-shaped portion, and the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion of the installation target.

[0106] (3) In the solar cell array described above in (1), the installation target may have a mountain-shaped portion, and the first direction may be an extension direction of the mountain-shaped portion of the installation target.

[0107] (4) In the solar cell array described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the plurality of solar cell modules may include a first solar cell module and a second solar cell module. The spacer engagement portion may include a first spacer engagement portion that engages with a support portion of the first solar cell module and a second spacer engagement portion that engages with a support portion of the second solar cell module. The first spacer engagement portion and the second spacer engagement portion may be configured to be movable in the first direction independently of each other.

[0108] (5) In the solar cell array described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the spacer may further have a distance adjustment portion that adjusts the distance along the third direction between the spacer engagement portion and the abutment portion.

[0109] (6) In the solar cell array described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the support portion of the solar cell module may have a module engagement portion that engages with the spacer engagement portion. When the module engagement portion is a groove-shaped recess extending along the second direction, the spacer engagement portion may have a rib-shaped protrusion configured to fit into the recess of the module engagement portion. When the module engagement portion is a rib-shaped protrusion extending along the second direction, the spacer engagement portion may have a groove-shaped recess configured to fit into the protrusion of the module engagement portion.

[0110] (7) In the solar cell array according to any one of (1) to (5) above, the support portion of the solar cell module may have a module engagement portion that is a hole with which the spacer engagement portion engages. In the second direction, the dimension of the hole of the module engagement portion may be longer than the dimension of the spacer engagement portion.

[0111] (8) In the solar cell array described in any one of (1) to (7) above, the spacer engagement portion may have an elastic member that applies a restoring force to the support portion when the support portion is displaced in the first direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Solar array 10 Solar cell module (101, 102: first and second solar cell modules) 11 Photoelectric conversion section (111: front sheet, 112: back sheet, 113: solar cell element, 114: wiring, 115: front sealing material, 116: back sealing material) 12 Support part 13 Module engagement part 20 Fixing member 21 Joint (211: Joint fastening member) 22 Pedestal 23 Clamping part (231: Clamping part fastening member, 232: Regulation part) 30 Spacer 31 spacer engagement portion (311, 312: first and second spacer engagement portions) 32 contact portion (321: contact portion fastening member) 33 Distance adjustment section (first distance adjustment section) 34 Guide section 35 Slide portion (351: slide portion fastening member) 36 Elastic Members 37, 38 First and second reinforcement parts 39 Distance adjustment section (second distance adjustment section) 80 Folded plate roof (81: mountain-shaped part, 82: seam part, 83: valley-shaped part)

Claims

1. A solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell module is a solar cell module having a plurality of solar cell modules, a fixing member for fixing each of the solar cell modules to an installation target, and a spacer disposed between each of the solar cell modules and at least a portion of the fixing member; Each of the one or more solar cell modules has one photoelectric conversion unit that is substantially rectangular in shape and has a plate or sheet shape having two sides along a first direction and two sides along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and two support units located on each of the two sides along the second direction, the fixing member has a coupling portion coupled to the installation target and a base portion located closer to the solar cell module than the coupling portion, the spacer has a spacer engagement portion that engages with a support portion of the solar cell module to restrict movement of the support portion in the first direction, and an abutment portion that abuts against a base portion of the fixing member, and is configured so that the spacer engagement portion and the abutment portion are aligned in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The spacer engagement portion is configured to be movable in the first direction relative to the base portion of the fixing member. Solar array.

2. The installation target has a mountain-shaped portion, The solar cell array according to claim 1 , wherein the first direction is a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of a mountain-shaped portion of the installation target.

3. The installation target has a mountain-shaped portion, The solar cell array according to claim 1 , wherein the first direction is an extending direction of a mountain-shaped portion of the installation target.

4. the plurality of solar cell modules includes a first solar cell module and a second solar cell module, the spacer engagement portion includes a first spacer engagement portion that engages with a support portion of the first solar cell module and a second spacer engagement portion that engages with a support portion of the second solar cell module, The first spacer engagement portion and the second spacer engagement portion are configured to be movable in the first direction independently of each other. The solar cell array according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The solar cell array according to claim 1 , wherein the spacer further comprises a distance adjustment portion that adjusts a distance between the spacer engagement portion and the abutment portion along the third direction.

6. the support portion of the solar cell module has a module engagement portion that engages with the spacer engagement portion, when the module engaging portion is a groove-shaped recess extending along the second direction, the spacer engaging portion has a rib-shaped protrusion configured to fit into the recess of the module engaging portion, when the module engaging portion is a rib-shaped protruding portion extending along the second direction, the spacer engaging portion has a groove-shaped concave portion configured to fit into the protruding portion of the module engaging portion, The solar cell array according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. the support portion of the solar cell module has a module engagement portion which is a hole into which the spacer engagement portion engages; In the second direction, a dimension of the hole of the module engagement portion is longer than a dimension of the spacer engagement portion. The solar cell array according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The solar cell array according to claim 1 , wherein the spacer engagement portion has an elastic member that applies a restoring force to the support portion when the support portion is displaced in the first direction.

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