Solar cell module

Abstract

To provide a solar cell module with enhanced moisture resistance.SOLUTION: A solar cell module 100 further includes: a thin-film solar cell sub-module 10 having a thin-film solar cell 20; protective members 3 and 4 and sealing members 5a and 5b for sealing the thin-film solar cell sub-module 10; and a sealing reinforcement member 8 for sealing a peripheral end portion of the solar cell module 100 or a peripheral end portion of the thin-film solar cell sub-module 10. The sealing reinforcement member 8 is a member formed of a knitted fabric formed by knitting a plurality of strands, a woven fabric formed by weaving a plurality of strands, or a member formed by twisting a plurality of strands, and is coated with a resin to include vacuum bubbles between the strands.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar cell module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a solar cell module including a perovskite (thin film) solar cell submodule. The solar cell submodule includes a perovskite (thin film) solar cell cell formed on a transparent substrate.

[0003] In such solar cell modules, the solar cell submodules are sealed with, for example, a light-receiving-side protective member, a back-side protective member, and a sealing material. Furthermore, in such solar cell modules, since the perovskite (thin film) solar cell submodules are vulnerable to humidity, the peripheral edges are sealed with a butyl rubber member.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a moisture absorbent material is contained in a butyl rubber member that seals the peripheral edge of a solar cell module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 208854 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-094561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present inventors have devised a method for improving the moisture resistance of solar cell modules by using a new sealing reinforcement member instead of a butyl rubber member.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell module with improved moisture resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The solar cell module according to the present invention includes a thin-film solar cell submodule having a thin-film solar cell, a protective member and a sealing material that seal the thin-film solar cell submodule, The solar cell module further comprises a sealing reinforcement member that seals the peripheral edge of the solar cell module or the peripheral edge of the thin-film solar cell submodule. The sealing reinforcement member is a member formed of a knitted fabric or a woven fabric made of a plurality of elemental wires, or a member made of a plurality of twisted elemental wires, and is coated with resin and contains vacuum bubbles between the elemental wires.

[0009] Another solar cell module according to the present invention is a four-terminal tandem solar cell module having a top solar cell submodule with thin-film solar cells and a bottom solar cell submodule with crystalline silicon solar cells, and includes a protective member and sealant that seal the top solar cell submodule and the bottom solar cell submodule, and a sealing reinforcement member that seals the peripheral edges of the solar cell module or the peripheral edges of the top solar cell submodule and the bottom solar cell submodule. The sealing reinforcement member is a member formed of a knitted fabric made of multiple wires, a woven fabric made of multiple wires, or a member made of multiple twisted wires, coated with resin and containing vacuum bubbles between the wires.

[0010] Another solar cell module according to the present invention is a four-terminal tandem solar cell module having a top solar cell submodule with thin-film solar cells and a bottom solar cell submodule with crystalline silicon solar cells, the module comprising: a protective member that seals the top solar cell submodule and the bottom solar cell submodule; an insulating member disposed between the top solar cell submodule and the bottom solar cell submodule; a top encapsulant that seals the top solar cell submodule; a bottom encapsulant that seals the bottom solar cell submodule; a top encapsulant strengthening member that seals the peripheral edge of the solar cell module or the peripheral edge of the top solar cell submodule; and a bottom encapsulant strengthening member that seals the peripheral edge of the solar cell module or the peripheral edge of the bottom solar cell submodule. At least one of the top encapsulant strengthening member and the bottom encapsulant strengthening member is a member formed of a knitted fabric or a woven fabric made of multiple wires, or a member made of multiple strands, coated with resin and containing vacuum bubbles between the wires. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the moisture resistance of the solar cell module can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic plan view showing the solar cell module according to the first embodiment from the back surface side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell submodule in the solar cell module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 2, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing reinforcement member 8. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV shown in FIG. 2, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing reinforcement member 8. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the solar cell module according to the second embodiment from the back surface side. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the solar cell module according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from the back surface side. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to a ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or equivalent parts in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals. For convenience, hatching and reference numerals may be omitted. In such cases, reference should be made to other drawings.

[0014] [First embodiment] (solar cell module) Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the solar cell module according to the first embodiment from the back surface side. Note that Fig. 2 omits a back surface protection member 4 and a back surface sealing material 5b, which will be described later.

[0015] 1 and 2 includes a plurality of thin-film solar cell submodules 10 arranged two-dimensionally. Each solar cell submodule 10 has a transparent base material 12 and a plurality of thin-film solar cells 20 formed on the transparent base material 12. Details of the solar cell submodule 10 will be described later.

[0016] The solar cell submodule 10 is sandwiched between a light-receiving-side protection member 3 and a back-side protection member 4. A liquid or solid light-receiving-side sealing material 5a and a back-side sealing material 5b are filled between the light-receiving-side protection member 3 and the back-side protection member 4, thereby sealing the solar cell submodule 10.

[0017] The light-receiving-side sealing material 5a and the back-side sealing material 5b seal and protect the solar cell submodule 10. The light-receiving-side sealing material 5a is interposed between the light-receiving-side surface (the surface on the transparent base material 12 side) of the solar cell submodule 10 and the light-receiving-side protection member 3. The back-side sealing material 5b is interposed between the back-side surface (the surface opposite the transparent base material 12) of the solar cell submodule 10 and the back-side protection member 4. The shapes of the light-receiving-side sealing material 5a and the back-side sealing material 5b are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, sheet-like. This is because a sheet-like shape makes it easy to cover the front and back surfaces of the planar solar cell submodule 10.

[0018] The materials for the light-receiving-side encapsulant 5a and the back-side encapsulant 5b are not particularly limited, but preferably have the property of transmitting light (translucency). The material for the light-receiving-side encapsulant 5a preferably has adhesive properties that allow the solar cell submodule 10 to adhere to the light-receiving-side protective member 3, and the material for the back-side encapsulant 5b preferably has adhesive properties that allow the solar cell submodule 10 to adhere to the back-side protective member 4. Examples of such materials include translucent resins such as ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene / α-olefin copolymer, ethylene / vinyl acetate / triallyl isocyanurate (EVAT), polyvinyl butyrate (PVB), acrylic resin, urethane resin, and silicone resin.

[0019] The light-receiving-side protection member 3 covers the surface (light-receiving surface, i.e., the surface on the transparent base material 12 side) of the solar cell submodule 10 via the light-receiving-side sealing material 5a, thereby protecting the solar cell submodule 10. The shape of the light-receiving-side protection member 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably plate-like, sheet-like, or film-like in order to indirectly cover the planar light-receiving surface.

[0020] The material of the light-receiving-side protective member 3 is not particularly limited, but, like the light-receiving-side encapsulant 5a and the back-side encapsulant 5b, a material that is translucent and resistant to ultraviolet light is preferred. Examples include glass, or transparent resins such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyimide (PI), and fluorine-containing resins such as ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). The surface of the light-receiving-side protective member 3 may be textured or coated with an anti-reflective coating layer. This configuration reduces the reflection of received light, allowing more light to be guided to the solar cell submodule 10. When the light-receiving-side protective member 3 is made of resin, a barrier film that prevents water vapor from passing through may be provided on the back or front surface of the light-receiving-side protective member 3. This protects the solar cell submodule 10 from water vapor.

[0021] The back-side protection member 4 covers the back surface of the solar cell submodule 10 (i.e., the back surface opposite the transparent base material 12) via the back-side sealing material 5b, thereby protecting the solar cell submodule 10. The shape of the back-side protection member 4 is not particularly limited, but similar to the light-receiving-side protection member 3, a plate or sheet shape is preferable in order to indirectly cover the planar back surface.

[0022] The material for the backside protection member 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a material that prevents the intrusion of water and the like (highly water-resistant). Examples include resin films such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), olefin-based resins, fluorine-containing resins, and silicone-containing resins, or laminates of a translucent plate-shaped resin material such as glass, polycarbonate, or acrylic with a metal foil such as aluminum foil. When the backside protection member 4 is made of resin, a barrier film that prevents the passage of water vapor may be provided on the front or back surface of the backside protection member 4. This can protect the solar cell submodule 10 from water vapor.

[0023] A sealing reinforcement member 8 is disposed on the peripheral edge of the solar cell module 100. Details of the sealing reinforcement member 8 will be described later.

[0024] (solar cell submodule) FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the solar cell submodule 10 in the solar cell module 100 shown in FIGS.

[0025] The solar cell submodule 10 is composed of thin-film solar cells, such as inorganic semiconductor thin films, organic semiconductor thin films, or organic-inorganic hybrid semiconductor thin films, such as amorphous silicon or perovskite-based solar cells. As shown in Figure 3, the solar cell submodule 10 is divided in the X direction (integration direction: first direction) on a substrate 12, extends in the Y direction (second direction) intersecting the X direction, and is composed of multiple thin-film solar cells 20 connected in series and integrated. This shortens the conductive distance in the X direction and reduces the amount of current per cell 20, resulting in reduced resistance loss due to the electrodes 24, 25, particularly the electrodes 24, 25 made of transparent electrodes (ITO).

[0026] The substrate 12 is, for example, a transparent substrate in the form of a flat plate or a film. Materials for the substrate 12 include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyimide (PI), glass, and the like.

[0027] The following describes an example of a solar cell submodule 10 including a perovskite solar cell as the thin-film solar cell 20. The solar cell 20 has a perovskite layer 21 as a photoelectric conversion layer, charge transport layers 22 and 23, and electrodes 24 and 25.

[0028] The perovskite layer 21 is a photoelectric conversion layer that absorbs light and generates photocarriers. The compound that constitutes the perovskite crystal material is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a compound represented by the general formula R 1 NH3M 1 X3 or HC(NH2)2M 1 X3, where R 1 is an alkyl group, preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and particularly preferably a methyl group. 1 is a divalent metal ion, preferably Pb or Sn. X is a halogen, such as F, Cl, Br, or I. All three Xs may be the same halogen element, or multiple halogens may be mixed.

[0029] A preferred example of a compound constituting a perovskite-type crystal material is a compound having the formula CH3NH3Pb(I 1-x Br x )3 (where 0≦x≦1). The spectral sensitivity characteristics of perovskite materials can be changed by changing the type and ratio of halogens. Perovskite thin films can be formed by various dry processes or solution film formation such as spin coating.

[0030] One of the charge transport layers 22 and 23 is a hole transport layer and the other is an electron transport layer. Examples of materials for the hole transport layer include polythiophene derivatives such as poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), fluorene derivatives such as 2,2',7,7'-tetrakis-(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9'-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD), carbazole derivatives such as polyvinylcarbazole, triphenylamine derivatives, diphenylamine derivatives, polysilane derivatives, and polyaniline derivatives.

[0031] Examples of materials for the electron transport layer include metal oxides such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide, niobium oxide, zirconium oxide, and aluminum oxide.

[0032] An electrode 24 for extracting photogenerated carriers is formed on the charge transport layer 22 side of thin-film solar cell 20. An electrode 25 for extracting photogenerated carriers is formed on the charge transport layer 23 side of thin-film solar cell 20.

[0033] The electrode 24 may include a transparent electrode and a metal electrode, or may include only a transparent electrode, or may include only a metal electrode. Similarly, the electrode 25 may include a transparent electrode and a metal electrode, or may include only a transparent electrode, or may include only a metal electrode. Metal oxides such as ITO, zinc oxide, and tin oxide are preferably used as materials for the transparent electrode. Silver, copper, aluminum, and the like are preferably used as materials for the metal electrode.

[0034] (Sealing reinforcement material) 1 and 2, the sealing reinforcement member 8 is disposed at the peripheral edge of the solar cell module 100 between the light-receiving-side protection member 3 and the back-side protection member 4. The peripheral edge of the solar cell module 100 includes not only the vicinity of the end faces of the solar cell module 100 in the X direction and the Y direction, but also the area from the end faces of the solar cell module 100 in the X direction and the Y direction to the vicinity of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2, showing a schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing reinforcement member 8. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2, showing a schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing reinforcement member 8. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sealing reinforcement member 8 is a member formed of a knitted fabric made by knitting multiple wires 8a, a woven fabric made by weaving multiple wires 8a, or a member made by twisting multiple wires 8a. Hereinafter, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, and twisted fabrics will be collectively referred to as "braided wire." The surface of the sealing reinforcement member 8 is coated with resin 8b. As a result, the sealing reinforcement member 8 contains vacuum bubbles 8c between the wires 8a.

[0036] The wire 8a may be a conductive metal wire, a resin wire made of resin, or a fiber wire made of fiber. Examples of metal materials include Au, Ag, Cu, Al, stainless steel, or metals plated with Sn, Ag, or Ni. Examples of resin materials include EVA, POE, EVAT, PVB, acrylic resin, urethane resin, and silicone resin. Examples of fiber materials include nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, and vinylon.

[0037] The cross-sectional filling rate of the knitted wire is preferably 50% or more. The storage modulus of the knitted wire at 60°C or higher is 10 -4 It is preferable that the viscosity is 100 Pa or more (for example, the viscosity at the temperature of the sealing material during sealing).

[0038] When the braided wire is sealed with resin in a vacuum environment, vacuum bubbles are formed inside the braided wire. Because the vacuum bubbles are a vacuum, they have the ability to absorb and trap moisture, gas, and impurities.

[0039] With this configuration, the sealing reinforcement member 8 can absorb moisture and the like that enters from the outside (the edges of the sealing structure) by means of vacuum bubbles, thereby improving the moisture resistance of thin-film solar cell modules such as perovskite.

[0040] As described above, according to the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment, the sealing reinforcement member 8, which is made of a braided wire coated with resin and contains vacuum bubbles inside, is disposed at the peripheral edge of the solar cell module 100 between the light-receiving-side protection member 3 and the back-side protection member 4. With this configuration, the sealing reinforcement member 8 can absorb moisture and the like that penetrates from the outside (the edge of the sealing structure) by means of the vacuum bubbles, thereby improving the moisture resistance of thin-film solar cell modules such as perovskite. As a result, deterioration of the thin-film solar cell module can be suppressed, and the reliability of the thin-film solar cell module can be improved.

[0041] Furthermore, since the braided wires made of metal wires, resin wires, or fiber wires are relatively hard materials, it is easier to determine the placement position compared to butyl rubber, which increases the controllability of the placement position of the sealing reinforcement member 8 at the peripheral edge of the solar cell module 100 compared to an edge sealing member made of butyl rubber.

[0042] [Second embodiment] Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the solar cell module according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view showing the solar cell module according to the second embodiment from the back surface side. Note that Fig. 7 omits a back surface protection member 4 and a back surface sealing material 5b, which will be described later.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the solar cell module 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the solar cell module 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the arrangement of the sealing reinforcement member 8.

[0044] The sealing reinforcement member 8 is disposed between the transparent substrate 12 of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10 and the back protection member 4 at the peripheral edge of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10 .

[0045] The solar cell module 100 of the second embodiment also has the same features as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore has the same advantages as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment.

[0046] [Third embodiment] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the solar cell module 100 according to the third embodiment differs from the solar cell module 100 according to the second embodiment shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 in the arrangement of the back-side protection member 4, the back-side sealing material 5b, the light-receiving-side sealing material 5a, and the light-receiving-side protection member 3.

[0047] The X-direction and Y-direction edges of rear-side protection member 4, rear-side sealing material 5b, light-receiving-side sealing material 5a, and light-receiving-side protection member 3 may be aligned with the edges of thin-film solar cell submodule .

[0048] The solar cell module 100 of the third embodiment also has the same features as the solar cell module 100 of the second embodiment, and therefore has the same advantages as the solar cell module 100 of the second embodiment.

[0049] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to embodiment 4. As shown in Fig. 9, the solar cell module 100 according to embodiment 4 differs from the solar cell module 100 according to embodiment 2 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 in the arrangement of the sealing reinforcement member 8.

[0050] The sealing reinforcement member 8 is disposed between the transparent substrate 12 of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10 and the backside protection member 4, at a peripheral edge that is more inward than the peripheral edge faces in the X and Y directions of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10. Thus, the peripheral edge of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10 includes not only the vicinity of the edge faces in the X and Y directions of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10, but also the area from the edge faces in the X and Y directions of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10 to the vicinity of the inner edge.

[0051] The solar cell module 100 of the fourth embodiment also has the same features as the solar cell module 100 of the second embodiment, and therefore has the same advantages as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment.

[0052] [Fifth embodiment] Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the solar cell module according to the fifth embodiment, and Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view showing the solar cell module according to the fifth embodiment from the back surface side. Note that Fig. 11 omits a back surface protection member 4 and a back surface sealing material 5b, which will be described later.

[0053] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the solar cell module 100 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the solar cell module 100 according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that the arrangement of the sealing reinforcement member 8 is different and further in that the solar cell module 100 does not include the light-receiving-side protection member 3 and the light-receiving-side sealing material 5a.

[0054] The sealing reinforcement member 8 seals the peripheral edge of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10 between the transparent base material 12 of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10 and the backside protection member 4 .

[0055] The solar cell module 100 of the fifth embodiment also has the same features as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore has the same advantages as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment.

[0056] [Sixth embodiment] Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to Embodiment 6. As shown in Fig. 12, the solar cell module 100 of the sixth embodiment differs from the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment in that it further includes a sealing reinforcement member 8A, and the sealing reinforcement member 8 is made of butyl rubber.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sealing reinforcement member 8A is a member formed of a knitted fabric made of multiple wires 8a, a woven fabric made of multiple wires 8a, or a member made of multiple twisted wires 8a. The surface of the sealing reinforcement member 8A is coated with resin 8b. As a result, the sealing reinforcement member 8A contains vacuum bubbles 8c between the wires 8a.

[0058] The wires 8a are conductive metal wires, and thus the sealing reinforcement member 8A functions as an external lead wire for extracting electricity from the thin-film solar cell submodule.

[0059] The solar cell module 100 of the sixth embodiment also has the same features as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore has the same advantages as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment. In addition, the braided wire can also be used as a wiring material, which contributes to cost reduction.

[0060] [Seventh embodiment] Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to Embodiment 7. As shown in Fig. 13, the solar cell module 100 of the seventh embodiment differs from the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment in that it further includes a vacuum region R and the sealing reinforcement member 8 is made of butyl rubber.

[0061] The vacuum region R is disposed inside the sealing reinforcement member 8 in the X and Y directions. The vacuum region R may be filled with a material having a moisture adsorption function, such as molecular sieve (crystalline zeolite).

[0062] The solar cell module 100 of the seventh embodiment also has the same features as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore has the same advantages as the solar cell module 100 of the first embodiment.

[0063] [Eighth embodiment] (solar cell module) Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to embodiment 8. As shown in Fig. 14, the solar cell module 100A is a four-terminal tandem solar cell module in which a top-side solar cell submodule 10 and a bottom-side solar cell submodule 10B are stacked.

[0064] The solar cell module 100A differs from the solar cell module 100 described above in that it further includes a bottom-side solar cell submodule 10B, a bottom-side sealing material 5B, a bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B, and an insulating member 9. In the solar cell module 100A, the thin-film solar cell module 10 described above is replaced with a top-side solar cell submodule 10, the light-receiving-side sealing material 5a described above is replaced with a top-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5a, the back-side sealing material 5b described above is replaced with a top-side back-side sealing material 5b, and the sealing reinforcement member 8 described above is replaced with a top-side sealing reinforcement member 8.

[0065] The solar cell submodules 10, 10B are sandwiched between a light-receiving-side protection member 3 and a back-side protection member 4. An insulating member 9 is interposed between the top-side solar cell submodule 10 and the bottom-side solar cell submodule 10B. A top-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5a and a top-side back-side sealing material 5b are filled between the light-receiving-side protection member 3 and the insulating member 9, and a bottom-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5Ba and a bottom-side back-side sealing material 5Bb are filled between the insulating member 9 and the back-side protection member 4. This seals the solar cell submodules 10, 10B.

[0066] Specifically, the top-side solar cell submodule 10 is sandwiched between a light-receiving-side protection member 3 and an insulating member 9. A top-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5a and a top-side back-side sealing material 5b are filled between the light-receiving-side protection member 3 and the insulating member 9, thereby sealing the solar cell submodule 10.

[0067] The top-side sealing reinforcement member 8 is disposed at the peripheral edge of the solar cell module 100A between the light-receiving-side protection member 3 and the insulating member 9. The peripheral edge of the solar cell module 100A includes not only the vicinity of the end faces in the X and Y directions of the solar cell module 100A, but also the area from the end faces in the X and Y directions of the solar cell module 100A to the vicinity of the thin-film solar cell submodule 10.

[0068] The bottom-side solar cell submodule 10B has a plurality of crystalline silicon solar cells 20B arranged two-dimensionally. Details of the solar cell submodule 10B will be described later.

[0069] The bottom-side solar cell submodule 10B is sandwiched between an insulating member 9 and a rear-side protection member 4. A bottom-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5Ba and a bottom-side rear-side sealing material 5Bb are filled between the insulating member 9 and the rear-side protection member 4, thereby sealing the solar cell submodule 10B.

[0070] The bottom-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5Ba and the bottom-side back-side sealing material 5Bb seal and protect the solar cell submodule 10B. The bottom-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5Ba is interposed between the light-receiving-side surface of the solar cell submodule 10B and the insulating member 9. The bottom-side back-side sealing material 5Bb is interposed between the back-side surface of the solar cell submodule 10B and the back-side protection member 4. The shape and material of the bottom-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5Ba and the bottom-side back-side sealing material 5Bb may be the same as those of the top-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5a and the top-side back-side sealing material 5b described above.

[0071] The bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B is disposed at the peripheral edge of the solar cell module 100A between the insulating member 9 and the back-side protection member 4. The peripheral edge of the solar cell module 100A includes not only the vicinity of the end faces in the X and Y directions of the solar cell module 100A, but also the area from the end faces in the X and Y directions of the solar cell module 100A to the vicinity of the solar cell submodule 10B.

[0072] The shape and material of the bottom sealing reinforcement member 8B may be the same as those of the top sealing reinforcement member 8 described above.

[0073] At least one of the top-side sealing reinforcement member 8 and the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B may be a braided wire coated with resin and containing vacuum bubbles therein, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In this case, at least one of the top-side sealing reinforcement member 8 and the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B may function as an external lead wiring for the solar cell submodule, as described above. In this case, the other of the top-side sealing reinforcement member 8 and the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B may be made of butyl rubber.

[0074] Furthermore, the configurations of the top-side solar cell submodule 10, the light-receiving-side protection member 3, the top-side light-receiving-side sealing material 5a, the top-side back-side sealing material 5b, and the top-side sealing reinforcement member 8 may be any of the configurations of the first to seventh embodiments described above.

[0075] The material of the insulating member 9 is not particularly limited, but similar to the light-receiving side protection member 3, it may be a material that has the property of transmitting light (translucency).

[0076] <Top solar cell submodule: Thin-film solar cell submodule> The top-side solar cell submodule 10 is the same as the above-described thin-film solar cell submodule 10. The thin-film solar cell submodule 10 constitutes a two-terminal type module.

[0077] <Bottom solar cell submodule: Crystalline silicon solar cell submodule> The bottom-side solar cell submodule 10B is a crystalline silicon solar cell submodule including a plurality of crystalline silicon solar cell cells 20B (hereinafter, the bottom-side solar cell submodule is also referred to as a crystalline silicon solar cell submodule.) For example, the plurality of crystalline silicon solar cell cells 20B are connected in series, and the crystalline silicon solar cell submodule 10B constitutes a two-terminal module.

[0078] <<Crystalline silicon solar cells>> The crystalline silicon solar cell 20B includes a semiconductor substrate as a photoelectric conversion layer. The semiconductor substrate absorbs light and generates photocarriers. The semiconductor substrate is a crystalline silicon substrate such as single crystal silicon or polycrystalline silicon.

[0079] The semiconductor substrate may have a pyramidal micro-relief structure called a texture structure on the light-receiving surface side, which reduces reflection of incident light on the light-receiving surface and improves the light trapping effect in the semiconductor substrate.

[0080] The semiconductor substrate may also have a pyramidal micro-relief structure, known as a texture structure, on the back surface, which increases the recovery efficiency of light that passes through the semiconductor substrate without being absorbed.

[0081] Examples of crystalline silicon solar cell 20B include a diffusion type cell in which a second conductivity type diffusion layer is provided on the light-receiving surface side of a first conductivity type single crystalline silicon substrate, and a heterojunction cell in which a silicon-based thin film is provided on both sides of a first conductivity type single crystalline silicon substrate.

[0082] In the case of a heterojunction cell having silicon-based thin films on the front and back of a single-crystal silicon substrate, the crystalline silicon-based solar cell 20B has a conductive silicon-based thin film formed on the light-receiving surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer and a conductive silicon-based thin film formed on the back side of the photoelectric conversion layer.

[0083] The single crystal silicon substrate can be either p-type or n-type. Since electrons have a higher mobility than holes, the use of an n-type single crystal silicon substrate provides particularly excellent conversion characteristics. The conductive silicon thin film can be either a p-type silicon thin film or an n-type silicon thin film.

[0084] It is preferable that an intrinsic silicon-based thin film is provided between the single-crystal silicon substrate as the photoelectric conversion layer and the conductive silicon-based thin film. By providing an intrinsic silicon-based thin film on the surface of the single-crystal silicon substrate, surface passivation can be effectively performed while suppressing the diffusion of impurities into the single-crystal silicon substrate. By providing an intrinsic amorphous silicon thin film as the intrinsic silicon-based thin film on the surface of the single-crystal silicon substrate, a high passivation effect can be obtained for the surface of the single-crystal silicon substrate.

[0085] The crystalline silicon solar cell 20B may be a double-sided electrode type (also called a double-sided junction type) cell or a back electrode type (also called a back junction type or back contact type) cell. Note that a back electrode type cell can improve the output of the solar cell module and the design of the solar cell module compared to a double-sided electrode type cell.

[0086] The crystalline silicon solar cell 20B may be a large semiconductor substrate (wafer) of a specified size (for example, a 6-inch semi-square shape), or may be a half-cut cell obtained by cutting a large semiconductor substrate (wafer) in two.

[0087] As described above, according to the solar cell module 100A of the eighth embodiment, at least one of the top-side sealing reinforcement member 8 and the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B is composed of a braided wire coated with resin and containing vacuum bubbles inside. With this configuration, the top-side sealing reinforcement member 8 can absorb moisture and other contaminants that enter from the outside (the edges of the sealing structure) using the vacuum bubbles, thereby improving the moisture resistance of thin-film solar cell modules such as perovskite. As a result, deterioration of the thin-film solar cell module can be suppressed, and the reliability of the thin-film solar cell module can be improved.

[0088] Alternatively, bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B can use vacuum bubbles to absorb moisture and the like that enters from the outside (the edges of the sealing structure), thereby improving the moisture resistance of the crystalline silicon solar cell module and the thin-film solar cell module via insulating member 9. As a result, deterioration of the crystalline silicon solar cell module and the thin-film solar cell module can be suppressed, and the reliability of the crystalline silicon solar cell module and the thin-film solar cell module can be improved.

[0089] In this embodiment, the insulating member 9 is not necessarily provided. In this case, the top-side sealing members 5a and 5b and the bottom-side sealing members 5Ba and 5Bb may be an integrally formed sealing member, and the top-side sealing reinforcement member 8 and the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B may be an integrally formed sealing reinforcement member.

[0090] [Ninth embodiment] Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a solar cell module according to Embodiment 9. As shown in Fig. 15, a solar cell module 100A according to the ninth embodiment differs from the solar cell module 100A according to the eighth embodiment in the arrangement of a bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B.

[0091] The bottom-side sealing reinforcement member 8B is disposed at the peripheral edge of the bottom-side solar cell submodule 10B between the insulating member 9 and the back-side protection member 4. The peripheral edge of the solar cell submodule 10B includes not only the vicinity of the end faces in the X and Y directions of the solar cell submodule 10B but also the area from the end faces in the X and Y directions of the solar cell submodule 10B to the vicinity of the inner edge.

[0092] The solar cell module 100A of the ninth embodiment also has the same features as the solar cell module 100A of the eighth embodiment, and therefore can obtain the same advantages as the solar cell module 100A of the eighth embodiment.

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various changes and modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 3. Light receiving side protection member 4 Back protection material 5a Photoreceptor encapsulant (top photoreceptor encapsulant) 5Ba Bottom light-receiving side encapsulant 5b Backside sealing material (topside backside sealing material) 5Bb Bottom backside encapsulant 8,8A Sealing reinforcement member (top sealing reinforcement member) 8B Bottom sealing reinforcement member 8a wire 8b resin 8c vacuum foam 9 Insulating materials 10 Thin-film solar cell submodule (top solar cell submodule) 10B Bottom side solar cell submodule 12 Transparent base material 20 Thin-film solar cells 20B Crystalline silicon solar cell 21 Photoelectric conversion layer 22,23 Charge transport layer 24,25 electrode 100,100A solar cell module R vacuum region

Claims

1. a thin-film solar cell submodule having thin-film solar cells; a protective member and a sealing material that seal the thin-film solar cell submodule; A solar cell module comprising: a sealing reinforcement member that seals a peripheral edge of the solar cell module or a peripheral edge of the thin-film solar cell sub-module; The sealing reinforcement member is A member formed of a knitted fabric made by knitting a plurality of wires, a woven fabric made by weaving a plurality of wires, or a member made by twisting a plurality of wires, coated with resin and containing vacuum bubbles between the strands; Solar cell module.

2. The protective member is a light-receiving-side protection member disposed on the light-receiving side of the thin-film solar cell submodule; a rear protection member disposed on the rear side of the thin-film solar cell submodule; Including, the sealing material is disposed between the light-receiving side of the thin-film solar cell submodule and the light-receiving-side protection member, and between the back side of the thin-film solar cell submodule and the back-side protection member, the sealing reinforcement member is disposed at a peripheral edge of the solar cell module between the light-receiving-side protection member and the back-side protection member; The solar cell module according to claim 1 .

3. the thin-film solar cell submodule has a transparent base material and the thin-film solar cell formed on the transparent base material, The protective member is a light-receiving-side protection member disposed on the light-receiving side of the thin-film solar cell submodule; a rear protection member disposed on the rear side of the thin-film solar cell submodule; Including, the sealing material is disposed between the light-receiving side of the thin-film solar cell submodule and the light-receiving-side protection member, and between the back side of the thin-film solar cell submodule and the back-side protection member, the sealing reinforcement member is disposed at a peripheral edge of the thin-film solar cell submodule between the transparent substrate and the rear protection member; The solar cell module according to claim 1 .

4. the thin-film solar cell submodule has a transparent base material and the thin-film solar cell formed on the transparent base material, the protective member includes a rear protective member disposed on the rear side of the thin-film solar cell submodule, the sealing material is disposed between the back side of the thin-film solar cell submodule and the back side protection member, the sealing reinforcement member is disposed at a peripheral edge of the thin-film solar cell submodule between the transparent substrate and the rear protection member; The solar cell module according to claim 1 .

5. A four-terminal tandem solar cell module having a top-side solar cell submodule having thin-film solar cells and a bottom-side solar cell submodule having crystalline silicon solar cells, a protective member and a sealing material that seal the top-side solar cell submodule and the bottom-side solar cell submodule; a sealing reinforcement member that seals the peripheral edge of the solar cell module, or the peripheral edge of the top solar cell submodule and the peripheral edge of the bottom solar cell submodule; Equipped with The sealing reinforcement member is A member formed of a knitted fabric made by knitting a plurality of wires, a woven fabric made by weaving a plurality of wires, or a member made by twisting a plurality of wires, coated with resin and containing vacuum bubbles between the strands; Solar cell module.

6. A four-terminal tandem solar cell module having a top-side solar cell submodule having thin-film solar cells and a bottom-side solar cell submodule having crystalline silicon solar cells, a protective member that seals the top-side solar cell submodule and the bottom-side solar cell submodule; an insulating member disposed between the top-side solar cell submodule and the bottom-side solar cell submodule; a top-side encapsulant that encapsulates the top-side solar cell submodule; a bottom-side sealing material that seals the bottom-side solar cell submodule; a top-side sealing reinforcement member that seals a peripheral edge of the solar cell module or a peripheral edge of the top-side solar cell submodule; a bottom-side sealing reinforcement member that seals the peripheral edge of the solar cell module or the peripheral edge of the bottom-side solar cell submodule; Equipped with At least one of the top sealing reinforcement member and the bottom sealing reinforcement member is A member formed of a knitted fabric made by knitting a plurality of wires, a woven fabric made by weaving a plurality of wires, or a member made by twisting a plurality of wires, coated with resin and containing vacuum bubbles between the strands; Solar cell module.

7. The protective member is a light-receiving-side protection member disposed on the light-receiving side of the top-side solar cell submodule; a backside protection member disposed on the backside of the bottom-side solar cell submodule; Including, the top-side sealing material is disposed between a light-receiving side of the top-side solar cell submodule and the light-receiving-side protection member, and between a back side of the top-side solar cell submodule and the insulating member, the bottom-side sealing material is disposed between a light-receiving side of the bottom-side solar cell submodule and the insulating member, and between a back side of the bottom-side solar cell submodule and the back-side protection member, the top-side encapsulation reinforcement member is disposed at a peripheral edge of the solar cell module between the light-receiving-side protection member and the insulating member, or the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member is disposed at a peripheral edge of the solar cell module between the insulating member and the back-side protection member; The solar cell module according to claim 6 .

8. the top-side solar cell submodule has a transparent base material and the thin-film solar cell formed on the transparent base material, The protective member is a light-receiving-side protection member disposed on the light-receiving side of the top-side solar cell submodule; a backside protection member disposed on the backside of the bottom-side solar cell submodule; Including, the top-side sealing material is disposed between a light-receiving side of the top-side solar cell submodule and the light-receiving-side protection member, and between a back side of the top-side solar cell submodule and the insulating member, the bottom-side sealing material is disposed between a light-receiving side of the bottom-side solar cell submodule and the insulating member, and between a back side of the bottom-side solar cell submodule and the back-side protection member, the top-side encapsulation reinforcement member is disposed at a peripheral edge of the top-side solar cell submodule between the transparent substrate and the insulating member; or the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member is disposed at a peripheral edge of the bottom-side solar cell submodule between the insulating member and the back-side protection member; The solar cell module according to claim 6 .

9. the top-side solar cell submodule has a transparent base material and the thin-film solar cell formed on the transparent base material, the protective member includes a backside protective member disposed on a backside of the bottom-side solar cell submodule, the top-side encapsulant is disposed between a back side of the top-side solar cell submodule and the insulating member; the bottom-side sealing material is disposed between a light-receiving side of the bottom-side solar cell submodule and the insulating member, and between a back side of the bottom-side solar cell submodule and the back-side protection member, the top-side encapsulation reinforcement member is disposed at a peripheral edge of the top-side solar cell submodule between the transparent substrate and the insulating member; or the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member is disposed at a peripheral edge of the bottom-side solar cell submodule between the insulating member and the back-side protection member; The solar cell module according to claim 6 .

10. the wire of the sealing reinforcement member is electrically conductive; the sealing reinforcement member also serves as an external lead wiring for the thin-film solar cell submodule; The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. the wires of the top sealing reinforcement member are electrically conductive; the top-side encapsulation reinforcement member also serves as an external lead wiring for the top-side solar cell submodule; or the wire of the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member is electrically conductive; the bottom-side sealing reinforcement member also serves as an external lead wiring for the bottom-side solar cell submodule; The solar cell module according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

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