Installation structure of photovoltaic power generation sheet

Abstract

To provide an installation structure of a photovoltaic power generation sheet capable of suppressing damage to an installation surface due to deformation of a photovoltaic power generation sheet.SOLUTION: An installation structure of a photovoltaic power generation sheet includes: an installation surface having one or more concavities and two or more protrusions with the concavities and protrusions arranged in parallel with each other; a photovoltaic power generation sheet arranged to cross between the protrusions; a stationary member for fixing the photovoltaic power generation sheet to the protrusions; and a reinforcement member which bridges at least two of the protrusions and directly or indirectly supports the bridged protrusions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] Rigid solar cell panels made of silicon semiconductors have traditionally been widely used as solar cells. However, because conventional solar cell panels are relatively heavy, they cannot be installed on some structures with low load-bearing capacity, and even if installation surfaces are available, they cannot be installed in areas with low load-bearing capacity, resulting in ineffective use of the installation surface area. Therefore, in recent years, attention has been focused on flexible solar cells that use heat-resistant polymer materials such as polyimide and polyester, or metal foil as a base material. Flexible solar cells have advantages such as thinness and light weight, which make them easy to transport and install, and they are resistant to impacts. Photovoltaic power generation sheets using flexible solar cells can be installed along the installation surface, even if the installation surface has irregularities (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2023-182435 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When installing a photovoltaic sheet on an uneven installation surface, as in Patent Document 1, installing the photovoltaic sheet along the unevenness of the installation surface is effective from the perspective of maximizing the power generation area. However, while installing a photovoltaic sheet along the unevenness of the installation surface increases the power generation area, it has the problem of poor maintenance, such as replacing the photovoltaic sheet. Typically, the building materials or structures on which the photovoltaic sheet is installed have a longer lifespan than the photovoltaic sheet, so it is expected that the photovoltaic sheet will be replaced when it reaches the end of its lifespan. In this case, if the photovoltaic sheet is installed along the unevenness, the replacement process becomes complicated and maintenance becomes difficult. Therefore, a method of installing the photovoltaic sheet across a recess has been considered to facilitate maintenance. However, when a photovoltaic sheet is installed across a recess, wind blowing into the space formed by the photovoltaic sheet and the recess causes deformation, such as bending and vibration, of the photovoltaic sheet. This deformation force is transmitted to the installation surface via the fixing member, potentially damaging the installation surface. In particular, solar panels are often installed on surfaces with low strength due to their nature. Even if the solar panels can be firmly fixed to the installation surface, significant vibrations caused by wind can cause damage to the installation surface itself, making the problem even more serious.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a photovoltaic sheet installation structure that can prevent damage to the installation surface due to deformation of the photovoltaic sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention includes the following Disclosures 1 to 7. The present invention will be described in detail below. [Disclosure 1] an installation surface having one or more recesses and two or more protrusions, the recesses and the protrusions being arranged parallel to each other; a photovoltaic sheet disposed across the convex portions; a fixing member that fixes the photovoltaic sheet to the protrusion; a reinforcing material that bridges at least two of the protrusions and directly or indirectly supports the bridged protrusions; A solar power generation sheet installation structure comprising: [Disclosure 2] The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to Disclosure 1, wherein the reinforcing material does not overlap with the power generation portion of the photovoltaic sheet when viewed in a plan view from above the photovoltaic sheet. [Disclosure 3] The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to Disclosure 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing material is disposed under the photovoltaic sheet. [Disclosure 4] The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 3, wherein the installation surface has a slope, and the direction of the slope is parallel to the extension direction of the recesses and protrusions. [Disclosure 5] The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to Disclosure 4, wherein the reinforcing material is arranged perpendicular to the gradient direction. [Disclosure 6] The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 5, wherein the reinforcing material has a modulus of longitudinal elasticity of 1000 MPa or more. [Disclosure 7] 7. The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 6, wherein the reinforcing material has a thickness of 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet that can prevent damage to the installation surface due to deformation of the photovoltaic sheet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet according to the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a top view schematically illustrating an example of the arrangement of reinforcing materials in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet according to the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a top view schematically illustrating an example of the arrangement of reinforcing materials in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet according to the present invention. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 is a top view schematically illustrating an example of the arrangement of reinforcing materials in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet according to the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the shape of a reinforcing member in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the shape of a reinforcing member in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the shape of a reinforcing member in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. [Figure 4D] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the shape of a reinforcing member in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. [Figure 4E] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the shape of a reinforcing member in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. [Figure 4F] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the shape of a reinforcing member in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating another example of an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating another example of an installation structure for the photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating another example of an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating another example of an installation structure for the photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described in more detail below by giving specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows a perspective view that schematically illustrates an example of an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention, and Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates an example of an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. Figures 1 and 2 show an example in which a photovoltaic sheet is installed on a seam-fastened folded-plate roof that has a slope that descends from the upper right to the lower left of the figure. In embodiment 1, one or more concave portions 21 continuing in one direction and two or more convex portions 22 continuing in one direction are arranged parallel to one another on an installation surface 2, and a photovoltaic sheet 1 is arranged so as to cross between the convex portions 22 (above the concave portions 21). The photovoltaic sheet 1 is fixed to the installation surface at the upper ends (ridge portions) of the convex portions 22 by fixing members 3, and a reinforcing member 4 is connected to the fixing member 3 on the photovoltaic sheet 1, bridging at least two convex portions 22 and directly or indirectly supporting the bridged convex portions 22 to reduce the load on the installation surface 2. The reinforcing member 4 indirectly supports the convex portions 22 via the fixing member 3. Here, bridging means bridging between the protrusions 22. Direct support means supporting the reinforcing material 4 and the protrusions 22 in a state where they are in contact with each other, and indirect support means supporting the protrusions 22 in a state where another member is present between the reinforcing material 4 and the protrusions 22.

[0011] When installing conventional rigid solar panels made of silicon solar cells on uneven surfaces, the solar panel cannot deform, so flat solar panels are installed on the convex parts, leaving gaps between the solar panel and the concave parts that allow wind to blow in. However, because solar panels are highly rigid and heavy, they remain stable even when wind blows into the concave parts. On the other hand, because solar photovoltaic sheets are flexible and lightweight, when they are placed across the concave parts of the installation surface as in conventional solar panels, deformation such as bending or vibration can occur when wind blows into the concave parts. In this case, the deformation of the solar photovoltaic sheet imposes a load on the installation surface through the fixing members that secure the solar photovoltaic sheet, which can damage the installation surface. In particular, when the installation surface is a folded-plate roof, the solar photovoltaic sheet is often fixed to the seam, and because the seam parts are not very strong, even small deformations can easily lead to damage to the installation surface. In the present invention, by arranging a reinforcing material that bridges and supports at least two convex portions and reinforcing the installation surface, particularly the convex portions, the load on the installation surface can be reduced even if the solar power generation sheet is deformed, and as a result, damage to the installation surface can be suppressed.

[0012] In this specification, "up" refers to the direction from which light is incident (the +Z axis direction in the figure), and "down" refers to the direction from which the installation surface is located (the -Z axis direction in the figure). "Depth direction" refers to the extension direction of the recesses and protrusions (the Y axis direction in the figure), and "width direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the depth direction (the X axis direction in the figure), that is, the direction in which the recesses and protrusions are aligned. "Recess" includes not only the bottom surface but also the side surface. "Parallel" includes not only perfect parallelism but also substantial parallelism within a certain tolerance range.

[0013] The building material or structure constituting the installation surface is not particularly limited as long as the recesses and protrusions are arranged parallel to one another. Examples of such building materials or structures include vertically roofed structures such as folded-plate roofs and tiled roofs. In particular, folded-plate roofs are prone to gaps between the installation surface and the photovoltaic sheet and are not particularly strong, making them prone to deformation of the photovoltaic sheet and damage to the installation surface. This makes the effects of the present invention particularly pronounced. Furthermore, the installation surface preferably has a slope, and the direction of this slope is more preferably parallel to the extension direction of the recesses and protrusions. Having a slope on the installation surface allows for optimal placement of the photovoltaic sheet, thereby further improving power generation efficiency. Furthermore, having a slope parallel to the extension direction of the recesses and protrusions prevents water and dirt from accumulating, thereby reducing damage to the photovoltaic sheet. Examples of installation surfaces with a slope parallel to the extension direction of the recesses and protrusions include vertically roofed structures such as folded-plate roofs and tiled roofs.

[0014] The photovoltaic sheet is a component that generates electricity by receiving sunlight and is characterized by being lightweight, flexible, and thin. In this specification, the term "sheet" refers to a shape in which the thickness of the object is 10% or less of the maximum length between the outer edges in a planar view. When the shape in a planar view is rectangular, the "maximum length between the outer edges in a planar view" refers to the length of the diagonal. Furthermore, when the shape in a planar view is circular, the "maximum length between the outer edges in a planar view" refers to the diameter. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "sheet" also includes membranes, foils, films, and the like.

[0015] The photovoltaic sheet can be a thin solar cell known in the art, such as a photovoltaic sheet in which a power generation section is sealed with a sealant on a back sheet, or a photovoltaic sheet in which a front sheet is laminated on the power generation section via a sealant or an adhesive layer. The photoelectric conversion material used in the power generation section can also be a known material, such as amorphous silicon, an organic-inorganic perovskite compound, or a non-silicon material such as CIGS.

[0016] The photovoltaic sheet is preferably covered at its end side surfaces and peripheral edge with a sealing material. Covering the end side surfaces and peripheral edges of the photovoltaic sheet with a sealing material can prevent delamination between the layers of the photovoltaic sheet. It can also further prevent moisture from penetrating through the sides of the photovoltaic sheet. The method for covering the end side surfaces and peripheral edges of the photovoltaic sheet is not particularly limited, and examples include hemming with tape containing the sealing material and covering the sides and peripheral edges by applying a sealing material. Examples of the sealing material include vinyl acetate resin, ethylene vinyl acetate resin, epoxy resin, cyanoacrylate resin, acrylic resin, chloroprene rubber, styrene, butadiene rubber, polyurethane resin, silicone resin, and modified silicone resin.

[0017] The planar shape of the photovoltaic sheet is not particularly limited as long as it is in the form of a sheet, and examples thereof include a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc., which can be appropriately determined depending on the installation surface.

[0018] The photovoltaic sheet preferably has a bending strength of 10 MPa or more, more preferably 20 MPa or more, and even more preferably 50 MPa or more. Having the lower limit of the bending strength of the photovoltaic sheet within the above range further improves handleability. Furthermore, the photovoltaic sheet preferably has a bending strength of 200 MPa or less, more preferably 150 MPa or less, and even more preferably 50 MPa or less. Having the upper limit of the bending strength of the photovoltaic sheet within the above range further improves flexibility. The bending strength of the photovoltaic sheet can be measured using a method in accordance with JIS K7171.

[0019] The photovoltaic sheet preferably has a flexural modulus of 100 MPa or more, more preferably 500 MPa or more. Having the lower limit of the flexural modulus of the photovoltaic sheet within the above range further improves handleability. Furthermore, the photovoltaic sheet preferably has a flexural modulus of 10,000 MPa or less, more preferably 5,000 MPa or less. Having the upper limit of the flexural modulus of the photovoltaic sheet within the above range further improves flexibility. The flexural modulus of the photovoltaic sheet can be measured using a method in accordance with JIS K7171.

[0020] The photovoltaic sheet may be fixed directly to the installation surface, or the photovoltaic sheet may be fixed to a fiber-containing sheet or the like, and the fiber-containing sheet to which the photovoltaic sheet is fixed may be fixed to the installation surface. Examples of the fiber-containing sheet include a fiber-reinforced sheet or nonwoven fabric in which fibers made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polylactic acid, polyolefin, asphalt, silica sand, or the like are coated with a resin. Note that when the photovoltaic sheet is fixed to the installation surface via the fiber-containing sheet or the like, the fiber-containing sheet or the like is included in the photovoltaic sheet.

[0021] The direction in which the solar power generation sheet is arranged is not particularly limited as long as it is arranged so as to cross between the convex portions. If the solar power generation sheet is a long sheet, the solar power generation sheet may be arranged so that the long side is in the width direction of the installation surface as shown in Figure 1, or so that the long side is in the depth direction of the installation surface.

[0022] The photovoltaic sheet is preferably arranged so as not to come into contact with the recesses. By arranging the photovoltaic sheet so as not to come into contact with the recesses, that is, by installing the photovoltaic sheet so as to bridge the convex portions while it is stretched, deformation of the photovoltaic sheet can be further suppressed. Furthermore, the photovoltaic sheet is preferably arranged in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the convex portions when the installation surface is viewed in plan from above. Furthermore, if the photovoltaic sheet is a long sheet, the photovoltaic sheet may be arranged so that its long side is in the width direction of the installation surface, or so that its long side is in the depth direction of the installation surface.

[0023] The fixing member is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the photovoltaic sheet to the convex portion of the installation surface. For example, if the installation surface is a seam-fastened folded-plate roof as shown in Figure 1, a fixing member that clamps or crimps the photovoltaic sheet and the seam to fix it can be used. Another example is a fixing member consisting of a set of a clip-shaped gasket that temporarily clamps the photovoltaic sheet and the seam to fix it, and the fixing member that clamps the photovoltaic sheet and the seam together with the gasket to fix it permanently. If the installation surface does not have a seam on the convex portion, a rod-shaped or plate-shaped fixing device that clamps the photovoltaic sheet between the convex portion and fixes it can be used. The rod-shaped or plate-shaped fixing device can be arranged in the depth direction or width direction of the installation surface.

[0024] When the fixing member is rod-shaped or plate-shaped, the cross-sectional shape is not particularly limited, and examples include U-shape, I-shape, C-shape, L-shape, circle, oval, polygon, and the like.

[0025] The material of the fixing member should have sufficient rigidity to fix the photovoltaic sheet and be capable of plastic deformation, and examples include metals such as steel, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, nickel alloy, copper alloy, etc., hard plastics such as vinyl chloride, polycarbonate, acrylic, polypropylene, ABS resin, AS resin, PPS resin, etc., rubber, ceramic, or composite materials thereof.

[0026] If the fixing member is rod-shaped or plate-shaped, the contact width of the fixing member with the photovoltaic sheet when the photovoltaic sheet is installed is preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 15 mm or more. Having a contact area with the photovoltaic sheet in this range makes it possible to prevent the photovoltaic sheet from shifting and to fix it more firmly. Furthermore, the contact width of the fixing member with the photovoltaic sheet is preferably 100 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less. Having a contact area with the photovoltaic sheet in this range reduces the overlap with the power generation section of the photovoltaic sheet and reduces the impact on the amount of power generated.

[0027] The shape of the reinforcing material is not particularly limited as long as it can reinforce the installation surface, but a rod shape is preferable from the viewpoint of minimizing the obstruction of light entering the photovoltaic sheet. When the reinforcing material is rod-shaped, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing material (cross-section of the YZ plane in Figure 1) is not particularly limited, and examples include a circle, an ellipse, and a polygon. When the cross-section of the reinforcing material is circular or elliptical, the contact area when the reinforcing material comes into contact with the photovoltaic sheet can be reduced, thereby further reducing damage to the photovoltaic sheet. When the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing material is polygonal, it becomes a component with high production stability and high versatility, thereby further reducing costs. Furthermore, when the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing material is polygonal and comes into contact with the photovoltaic sheet, the corners that come into contact with the photovoltaic sheet are preferably chamfered from the viewpoint of preventing damage to the photovoltaic sheet.

[0028] The material of the reinforcing material is not particularly limited as long as it has enough rigidity to reinforce the installation surface, but examples include metals such as steel, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, nickel alloy, copper alloy, etc., hard plastics such as vinyl chloride, polycarbonate, acrylic, polypropylene, ABS resin, AS resin, PPS resin, etc., rubber, ceramic, or composite materials thereof.

[0029] The arrangement of the reinforcing material is such that it does not contact the recesses and bridges at least two or more of the protrusions (above the recesses). There are no particular limitations on the arrangement of the reinforcing material as long as it can support the protrusions. It may be arranged on the photovoltaic sheet, below the photovoltaic sheet, or between the photovoltaic sheets (parts where no photovoltaic sheet is installed). When the reinforcing material is arranged on the photovoltaic sheet, the degree of freedom in the arrangement and shape of the reinforcing material is increased. When the reinforcing material is arranged below or between the photovoltaic sheets, it does not block the light incident on the photovoltaic sheet, thereby increasing the amount of power generation. Furthermore, arranging the reinforcing material along the edge of the photovoltaic sheet can prevent deformation of the photovoltaic sheet. Furthermore, even when the reinforcing material is arranged on the photovoltaic sheet, it is preferable to arrange the reinforcing material so that it does not overlap the power generation section of the photovoltaic sheet when viewed from above in plan. Examples of positions that do not overlap with the power generating section of the photovoltaic sheet when viewed from above the photovoltaic sheet include on the periphery of the photovoltaic sheet and between the photovoltaic sheets.

[0030] When the installation surface has the gradient in the same direction as the extension direction of the recessed and protruding portions, the reinforcing material is preferably arranged so as to be perpendicular to the gradient direction. By arranging the reinforcing material so that it is perpendicular to the gradient direction, that is, so that the reinforcing material is perpendicular to the extension direction of the recesses and protrusions when the installation surface is viewed in plan from above, the direction of the wind blowing in will be perpendicular to the extension direction of the reinforcing material, thereby more effectively reducing the load on the installation surface. Note that "perpendicular" here does not only mean that the angle between the gradient direction and the extension direction (width direction) of the reinforcing material is 90°, but also includes substantially perpendicular within a certain error range.

[0031] The reinforcing material may be fixed to a convex portion of the installation surface, to the fixing member, or to the photovoltaic sheet. When the reinforcing material is fixed to a convex portion of the installation surface, the reinforcing material can be placed under the photovoltaic sheet, increasing the degree of freedom in installation location. When the reinforcing material is fixed to the fixing member or the photovoltaic sheet, there is no need to perform fixing processing on the installation surface, making installation easier. Methods for fixing the reinforcing material include, for example, welding, providing concave and convex portions on the fixing member (or convex portion) and the reinforcing material and fitting them together, connecting with screws or bolts, connecting with magnets, fixing by adhesive, and fixing by clamping.

[0032] When the reinforcing material is fixed by adhesion, the adhesive strength of the reinforcing material is preferably 0.1 N / cm or more and 100 N / cm or less. By ensuring that the adhesive strength of the reinforcing material is within the above range, peeling of the reinforcing material due to wind or vibration can be further prevented, and the installation surface can be more fully supported. The adhesive strength of the reinforcing material is more preferably 1 N / cm or more, and even more preferably 10 N / cm or more. Furthermore, the position of the reinforcing material may need to be adjusted depending on the installation situation. In such cases, it is preferable that the reinforcing material can be removed and re-fixed, so the adhesive strength of the reinforcing material is more preferably 50 N / cm or less, and even more preferably 30 N / cm or less.

[0033] When the reinforcing material is fixed to the peripheral edge of the photovoltaic sheet, it is preferable that the reinforcing material be fixed by sandwiching the top and bottom surfaces of the photovoltaic sheet. The edges of solar panels are often made of a relatively soft material, so by making the cross section of the reinforcing material U-shaped or similar, and clamping the solar panel from above and below, the sides of the panel are compressed, further preventing moisture penetration.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a top view showing a schematic example of the arrangement of reinforcing materials in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. Figure 3A shows the same reinforcing material arrangement as in Figure 1, with the reinforcing material 4 connecting the fixing members 3 arranged so that it passes through the center of the photovoltaic sheet 1 and in a direction parallel to the extension direction. This arrangement allows a single reinforcing material to evenly reinforce the installation surface. Figure 3B shows an example using multiple reinforcing materials, with two reinforcing materials 4 arranged so that they cross between the fixing members 3. An arrangement like that in Figure 3B can further enhance the reinforcing effect. Figure 3C also shows an example using multiple reinforcing materials, but with two reinforcing materials arranged along both ends of the photovoltaic sheet 1. An arrangement like that in Figure 3C can make it less likely that light will be blocked from reaching the power generation section of the photovoltaic sheet 1 and can reduce deformation of the photovoltaic sheet.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic example of the shape of a reinforcing member in an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. The reinforcing member 4 may have a linear structure as shown in FIG. 4A. However, to further reduce the contact area with the photovoltaic sheet 1, it may have a stepped structure as shown in FIG. 4B, a sloped structure as shown in FIG. 4C, or an arched structure as shown in FIG. 4D. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 4 does not necessarily need to be integrated with the fixing member 3 from the beginning. As shown in FIG. 4E, the photovoltaic sheet 1 may first be fixed with the fixing member 3, and then the reinforcing member 4 may be fixed and, if necessary, integrated with the fixing member 3. Separating the reinforcing member 4 from the fixing member 3 facilitates installation. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 4 does not necessarily need to be fixed to the fixing member 3 as long as it can support the installation surface 2 and minimize deformation when the installation surface 2 deforms. As shown in FIG. 4F, a certain gap may exist between the fixing member 3 and the reinforcing member 4. Even if the installation surface deforms, damage to the installation surface can be avoided if the deformation can be stopped in the early stages. In addition, when the reinforcing material has a structure having a portion that is not in contact with the photovoltaic sheet 1 as shown in Figures 4B to 4D, the reinforcing material may be connected to two adjacent fixing members 3 or protrusions, or may be connected to two non-adjacent fixing members 3 or protrusions.

[0036] The reinforcing material preferably has a modulus of longitudinal elasticity of 1000 MPa or more. By having the Young's modulus of the reinforcing material within the above range, the reinforcing effect of the installation surface can be further enhanced. The Young's modulus of the reinforcing material is more preferably 1000 MPa or more, even more preferably 2500 MPa or more, even more preferably 5000 MPa or more, very preferably 10 GPa or more, and particularly preferably 60 GPa or more. There is no particular upper limit for the Young's modulus of the reinforcing material, and the higher the better, but the limit is about 250 GPa due to processing technology.

[0037] The reinforcing material preferably satisfies the above-mentioned Young's modulus at the highest temperature expected in the usage environment. Because photovoltaic sheets are installed outdoors, high temperatures may occur depending on the region and climate in which the sheet is installed, which may result in a decrease in the Young's modulus of the reinforcing material. Therefore, satisfying the above-mentioned Young's modulus at the highest temperature expected in the usage environment can further enhance the deformation suppression effect of the photovoltaic sheet. Specifically, the reinforcing material preferably satisfies the above-mentioned Young's modulus at 40°C, more preferably at 50°C, even more preferably at 60°C, and even more preferably at 70°C.

[0038] The thickness of the reinforcing material (the length in the vertical direction when installed) is determined appropriately depending on the material so as to provide a strength sufficient to reinforce the installation surface, but is preferably 1 mm or more. Specifically, for example, if the reinforcing material is made of steel, the thickness is preferably 2 mm or more, and if made of aluminum alloy, the thickness is preferably 5 mm or more. There is no particular upper limit to the thickness of the reinforcing material, but it is preferably 50 mm or less from the viewpoint of balancing reinforcing performance with cost and weight.

[0039] The difference in linear expansion coefficient between the reinforcing material and the material of the installation surface is preferably within 30%. A small difference in the coefficient of linear expansion between the reinforcing material and the material of the installation surface can reduce damage to the installation surface due to expansion and contraction of the reinforcing material. It is more preferable that the difference in the coefficient of linear expansion between the reinforcing material and the material of the installation surface be within 10%.

[0040] When the reinforcing material is placed on the solar power generation sheet, it is preferable that the projected area of ​​the reinforcing material when the solar power generation sheet is exposed to light from a direction perpendicular to the reinforcing material in the installed state is 10% or less of the area of ​​the power generation section of the solar power generation sheet. When a reinforcing material is placed on a photovoltaic sheet, the reinforcing material blocks light incident on the photovoltaic sheet. Therefore, by setting the projected area within the above range, the impact of the reinforcing material on the amount of power generated can be further reduced. It is more preferable that the projected area of ​​the reinforcing material is 5% or less of the power generating section. There is no particular lower limit for the projected area of ​​the reinforcing material, and the smaller the better, but from the perspective of the reinforcing performance of the reinforcing material, the limit is about 1%.

[0041] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view schematically illustrating another example of the installation structure of a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention, and FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating another example of the installation structure of a photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. In embodiment 2, a photovoltaic sheet 1 is installed on an installation surface 2, which is a seam-fastened folded-plate roof, as in embodiment 1. Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from embodiment 1 in that the reinforcing member 4 has a convex slope structure and is connected to the next fixing member 3 rather than the adjacent fixing member 3. In addition, by shifting the position of the reinforcing member 4 from the position of the reinforcing member 4 of the adjacent photovoltaic sheet 1, uneven load distribution on each seam is suppressed. The details of the photovoltaic sheet 1, installation surface 2, fixing member 3, and reinforcing member 4 of embodiment 2 are the same as those of embodiment 1 above.

[0042] (Embodiment 3) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view schematically illustrating another example of an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating another example of an installation structure for a photovoltaic sheet according to the present invention. In embodiment 3, a photovoltaic sheet is installed on an uneven installation surface that does not have a seam. In embodiment 3, the fixing member 3 is plate-shaped and is arranged along the extension direction (depth direction) of the protrusions 22 and fixed with fasteners 5. Furthermore, reinforcing members 4 are arranged below both ends of the photovoltaic sheet 1 and directly support the installation surface 2. Note that the reinforcing members 4 are fixed to the installation surface 2 with magnets. When the reinforcing members 4 are arranged on the back surface of the photovoltaic sheet 1 as in embodiment 3, the incidence of light on the photovoltaic sheet 1 is not impeded, allowing the surface of the photovoltaic sheet 1 to be more effectively utilized. The details of the photovoltaic sheet 1, installation surface 2, fixing members 3, and reinforcing members 4 of embodiment 3 are the same as those of embodiments 1 and 2 above. In this embodiment, the reinforcing material 4 is placed on the back surface of the photovoltaic sheet 1 by fixing the reinforcing material 4 to the installation surface 2 using magnetic force, but the reinforcing material 4 may also be placed on the back surface of the photovoltaic sheet 1 by providing a through hole in a part of the photovoltaic sheet 1 and connecting the reinforcing material 4 to the fixing member 3 through the through hole.

[0043] The fixing device is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the vibration damping material or the fixing member according to the installation structure, and examples thereof include bolts, screws, adhesives, pins, magnets, etc. Furthermore, the material of the fixing device can also be a conventionally known material, and examples thereof include metals such as iron, aluminum, stainless steel, copper alloys, aluminum alloys, and ceramics.

[0044] (Installation method) An example of a method for installing the photovoltaic sheet according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, a worker places the photovoltaic sheet parallel to the width of the installation surface. Next, a fixing member in the form of a hooked fastener is placed on the seam of the installation surface and tightened toward the seam to secure the photovoltaic sheet. Next, the photovoltaic sheet is pulled to a taut state between the adjacent seams (a state in which the photovoltaic sheet is in contact with only the convex portions), and then the fixing member is tightened to secure the photovoltaic sheet. If the fixing member has the above-mentioned gasket, the solar cell is first sandwiched between the seams with the gasket to temporarily secure it, and then the gasket and fixing member are tightened with a hooked fastener. By repeating the above process up to the edge of the photovoltaic sheet, the photovoltaic sheet is secured in place so that it crosses the convex portions. Finally, a reinforcing member is welded to the adjacent fixing member to complete the installation structure for the photovoltaic sheet of the present invention. If the reinforcing member is placed below the photovoltaic sheet, the reinforcing member is placed before the photovoltaic sheet is placed. If the fixing member and the reinforcing member are connected by welding or other means, the reinforcing member and the fixing member may be joined in advance before securing the photovoltaic sheet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1. Solar power generation sheet 2 Installation surface 21 Recess 22 Convex part 3 Fixing member 4 Reinforcement 5 Fixtures

Claims

1. an installation surface having one or more recesses and two or more protrusions, the recesses and the protrusions being arranged parallel to each other; a photovoltaic sheet disposed across the convex portions; a fixing member that fixes the photovoltaic sheet to the protrusion; a reinforcing material that bridges at least two of the protrusions and directly or indirectly supports the bridged protrusions; A solar power generation sheet installation structure comprising:

2. 2. The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing material does not overlap with a power generating portion of the photovoltaic sheet when viewed from above the photovoltaic sheet in a plan view.

3. 3. The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing material is disposed below the photovoltaic sheet.

4. 3. The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to claim 1, wherein the installation surface has a slope, and the slope direction is parallel to the extension direction of the recesses and protrusions.

5. The solar panel installation structure according to claim 4, wherein the reinforcing material is arranged perpendicular to the gradient direction.

6. 3. The photovoltaic sheet installation structure according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing material has a modulus of longitudinal elasticity of 1000 MPa or more.

7. 3. The solar panel installation structure according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing material has a thickness of 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

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