Power generation module

Abstract

To provide a power generation module in which the degradation of solar cells is suppressed. [Solution] The power generation module according to this disclosure comprises a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a solar cell located between the first substrate and the second substrate, a sealing member that surrounds the solar cell in a plan view and seals the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, and lead wires connected to the solar cell and extending outward from the sealing member. The lead wires are provided on the first electrode layer of the solar cell, spaced apart from the photoelectric conversion layer. The surface of the lead wires is covered by the sealing member, except for the region located inward from the outer surface of the sealing member and the region in contact with the first electrode layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power generation module that generates electricity using light energy.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a solar cell module including a first substrate, a second substrate provided at a position facing the first substrate, a solar cell provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a first sealing layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate to seal the solar cell in the region between the first substrate and the second substrate. The solar cell has a stacked structure including a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the power generation module disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is still room for improvement from the viewpoint of suppressing deterioration of the solar cell.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a power generation module in which deterioration of a solar cell is suppressed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The power generation module according to the present disclosure a first substrate having translucency; a second substrate positioned to face the first substrate in the thickness direction of the first substrate; a solar cell positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate; A sealing member surrounds the solar cell in a plan view from the thickness direction and seals the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, A lead wire connected to the solar cell and extending outward from the sealing member in a direction intersecting the thickness direction, Equipped with, The solar cell comprises a first electrode layer and a photoelectric conversion layer laminated on the first electrode layer so as to be located between the first electrode layer and the second substrate. The sealing member has an inner surface facing the photoelectric conversion layer in the intersecting direction and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, The lead wire is provided on the first electrode layer, spaced apart from the photoelectric conversion layer. The surface of the lead wire is covered by the sealing member, except for the region that is in contact with the first electrode layer in the region located inward from the outer surface in the intersecting direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The power generation module described herein can suppress the degradation of solar cells. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of a power generation module according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B1-B1 in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the lead wires provided in the power generation module shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the Z1 region in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of a power generation module according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B2-B2 in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <Knowledge that forms the basis of this disclosure> Conventional power generation modules may be provided with lead wires to extract the generated electricity to the outside of the power generation module. For example, in the case of a solar power generation module described in Patent Document 1, if lead wires are provided, the lead wires are connected to the first electrode of the solar cell and extend to the outside of the power generation module, penetrating the first sealing layer.

[0010] The portion of the lead wires that extends outside the first sealing layer may be bent near the first sealing layer or pulled away from it during the manufacturing or use of the power generation module. In addition, the first sealing layer itself may contract and expand due to temperature changes in the environment in which the power generation module is installed. In such cases, stress may be generated at the interface between the lead wire and the first sealing layer, potentially creating a gap between the lead wire and the first sealing layer. If such a gap occurs, gases from outside the power generation module (e.g., oxygen in the ambient air) may reach the solar cell through the gap, potentially degrading the solar cell.

[0011] Therefore, the inventors diligently studied how to suppress the degradation of solar cells and found a configuration in which the surface of the lead wire is covered by the sealing member in a region located inward from the outer surface of the sealing member, except for the region that comes into contact with the first electrode layer. With this configuration, even if a gap occurs between the sealing member and the lead wire, it is possible to suppress gas entering the gap from outside the power generation module from reaching the solar cell. Based on this novel finding, the inventors have made the following disclosure.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, terms indicating a specific direction or position (for example, terms including "up", "down", "right", and "left") are used as necessary, but the use of these terms is for facilitating the understanding of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings, and the technical scope of the present disclosure and the usage mode of the power generation module according to the present disclosure are not limited by the meanings of these terms. Further, the following description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of each dimension do not necessarily match the actual ones.

[0013] In this specification, "electrically connected" means that at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: current can flow between a plurality of components, a plurality of components are capacitively coupled, and a plurality of components are electromagnetically coupled.

[0014] <First Embodiment> The power generation module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the power generation module according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1 - A1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1 - B1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lead wire provided in the power generation module of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the Z1 region of FIG. 2. An X - Y - Z orthogonal coordinate system is shown in the drawings, but the coordinate system is for facilitating the understanding of the present disclosure and does not limit the present disclosure.

[0015] The power generation module 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a power generation module used for building - integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The power generation module 1 also has a function as a building material such as a roof, a wall, or a window. The building material constitutes at least a part of, for example, a building, a vehicle, or the like. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described later, an example of a power generation module integrated as a window will be described.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the power generation module 1 includes a first substrate 10 and a second substrate 20 facing the first substrate 10 in the thickness direction (for example, the Z direction) of the first substrate 10. In the following description, the thickness direction of the first substrate 10 may be simply referred to as the "thickness direction". One of the directions intersecting the thickness direction is the first direction (for example, the Y direction), and the direction intersecting both the Y direction and the Z direction is the second direction (for example, the X direction). In the Z direction, the direction from the first substrate 10 toward the second substrate 20 is referred to as upward, and the direction from the second substrate 20 toward the first substrate 10 is referred to as downward. The first substrate 10 has an upper surface 10a facing the second substrate 20 in the Z direction.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, one solar cell 30 is provided between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. In the present embodiment, the solar cell 30 is provided on the upper surface 10a of the first substrate 10. Note that other members may be interposed between the first substrate 10 and the solar cell 30.

[0018] A sealing member 40 for sealing the gap is provided in the gap between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the sealing member 40 surrounds the solar cell 30 in a plan view seen from the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the sealing member 40 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a first lead wire 51 and a second lead wire 52 for taking out the power generated in the solar cell 30 to the outside of the power generation module 1 are connected to the solar cell 30.

[0020] The first substrate 10, the second substrate 20, and the sealing member 40 define an internal space SP of the power generation module 1. At least a part of the solar cell 30 is disposed in the internal space SP. For example, the internal space SP may be hollow. In this case, the internal space SP may be filled with a gas such as air, nitrogen, or argon. In the present embodiment, the internal space SP is filled with a filler 60 described later.

[0021] The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are base materials that constitute the outer casing of the power generation module 1. In this embodiment, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are rectangles having sides extending in the X direction or the Y direction, respectively, in a plan view (see Figure 1), and have the same or substantially the same dimensions as each other.

[0022] The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are made of materials with low permeability to moisture and gas so as to suppress the entry of moisture and gas from the outside of the power generation module 1 into the internal space SP. For example, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are made of materials such as resin and glass.

[0023] Furthermore, the first substrate 10 is translucent so that light can be incident on the solar cell 30 from outside the power generation module 1. In this embodiment, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are transparent glass plates.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the solar cell 30 has a first electrode layer 31 directly provided on the upper surface 10a of the first substrate 10, a photoelectric conversion layer 32 laminated above the first electrode layer 31, and a second electrode layer 33 laminated above the photoelectric conversion layer 32. That is, the solar cell 30 has a laminated structure in which the photoelectric conversion layer 32 is laminated between the first electrode layer 31 and the second electrode layer 33 in the Z direction. The first electrode layer 31 has an upper surface 32a that is in contact with or facing the photoelectric conversion layer 32.

[0025] The photoelectric conversion layer 32 has the function of converting light energy into electrical energy. The first electrode layer 31 and the second electrode layer 33 are electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion layer 32. The first electrode layer 31 is light-transmitting so that light incident on the power generation module 1 along the Z direction reaches the photoelectric conversion layer 32.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the dimensions of the photoelectric conversion layer 32 and the second electrode layer 33 in the X direction are smaller than the dimensions of the first electrode layer 31 in the X direction. Therefore, in a plan view, the first electrode layer 31 has a first extension portion 311 and a second extension portion 312 that protrude from the photoelectric conversion layer 32 in the X direction. The first extension portion 311 is the region of the first electrode layer 31 that protrudes from the photoelectric conversion layer 32 in the +X direction. The second extension portion 312 is the region of the first electrode layer 31 that protrudes from the photoelectric conversion layer 32 in the -X direction. In this embodiment, each extension portion 311, 312 has a band shape that extends along the Y direction in a plan view. The first extension portion 311 and the second extension portion 312 function as electrodes for extracting power from the solar cell 30.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the lead wires 51 and 52 extend outside the power generation module 1. For example, each lead wire 51 and 52 is connected to a controller (not shown) that controls power generation and distributes the generated power, or to terminals provided in a terminal box, outside the power generation module 1.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first lead wire 51 is connected to the first extension 311. The second lead wire 52 is connected to the second extension 312. As shown in Figure 4, each lead wire 51, 52 has, for example, a copper wire 501 and a solder layer 502 covering the copper wire 501. The solder layer 502 constitutes the outermost layer of each lead wire 51, 52. The solder layer 502 suppresses the occurrence of rust on the copper wire 501. Furthermore, when each lead wire 51, 52 is soldered to the first electrode layer 31, the solder layer 502 functions as a pre-solder layer.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, each lead wire 51, 52 extends along the Y direction on the first expansion section 311 or the second expansion section 312 and is led out to the outside of the power generation module 1. In this embodiment, one end 511, 521 of each lead wire 51, 52 is located at one end of the first expansion section 311 or the second expansion section 312 in the Y direction. As shown in Figure 3, the first lead wire 51 is connected to the first expansion section 311 along its entire length in the Y direction. Similarly, the second lead wire 52 is connected to the second expansion section 312 along its entire length in the Y direction. In this embodiment, each lead wire 51, 52 is soldered to the first expansion section 311 and the second expansion section 312.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the solar cell 30 has four solar cell elements 34 arranged in the X direction.

[0031] The photoelectric conversion layer 32 and the second electrode layer 33 are separated for each solar cell element 34. In Figures 1 and 6, the separated portions of the photoelectric conversion layer 32 and the second electrode layer 33 are not depicted.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the first electrode layer 31 has a plurality of separation portions 313, 314, and 315 that are separated from each other in the X direction.

[0033] Of the multiple separation sections 313, 314, and 315, the first separation section 313 is located at one end in the X direction and has a first extension section 311. The second separation section 314 is located at the other end in the X direction and has a second extension section 312. Multiple third separation sections 315 are provided between the first separation section 313 and the second separation section 314, and each third separation section 315 spans two adjacent solar cell elements 34.

[0034] Each of the first separation section 313 and the three third separation sections 315 constitutes the positive electrode of each solar cell element 34. Each of the Y-shaped separated portions of the second electrode layer 33 constitutes the negative electrode of each solar cell element 34.

[0035] To establish electrical conductivity between the first separation portion 313 or the third separation portion 315 of the positive electrode and the second electrode layer 33 of the negative electrode, each solar cell element 34 is provided with a conductive member 321 that penetrates the photoelectric conversion layer 32. In this embodiment, the conductive member 321 is formed integrally with the second electrode layer 33.

[0036] In the solar cell 30 described above, the four solar cell elements 34 are electrically connected in series between the first extension 311 and the second extension 312.

[0037] The first electrode layer 31 is formed on the first electrode layer 31 by known methods such as vapor deposition, sputtering, spin coating, or inkjet printing. The lamination of the photoelectric conversion layer 32 onto the first electrode layer 31 and the lamination of the second electrode layer 33 onto the photoelectric conversion layer 32 may be carried out by known methods such as the method exemplified as the method for forming the first electrode layer 31.

[0038] The first electrode layer 31 is formed, for example, over the entire upper surface 10a of the first substrate 10, and then the unnecessary portion is removed by laser processing or the like, so that it is laminated only in the desired area of ​​the upper surface 10a. Alternatively, the first electrode layer 31 may be laminated only in the desired area of ​​the upper surface 10a from the beginning. The photoelectric conversion layer 32 and the second electrode layer 33 may also be formed into the desired shape by any of the methods described above.

[0039] The first electrode layer 31 and the second electrode layer 33 are transparent electrodes containing, for example, fluorine-doped tin (FTO), indium oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), tin oxide, zinc oxide, or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In this embodiment, the first electrode layer 31 is a transparent electrode containing fluorine-doped tin, and the second electrode layer 33 is a transparent electrode containing indium oxide. When both the first electrode layer 31 and the second electrode layer 33 are transparent electrodes, light for power generation can be incident on the photoelectric conversion layer 32 via the first substrate 10 and the first electrode layer 31, or on the photoelectric conversion layer 32 via the second substrate 20 and the second electrode layer 33.

[0040] The photoelectric conversion layer 32 includes, for example, single-crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, microcrystalline silicon, compound semiconductors, organic semiconductors, and the like. In this embodiment, the photoelectric conversion layer 32 has a laminated structure in which p-type semiconductors, intrinsic semiconductors including perovskite crystals (perovskite materials), and n-type semiconductors are stacked. Furthermore, the photoelectric conversion layer 32 may further have layers for protecting these semiconductors or for transporting charge or holes.

[0041] The sealing member 40 prevents moisture and gas from entering the internal space SP of the power generation module 1 from the outside. For example, the sealing member 40 is made of a material such as rubber or resin. In this embodiment, the sealing member 40 is made of butyl rubber.

[0042] In this embodiment, the sealing member 40 is provided along the edges of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 in a plan view, as shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, since the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are rectangular in a plan view, the sealing member 40 is also formed in a rectangular shape. Specifically, the sealing member 40 has two first portions 41 extending along the Y direction and two second portions 42 extending along the X direction and connecting the two first portions 41 to each other.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the two first parts 41 enclose the lead wires 51 and 52 inward from the edges of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, respectively. As shown in Figure 1, the width W1 of each first part 41 is greater than the width W2 of each second part 42 in order to enclose the lead wires 51 and 52. For example, the minimum width W1 of each first part 41 is greater than the minimum width W2 of each second part 42. Here, the width of the first part 41 or the second part 42 is the dimension of each part 41 or 42 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which each part 41 or 42 extends in a plan view.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the sealing member 40 has an inner surface 40a facing the photoelectric conversion layer 32 in a direction intersecting the Z direction (XY direction), and an outer surface 40b on the opposite side. In a cross section that intersects the direction in which each lead wire 51, 52 extends (hereinafter referred to as the "intersecting cross section"), the inner surface 40a of the sealing member 40 is located between each lead wire 51, 52 and the photoelectric conversion layer 32 in the X direction. That is, in the intersecting cross section, the sealing member 40 is provided inward beyond each lead wire 51, 52.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sealing member 40 is positioned at a distance from the photoelectric conversion layer 32. As shown in Figure 5, in the cross-sectional area, the distance D1 between the inner surface 40a of the sealing member 40 and the first lead wire 51 is greater than half the distance D2 between the photoelectric conversion layer 32 and the first lead wire 51. For example, in the cross-sectional area, the shortest distance D1 between the inner surface 40a of the sealing member 40 and the first lead wire 51 is greater than half the shortest distance D2 between the photoelectric conversion layer 32 and the first lead wire 51. Here, distance D1 can also be said to be the thickness of the sealing member 40 in the X direction between the photoelectric conversion layer 32 and the first lead wire 51.

[0046] In other words, the sealing member 40 is provided in the X direction to an extent beyond the midpoint between the first lead wire 51 and the photoelectric conversion layer 32. Furthermore, on the second extension portion 312 shown in Figure 2, the distance between the inner surface 40a of the sealing member 40 and the second lead wire 52 is greater than half the distance between the photoelectric conversion layer 32 and the second lead wire 52.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the first lead wire 51 has a first portion 512 located on the first electrode layer 31 and a second portion 513 which is the portion between the outer surface 40b of the sealing member 40 and the first portion 512 in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the first portion 512 is connected to the first electrode layer 31 along its entire length. The surface of the first portion 512 is covered by the sealing member 40, except for the region connected to the first electrode layer 31. The surface of the second portion 513 is covered by the sealing member 40. Therefore, the surface of the portion of the first lead wire 51 located inward from the outer surface 40b of the sealing member 40 in a plan view (see Figure 1) is covered by the sealing member 40, except for the region connected to the first electrode layer 31. Although not shown, the surface of the second lead wire 52 is also covered by the sealing member 40, except for the region connected to the first electrode layer 31, similar to the first lead wire 51 described above.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the filler 60 is filled in the internal space SP so as to fill the portion excluding the solar cells 30 and lead wires 51 and 52, and seals the portion of the solar cells 30 and lead wires 51 and 52 located in the internal space SP. For example, the filler 60 is composed of materials such as organic compounds, inorganic compounds, and resins. The filler 60 may also contain a desiccant, an oxygen absorber, etc. In this embodiment, the filler 60 is composed of polyolefin (PO) and is transparent.

[0049] The oxygen permeability of the sealing member 40 is less than that of the filler material 60. Here, oxygen permeability refers to the gas permeability measured using oxygen as a test gas by a method specified in, for example, JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) K6275-1, JIS K6275-2, JIS K7126-1, or JIS K7126-2.

[0050] For example, the water vapor permeability of the sealing member 40 is less than that of the filler material 60. In this case, compared to a configuration where the water vapor permeability of the sealing member 40 is greater than or equal to that of the filler material 60, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of water vapor into the internal space SP through the sealing member 40. As a result, the change in the characteristics of the photoelectric conversion layer 32 due to the influence of water vapor is reduced, and the degradation of the solar cell 30 can be further reduced. Note that water vapor permeability refers to the water vapor permeability measured by the method specified in, for example, JIS K7129-1 or JIS K7129-7.

[0051] In one example of the manufacturing process for the power generation module 1, the filler material 60 is pre-formed into a sheet and placed between the solar cell 30 and the second substrate 20. Subsequently, the power generation module 1 is heated, and the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are pressed in the Z direction. At this time, the sheet-shaped filler material 60 melts due to the heating and flows to the side of the solar cell 30. As a result, the internal space SP is filled with the filler material 60.

[0052] When a filler 60 is provided in the internal space SP, the sealing member 40 is provided in the power generation module 1, for example, after the filler 60. The sealing member 40 is placed in the gap between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 by injecting the molten sealing member 40 material into the gap from the side. Alternatively, the sealing member 40 is formed by placing the sealing member 40 material on the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 and melting the material when joining the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. At this time, since the photoelectric conversion layer 32 is already sealed by the filler 60, the molten sealing member 40 material is prevented from reaching the photoelectric conversion layer 32.

[0053] In the power generation module 1 described above, the surfaces of the lead wires 51 and 52 are covered by the sealing member 40 in the region located inward from the outer surface 40b in the intersecting direction (e.g., XY direction), except for the region that comes into contact with the first electrode layer 31. With this configuration, even if a gap is created at the boundary between the lead wires 51 and 52 and the sealing member 40 due to displacement of the lead wires 51 and 52 or expansion and contraction of the sealing member 40 itself, the gap is kept from being in liquid or gas communication with the internal space SP. Therefore, even if gas or liquid from outside the power generation module 1 (e.g., outside air containing oxygen) or liquid enters the gap, it is suppressed that the gas or liquid reaches the photoelectric conversion layer 32. As a result, compared to a configuration in which a portion of the lead wires 51 and 52 inside the power generation module 1 is not covered by the sealing member 40, the possibility of the photoelectric conversion layer 32 being exposed to gas or liquid from outside the power generation module 1 can be reduced. Therefore, the degradation of the photoelectric conversion layer 32 due to the gas or liquid (for example, the degradation of the perovskite material contained in the photoelectric conversion layer 32) can be suppressed, making it possible to realize a power generation module 1 in which the degradation of the solar cell 30 is suppressed.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the power generation module 1 described above, the sealing member 40 is positioned at a distance from the photoelectric conversion layer 32 in a plan view. When forming the sealing member 40 between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, the sealing member 40 may be softened or melted by heating. On the other hand, the photoelectric conversion layer 32 may undergo changes in its properties when heat is applied from the outside, which may reduce the power generation efficiency of the power generation module 1. However, with the above configuration, since there is a distance between the sealing member 40 and the photoelectric conversion layer 32, the heat applied to the sealing member 40 during its formation is less likely to be conducted to the photoelectric conversion layer 32. As a result, changes in the properties of the photoelectric conversion layer 32 can be suppressed, and a power generation module 1 with further reduced degradation of the solar cell 30 can be realized.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the power generation module 1 described above, in a cross-section intersecting the direction in which the lead wires extend, the distance D1 between the inner surface 40a and the lead wires 51, 52 is greater than half the distance D2 between the photoelectric conversion layer 32 and the lead wires 51, 52. With this configuration, the sealing member 40 is provided inward beyond the midpoint between the lead wires 51, 52 and the photoelectric conversion layer 32 in the X direction, so the surface of the lead wires 51, 52, excluding the area in contact with the first electrode layer 31, can be more reliably covered by the sealing member 40. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of gas or liquid from outside the power generation module 1 into the internal space SP through the gap created at the boundary between the lead wires 51, 52 and the sealing member 40. Thus, it is possible to realize a power generation module 1 in which the degradation of the solar cell 30 is further reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, in the power generation module 1 described above, the internal space SP surrounded by the first substrate 10, the second substrate 20, and the sealing member 40 is filled with a filler material 60. With this configuration, if the sealing member 40 is formed after the filler material 60 is formed, the filler material 60 prevents the softened or molten sealing member 40 from reaching the photoelectric conversion layer 32. As a result, the sealing member 40 is more reliably positioned away from the photoelectric conversion layer 32, further suppressing the conduction of heat applied to the sealing member 40 to the photoelectric conversion layer 32. Therefore, a power generation module 1 with further reduced degradation of the solar cell 30 can be realized.

[0057] Furthermore, in the power generation module 1 described above, the oxygen permeability of the sealing member 40 is lower than that of the filler material 60. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the oxygen permeability of the sealing member 40 is higher than or equal to that of the filler material 60, the intrusion of oxygen into the internal space SP through the sealing member 40 can be suppressed. As a result, the change in the characteristics of the photoelectric conversion layer 32 due to the influence of oxygen is reduced, and a power generation module 1 in which the degradation of the solar cell 30 is further reduced can be realized.

[0058] Furthermore, in the power generation module 1 described above, the width of the first portion 512, 522 of the lead wires 51, 52 is greater than the width of the second portion 513, 523. With this configuration, the first portion 512, 522, which extends in the direction in which the lead wires 51, 52 extend, can more reliably cover the lead wires 51, 52. Therefore, a power generation module 1 can be realized in which the degradation of the solar cell 30 is further reduced.

[0059] <Second Embodiment> The power generation module 1A according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a plan view of the power generation module according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B2-B2 in Figure 6. In the following description, components similar to those of the power generation module 1 according to the first embodiment may be given the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the power generation module 1A according to the second embodiment, electrode patterns 35 for connecting to lead wires 51A and 52A are laminated on the first extension 311 and the second extension 312, respectively. The electrode patterns 35 are electrically connected to the first extension 311 or the second extension 312. The electrode patterns 35 are formed by known methods such as vapor deposition, sputtering, or inkjet printing. For example, the electrical resistance of the electrode patterns 35 is smaller than the electrical resistance of the first electrode layer 31. Each electrode pattern 35 extends along the Y direction over the entire length of the first extension 311 or the second extension 312.

[0061] The first lead wire 51A and the second lead wire 52A provided in the power generation module 1A are each connected to only one end 351 of the two electrode patterns 35. This end 351 is the end of the electrode pattern 35 that is closer to the intersection of the outer surface 40b of the sealing member 40A and the lead wires 51 and 52.

[0062] The sealing member 40A has two first portions 41A extending along the Y direction and two second portions 42 extending along the X direction and connecting the two first portions 41 to each other. The first portion 41A has a third portion 41B having a width W3 and not covering the lead wires 51, 52, and a fourth portion 41C having a width W4 wider than W3 and covering the lead wires 51, 52. In this embodiment, the width W3 of the third portion 41B is the same as or approximately the same as the width W2 of the second portion 42.

[0063] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various other forms. For example, the power generation module 1 may be provided with a plurality of solar cells 30. The plurality of solar cells 30 may be connected to each other by wiring provided in the internal space SP.

[0064] The number of lead wires 51 and 52 provided on the power generation module 1 may be three or more, depending on the number of solar cells 30, etc.

[0065] Furthermore, although the above assumes that the first substrate 10, the second substrate 20, the first electrode layer 31, the second electrode layer 33, and the filler 60 are transparent, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first substrate 10 and the first electrode layer 31 only need to be light-transmitting so that the light necessary for power generation can be incident on the photoelectric conversion layer 32, and may be made of opaque or colored material. Also, if the power generation module 1 is used as a building material other than a window, the second substrate 20, the second electrode layer 33, and the filler 60 do not need to be transparent.

[0066] Furthermore, although the above description assumes that the lead wires 51 and 52 are connected to the expansion sections 311 and 312, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the lead wires 51 and 52 may be connected to the parts of the separation sections 311 and 312 other than the expansion sections 311 and 312.

[0067] By appropriately combining any embodiment or modification from the various embodiments or modifications described above, the effects of each can be achieved. Furthermore, combinations of embodiments with each other, combinations of examples with each other, and combinations of embodiments with examples are possible, as well as combinations of features from different embodiments or examples.

[0068] While this disclosure is adequately described in relation to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the attached claims.

[0069] <Overview of Embodiments> [Item 1] A first substrate having light-transmitting properties, A second substrate positioned opposite to the first substrate in the thickness direction of the first substrate, A solar cell located between the first substrate and the second substrate, A sealing member surrounds the solar cell in a plan view from the thickness direction and seals the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, A lead wire connected to the solar cell and extending outward from the sealing member in a direction intersecting the thickness direction, Equipped with, The solar cell comprises a first electrode layer and a photoelectric conversion layer laminated on the first electrode layer so as to be located between the first electrode layer and the second substrate. The sealing member has an inner surface facing the photoelectric conversion layer in the intersecting direction and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, The lead wire is provided on the first electrode layer, spaced apart from the photoelectric conversion layer. The surface of the lead wire is covered by the sealing member, except for the region that is in contact with the first electrode layer in the region located inward from the outer surface in the intersecting direction. Power generation module.

[0070] [Item 2] The power generation module according to item 1, wherein the sealing member is positioned at a distance from the photoelectric conversion layer in the plan view.

[0071] [Item 3] The power generation module according to item 2, wherein, in a cross-section intersecting the direction in which the lead wire extends, the distance between the inner surface and the lead wire is greater than half the distance between the photoelectric conversion layer and the lead wire.

[0072] [Item 4] The power generation module according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the internal space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealing member is filled with a filler material.

[0073] [Item 5] The power generation module according to item 4, wherein the oxygen permeability of the sealing member is lower than that of the filler.

[0074] [Item 6] The sealing member, in the plan view, A first portion extends along the first direction, which is the direction in which the lead wire extends, and covers the lead wire, It has a second portion that extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction and is connected to the first portion, The width of the first part is greater than the width of the second part. A power generation module listed in one of items 1-5. [Industrial applicability]

[0075] This disclosure is applicable to power generation modules. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1. Power generation module 1A power generation module 10. First board 10a Top 20 Second board 30 solar cells 31 1st electrode layer 32 Photoelectric conversion layer 32a top surface 33 Second electrode layer 34 Click the solar cell button 35 electrode patterns 40 sealing member 40A sealing material 40a Inner surface 40b External surface 41 Part 1 41A Part 1 41B 3rd part 41C Part 4 42 Part 2 51. First lead wire 51A First lead wire 52 Second lead wire 52A Second lead wire 60 Filling material 311 First Expansion Section 312 Second Expansion Section 313 1st separation section 314 2nd separation section 315 Third separation section 321 Conductive member 351 One end 501 copper wire 502 Solder layer 511 One end 512 Part 1 513 Part 2 521 One end 522 Part 1 523 Part 2 D1 Distance D2 distance SP interior space W1 width W2 width W3 width W4 width

Claims

1. A first substrate having light-transmitting properties, A second substrate positioned opposite to the first substrate in the thickness direction of the first substrate, A solar cell located between the first substrate and the second substrate, A sealing member surrounds the solar cell in a plan view from the thickness direction and seals the gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, A lead wire connected to the solar cell and extending outward from the sealing member in a direction intersecting the thickness direction, Equipped with, The solar cell comprises a first electrode layer and a photoelectric conversion layer laminated on the first electrode layer so as to be located between the first electrode layer and the second substrate. The sealing member has an inner surface facing the photoelectric conversion layer in the intersecting direction and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, The lead wire is provided on the first electrode layer, spaced apart from the photoelectric conversion layer. The surface of the lead wire is covered by the sealing member, except for the region located inward from the outer surface in the intersecting direction, and the region that comes into contact with the first electrode layer. Power generation module.

2. The power generation module according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is positioned at a distance from the photoelectric conversion layer in the plan view.

3. The power generation module according to claim 2, wherein, in a cross-section intersecting the direction in which the lead wire extends, the distance between the inner surface and the lead wire is greater than half the distance between the photoelectric conversion layer and the lead wire.

4. The power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal space surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sealing member is filled with a filler material.

5. The power generation module according to claim 4, wherein the oxygen permeability of the sealing member is lower than that of the filler.

6. The sealing member, in the plan view, A first portion extends along the first direction in which the lead wire extends and covers the lead wire, It has a second portion that extends along a second direction intersecting the first direction and is connected to the first portion, The width of the first part is greater than the width of the second part. A power generation module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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