Installation method for solar power generation sheets and solar power generation sheet installation kit

Abstract

This invention provides a method for installing solar power generation sheets that allows for easy installation of solar power generation sheets even in windy conditions, and a solar power generation sheet installation kit used in this method. [Solution] A method for installing a solar power generation sheet, comprising the steps of: fixing at least one pair of guide rails, each having a shape that creates a gap between them and the installation surface, to the installation surface so that they are parallel and the gaps face each other; inserting the solar power generation sheet, on which an upper frame member is provided, into each of the gaps from the bottom edge; and holding the upper frame member to the guide rails.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for installing a photovoltaic sheet and a photovoltaic sheet installation kit used in the method for installing the photovoltaic sheet.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, rigid solar cell panels made of silicon semiconductors have been widely used as solar cells. However, since conventional solar cell panels have a certain weight, they cannot be installed on some structures with low load-bearing capacity, or even on an installation surface where they can be installed, but cannot be installed on a part with low load-bearing capacity, so there is a problem that the area of the installation surface cannot be effectively utilized. Therefore, in recent years, flexible solar cells based on heat-resistant polymer materials such as polyimide and polyester, or metal foils have been attracting attention. Flexible solar cells have advantages such as ease of transportation and construction due to thinning and weight reduction, and resistance to impact. A photovoltaic sheet using a flexible solar cell can be installed along the installation surface even on an installation surface with unevenness. (For example, Patent Document 1)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although such a photovoltaic sheet has a great advantage of being lightweight and flexible, because it is lightweight and flexible, it is likely to move by wind, and there is a problem that the installation becomes complicated when the photovoltaic sheet vibrates due to wind during installation. In particular, when the installation surface has an inclination, the installation becomes more complicated compared to a flat installation surface, so there is a need for a method that can more easily install a photovoltaic sheet on an inclined installation surface even in the presence of wind.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a method for installing solar power generation sheets that allows for easy installation of solar power generation sheets even in windy conditions, and a solar power generation sheet installation kit used in said solar power generation sheet installation method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention includes the following disclosures 1 to 4. The present invention will be described in detail below. [Disclosure 1] A method for installing solar power generation sheets, A step of fixing at least one pair of guide rails, each having a shape that creates a gap between them and the mounting surface, to the mounting surface in parallel and with the gaps facing each other, The process of inserting the solar power generation sheet, on which the upper frame member is provided, into each of the gaps from the bottom edge, The process includes the step of holding the upper frame member on the guide rail. A method for installing solar power generation sheets, characterized by the features described above. [Disclosure 2] The method for installing a solar power generation sheet according to Disclosure 1, further comprising the step of fixing the upper frame member to the installation surface or guide rail. [Disclosure 3] A method for installing a photovoltaic power generation sheet according to disclosure 1 or 2, characterized in that the installation surface has an inclination, and the inclination angle is 45° or more with respect to the horizontal plane. [Disclosure 4] A solar power sheet installation kit used in the solar power sheet installation method described in any of disclosures 1 to 3, It comprises a solar power generation sheet, at least one pair of guide rails, and an upper frame member. The guide rail has a shape that creates a gap between it and the installation surface during installation, allowing the solar power generation sheet to pass through. The upper frame member or the guide rail has a structure that holds the upper frame member to the guide rail. A solar power generation sheet installation kit characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for installing a solar power generation sheet that can be easily installed even in windy conditions, and a solar power generation sheet installation kit used in the solar power generation sheet installation method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation method of the solar power generation sheet according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of a guide rail. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a structure in which the upper frame member is fixed to the guide rail. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] In this specification, "up" means the direction on the upper side of the slope of the installation surface, and "down" means the direction opposite to up. If the installation surface is not sloped, any direction on the installation surface shall be considered "up," and the direction opposite to up shall be considered "down." Furthermore, "back" means the direction toward the installation surface when perpendicular to the installation surface, and "front" means the direction opposite to back. In addition, "height" means the length in the direction perpendicular to the installation surface, and "width" means the length in the direction parallel to the installation surface and perpendicular to the direction of the slope of the installation surface.

[0011] The method for installing a solar power generation sheet according to the present invention first involves fixing at least one pair of guide rails, each having a shape that creates a gap between them and the installation surface, to the installation surface in parallel and with the gaps facing each other. The guide rails serve as guides for the solar power generation sheet and also act as frame members that fix the left and right sides of the solar power generation sheet (the sides that are not the top and bottom edges when the solar power generation sheet is installed). The guide rails are shaped so that a gap is created between them and the installation surface when they are installed. By installing a pair of guide rails parallel to each other and with the gaps between them facing inwards, a rail is formed for the solar power generation sheet to pass through. Within the gap, movement in the forward and backward directions is restricted by the guide rails, or the guide rails and the installation surface, so that the solar power generation sheet can be moved with vibration suppressed even in windy conditions.

[0012] The above-mentioned installation surface is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to install the solar power generation sheet, but it is preferable that it has a slope. Installing a solar power generation sheet on a sloped installation surface is more difficult than installing one on a flat installation surface, and the work becomes even more complicated if the solar power generation sheet vibrates in the wind. The solar power generation sheet installation method of the present invention allows for easy installation of the solar power generation sheet even on a sloped installation surface where wind blows, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the invention. Examples of the above-mentioned sloped installation surface include roofs such as corrugated metal roofs, standing seam roofs, and vertical seam roofs, as well as walls and the ground.

[0013] If the above-mentioned mounting surface has an incline, it is preferable that the incline angle of the mounting surface is 45° or more with respect to the horizontal plane. Installation surfaces with a large inclination angle are prone to misalignment of the solar power generation sheet due to the inclination, and installation becomes even more difficult when the solar power generation sheet vibrates due to wind. The solar power generation sheet installation method of the present invention is highly effective when installing solar power generation sheets on such installation surfaces with a large inclination angle in windy conditions. The inclination angle of the installation surface is more preferably 2° or more, even more preferably 10° or more, even more preferably 45° or more, and may also be 90°.

[0014] The material of the above guide rail is not particularly limited, and those conventionally used for fixing solar power generation sheets can be used. Specifically, aluminum, stainless steel, hard resin, composite reinforcing materials, etc. can be mentioned.

[0015] When the installation surface has an inclination, the installation direction of the above guide rail is preferably within ±90° from the inclination direction when viewed in plan from the light-receiving surface side. When the installation direction of the guide rail is within the above range, the operations of the steps of inserting the solar power generation sheets described below into each gap and the step of holding the upper frame member on the guide rail can be made easier to perform. The installation direction of the above guide rail is more preferably within ±45°, and more preferably 0°, that is, parallel to the inclination direction of the installation surface.

[0016] The part constituting the height of the above gap of the above guide rail (hereinafter also referred to as the connection part) does not necessarily need to be formed over the entire area in the extension direction of the guide rail, and may be formed only in a part thereof. Among them, since the vibration of the solar power generation sheet can be more suppressed, it is preferable that the connection part of the above guide rail is formed over the entire area through which the solar power generation sheet of the guide rail passes.

[0017] The shape of the guide rail described above should be such that it creates a gap between the guide rail and the installation surface that allows the solar power generation sheet to pass through when installed. Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of the structure of a guide rail. In Figure 2(a), the guide rail 2 has a U-shaped cross-section, and a gap is created between the rear (upper) surface of the guide rail 2, the front (lower) surface of the guide rail 2, and the connection point. In Figure 2(b), the guide rail 2 has an L-shaped cross-section, and a gap is created between the installation surface 1, the front surface of the guide rail 2, and the connection point. In Figure 2(c), the guide rail 2 has an H-shaped cross-section with two plates connected by bolts at a distance apart, and a gap is created between the rear plate of the guide rail 2, the front plate, and the bolt (connection point). In the guide rail 2 of Figure 2(c), the gap in the area without bolts is composed only of the rear plate and the front plate of the guide rail 2. Furthermore, even if a gap exists between the front and rear surfaces of the guide rail, this gap is included in the gap between the rail and the installation surface.

[0018] The height of the above gap is preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm. When the gap height is within the above range, the solar power generation sheet can pass through more easily, and vibrations of the solar power generation sheet within the gap can be further suppressed. The gap height is more preferably 2 mm or more, even more preferably 3 mm or more, even more preferably 7.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 5 mm or less.

[0019] The width of the front surface of the above gap is preferably between 5 mm and 50 mm. By having the width of the front surface of the gap within the above range, vibration of the solar power generation sheet within the gap can be further suppressed, and interference between the guide rail and the power generation part of the solar power generation sheet can be further suppressed. The width of the gap is more preferably 7.5 mm or more, even more preferably 10 mm or more, even more preferably 40 mm or less, and even more preferably 30 mm or less. In this context, the width of the front side of the gap refers to the width of the portion of the front side of the guide rail that is inside the point where it connects to the connecting part. Furthermore, if the connecting part does not exist throughout the entire length of the guide rail, the width of the gap in the portion where the connecting part does not exist shall be the width that would be if the connecting part existed throughout the entire length.

[0020] The width between the guide rails is preferably 1.0 to 1.3 times the width of the solar power generation sheet. Here, the width between the guide rails refers to the width into which the solar power generation sheet can be inserted, in other words, the distance between the connection points. By setting the width between the guide rails within the above range, it becomes easier to insert the solar power generation sheet into the gap and vibration can be further suppressed. The width of the guide rails is more preferably 1.05 times or more the width of the solar power generation sheet, even more preferably 1.1 times or more, even more preferably 1.15 times or less, and even more preferably 1.2 times or less.

[0021] The method for fixing the above-mentioned guide rail to the mounting surface is not particularly limited and includes methods such as bolting, adhesive bonding, fusion bonding, fitting, and welding.

[0022] The method for installing the solar power generation sheet of the present invention involves the next step of inserting the solar power generation sheet, which is provided with an upper frame member, into each of the gaps from the bottom edge. By pre-fixing the upper frame component to the solar power generation sheet, the amount of fixing work required at the installation surface can be reduced, making the work easier and shortening the installation time. In addition, fixing the upper frame component makes the area around the top edge of the solar power generation sheet less prone to deformation, making work at the installation surface easier. Furthermore, by inserting the solar power generation sheet from the bottom edge along the two gaps, the solar power generation sheet can be easily positioned in the designated location even in windy conditions.

[0023] The material of the upper frame member described above is not particularly limited, and the same material as that used for the guide rail can be used.

[0024] The method for fixing the above-mentioned upper frame member to the above-mentioned solar power generation sheet is not particularly limited and includes fixing with bolts, adhesive, fusion, fitting, clamping, etc.

[0025] The above-mentioned photovoltaic power generation sheet can use conventionally known thin solar cells, for example, a photovoltaic power generation sheet in which a power generation unit sealed with a encapsulant is placed on a back sheet, and a front sheet is laminated on the power generation unit via a encapsulant or adhesive layer. Furthermore, conventionally known photoelectric conversion materials can also be used for the power generation unit of the above-mentioned photovoltaic power generation sheet, for example, amorphous silicon, organic inorganic perovskite compounds, non-silicon materials such as CIGS, etc. In this specification, "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 plan view. If the shape in a plan view is rectangular, the "maximum length between the outer edges in a plan view" refers to the length of the diagonal. If the shape in a plan view is circular, the "maximum length between the outer edges in a plan view" refers to the length of the diameter. Furthermore, in this specification, membrane-like, foil-like, and film-like materials are also included in the definition of "sheet."

[0026] The shape of the solar power generation sheet described above is not particularly limited as long as it is in the form of a sheet; for example, it can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc., and can be appropriately determined according to the installation surface.

[0027] The above-mentioned solar power generation 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 solar power generation sheet within this range improves handling. Furthermore, the above-mentioned solar power generation 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 solar power generation sheet within this range improves flexibility. The bending strength of the above-mentioned solar power generation sheet can be measured by a method compliant with JIS K7171.

[0028] The above-mentioned solar power generation sheet preferably has a flexural modulus of 100 MPa or more, and more preferably 500 MPa or more. Having the lower limit of the flexural modulus of the solar power generation sheet within this range improves handling. Furthermore, the above-mentioned solar power generation sheet preferably has a flexural modulus of 10,000 MPa or less, and more preferably 5,000 MPa or less. Having the upper limit of the flexural modulus of the solar power generation sheet within this range improves flexibility. The flexural modulus of the above-mentioned solar power generation sheet can be measured by a method compliant with JIS K7171.

[0029] During the process of inserting the solar power generation sheet into the gap, the solar power generation sheet may be fixed to the lower frame member in addition to the upper frame member. By fixing the lower frame member to the solar power generation sheet in advance, in addition to the upper frame member, the work at the installation surface can be further shortened. Furthermore, when the upper frame member is fixed to the guide rail as described later, the upper frame member is held on the guide rail, and if the installation surface is sloped, the weight of the lower frame member will keep the solar power generation sheet taut. As a result, the solar power generation sheet becomes less likely to move, making subsequent work easier. Note that if the lower frame member is fixed to the solar power generation sheet in advance, the lower frame member must have a shape that does not interfere with the gap. The method for fixing the lower frame member to the solar power generation sheet is the same as the method for fixing the upper frame member to the solar power generation sheet. Moreover, the lower frame member can be made of the same material as the upper frame member.

[0030] The method for installing the solar power generation sheet of the present invention then involves the step of holding the upper frame member on the guide rail. By holding the upper frame member to the guide rail, the position of the upper edge of the solar power generation sheet is fixed, making it easier to fix the solar power generation sheet to each frame member. In addition, since the vibration of the solar power generation sheet is suppressed by the guide rail, the fixing work can also be performed easily. In particular, if the installation surface has an incline, gravity will automatically hold the upper frame member to the guide rail, making the holding even easier. Methods for holding the upper frame member to the guide rail due to the incline include making the length of the upper frame member longer than the width between the guide rails and hooking it onto the upper end of the guide rail, providing an inward projection on the front side of the guide rail and hooking the upper frame member onto the projection, and providing a notch in the upper part of the guide rail and fitting the upper frame member into it. A method for holding the upper frame member to the guide rail on an installation surface without an incline is to provide a notch in the upper part of the guide rail and fitting the upper frame member into it.

[0031] Here, Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a structure in which the upper frame member is held by the guide rail. Figure 3 shows an example in which a solar power generation sheet is installed on a wall surface. In Figure 3(a), the width (length in the extension direction) of the upper frame member 4 is longer than the distance between the guide rails 2, and the upper frame member 4 is held by catching on the upper end of the guide rail 2. In Figure 3(b), a projection extending inward is provided on the front surface at the upper end of the guide rail 2. The projection or the upper frame member 4 has a thickness (height) that prevents the upper frame member 4 from passing through the gap, and the upper frame member 4 is held by catching on the projection.

[0032] The method for installing the solar power generation sheet of the present invention may further include the step of fixing the upper frame member to the installation surface or the guide rail. After the upper frame member is held in place by the guide rail, the upper frame member and, if necessary, the lower frame member are fixed to the installation surface or the guide rail, and the solar power generation sheet is fixed to the guide rail and, if necessary, the lower frame member, thereby completing the installation of the solar power generation sheet. The method of fixing the upper frame member to the installation surface or the guide rail is not particularly limited and can include, for example, bolting, bonding, fusion, fitting, welding, etc.

[0033] The method for installing the solar power generation sheet of the present invention may include the step of fixing the solar power generation sheet to the guide rail. One method for fixing the above-mentioned solar power generation sheet to the above-mentioned guide rail is: Methods of fastening include bolting, bonding, fusion, fitting, and welding. Alternatively, the solar power generation sheet may be fixed by filling the gap and pressing it against the installation surface.

[0034] The method for installing a solar power generation sheet according to the present invention may include a step of fixing a lower frame member to the installation surface or the solar power generation sheet. The method for fixing the lower frame member to the installation surface and the method for fixing the lower frame member to the solar power generation sheet can be the same as the method used for the upper frame member described above.

[0035] Here, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the installation method of the solar power generation sheet of the present invention. Figure 1 shows an example of installing a solar power generation sheet on a wall. The installation method of the solar power generation sheet of the present invention first involves installing a pair of guide rails 2 parallel to each other, each having a shape that creates a gap between it and the installation surface 1 during installation. At that time, the guide rails 2 are installed so that the gaps are opposite each other. Next, the solar power generation sheet 3, which is provided with an upper frame member 4, is inserted into each gap from the bottom edge. By fixing the upper frame member 4 to the solar power generation sheet 3 in advance, the amount of work on the installation surface 1 is reduced, and the area around the upper frame member 4 does not move, improving handling. Also, when inserting the solar power generation sheet 3, the left and right edges of the solar power generation sheet 3 passing through the gap are made difficult to move by the gap, so insertion can be easily performed. After insertion is complete, the upper frame member 4 is held in place by the structure of the upper frame member 4 or the guide rails 2. As the upper frame member 4 is held in place by the guide rails 2 by gravity, the top edge and left and right edges of the solar power generation sheet 3 are automatically held in a fixed position, making subsequent work significantly easier. After securing the upper frame member, the installation of the solar power generation sheet is completed by fixing the frame members on each side and the solar power generation sheet.

[0036] By using the solar power generation sheet installation method of the present invention, solar power generation sheets can be easily installed even in windy conditions. A solar power generation sheet installation kit used in the method for installing a solar power generation sheet of the present invention is also one of the present invention, comprising a solar power generation sheet, at least one pair of guide rails, and an upper frame member, wherein the guide rails have a shape that creates a gap between them and the installation surface during installation, allowing the solar power generation sheet to pass through, and the upper frame member or the guide rails have a structure that holds the upper frame member to the guide rails. The details of the solar power generation sheet, the guide rail, and the upper frame member described above are the same as those of the solar power generation sheet, guide rail, and upper frame member in the solar power generation sheet installation method of the present invention.

[0037] The solar power generation sheet installation kit of the present invention may have a lower frame member. Details of the lower frame member are the same as those of the lower frame member in the solar power generation sheet installation method of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 1 Installation surface 2 Guide rails 3. Solar power generation sheet 4. Upper frame member

Claims

1. A method for installing solar power generation sheets, A step of fixing at least one pair of guide rails, each having a shape that creates a gap between them and the mounting surface, to the mounting surface in parallel and with the gaps facing each other, The process of inserting the solar power generation sheet, on which the upper frame member is provided, into each of the gaps from the bottom edge, The process includes the step of holding the upper frame member on the guide rail. A method for installing solar power generation sheets, characterized by the features described above.

2. The method for installing a solar power generation sheet according to claim 1, further comprising the step of fixing the upper frame member to the installation surface or guide rail.

3. The method for installing a solar power generation sheet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the installation surface has an inclination, and the inclination angle is 45° or more with respect to the horizontal plane.

4. A solar power generation sheet installation kit used in the method of installing a solar power generation sheet according to claim 1 or 2, It comprises a solar power generation sheet, at least one pair of guide rails, and an upper frame member. The guide rail has a shape that creates a gap between it and the installation surface during installation, allowing the solar power generation sheet to pass through. The upper frame member or the guide rail has a structure that holds the upper frame member to the guide rail. A solar power generation sheet installation kit characterized by the following features.

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