Solar cell device

Abstract

The aim is to reduce the weight and damage of solar cell equipment. [Solution] The solar cell device includes a solar cell module and a plurality of fixing devices. The solar cell module has a first long side, a second long side, a first short side, and a second short side. The plurality of fixing devices include a plurality of first fixing devices and a plurality of second fixing devices. The plurality of first fixing devices are spaced apart from each other and each holds and supports from below a portion of the solar cell module along the first long side. The plurality of second fixing devices are spaced apart from each other and each holds and supports from below a portion of the solar cell module along the second long side. The distance between the first A holding portion of the first A fixing device closest to the first short side among the plurality of first fixing devices and the second A holding portion of the second A fixing device closest to the first short side among the plurality of second fixing devices is greater than √6 times either the distance between the first A holding portion and the first short side or the distance between the second A holding portion and the first short side in the direction along the first plane.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a solar cell device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is a solar cell system in which the solar cell module is fixed to a roof or structure that is the installation target by a frame (C-channel) arranged along each of two opposing sides in the longitudinal direction of the solar cell module (see, for example, the description in Patent Document 1). This solar cell module has a protective material on both the front and back sides, each made of a resin sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-156216 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] There is room for improvement in solar cell equipment in terms of reducing weight and minimizing damage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The solar cell device is disclosed.

[0006] One embodiment of a solar cell device comprises a solar cell module and a plurality of fixing devices for fixing the solar cell module to an installation target. The solar cell module includes a first sheet member, a solar cell section containing one or more solar cells, a filler material, and a second sheet member. The first sheet member is made of a light-transmitting resin and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second sheet member is made mainly of resin and has a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The one or more solar cells are positioned along the second surface in the gap between the first sheet member and the second sheet member. The filler material is positioned in the gap so as to cover the one or more solar cells. When the solar cell module is viewed from above toward the first surface, the solar cell module has a rectangular shape and includes a first long side, a second long side, a first short side, and a second short side. The first long side is located at the end of the solar cell module in a first direction along the first surface. The second long side is located at the end of the solar cell module in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first short side is located at the end of the solar cell module in a third direction that is along the first surface and perpendicular to the first direction. The second short side is located at the end of the solar cell module in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. The lengths of the first long side and the second long side in the third direction are greater than the lengths of the first short side and the second short side in the first direction. The plurality of fixing devices include a plurality of first fixing devices and a plurality of second fixing devices. Each of the plurality of first fixing devices holds and supports from below the portion of the solar cell module along the first long side. The plurality of first fixing devices are located apart from each other in the fourth direction. Each of the plurality of second fixing devices holds and supports from below a portion of the solar cell module along the second long side. The plurality of second fixing devices are positioned apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction.The plurality of first fixing devices include a first A fixing device located closest to the first short side of the plurality of first fixing devices. The plurality of second fixing devices include a second A fixing device located closest to the first short side of the plurality of second fixing devices. The first A fixing device includes a first A holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below. The second A fixing device includes a second A holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below. When the solar cell module and the plurality of fixing devices are viewed planarly toward the first surface, each of the first A holding portion and the second A holding portion is located on a first imaginary line A along the first direction. The first A distance between the first A holding portion and the second A holding portion is greater than √6 times the second A distance between the first A holding portion and the first short side portion in the direction along the third direction, and greater than √6 times the third A distance between the second A holding portion and the first short side portion in the direction along the third direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This could lead to a reduction in the weight and damage of solar cell equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic front view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell module. [Figure 6] Figure 6 schematically shows an example of a hypothetical cross-section at position IV-IV of the solar cell module in Figure 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a bottom view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a solar cell. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of the state of a cross section during the manufacture of a solar cell module. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of the state of a cross section during the manufacture of a solar cell module. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an end view schematically showing a virtual cut surface in an example of a part of the configuration of a solar cell device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an end view schematically showing a virtual cut surface in an example of a part of the configuration of a solar cell device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an end view schematically showing a virtual cut surface in an example of a part of the configuration of a solar cell device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a fixing tool. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a fixing tool. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a fixing tool. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a fixing tool. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a form in which a power generation body of a solar cell module is held by a plurality of fixing tools. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a view schematically showing an example of a state in which a first end portion extending over a first short side portion from between a portion held by a first A holding portion and a portion held by a second A holding portion of a power generation body faces in the -X direction. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a view schematically showing an example of a state in which a first form of bending downward toward a first short side portion occurs when a distributed load is applied from above to a first end portion of a power generation body. [Figure 21]Figure 21 schematically shows an example of how the first end portion of the power generator, extending from the space between the portion held by the first A holding portion and the portion held by the second A holding portion to the first short side, appears to be oriented in the +Y direction. [Figure 22] Figure 22 schematically shows an example of a hypothetical second type of bending that occurs when a distributed load is applied from above to the first end portion of the power generation unit, where the bending is directed downward as it approaches the center between the first and second long sides. [Figure 23] Figure 23 schematically shows an example of how the second end portion of the power generator, extending from the space between the portion held by the first B holding portion and the portion held by the second B holding portion to the second short side, appears to be oriented in the -X direction. [Figure 24] Figure 24 schematically shows an example of a hypothetical third type of bending that occurs when a distributed load is applied from above to the second end portion of the power generator, with the bending diverging downwards as it approaches the second short side. [Figure 25] Figure 25 schematically shows an example of how the second end portion of the power generator, extending from the space between the portion held by the first B holding portion and the portion held by the second B holding portion to the second short side, appears to be oriented in the -Y direction. [Figure 26] Figure 26 schematically shows an example of a hypothetical fourth type of bending that occurs when a distributed load is applied from above to the second end portion of the power generation unit, where the bending is directed downward as it approaches the center between the first and second long sides. [Figure 27] Figure 27 schematically shows an example of how the inner portion extending from between the portions held by each of the first and second holding parts of one pair of power generators to the portions held by the adjacent pair of first and second holding parts is viewed in the -X direction. [Figure 28] Figure 28 schematically shows an example of how a bending pattern occurs in the inner portion of a power generator when a distributed load is applied from above, with the bending occurring in the Y-direction and decreasing as it approaches the center. [Figure 29]Figure 29 schematically shows an example of how the inner portion of the power generator appears when oriented in the +Y direction. [Figure 30] Figure 30 schematically shows an example of how a bending pattern occurs in the inner portion of a power generator when a distributed load is applied from above, with the bending oriented downwards as it approaches the center between the first and second long sides. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of a cracked solar cell. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a schematic bottom view showing an example of the configuration of a cracked solar cell. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a configuration in which the power generation element of a solar cell module according to the second embodiment is held by a plurality of fixing devices. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a configuration in which the power generation element of a solar cell module according to the third embodiment is held by a plurality of fixing devices. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a virtual cross-section of a solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a virtual cross-section of a solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment in section XXXVI of Figure 35. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a hypothetical cross-section of a solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a virtual cross-section of a solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment in section XXXVIII of Figure 37. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a hypothetical cross-section of a solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a virtual cross-section of a solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment in section XXXX of Figure 39. [Figure 41]Figure 41 is a schematic plan view showing a first example of a region in a solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment in which one or more reinforcing layers are located. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a schematic plan view showing a second example of a region in a solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment in which one or more reinforcing layers are located. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hypothetical cross-section of a solar cell module according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a virtual cross-section of a solar cell module according to the fifth embodiment in section XXXXIV of Figure 43. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a virtual cross-section of a solar cell module according to the fifth embodiment in section XXXXV of Figure 43. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the first mounting hole and the area surrounding the first mounting hole in a solar cell module according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the configuration of the second mounting hole and the area surrounding the second mounting hole in a solar cell module according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 48] Figure 48 is a schematic end view showing a hypothetical cross-section in another example of the configuration of a solar cell device. [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the configuration of a solar cell module. [Figure 50] Figure 50 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the configuration of a solar cell module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Solar cell modules are required to be fixed to various roofs and other surfaces (also known as installation surfaces).

[0010] However, there are cases where the load-bearing capacity of the installation site is insufficient, making it impossible to fix a solar cell module of the type known as a super-straight structure, which has a glass substrate as a protective material on the surface and a frame along the outer circumference, to the installation site.

[0011] In contrast, there are solar cell modules that are lighter in which the protective material on the front and the protective material on the back are each made of resin sheets. Furthermore, there are solar cell devices in which these solar cell modules are fixed to the installation target, such as a roof or structure, by long frames called C channels that are arranged along each of the two opposing sides in the longitudinal direction of the solar cell module.

[0012] Incidentally, for example, when a long mounting frame called a C-channel is used, it cannot be said that sufficient weight reduction has been achieved for the solar cell equipment. Also, solar cell modules in which the protective material on the front and back sides are each made of resin sheets become more susceptible to deformation under load as their weight is reduced.

[0013] Therefore, there is room for improvement in solar cell equipment in terms of reducing weight and minimizing damage.

[0014] Therefore, the inventors of this disclosure have created a technology that can reduce the weight and damage of solar cell devices.

[0015] Various embodiments and examples of this will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, parts having the same or similar configuration and function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate in the following description. The drawings are shown schematically. The drawings referred to below are appropriately labeled with a right-handed XYZ coordinate system. In this XYZ coordinate system, the direction from the eaves to the ridge of the roof is defined as the +Y direction, the direction perpendicular to the +Y direction and extending along the eaves is defined as the +X direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the +X and +Y directions is defined as the +Z direction. In addition, the direction opposite to the +X direction is defined as the -X direction, the direction opposite to the +Y direction is defined as the -Y direction, and the direction opposite to the +Z direction is defined as the -Z direction. In each embodiment, the +Z direction is defined as the upward direction, and the -Z direction is defined as the downward direction. In the following, the direction opposite to the -X direction, which corresponds to the first direction, is defined as the +X direction, which corresponds to the second direction. The direction opposite to the -Y direction, which corresponds to the third direction, is considered to be the +Y direction, which corresponds to the fourth direction. The direction opposite to the -Z direction, which corresponds to the fifth direction, is considered to be the +Z direction, which corresponds to the sixth direction. In addition, the +X direction and the -X direction are collectively referred to simply as the X direction. The +Y direction and the -Y direction are collectively referred to simply as the Y direction. The +Z direction and the -Z direction are collectively referred to simply as the Z direction.

[0016] <1. First Embodiment> As shown in Figure 1, the solar cell apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a solar cell module 2 and a plurality of fixing devices 3.

[0017] The solar cell module 2 can absorb light, such as sunlight, and generate electricity based on this light. The solar cell module 2 may also be called a power generation unit or a solar cell panel.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the solar cell device 1 may include a plurality of solar cell modules 2. The plurality of solar cell modules 2 are arranged in a matrix, for example, with two or more solar cell modules 2 lined up in each of the +X direction (row direction) and the +Y direction (column direction). In the example in Figure 1, a 2x2 arrangement of solar cell modules 2 is shown. Hereinafter, the solar cell modules 2 located on the -X side will also be referred to as the first solar cell module 2A, and the solar cell modules 2 located on the +X side will also be referred to as the second solar cell module 2B.

[0019] The length of the solar cell module 2 in the direction along the +Y direction (also called the first width) is greater than the length of the solar cell module 2 in the direction along the +X direction (also called the second width). Here, the direction along the +Y direction may be the +Y direction, and the direction along the +X direction may be the +X direction. The first width may be set to, for example, 450 millimeters (mm) to about 2500 mm, and the second width may be set to, for example, 150 mm to about 800 mm.

[0020] Multiple fixing devices 3 are in a state where the solar cell module 2 is fixed to the installation target area 900. In other words, from another perspective, the multiple fixing devices 3 are in a state where the solar cell module 2 is attached to the installation target area 900. The fixing devices 3 may be metal fittings (also called mounting brackets) made of metal such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel. The mounting brackets may have a configuration that includes multiple members fixed to each other, for example, by screws. As shown in Figure 1, each of the multiple solar cell modules 2 is fixed to the installation target area 900 by multiple fixing devices 3. In other words, each of the multiple solar cell modules 2 is in a state where it is attached to the installation target area 900 by multiple fixing devices 3. More specifically, each of the multiple solar cell modules 2 is fixed to the installation target area 900 by fixing devices 3 at each of the X-directions of the solar cell module 2. In other words, each of the multiple solar cell modules 2 is attached to the installation target section 900 by multiple fixing devices 3 at each of the X-directions of the solar cell module 2.

[0021] Each of the multiple fixing devices 3 attached to the -X end of the first solar cell module 2A, one of the multiple solar cell modules 2, is also referred to as fixing device 3A. Multiple common fixing devices 3 are attached to the +X end of the first solar cell module 2A and the -X end of the second solar cell module 2B. Each of these fixing devices 3 is also referred to as fixing device 3B. Furthermore, each of the multiple fixing devices 3 attached to the +X end of the second solar cell module 2B is also referred to as fixing device 3C.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, for example, a plurality of fixing devices 3A arranged in the direction along the Y direction are attached to the -X end of one first solar cell module 2A. These fixing devices 3A are located apart from each other in the direction along the Y direction. For example, a plurality of fixing devices 3B arranged in the Y direction are attached to the +X end of one first solar cell module 2A. For example, a plurality of fixing devices 3B arranged in the Y direction are attached to the -X end of one second solar cell module 2B. In other words, for example, a plurality of fixing devices 3B arranged in the Y direction are attached to the +X end of one first solar cell module 2A and the -X end of one second solar cell module 2B. These fixing devices 3B are located apart from each other in the direction along the Y direction. For example, a plurality of fixing devices 3C arranged in the Y direction are attached to the +X end of one second solar cell module 2B. These multiple fixing devices 3C are positioned apart from each other in the direction along the Y direction.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 1, four fixing devices 3A, four fixing devices 3B, and four fixing devices 3C are installed on two solar cell modules 2 that are aligned in the X direction. In other words, each of the multiple solar cell modules 2 is fixed to the installation target section 900 by eight fixing devices 3. More specifically, four fixing devices 3A and four fixing devices 3B are installed on one first solar cell module 2A. Four fixing devices 3B and four fixing devices 3C are installed on one second solar cell module 2B.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the installation target area 900 may be, for example, a roof 900r. Below, examples of the roof 900r, solar cell module 2, and fixing device 3 will be described in detail in order.

[0025] <1-1. Roof> The roof 900r may be a roof having a roof section 910. The roof section 910 is attached to the upper part of the building by a predetermined fastener. The fastener may be a fastening member such as a screw.

[0026] For the roof section 910, for example, a plate-like member such as a folded sheet or a corrugated sheet may be applied. For folded sheets, for example, a metal sheet that has been bent may be applied. For corrugated sheets, for example, a slate corrugated sheet may be applied. The corrugated sheet may also be a metal corrugated sheet, for example. For the metal material, for example, a metal material mainly composed of iron may be applied.

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 1, the roof section 910 is a corrugated metal roof. In this case, the roof section 910 has a shape in which peaks 911 and valleys 912 are arranged alternately in the X direction. The peaks 911 have a convex shape that protrudes toward the +Z direction. Also, the peaks 911 are positioned in a state that extends along the Y direction. That is, the ridges of the peaks 911 are parallel or approximately parallel to the Y direction. Each valley 912 is positioned between two adjacent peaks 911 in the X direction. Therefore, the valleys 912 have a concave shape. In the example shown in Figure 1, the bottom of the valleys 912 is a flat surface. The valleys 912, like the peaks 911, are also positioned in a state that extends along the Y direction. The distance between adjacent peaks 911 in the X direction may be constant or approximately constant.

[0028] The roof section 910 can be installed on the roof of a given building such that the X direction extends along the ridge and the +Y direction extends from the eaves toward the ridge. Here, the Y direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, for example. More specifically, the roof section 910 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane such that, for example, the eaves side of the roof section 910 is at a lower position than the ridge side.

[0029] <1-2. Solar Cell Modules> Figure 2 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the solar cell module 2 as seen with the line of sight aligned with the -Z direction. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, viewing with the line of sight aligned with the -Z direction is simply referred to as a plan view. Figure 3 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the solar cell module 2 as seen with the line of sight aligned with the +Z direction. Figure 4 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the solar cell module 2 as seen with the line of sight aligned with the -X direction. Figure 5 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the solar cell module 2 as seen with the line of sight aligned with the +Y direction. Figure 6 schematically shows an example of a virtual cross-section of the solar cell module 2 at position IV-IV in Figure 2. In Figure 6, the virtual cross-section of the solar cell module 2 is shown enlarged for convenience in the thickness direction along the Z direction. The thickness direction along the Z direction may also be the Z direction.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the solar cell module 2 includes, for example, a power generation unit 2a and a terminal box 2b.

[0031] The following sections will provide an overview of the power generator 2a and the terminal box 2b, followed by a detailed description of a specific example of the power generator 2a.

[0032] The power generator 2a has, for example, a flat plate-like shape. The power generator 2a has, for example, a surface f1 to which light is mainly incident (also called the front surface or light-receiving surface) and a surface f2 located on the opposite side of the front surface f1 (also called the back surface). For example, the front surface f1 is facing in the +Z direction. For example, the back surface f2 is facing in the -Z direction. The power generator 2a includes a part that generates electrical energy based on light energy.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the power generation unit 2a has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. In other words, the solar cell module 2 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above towards the front f1. More specifically, when viewed from above, the power generation unit 2a has a first long side 2pa, a second long side 2pb, a first short side 2pc, and a second short side 2pd. In other words, when viewed from above towards the front f1, the solar cell module 2 has a first long side 2pa as the first side, a second long side 2pb as the second side, a first short side 2pc as the third side, and a second short side 2pd as the fourth side.

[0034] The first long side portion 2pa is located at the end of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the -X direction, which is the first direction. The -X direction, as the first direction, is the direction along the front surface f1. The second long side portion 2pb is located at the end of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the +X direction, which is the second direction. The +X direction, as the second direction, is the opposite direction to the -X direction, as the first direction. The first short side portion 2pc is located at the end of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the -Y direction, which is the third direction. The -Y direction, as the third direction, is the direction along the front surface f1 and is perpendicular to the -X direction, as the first direction. The second short side portion 2pd is located at the end of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. The +Y direction, as the fourth direction, is the opposite direction to the -Y direction, as the third direction.

[0035] The lengths of the first long side 2pa and the second long side 2pb along the third direction, the -Y direction, are greater than the lengths of the first short side 2pc and the second short side 2pd along the first direction, the -X direction. From another point of view, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the length L0a of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) along the third direction, the -Y direction (also called the longitudinal length) is greater than the length L0b of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) along the first direction, the -X direction (also called the short length). Here, the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, may also be the third direction, the -Y direction, and the direction along the first direction, the -X direction, may also be the first direction, the -X direction.

[0036] The power generation unit 2a may have a rectangular shape when viewed from above, for example. In other words, the solar cell module 2 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from above, for example, towards the front f1. In this case, for example, when viewed from above, the contour of the power generation unit 2a may be formed by a first long side portion 2pa, a second long side portion 2pb, a first short side portion 2pc, and a second short side portion 2pd. In other words, for example, when the solar cell module 2 is viewed from above towards the front f1, the contour of the solar cell module 2 may be formed by a first long side portion 2pa, a second long side portion 2pb, a first short side portion 2pc, and a second short side portion 2pd.

[0037] The first long side portion 2pa is the portion along the edge of the power generation body 2a located on the -X side, and may also be a portion extending along the Y direction. In other words, the first long side portion 2pa is the portion along the edge of the solar cell module 2 located on the -X side, and may also be a portion extending along the Y direction. The second long side portion 2pb is the portion along the edge of the power generation body 2a located on the +X side, and may also be a portion extending along the Y direction. In other words, the second long side portion 2pb is the portion along the edge of the solar cell module 2 located on the +X side, and may also be a portion extending along the Y direction. The first short side portion 2pc is the portion along the edge of the power generation body 2a located on the -Y side, and may also be a portion extending along the X direction. In other words, the first short side portion 2pc is the portion along the edge of the solar cell module 2 located on the -Y side, and may also be a portion extending along the X direction. The second short side portion 2pd is the portion along the edge of the power generation body 2a located on the +Y direction side, and may also be a portion extending along the X direction. In other words, the second short side portion 2pd is the portion along the edge of the solar cell module 2 located on the +Y direction side, and may also be a portion extending along the X direction.

[0038] Here, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for example, the length of the first long side 2pa and the second long side 2pb in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, may be the length in the longitudinal direction L0a, and the length of the first short side 2pc and the second short side 2pd in the direction along the first direction, the -X direction, may be the length in the short direction L0b. Here, the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, may be the third direction, the -Y direction, and the direction along the first direction, the -X direction, may be the first direction, the -X direction.

[0039] The power generation unit 2a may, for example, have a rectangular outer shape with one or more of its four corners rounded when viewed from above, or it may have a rectangular outer shape with one or more of its four corners cut off. In other words, the solar cell module 2 may, for example, have a rectangular outer shape with one or more of its four corners rounded when viewed from above towards the front f1, or it may have a rectangular outer shape with one or more of its four corners cut off. Even in these cases, the power generation unit 2a may, for example, have a first long side portion 2pa, a second long side portion 2pb, a first short side portion 2pc, and a second short side portion 2pd when viewed from above. In other words, the solar cell module 2, when viewed from above, for example, towards the front f1, has a first long side portion 2pa, a second long side portion 2pb, a first short side portion 2pc, and a second short side portion 2pd.

[0040] For example, when viewed from above, the first long side 2pa and the second long side 2pb may be parallel, or they may not be perfectly parallel. For example, when viewed from above, the first short side 2pc and the second short side 2pd may be parallel, or they may not be perfectly parallel. For example, when viewed from above, the first long side 2pa and the first short side 2pc may be perpendicular, or they may not be perfectly perpendicular. For example, when viewed from above, the first long side 2pa and the second short side 2pd may be perpendicular, or they may not be perfectly perpendicular. For example, when viewed from above, the second long side 2pb and the first short side 2pc may be perpendicular, or they may not be perfectly perpendicular. For example, when viewed from above, the second long side 2pb and the second short side 2pd may be perpendicular, or they may not be perfectly perpendicular. Furthermore, for example, the power generation unit 2a may have a shape that is slightly closer to a trapezoid or parallelogram than a rectangle when viewed from above. The rectangular shape may include a shape in which two opposing long sides are not perfectly parallel, or a shape in which two opposing short sides are not perfectly parallel, or a shape in which adjacent long and short sides are not perfectly perpendicular. In other words, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) only needs to have a rectangular outline when viewed from above towards the front f1.

[0041] The terminal box 2b can, for example, extract power generated by the power generator 2a to the outside. The terminal box 2b is located, for example, on the back side f2 of the power generator 2a. The solar cell module 2, although not shown in the figure, may have a first cable and a second cable extending from the terminal box 2b. For example, the first cable is the high-potential cable, and the second cable is the low-potential cable. The high-potential cable is also called the positive electrode cable, and the low-potential cable is also called the negative electrode cable. Here, for example, it is conceivable that the first solar cell module 2, the second solar cell module 2, and the third solar cell module 2 are arranged in this order in the X direction. In this case, for example, the first cable of the second solar cell module 2 may be connected to the second cable of the first solar cell module 2, and the second cable of the second solar cell module 2 may be connected to the first cable of the third solar cell module 2. Here, the sum of the length of the first cable of the second solar cell module 2 and the length of the second cable of the first solar cell module 2 may be greater than the width of the solar cell module 2 along the X direction (second width). Also, the sum of the length of the second cable of the second solar cell module 2 and the length of the first cable of the third solar cell module 2 may be greater than the width of the solar cell module 2 along the X direction (second width). If these conditions are met, even if the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) undergoes thermal expansion, the stress applied to the first and second cables of the solar cell module 2 will be reduced, and the occurrence of breakage of the first and / or second cables may be reduced.

[0042] The solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) may have holes (also called mounting holes) 2h used, for example, for attaching the fixing device 3. For example, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) has a plurality of mounting holes 2h. Each of the plurality of mounting holes 2h penetrates the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) from the front surface f1 to the back surface f2.

[0043] More specifically, the plurality of mounting holes 2h include a plurality of first holes (also called first mounting holes) 2h1 and a plurality of second holes (also called second mounting holes) 2h2. In other words, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) may have a plurality of first mounting holes 2h1 and a plurality of second mounting holes 2h2. In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) has four first mounting holes 2h1 and four second mounting holes 2h2.

[0044] The multiple first mounting holes 2h1 are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, along the first long side portion 2pa of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a). In other words, the multiple first mounting holes 2h1 are located spaced apart in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. The multiple first mounting holes 2h1 may or may not be located at regular intervals in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may be the fourth direction, the +Y direction. Each of the multiple first mounting holes 2h1 penetrates the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) from the front surface f1 to the back surface f2. In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, each of the multiple first mounting holes 2h1 penetrates the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the direction along the -Z direction. Here, the direction along the -Z direction may also be the -Z direction.

[0045] The multiple second mounting holes 2h2 are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, along the second long side portion 2pb of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a). In other words, the multiple second mounting holes 2h2 are located spaced apart in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. The multiple second mounting holes 2h2 may or may not be located at regular intervals in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may be the fourth direction, the +Y direction. Each of the multiple second mounting holes 2h2 penetrates the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) from the front surface f1 to the back surface f2. In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, each of the multiple second mounting holes 2h2 penetrates the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the direction along the -Z direction. Here, the direction along the -Z direction may also be the -Z direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, for example, there is a one-to-one correspondence between multiple first mounting holes 2h1 and multiple second mounting holes 2h2. In other words, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) has multiple pairs of mounting holes 2h, which are multiple sets of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2. In the example in Figures 2 and 3, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) has four pairs of mounting holes 2h, which are four sets of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2. The first pair of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2 (also called the first pair), the second pair of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2 (also called the second pair), the third pair of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2 (also called the third pair), and the fourth pair of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2 (also called the fourth pair) are arranged in the order described above in the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction.

[0047] In each of the multiple pairs of mounting holes 2h, for example, the first mounting hole 2h1 and the second mounting hole 2h2 may be positioned side by side along the X direction. In each of the multiple pairs of mounting holes 2h, the positions of the first mounting hole 2h1 and the second mounting hole 2h2 may or may not perfectly coincide in the fourth direction, the +Y direction. For example, in each of the multiple pairs of mounting holes 2h, the first mounting hole 2h1 and the second mounting hole 2h2 may be positioned in such a way that at least a portion of them overlap each other in the fourth direction, the +Y direction.

[0048] From another perspective, for example, if the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) is viewed from above with the line of sight aligned with the -Z direction, then each of the multiple pairs of mounting holes 2h should have a portion of the first mounting hole 2h1 and the second mounting hole 2h2 that lies on a single linear virtual line Ln0 aligned with the second direction, the +X direction. Here, the direction aligned with the second direction, the +X direction, may also be the second direction, the +X direction. In the following, unless otherwise specified, viewing with the line of sight aligned with the -Z direction is simply referred to as planar perspective. Here, in Figure 3, an example of a linear virtual line Ln0 for each of the multiple pairs of mounting holes 2h is conveniently shown by a thin dashed line.

[0049] Here, for example, in each of the multiple pairs of mounting holes 2h, in the +Y direction as the fourth direction, a portion of the first mounting hole 2h1 by a first proportion or more and a portion of the second mounting hole 2h2 by a second proportion or more may be positioned in such a way that they overlap each other. The first proportion and the second proportion may each be, for example, any proportion between 30% and 50%, 50%, any proportion between 50% and 80%, 80%, any proportion between 80% and 100%, and substantially 100%.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each of the multiple mounting holes 2h may be a hole whose width in the direction along the fourth direction, +Y, is greater than its width in the direction along the second direction, +X. In other words, each of the multiple mounting holes 2h may be an elongated hole whose longitudinal direction is along the direction along the fourth direction, +Y. In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, when viewed from above, each of the multiple mounting holes 2h has a rectangular interior shape. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, +Y, may be the fourth direction, +Y, and the direction along the second direction, +X, may be the second direction, +X.

[0051] <1-2-1. Power Generator> The power generation unit 2a includes a first sheet member 21, a solar cell section 22 including one or more solar cells 22c, a filler (also called a encapsulant) 23, and a second sheet member 24. In other words, the solar cell module 2 includes a first sheet member 21, a solar cell section 22 including one or more solar cells 22c, a filler 23, and a second sheet member 24. The power generation unit 2a may further include, for example, two reinforcing members 25. In other words, the solar cell module 2 may further include, for example, two reinforcing members 25.

[0052] <1-2-1-1. First Sheet Component> The first sheet member 21 is a sheet-like member. The sheet-like member may include a film-like member. In other words, the first sheet member 21 may include a film member, which is a film-like member. From another point of view, the first sheet member 21 may be a sheet-like member or a film-like member. The first sheet member 21 constitutes the front surface f1 of the power generation unit 2a and functions as a layer (also called the first protective layer) that protects the solar cell portion 22 from the outside of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a).

[0053] The first sheet member 21 is made of a light-transmitting resin. The first sheet member 21 is, for example, light-transmitting to light within a specific range of wavelengths. The specific range of wavelengths includes, for example, the wavelengths of light that the solar cell unit 22 can perform photoelectric conversion with. The resin constituting the first sheet member 21 includes, for example, a fluorine-based resin. The fluorine-based resin includes, for example, at least one of fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (fluorinated ethylene propylene: FEP), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene: ETFE), and ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene: ECTFE). The resin constituting the first sheet member 21 may also be, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first sheet member 21 may be made of a single-layer sheet composed of one layer of resin, or it may be made of a multilayer sheet with two or more layers laminated together. The two or more layers may be, for example, two or more layers of resin. The two or more layers may include, for example, two layers consisting of an ETFE layer and a PET layer. The two or more layers may also include a layer capable of absorbing ultraviolet light.

[0054] The thickness of the first sheet member 21 is set to, for example, about 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. The thickness of the first sheet member 21 may also be set to, for example, about 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm, or about 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm. In this case, the weight of the power generation unit 2a can be reduced compared to a structure in which a high-density glass substrate having a thickness of about 1 mm or more is used instead of the first sheet member 21.

[0055] Furthermore, the material of the first sheet member 21 may be made of resins such as acrylic resin and polycarbonate instead of fluororesin, or in combination with fluororesin. In this case, the thickness of the resin may be set to, for example, 0.03 mm to 0.5 mm, 0.03 mm to 0.25 mm, or 0.03 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0056] The first sheet member 21 may be a flexible sheet-like member because of its small thickness. The first sheet member 21 can be a flexible sheet-like member if it has a Young's modulus smaller than that of glass or metal.

[0057] The first sheet member 21 has a first surface 21f and a second surface 21s. The second surface 21s is the surface opposite to the first surface 21f. The first surface 21f constitutes, for example, the front surface f1 of the power generation unit 2a. In other words, the first surface 21f may be the front surface f1 of the power generation unit 2a. In this case, the first surface 21f of the first sheet member 21 is exposed to the space outside the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a). Here, when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above toward the first surface 21f, it may be equivalent to when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above toward the front surface f1. The first surface 21f is facing in the +Z direction. For example, the second surface 21s is facing in the -Z direction. Also, here, the direction along the first surface 21f may be equivalent to the direction along the front surface f1.

[0058] The first sheet member 21 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The first sheet member 21 may also have a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The four end portions of the first sheet member 21 may correspond to the first long side portion 2pa, the second long side portion 2pb, the first short side portion 2pc, and the second short side portion 2pd of the power generation body 2a. For example, the end portion of the first sheet member 21 that extends along the Y direction at the -X side may correspond to the first long side portion 2pa. For example, the end portion of the first sheet member 21 that extends along the Y direction at the +X side may correspond to the second long side portion 2pb. For example, the end portion of the first sheet member 21 that extends along the X direction at the -Y side may correspond to the first short side portion 2pc. For example, the end portion of the first sheet member 21 that extends along the X direction at the +Y direction end may correspond to the second short side portion 2pd.

[0059] <1-2-1-2. Solar cell section> The solar cell section 22 is located, for example, in the gap 2g between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24. The solar cell section 22 is facing the first sheet member 21 in the Z direction. The solar cell section 22 is also facing the second sheet member 24 in the Z direction. The solar cell section 22 includes one or more solar cells 22c. One or more solar cells 22c are located in the gap 2g along the second surface 21s of the first sheet member 21. In other words, each of the one or more solar cells 22c is located facing the second surface 21s of the first sheet member 21. In the first embodiment, one or more solar cells 22c include a plurality of solar cells 22c. In other words, the solar cell section 22 includes a plurality of solar cells 22c. In the examples of Figures 2 and 6, the plurality of solar cells 22c are arranged planarly along the second surface 21s of the first sheet member 21. More specifically, the multiple solar cells 22c are arranged in a matrix along the second surface 21s of the first sheet member 21. In other words, the multiple solar cells 22c are arranged in a two-dimensional manner along a virtual XY plane.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the solar cell unit 22 includes a plurality of solar cell strings 22st. In the example of Figures 2 and 6, the solar cell unit 22 includes 10 solar cell strings 22st as the plurality of solar cell strings 22st. More specifically, the solar cell unit 22 includes a first solar cell string 22st1, a second solar cell string 22st2, a third solar cell string 22st3, a fourth solar cell string 22st4, a fifth solar cell string 22st5, a sixth solar cell string 22st6, a seventh solar cell string 22st7, an eighth solar cell string 22st8, a ninth solar cell string 22st9, and a tenth solar cell string 22st10 as the 10 solar cell strings 22st. The solar cell unit 22 may include two or any number of solar cell strings 22st as the plurality of solar cell strings 22st.

[0061] Multiple solar cell strings 22st are arranged along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. In the examples in Figures 2 and 6, the first solar cell string 22st1, the second solar cell string 22st2, the third solar cell string 22st3, the fourth solar cell string 22st4, the fifth solar cell string 22st5, the sixth solar cell string 22st6, the seventh solar cell string 22st7, the eighth solar cell string 22st8, the ninth solar cell string 22st9, and the tenth solar cell string 22st10 are arranged in the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction, in the order described.

[0062] Each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st includes two or more solar cells 22c and multiple wiring materials (also called first wiring materials) W1. In the examples of Figures 2 and 6, each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st includes five solar cells 22c as two or more solar cells 22c. Each of the solar cell strings 22st may include two or more any number of solar cells 22c as two or more solar cells 22c.

[0063] In each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st, two or more solar cells 22c are aligned along the +X direction as a second direction. In the examples in Figures 2 and 6, in each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st, five solar cells 22c are aligned along the +X direction as a second direction. More specifically, the five solar cells 22c are the first solar cell 22c, the second solar cell 22c, the third solar cell 22c, the fourth solar cell 22c, and the fifth solar cell 22c, all aligned along the +X direction as a second direction.

[0064] In each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st, the multiple first wiring materials W1 electrically connect each of two adjacent solar cells 22c out of two or more solar cells 22c. Thus, the multiple first wiring materials W1 electrically connect two or more solar cells 22c in series. From another perspective, in each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st, the multiple solar cells 22c are electrically connected to each other by the multiple first wiring materials W1. Each of the multiple first wiring materials W1 is positioned along the +X direction, which is the second direction, for example, when viewed from above or in perspective.

[0065] In each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st, each pair of adjacent solar cells 22c may be electrically connected by one or more first wiring materials W1. One or more first wiring materials W1 may be, for example, two or more first wiring materials W1. In the example in Figure 2, in each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st, each pair of adjacent solar cells 22c is electrically connected by five first wiring materials W1. More specifically, in each solar cell string 22st, the first solar cell 22c and the second solar cell 22c are electrically connected by five first wiring materials W1. The second solar cell 22c and the third solar cell 22c are electrically connected by five first wiring materials W1. The third solar cell 22c and the fourth solar cell 22c are electrically connected by five first wiring materials W1. The fourth solar cell 22c and the fifth solar cell 22c are electrically connected by five first wiring materials W1.

[0066] The first wiring material W1 is, for example, a linear or strip-shaped conductive metal body. The cross-sectional shape of the first wiring material W1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be, for example, a polygonal shape such as a rectangle, triangle or trapezoid, a curved shape such as a circle or ellipse, or a combination of a polygonal shape and a curved shape. The width of the first wiring material W1 is set to, for example, 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm. The thickness of the first wiring material W1 is set to, for example, 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. The width of the first wiring material W1 is, for example, the length in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (also called the width direction) of the first wiring material W1 when the solar cell 22c is viewed from above. The thickness of the first wiring material W1 is, for example, the length in the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the width direction (also called the thickness direction) of the first wiring material W1. The conductive metal body applied to the first wiring material W1 is, for example, a good conductor such as copper.

[0067] The solar cell section 22 may include, for example, a wiring material (also called a second wiring material) W2 that electrically connects two adjacent solar cell strings 22st among a plurality of solar cell strings 22st. In other words, for example, two adjacent solar cell strings 22st in the +Y direction as the fourth direction may be electrically connected via the second wiring material W2.

[0068] In the example in Figure 2, the first solar cell string 22st1 and the second solar cell string 22st2 are electrically connected via the second wiring material W2. The second solar cell string 22st2 and the third solar cell string 22st3 are electrically connected via the second wiring material W2. The third solar cell string 22st3 and the fourth solar cell string 22st4 are electrically connected via the second wiring material W2. The fourth solar cell string 22st4 and the fifth solar cell string 22st5 are electrically connected via the second wiring material W2. The fifth solar cell string 22st5 and the sixth solar cell string 22st6 are electrically connected via the second wiring material W2. The sixth solar cell string 22st6 and the seventh solar cell string 22st7 are electrically connected via the second wiring material W2. The seventh solar cell string 22st7 and the eighth solar cell string 22st8 are electrically connected via the second wiring material W2. The eighth solar cell string 22st8 and the ninth solar cell string 22st9 are electrically connected via the second wiring material W2. The ninth solar cell string 22st9 and the tenth solar cell string 22st10 are electrically connected via the second wiring material W2.

[0069] For example, a strip-shaped conductive metal body is applied to the second wiring material W2. The width of the second wiring material W2 is set to, for example, about 1 mm to 7 mm. The thickness of the second wiring material W2 is set to, for example, about 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm. The width of the second wiring material W2 is, for example, the length in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second wiring material W2 (also called the width direction) when viewed from above. The thickness of the second wiring material W2 is, for example, the length in the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the second wiring material W2 (also called the thickness direction). For example, a good conductor such as copper is applied to the conductive metal body applied to the second wiring material W2. In the first embodiment, when viewed from above, the longitudinal direction of the multiple second wiring materials W2 may be, for example, the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction.

[0070] The solar cell section 22 is connected to, for example, a wiring material (also called a third wiring material) W3 for outputting power from the solar cell section 22. In other words, the solar cell module 2 includes, for example, a third wiring material W3 for electrically connecting the solar cell section 22 of the power generator 2a to the terminal box 2b. In the example in Figure 2, the solar cell module 2 includes two third wiring materials W3. More specifically, the first of the two third wiring materials W3 is connected to the first solar cell string 22st1, and the second of the two third wiring materials W3 is connected to the tenth solar cell string 22st10. Each of the two third wiring materials W3 is connected to the terminals of the terminal box 2b, for example, through a through hole in the second sheet member 24. For example, the first third wiring material W3 is connected to the first terminal of the terminal box 2b, and the second third wiring material W3 is connected to the second terminal of the terminal box 2b. Here, if the first terminal is the positive terminal, then the second terminal is the negative terminal, and if the first terminal is the negative terminal, then the second terminal is the positive terminal. In terminal box 2b, for example, the first cable may be electrically connected to the positive terminal and the second cable may be electrically connected to the negative terminal.

[0071] For the third wiring material W3, for example, a strip-shaped conductive metal body is applied, similar to the second wiring material W2. The width of the third wiring material W3 is set to approximately 1 mm to 7 mm, similar to the width of the second wiring material W2. The thickness of the third wiring material W3 is set to approximately 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, similar to the thickness of the second wiring material W2. The width of the third wiring material W3 is, for example, the length in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the third wiring material W3 (also called the width direction) when viewed from above. The thickness of the third wiring material W3 is, for example, the length in the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and width directions of the third wiring material W3 (also called the thickness direction). The conductive metal body applied to the third wiring material W3 is, for example, a good conductor such as copper, similar to the second wiring material W2. In the first embodiment, when viewed from above, the longitudinal direction of the third wiring material W3 may be along the +Y direction as the fourth direction.

[0072] Each of the one or more solar cells 22c can convert light energy into electrical energy. The solar cells 22c have, for example, a flat plate shape.

[0073] Each of the one or more solar cells 22c has, for example, a fifth surface (also called the first cell surface) 22f and a sixth surface (also called the second cell surface) 22s. In other words, each of the two or more solar cells 22c included in each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st has a first cell surface 22f and a second cell surface 22s. The first cell surface 22f is the surface of the solar cell 22c located on the first sheet member 21 side. The second cell surface 22s is the surface of the solar cell 22c located on the opposite side of the first cell surface 22f. From another point of view, the second cell surface 22s is the surface of the solar cell 22c located on the second sheet member 24 side. In the example in Figure 6, the first cell surface 22f is facing in the +Z direction, and the second cell surface 22s is facing in the -Z direction.

[0074] Figure 7 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the solar cell 22c as seen when the line of sight is aligned with the -Z direction. Figure 8 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the solar cell 22c as seen when the line of sight is aligned with the +Z direction.

[0075] The first cell surface 22f has, for example, a rectangular shape. In this case, the second cell surface 22s has a rectangular shape. Each of one or more solar cells 22c has, for example, four sides E1. In each of one or more solar cells 22c, each of the four sides E1 connects the first cell surface 22f and the second cell surface 22s. More specifically, the four sides E1 include a first side E1a, a second side E1b, a third side E1c, and a fourth side E1d. The second side E1b is located on the opposite side of the first side E1a. The fourth side E1d is located on the opposite side of the third side E1c.

[0076] In the examples of Figures 7 and 8, the first side portion E1a is located at the end of the solar cell 22c on the side in the third direction, the -Y direction. The second side portion E1b is located at the end of the solar cell 22c on the side in the fourth direction, the +Y direction. The third side portion E1c is located at the end of the solar cell 22c on the side in the first direction, the -X direction. The fourth side portion E1d is located at the end of the solar cell 22c on the side in the second direction, the +X direction. From another point of view, the first side portion E1a and the second side portion E1b face each other in the X direction, and the third side portion E1c and the fourth side portion E1d face each other in the Y direction. Here, the first side portion E1a may be the portion that constitutes the end face located at the end of the solar cell 22c on the side in the third direction, the -Y direction. The second side portion E1b may be the portion that constitutes the end face located at the end of the solar cell 22c on the side in the fourth direction, the +Y direction. The third side portion E1c may be the end face located at the end of the solar cell 22c on the side in the -X direction, which is the first direction. The fourth side portion E1d may be the end face located at the end of the solar cell 22c on the side in the +X direction, which is the second direction.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, for example, the first side E1a and the second side E1b are located along the +X direction as the second direction, and the third side E1c and the fourth side E1d are located along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In other words, the first side E1a and the second side E1b are located in a form that extends along the +X direction as the second direction, and the third side E1c and the fourth side E1d are located in a form that extends along the +Y direction as the fourth direction.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, for example, the lengths of the first side E1a and the second side E1b along the +X direction as the second direction are smaller than the lengths of the third side E1c and the fourth side E1d along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In other words, the lengths of the third side E1c and the fourth side E1d along the +Y direction as the fourth direction are larger than the lengths of the first side E1a and the second side E1b along the +X direction as the second direction. From another point of view, the solar cell 22c, when viewed from above, has a short side along the +X direction as the second direction and a long side along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. Here, the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction may also be the +Y direction as the fourth direction, and the direction along the +X direction as the second direction may also be the +X direction as the second direction.

[0079] For example, the first cell surface 22f and the second cell surface 22s may each have a rectangular shape. In this case, for example, when the solar cell 22c is viewed from above toward the first cell surface 22f, the contour of the solar cell 22c may be formed by a first side portion E1a, a second side portion E1b, a third side portion E1c, and a fourth side portion E1d.

[0080] The solar cell 22c may, for example, have a rectangular shape with one or more of its four corners rounded when viewed from above, or it may have a rectangular shape with one or more of its four corners cut off. In other words, each of the first cell surface 22f and the second cell surface 22s may have a rectangular shape with one or more of its four corners rounded, or it may have a rectangular shape with one or more of its four corners cut off. Even in these cases, the solar cell 22c has four sides E1, including, for example, a first side E1a, a second side E1b, a third side E1c, and a fourth side E1d.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, when viewed from above, the first side E1a and the second side E1b may be parallel or not perfectly parallel. For example, when viewed from above, the third side E1c and the fourth side E1d may be parallel or not perfectly parallel. For example, when viewed from above, the first side E1a and the third side E1c may be perpendicular or not perfectly perpendicular. For example, when viewed from above, the first side E1a and the fourth side E1d may be perpendicular or not perfectly perpendicular. For example, when viewed from above, the second side E1b and the third side E1c may be perpendicular or not perfectly perpendicular. For example, when viewed from above, the second side E1b and the fourth side E1d may be perpendicular or not perfectly perpendicular. Also, for example, when viewed from above, the solar cell 22c may have a shape that is slightly closer to a trapezoid or parallelogram shape than a rectangle. The rectangular shape may include a shape in which two opposing long sides are not perfectly parallel, or a shape in which two opposing short sides are not perfectly parallel, or a shape in which adjacent long and short sides are not perfectly perpendicular. In other words, the solar cell 22c only needs to have a rectangular outline when viewed from above toward the first cell surface 22f. To put it another way, the first cell surface 22f may, for example, have a rectangular outline, and the second cell surface 22s may, for example, have a rectangular outline.

[0082] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each of the one or more solar cells 22c has, for example, a semiconductor substrate 220, a first electrode 221, and a second electrode 222.

[0083] For example, the semiconductor substrate 220 can be a crystalline semiconductor, an amorphous semiconductor, or a compound semiconductor. A crystalline semiconductor includes, for example, crystalline silicon. An amorphous semiconductor includes, for example, amorphous silicon. A compound semiconductor can be, for example, a semiconductor using four elements: copper, indium, gallium, and selenium, or a semiconductor using two elements: cadmium and tellurium. Here, it is assumed that crystalline silicon is used for the semiconductor substrate 220. In this case, the semiconductor substrate 220 has, for example, a region mainly having a first conductivity type (also called the first conductivity type region) and a region having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type (also called the second conductivity type region). The first conductivity type region is located, for example, on the second cell surface 22s side in the -Z direction of the semiconductor substrate 220. The second conductivity type region is located, for example, on the surface layer side of the first cell surface 22f side in the +Z direction of the semiconductor substrate 220. Here, for example, if the first conductivity type is p-type, the second conductivity type is n-type. Also, for example, if the first conductivity type is n-type, the second conductivity type is p-type. As a result, the semiconductor substrate 220 has a pn junction located at the interface between the first conductivity type region and the second conductivity type region. The thickness of the semiconductor substrate 220 may be, for example, about 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, or about 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm.

[0084] The first electrode 221 is located, for example, on the first cell surface 22f side of the semiconductor substrate 220. In other words, the first electrode 221 is located, for example, on the first cell surface 22f side of the solar cell 22c. The thickness of the first electrode 221 is, for example, about 0.5 micrometers (μm) to 50 μm. The first electrode 221 includes, for example, a plurality of busbar portions 221b as a plurality of first output portions and a plurality of finger portions 221f as a plurality of first current collector portions.

[0085] Each of the multiple busbar sections 221b is located, for example, along the +X direction as a second direction. In other words, each of the multiple busbar sections 221b has, for example, an elongated shape along the +X direction as a second direction. For example, the multiple busbar sections 221b are arranged in the +Y direction as a fourth direction. Each of the multiple busbar sections 221b has, for example, the same structure. For example, when a power generator 2a is manufactured using multiple solar cells 22c, a first wiring material W1 for electrically connecting two adjacent solar cells 22c is attached to the busbar section 221b. In Figure 7, the outer edges of the multiple first wiring materials W1 are virtually drawn with thin dashed lines. Here, for example, it is assumed that in each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st, the two adjacent solar cells 22c are the first solar cell 22c and the second solar cell 22c. In this case, the first wiring material W1 is electrically connected to the first cell surface 22f of the first solar cell 22c along the +X direction, which is the second direction. For example, there is a joint (also called the first joint) between the first wiring material W1 and the busbar portion 221b. For this reason, for example, the first wiring material W1 is joined to the busbar portion 221b of one solar cell 22c via the first joint. The material of the first joint can be, for example, a low-melting-point alloy such as solder or a low-melting-point elemental metal. For example, a form in which the entire surface of the first wiring material W1 is covered with solder is adopted. The first wiring material W1 is electrically connected to the busbar portion 221b by, for example, soldering. Here, for example, the solder located between the first wiring material W1 and the busbar portion 221b constitutes the first joint.

[0086] The multiple finger portions 221f are arranged, for example, in the +X direction as a second direction. Each of the multiple finger portions 221f is a linear portion thinner than the busbar portion 221b. Each of the multiple finger portions 221f is connected to the multiple busbar portions 221b, for example, in a state where it intersects with the multiple busbar portions 221b. Each of the multiple finger portions 221f is located, for example, along the +Y direction as a fourth direction. In other words, each of the multiple finger portions 221f has, for example, an elongated linear shape along the +Y direction as a fourth direction.

[0087] In the example shown in Figure 7, five busbar sections 221b, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and a number of finger sections 221f, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other, are positioned substantially orthogonally. The number of busbar sections 221b on the first electrode 221 is not limited to five. The number of busbar sections 221b on the first electrode 221 may be any number between 5 and 20, for example. The number of finger sections 221f on the first electrode 221 may be, for example, around 140 to 200. In this case, the spacing between the finger sections 221f may be, for example, around 0.7 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0088] The second electrode 222 is located, for example, on the second cell surface 22s side of the semiconductor substrate 220. In other words, the second electrode 222 is located, for example, on the second cell surface 22s side of the solar cell 22c. The second electrode 222 includes, for example, a plurality of second output units 222b and a second current collector unit 222c.

[0089] Each of the multiple second output units 222b is located, for example, along the +X direction as a second direction. The multiple second output units 222b are arranged, for example, along the +Y direction as a fourth direction. Each of the multiple second output units 222b may include, for example, multiple electrode units arranged in a row. In the example of Figure 8, each of the multiple second output units 222b includes, for example, two electrode units arranged in a row. Each of the multiple second output units 222b may have, for example, a single linear form. For example, when a power generator 2a is manufactured using multiple solar cells 22c, a first wiring material W1 for electrically connecting two adjacent solar cells 22c is joined to the second output unit 222b. In Figure 8, the outer edges of the multiple first wiring materials W1 are virtually drawn with thin dashed lines. Here, for example, it is assumed that in each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st, two adjacent solar cells 22c are the first solar cell 22c and the second solar cell 22c. In this case, the first wiring material W1 is electrically connected to the first cell surface 22f of the first solar cell 22c along the second direction, the +X direction, and is also electrically connected to the second cell surface 22s of the second solar cell 22c along the second direction, the +X direction. For example, there is a joint (also called the second joint) between the first wiring material W1 and the second output section 222b. Therefore, for example, the first wiring material W1 is joined to the second output section 222b of the second solar cell 22c via the second joint. The material for the second joint is, for example, the same as the material for the first joint, a low-melting-point alloy such as solder or a low-melting-point elemental metal. The first wiring material W1 is electrically connected to the second output section 222b, for example, by soldering. Here, for example, the solder located between the first wiring material W1 and the second output section 222b constitutes the second joint.

[0090] The second current collector 222c is located on the second cell surface 22s side of the semiconductor substrate 220. The second current collector 222c may be located on substantially the entire area where the second output unit 222b is not located, except for the portion where the second output unit 222b and the second current collector 222c are connected by overlapping. The second current collector 222c may be located in a grid pattern, for example.

[0091] In the example shown in Figure 8, five second output units 222b are positioned as a plurality of substantially parallel second output units 222b. For example, the number of second output units 222b in the second electrode 222 is the same as the number of busbar units 221b in the first electrode 221. The number of second output units 222b is not limited to five, just like the number of busbar units 221b; for example, it may be any number between five and twenty.

[0092] <1-2-1-3. Filling material> The filler material 23 is positioned, for example, in the gap 2g between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24, covering the solar cell section 22. In other words, the filler material 23 is positioned in the gap 2g between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24, covering one or more solar cells 22c. From another perspective, the filler material 23 is, for example, filled in the gap 2g while covering the solar cell section 22. This allows, for example, the orientation of the solar cell section 22 to be maintained by the filler material 23. In other words, the filler material 23 is, for example, filled in the gap 2g while covering one or more solar cells 22c. This allows, for example, the orientation of one or more solar cells 22c to be maintained by the filler material 23.

[0093] The filler 23 may include a first filler 231 and a second filler 232. The first filler 231 is located between the first sheet member 21 and the solar cell section 22. The second filler 232 is located between the second sheet member 24 and the solar cell section 22. The first filler 231 covers the solar cell section 22 from the first sheet member 21 side. In other words, the first filler 231 covers one or more solar cells 22c from the first sheet member 21 side. The second filler 232 covers the solar cell section 22 from the second sheet member 24 side. In other words, the second filler 232 covers one or more solar cells 22c from the second sheet member 24 side. Here, the solar cell section 22 is, for example, sandwiched and surrounded by the first filler 231 and the second filler 232. In other words, one or more solar cells 22c are surrounded and sandwiched between, for example, the first filler material 231 and the second filler material 232.

[0094] The material for the first filler 231 may be, for example, a resin such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyolefin elastomer (POE), or ionomer (IO). The material for the second filler 232 may be, for example, a resin such as EVA, POE, or IO, the same as for the first filler 231. The first filler 231 and the second filler 232 may be composed of, for example, two or more types of materials. Each of the two or more types of materials may be, for example, a resin such as EVA, POE, or IO.

[0095] Here, an ionomer (IO) is a thermoplastic resin in which a small amount of ionic groups are introduced into the backbone of a low-density polyethylene host polymer, for example, and some molecules are crosslinked. As ionic groups, metal ions such as sodium ions, zinc ions, potassium ions, and / or magnesium ions can be used. Here, the ionic groups act as pseudocrosslinking points by forming ionic aggregates, thereby imparting various physical properties to the host polymer. Such ionomers may have, for example, high melt tension, high melt viscosity, and high transparency.

[0096] The thickness of the first filler 231 is set to, for example, 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. The thickness of the second filler 232 is set to, for example, 0.5 mm to about 3 mm.

[0097] <1-2-1-4. Second Sheet Component> The second sheet member 24 is a sheet-like member. The second sheet member 24 constitutes the back surface f2 of the power generation unit 2a and functions as a layer (also called the second protective layer) that protects the solar cell portion 22 from the outside of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a). The second sheet member 24 may also be called a backsheet.

[0098] The second sheet member 24 is primarily composed of resin. In other words, the second sheet member 24 is a member primarily composed of resin. Here, "main material" refers to the main material that makes up the member. The "main material" is the material that accounts for more than half of all the materials that make up the member. In other words, the "main material" is the material that accounts for 50 volume percent (vol%) or more of all the materials that make up the member. Specifically, the main material in the second sheet member 24 is the material that accounts for 50 vol% or more of all the materials that make up the second sheet member 24. Here, because resin accounts for a high proportion of all the materials that make up the second sheet member 24, the physical properties of the resin are greatly reflected in the mechanical properties (also called mechanical characteristics) of the second sheet member 24. Note that the "main material" may be the material that accounts for a predetermined proportion of 50 vol% or more of all the materials that make up the member. The predetermined proportion may be, for example, 60 vol%, 70 vol%, 80 vol%, or 90 vol%.

[0099] The second sheet member 24 may be made of, for example, a resin. This resin may be colored or transparent. For example, if the second sheet member 24 is made of a transparent resin, the solar cell unit 22 can generate electricity based on light incident on the power generator 2a from the back surface f2. The resin constituting the second sheet member 24 may be, for example, the same as the resin constituting the first sheet member 21. The resin constituting the second sheet member 24 may include, for example, a fluorine-based resin. The fluorine-based resin may include, for example, at least one of FEP, ETFE, and ECTFE. The resin constituting the second sheet member 24 may be, for example, PET or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The second sheet member 24 may be made of a single-layer sheet composed of one layer of resin, or it may be made of a multilayer sheet with two or more layers laminated together. The two or more layers may be, for example, two or more layers of resin. The two or more layers may be, for example, two or more layers of ETFE, PET, and PEN. Two or more layers may include layers that can absorb ultraviolet light.

[0100] Furthermore, the second sheet member 24 may be a member having a structure (also called a laminated structure) in which one or more resin layers (also called resin layers) and one or more metal layers (also called metal layers) are laminated. In other words, the second sheet member 24 may be a member composed of a composite material in which one or more resin layers and one or more metal layers are laminated. For example, a laminated structure in which a resin layer and a metal layer and a resin layer are laminated in the order described herein may be applied. Other structures may be applied to this laminated structure. Other structures may be, for example, a structure in which a metal layer and a resin layer and a metal layer are laminated in the order described herein, or a structure in which a resin layer and a metal layer are laminated in this order. Here, the resin constituting the resin layer may include, for example, the fluorine-based resin described above, or it may include PET, PEN, or polyethylene (PE). This resin layer may be, for example, a solid resin layer or a foamed resin layer. In other words, the resin layer may have a sheet-like form composed of, for example, a solid resin, or a sheet-like form composed of foamed resin. The metal layer may be, for example, a layer of aluminum or an aluminum alloy (also called an aluminum-based layer), or a layer of iron. This metal layer may be, for example, a sheet or a foil. The metal layer can be produced, for example, by reducing the thickness of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or iron by rolling.

[0101] A composite material in which a resin layer and a metal layer are laminated can be manufactured, for example, by thermocompression bonding or adhesive bonding of the resin layer and the metal layer. For example, a roll laminator is used to form a laminate in which the metal layer and the resin layer are superimposed, and high temperature and high pressure are applied to this laminate to integrate the metal layer and the resin layer. In this way, a composite material in which a resin layer and a metal layer are laminated can be produced. In this case, an aluminum sheet (also called an aluminum sheet) may be used for the metal layer, and a PE foamed resin may be used for the resin layer. In a structure in which a metal layer, a resin layer, and a metal layer are laminated in this order, the resin layer may be called a core material. Here, for example, when thermocompression bonding of the resin layer and the metal layer is performed, the surface of the resin layer is softened by appropriate heating, and pressure is applied to the laminate in which the metal layer and the resin layer are superimposed to bond the metal layer and the resin layer. In this way, a composite material in which a resin layer and a metal layer are laminated can be produced. Furthermore, when bonding a resin layer to a metal layer, for example, a polyolefin-based or polyester-based resin film may be used as the adhesive. Here, for example, a laminate is formed by placing the adhesive between the resin layer and the metal layer, and the resin layer and metal layer can be bonded by applying high temperature and high pressure to this laminate. This allows for the production of a composite material in which the resin layer and metal layer are laminated. When an aluminum sheet is used as the metal layer, the weather resistance and corrosion resistance of the composite material in which the resin layer and metal layer are laminated may be improved by applying a chromate treatment or a polyester resin coating to the surface of the aluminum sheet. The resin layer may also be a resin layer whose fire resistance has been enhanced by the addition of a flame retardant. The metal layer may be formed, for example, by vapor deposition of a metal such as an aluminum alloy onto the surface of the resin layer.

[0102] Furthermore, the second sheet member 24 may be made of, for example, a fiber-reinforced resin. This fiber-reinforced resin may have a structure in which its strength is improved by, for example, the compounding of fibers with a resin base material. The fiber-reinforced resin can be made, for example, by impregnating cloth-like fibers with a resin as the base material. For example, glass fiber reinforced resin may be used, carbon fiber reinforced resin may be used, or other fiber-reinforced resins may be used. Here, for example, glass fibers may be used, carbon fibers may be used, aramid fibers may be used, or other fibers may be used. The form of the cloth-like fibers may be, for example, a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric. For the resin of the base material, for example, epoxy resin may be used, vinyl ester resin may be used, polyester resin may be used, or other resins may be used.

[0103] The thickness of the second sheet member 24 is set to, for example, 0.15 mm to 2 mm. The thickness of the second sheet member 24 may also be set to, for example, 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm, or to 0.20 mm to 1.2 mm. Because the thickness of the second sheet member 24 is small, it may be a flexible sheet-like member. Here, for example, if the resin that is the main material constituting the second sheet member 24 has a Young's modulus smaller than that of glass or metal, the second sheet member 24 can be a flexible sheet-like member. From another point of view, for example, if the second sheet member 24 as a whole has a Young's modulus smaller than that of glass or metal, it can be a flexible sheet-like member.

[0104] The second sheet member 24 has a third surface 24f and a fourth surface 24s. The third surface 24f is facing the second surface 21s of the first sheet member 21. The fourth surface 24s is the surface opposite to the third surface 24f. The fourth surface 24s constitutes, for example, the back surface f2 of the power generation unit 2a. In other words, the fourth surface 24s may be the back surface f2 of the power generation unit 2a. In this case, the fourth surface 24s of the second sheet member 24 is exposed to the space outside the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a). Here, when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above toward the fourth surface 24s, it may be equivalent to when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above toward the back surface f2. The third surface 24f is facing in the +Z direction. For example, the fourth surface 24s is facing in the -Z direction. Furthermore, in this context, the fact that the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) penetrates from the front surface f1 to the back surface f2 may be considered synonymous with the fact that the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) penetrates from the first surface 21f to the fourth surface 24s.

[0105] The second sheet member 24 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above toward the fourth surface 24s. This second sheet member 24 has the same or similar shape as the first sheet member 21 when viewed from above with the line of sight along the +Z direction. For example, a configuration in which both the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24 have a rectangular shape when viewed from above with the line of sight along the +Z direction is conceivable. The four end portions of the second sheet member 24 may correspond to the first long side portion 2pa, the second long side portion 2pb, the first short side portion 2pc, and the second short side portion 2pd of the power generation body 2a. For example, the end portion of the second sheet member 24 that extends along the Y direction at the end on the -X side may correspond to the first long side portion 2pa. For example, the end portion of the second sheet member 24 that extends along the Y direction at the end on the +X side may correspond to the second long side portion 2pb. For example, the end portion of the second sheet member 24 that extends along the X direction at the -Y direction end may correspond to the first short side portion 2pc. For example, the end portion of the second sheet member 24 that extends along the X direction at the +Y direction end may correspond to the second short side portion 2pd.

[0106] <1-2-1-5. Reinforcement Members> Each of the two reinforcing members 25 is a member that improves the rigidity of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a).

[0107] For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the two reinforcing members 25 include a first reinforcing member 251 and a second reinforcing member 252.

[0108] The first reinforcing member 251 is located in a region along the first long side 2pa of the gap 2g between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24. In other words, the longitudinal direction (here, the Y direction) of the first reinforcing member 251 is along the first long side 2pa of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a), for example. The first reinforcing member 251 may be located extending from near the -Y end of the first sheet member 21 to near the +Y end when viewed from above. The first reinforcing member 251 may be located extending from the -Y end of the first sheet member 21 to the +Y end when viewed from above. In other words, the first reinforcing member 251 may be covered with filler 23 from the first short side 2pc side, or from the second short side 2pd side.

[0109] The second reinforcing member 252 is located in a region along the second long side portion 2pb of the gap 2g between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24. In other words, the longitudinal direction (here, the Y direction) of the second reinforcing member 252 is along the second long side portion 2pb of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a). The second reinforcing member 252 may be located extending from near the -Y end to near the +Y end of the first sheet member 21 when viewed from above. The second reinforcing member 252 may be located extending from near the -Y end to the +Y end of the first sheet member 21 when viewed from above. In other words, the second reinforcing member 252 may be covered with filler material 23 from the first short side portion 2pc side, or from the second short side portion 2pd side.

[0110] Each of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 is a strip-shaped member. The strip-shaped member may be, for example, a strip-shaped and flat plate material. Each of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 has a rectangular outer shape when viewed from above. The width of the first reinforcing member 251 in the Y direction is greater than the width of the first reinforcing member 251 in the X direction. The width of the second reinforcing member 252 in the Y direction is greater than the width of the second reinforcing member 252 in the X direction. In the examples of Figures 2 and 6, the XZ cross-sections of each of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 also have a rectangular outer diameter. The width (in other words, thickness) of the first reinforcing member 251 in the Z direction is smaller than the width of the first reinforcing member 251 in the X direction. The width (in other words, thickness) of the second reinforcing member 252 in the Z direction is smaller than the width of the second reinforcing member 252 in the X direction. The corners of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 may be chamfered as appropriate.

[0111] The reinforcing member 25 has greater bending stiffness than the other parts of the power generation body 2a excluding the reinforcing member 25. In other words, the reinforcing member 25 has greater bending stiffness than the other parts of the solar cell module 2 excluding the first sheet member 21, the second sheet member 24, and the reinforcing member 25 located in the gap 2g. More specifically, each of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 has greater bending stiffness than the remaining parts of the power generation body 2a excluding the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252. In other words, each of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 has greater bending stiffness than the remaining parts of the solar cell module 2 excluding the first sheet member 21, the second sheet member 24, and the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 located in the gap 2g. Here, bending stiffness may be an indicator of resistance to bending deformation when a force is applied in the -Z direction. The material of the reinforcing member 25 may be, for example, a metal material. This metal material may be, for example, stainless steel or an aluminum alloy. In addition to a metal material, the material of the reinforcing member 25 may also be a hard resin substrate or a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) plate. The thickness of the reinforcing member 25 is set to, for example, about 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0112] When viewed from above, the reinforcing member 25 is positioned adjacent to the solar cell section 22 with a gap between them. In the first embodiment, when viewed from above, the first reinforcing member 251 is positioned adjacent to the solar cell section 22 with a gap between them, and the second reinforcing member 252 is positioned adjacent to the solar cell section 22 with a gap between them. More specifically, in the first embodiment, when viewed from above, the first reinforcing member 251, the solar cell section 22, and the second reinforcing member 252 are arranged in the order described above in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. Here, the direction along the second direction, the +X direction, may be the second direction, the +X direction.

[0113] As shown in Figure 6, for example, the first sheet member 21-side surfaces of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 may be located closer to the first sheet member 21 than the first cell surface 22f of the solar cell 22c. In this case, for example, the solar cell 22c may be located further from the first sheet member 21 than the first sheet member 21-side surfaces of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252, and further from the second sheet member 24 than the second sheet member 24-side surfaces of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252. In other words, one or more solar cells 22c included in the solar cell section 22 may be located between the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252. For example, the distance between the first cell surface 22f of the solar cell 22c and the first sheet member 21, and the distance between the surface of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 on the first sheet member 21 side and the first sheet member 21, respectively, may be the same or approximately the same. For example, the first cell surface 22f of the solar cell 22c may be located closer to the first sheet member 21 than the surface of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 on the first sheet member 21 side.

[0114] As shown in Figure 6, for example, the portion of the first reinforcing member 251 on the solar cell portion 22 side, the portion on the first sheet member 21 side, and the portion on the second sheet member 24 side are each positioned so as to be covered by a portion of the filler material 23. In the example in Figure 6, a portion of the first filler material 231 is located between the first reinforcing member 251 and the first sheet member 21. A portion of the second filler material 232 is located between the first reinforcing member 251 and the second sheet member 24.

[0115] As shown in Figure 6, for example, the portion of the second reinforcing member 252 on the solar cell portion 22 side, the portion on the first sheet member 21 side, and the portion on the second sheet member 24 side are each covered by a portion of the filler material 23. In the example in Figure 6, a portion of the first filler material 231 is located between the second reinforcing member 252 and the first sheet member 21. A portion of the second filler material 232 is located between the second reinforcing member 252 and the second sheet member 24.

[0116] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, for example, each of the multiple first mounting holes 2h1 penetrates the first reinforcing member 251, and each of the multiple second mounting holes 2h2 penetrates the second reinforcing member 252.

[0117] <1-2-2. Method for manufacturing power generators and solar cell modules> The power generation element 2a of the solar cell module 2 having the above configuration can be manufactured, for example, by the following manufacturing process.

[0118] First, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, for example, a first resin sheet 23s1, which will become the first filler 231, is placed on the first sheet member 21. On top of this first resin sheet 23s1, the solar cell section 22, the first reinforcing member 251, and the second reinforcing member 252 are placed. In this case, the solar cell section 22, the first reinforcing member 251, and the second reinforcing member 252 are arranged in the order described above in the +X direction, which is the second direction. On top of these solar cell section 22, the first reinforcing member 251, and the second reinforcing member 252, a second resin sheet 23s2, which will become part of the second filler 232, a third resin sheet 23s3, which will become part of the second filler 232, and the second sheet member 24 are arranged in a stacked manner. Here, each of the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 has multiple through holes corresponding to multiple mounting holes 2h. Each of the first sheet member 21, the first resin sheet 23s1, the second resin sheet 23s2, and the third resin sheet 23s3 does not need to have multiple through holes corresponding to multiple mounting holes 2h.

[0119] Next, a structure (also called a laminated structure) 200, which is formed by laminating, for example, a first sheet member 21, a first resin sheet 23s1, a solar cell section 22, a first reinforcing member 251 and a second reinforcing member 252, a second resin sheet 23s2, a third resin sheet 23s3, and a second sheet member 24, is integrated by lamination. In this process, multiple through holes in the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252 can be filled with resin.

[0120] Next, for example, multiple mounting holes 2h are formed in the laminated structure 200 after lamination by methods such as die-cutting or laser processing. This completes the production of the power generator 2a.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, the solar cell module 2 is manufactured by attaching the terminal box 2b to the back surface f2 of the power generation element 2a.

[0122] <1-3.Fixing tools> As shown in Figure 1, for example, if the roof section 910, which is the installation target section 900, is a corrugated metal roof, each of the multiple fixing devices 3 is positioned on the peaks 911 of the roof section 910. For example, each of the multiple solar cell modules 2 is fixed to the roof section 910 by fixing devices 3 located at both ends of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the X direction, as described above. In this case, the size of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the X direction is set to a value corresponding to the spacing between the peaks 911, for example. For example, the size of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the X direction is set to a size that is a predetermined amount smaller than an integer multiple of the spacing between the peaks 911. This allows the fixing devices 3 located on the peaks 911 to be appropriately positioned at the ends of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) in the X direction.

[0123] Fixing devices 3A, 3B, and 3C may have the same configuration as each other, or they may have different configurations. Below, an example of the configuration of fixing device 3 when fixing devices 3A, 3B, and 3C have the same configuration as each other will be described. Figure 11 schematically shows an example of a hypothetical cross-section of one fixing device 3A of the solar cell device 1 and the configuration of the vicinity of that fixing device 3A. Figure 12 schematically shows an example of a hypothetical cross-section of one fixing device 3B of the solar cell device 1 and the configuration of the vicinity of that fixing device 3B. Figure 13 schematically shows an example of a hypothetical cross-section of one fixing device 3C of the solar cell device 1 and the configuration of the vicinity of that fixing device 3C. Figures 11 to 13 show a simplified cross-sectional view of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a), with hatching using diagonal lines extending from the upper left to the lower right of the cross-section. Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of the configuration of the fixing device 3. Figure 15 shows a schematic front view of an example of the configuration of the fixing device 3. Figure 16 shows a schematic side view of an example of the configuration of the fixing device 3. Figure 17 shows a schematic top view of an example of the configuration of the fixing device 3.

[0124] Fixing device 3A is fixed to the roof section 910, which is the installation target section 900, and is attached to the portion of the first solar cell module 2A along the first long side 2pa. Fixing device 3B is fixed to the roof section 910, which is the installation target section 900, and is attached to the portion of the first solar cell module 2A along the second long side 2pb and the portion of the second solar cell module 2B along the first long side 2pa. Fixing device 3C is fixed to the roof section 910, which is the installation target section 900, and is attached to the portion of the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side 2pb.

[0125] Multiple fixing devices 3A are in a state where the portion of one first solar cell module 2A along the first long side 2pa is fixed to the roof portion 910 which is the installation target portion 900. Multiple fixing devices 3B are in a state where the portion of one first solar cell module 2A along the second long side 2pb is fixed to the roof portion 910 which is the installation target portion 900. Multiple fixing devices 3B are in a state where the portion of one second solar cell module 2B along the first long side 2pa is fixed to the installation target portion 900. Multiple fixing devices 3C are in a state where the portion of one second solar cell module 2B along the second long side 2pb is fixed to the roof portion 910 which is the installation target portion 900.

[0126] More specifically, each of the multiple fixing devices 3A holds and supports from below a portion of a first solar cell module 2A along its first long side 2pa. Each of the multiple fixing devices 3B holds and supports from below a portion of a first solar cell module 2A along its second long side 2pb. Each of the multiple fixing devices 3B holds and supports from below a portion of a second solar cell module 2B along its first long side 2pa. For example, each of the multiple fixing devices 3C holds and supports from below a portion of a second solar cell module 2B along its second long side 2pb.

[0127] As shown in Figures 11 to 17, the fastening device 3 includes, for example, a first member 310, a second member 320, a third member 330, and a first fastening portion 340.

[0128] The first member 310 is the part that is fixed to the installation target part 900. In other words, the first member 310 is the part attached to the installation target part 900. This first member 310 functions as the base part (also called the base part) of the fixing device 3. The first member 310 may consist of one member, or it may have a configuration in which two or more members are connected by joining, fastening, crimping, and / or fitting.

[0129] The second component 320 is, for example, the part (also called the support part) that supports the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a).

[0130] The third member 330 functions, for example, as a part (also called a pressing part) for pressing down from above the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) supported by the second member 320.

[0131] For example, as shown in Figure 11, each of the multiple fixing devices 3A holds and supports from below a portion of a single first solar cell module 2A along its first long side 2pa by a second member 320 and a third member 330. Each of the multiple fixing devices 3A includes a first holding portion H1. This first holding portion H1 is the portion that holds and supports from below a single first solar cell module 2A as a single solar cell module 2. In other words, the first holding portion H1 holds and supports from below a portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) along its first long side 2pa.

[0132] For example, as shown in Figure 12, each of the multiple fixing devices 3B holds and supports from below a portion of a single first solar cell module 2A along its second long side 2pb by a second member 320 and a third member 330. Each of the multiple fixing devices 3B includes a second holding portion H2. This second holding portion H2 is the portion that holds and supports from below a single first solar cell module 2A as a single solar cell module 2. In other words, the second holding portion H2 holds and supports from below a portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) along its second long side 2pb.

[0133] For example, as shown in Figure 12, each of the multiple fixing devices 3B holds and supports from below a portion of a single second solar cell module 2B along its first long side 2pa by a second member 320 and a third member 330. Each of the multiple fixing devices 3B includes a first holding portion H1. This first holding portion H1 is the portion that holds and supports from below a single second solar cell module 2B as a single solar cell module 2. In other words, the first holding portion H1 holds and supports from below a portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) along its second long side 2pb.

[0134] For example, as shown in Figure 13, each of the multiple fixing devices 3C holds and supports from below a portion of a single second solar cell module 2B along its second long side 2pb by a second member 320 and a third member 330. Each of the multiple fixing devices 3C includes a second holding portion H2. This second holding portion H2 is the portion that holds and supports from below a single second solar cell module 2B as a single solar cell module 2. In other words, the second holding portion H2 holds and supports from below a portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) along its second long side 2pb.

[0135] For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first holding portion H1 may include a portion (also called the first portion) Po1 that holds the portion of the solar cell module 2 along the first long side portion 2pa when inserted into the first mounting hole portion 2h1 of the power generation body 2a.

[0136] For example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second holding portion H2 may include a portion (also called the second portion) Po2 that holds the portion of the solar cell module 2 along the second long side portion 2pb when inserted into the second mounting hole portion 2h2 of the power generation body 2a.

[0137] <1-3-1. First component> The first member 310 includes, for example, a base portion 311, a first side wall 3121, a second side wall 3122, a first mounting portion 3131, and a second mounting portion 3132.

[0138] The base portion 311 is the part fixed to the installation target portion 900. The base portion 311 has, for example, a bottom surface that conforms to the shape of the installation target portion 900. In the examples of Figures 11 to 13, the bottom surface of the base portion 311 has a shape that conforms to the peak portion 911 of the roof portion 910. Here, for example, the bottom surface has a shape that is concave in the +Z direction and extends along the Y direction. The base portion 311 is fixed onto the roof portion 910 by a predetermined fastener. The predetermined fastener may be a fastening member such as a screw.

[0139] Each of the first side wall 3121 and the second side wall 3122 is located on the base 311. The first side wall 3121 and the second side wall 3122 are located side by side with a gap between them in the -X direction, which is the first direction. Each of the first side wall 3121 and the second side wall 3122 is located extending from the base 311 along the +Z direction. Each of the first side wall 3121 and the second side wall 3122 has a plate-like shape along the YZ plane, for example.

[0140] The first mounting portion 3131 is the portion (also called the first upper part) located at the +Z end (also called the upper end) of the first side wall 3121. The first mounting portion 3131 is the portion on which the second member 320 is mounted. The first mounting portion 3131 may be, for example, a plate-shaped portion having a longitudinal direction along the Y direction. The upper surface of the first mounting portion 3131 may be, for example, a surface along the XY plane. The first mounting portion 3131 may protrude from the first side wall 3121 in the +X direction, or it may protrude from the first side wall 3121 in the -X direction.

[0141] The second mounting portion 3132 is the portion located at the +Z end (upper end) of the second side wall 3122 (also called the second upper portion). The second mounting portion 3132 is the portion on which the second member 320 is mounted. The second mounting portion 3132 may be, for example, a plate-shaped portion having a longitudinal direction along the Y direction. The upper surface of the second mounting portion 3132 may be, for example, a surface along the XY plane. The second mounting portion 3132 may protrude from the first side wall 3121 in the -X direction, or from the second side wall 3122 in the +X direction.

[0142] The first mounting portion 3131 and the second mounting portion 3132 are positioned, for example, spaced apart in the -X direction, which is the first direction. The upper surface of the first mounting portion 3131 and the upper surface of the second mounting portion 3132 may be positioned, for example, along a hypothetical plane parallel to the XY plane.

[0143] <1-3-2. Second component> The second member 320 is located on the first member 310. More specifically, for example, the second member 320 is located on the first mounting portion 3131 and the second mounting portion 3132 of the first member 310. The second member 320 may have a portion (also called the first hook portion) Fk1 that hooks onto the first mounting portion 3131, or a portion (also called the second hook portion) Fk2 that hooks onto the second mounting portion 3132. The first hook portion Fk1 may hook onto, for example, a portion of the first mounting portion 3131 that protrudes in the +X direction beyond the first side wall 3121. The second hook portion Fk2 may hook onto, for example, a portion of the second mounting portion 3132 that protrudes in the -X direction beyond the second side wall 3122. This can reduce the occurrence of the second member 320 falling off the first member 310.

[0144] The second member 320 has, for example, a plate-like shape along the XY plane. The second member 320 has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from above. In the examples of Figures 14 to 17, when viewed from above, the second member 320 has a rectangular shape in which the width in the X direction is greater than the width in the Y direction. The second member 320 has, for example, a first support portion 321 and a second support portion 322.

[0145] The first support portion 321 is located, for example, on the side of the second member 320 in the +X direction, which is the second direction. The first support portion 321 can support the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) from below. For example, the first support portion 321 has an upper surface (also called the first upper surface) 321u that can support the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a). The first upper surface 321u may be, for example, a plane along the XY plane. As shown in Figure 11, for example, in the fixing device 3A, the first support portion 321 is in a state where it is supporting the portion of the first solar cell module 2A along the first long side portion 2pa from below. As shown in Figure 12, for example, in the fixing device 3B, the first support portion 321 is in a state where it is supporting the portion of the second solar cell module 2B along the first long side portion 2pa from below.

[0146] The second support portion 322 is located, for example, on the side of the second member 320 in the -X direction, which is the first direction. The second support portion 322 can support the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) from below. For example, the second support portion 322 has an upper surface (also called the second upper surface) 322u that can support the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a). The second upper surface 322u may be, for example, a surface along the XY plane. As shown in Figure 12, for example, in the fixing device 3B, the second support portion 322 is supporting the portion of the first solar cell module 2A along the second long side portion 2pb from below. As shown in Figure 13, for example, in the fixing device 3C, the second support portion 322 is supporting the portion of the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side portion 2pb from below.

[0147] The second member 320 has, for example, a through hole (also called a first through hole) 320h that penetrates along the Z direction. A part of the first fastening portion 340 is positioned through this first through hole 320h. In the examples shown in Figures 11 to 17, when viewed from above, the second member 320 has the first through hole 320h near its center.

[0148] The second member 320 may have, for example, a portion (also called a protruding portion) 320p that protrudes in the +Z direction near the center. In this case, the first support portion 321 of the second member 320 may be located on the side of the +X direction (second direction) relative to the protruding portion 320p, and the second support portion 322 may be located on the side of the -X direction (first direction) relative to the protruding portion 320p. The first through hole 320h may penetrate the portion of the second member 320 that includes the protruding portion 320p along the Z direction. The upper surface of the protruding portion 320p may be, for example, a surface aligned with the XY plane. The upper surface of the protruding portion 320p may be, for example, a smooth surface or a surface with fine irregularities.

[0149] In the examples shown in Figures 11 to 17, the second member 320 has a first projection (also called a first pin) Pn1 on the upper side of the first support portion 321 which can function as an example of the first portion Po1. Here, the first projection Pn1 protrudes upward from the first upper surface 321u of the first support portion 321. The first projection Pn1 may have a shape that extends along the +Y direction, which is a fourth direction, for example.

[0150] As shown in Figure 11, for example, in the fixing device 3A, the first projection Pn1 is inserted into the first mounting hole 2h1 located along the first long side 2pa of the first solar cell module 2A. As a result, the first projection Pn1 is inserted into one of the multiple first mounting holes 2h1 of the first solar cell module 2A, and holds the portion of the first solar cell module 2A along the first long side 2pa.

[0151] The second member 320 may consist of a single member, or it may have a configuration in which two or more members are connected by joining, fastening, crimping, and / or fitting.

[0152] <1-3-3. Third component> The third member 330 is located on the second member 320. More specifically, for example, the third member 330 is located on the protruding portion 320p of the second member 320.

[0153] The third member 330 has, for example, a plate-like shape along the XY plane. The third member 330 has, for example, a rectangular shape when viewed from above with the line of sight along the -Z direction. In the examples of Figures 14 to 17, when viewed from above with the line of sight along the -Z direction, the third member 330 has a rectangular shape in which the width in the X direction is greater than the width in the Y direction. The third member 330 has, for example, a first pressing portion 331 and a second pressing portion 332.

[0154] The first pressing portion 331 is located, for example, on the side of the third member 330 in the second direction, the +X direction. The first pressing portion 331 can press down on the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) supported by the first support portion 321 from above. For example, the first pressing portion 331 has a lower surface (also called the first lower surface) 331b that can press down on the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a). The first lower surface 331b may be, for example, a surface along the XY plane.

[0155] As shown in Figure 11, for example, in the fixing device 3A, the first pressing portion 331 is in contact with or close to the upper surface of the portion of the first solar cell module 2A along the first long side portion 2pa. As shown in Figure 12, for example, in the fixing device 3B, the first pressing portion 331 is in contact with or close to the upper surface of the portion of the second solar cell module 2B along the first long side portion 2pa.

[0156] Here, if the first pressing portion 331 is in contact with the upper surface of the portion of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B along the first long side portion 2pa, it is pressing down on the portion of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B along the first long side portion 2pa from above. In this case, the distance between the first upper surface 321u of the first support portion 321 and the first lower surface 331b of the first pressing portion 331 is the same as or approximately the same as the thickness of the portion of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B along the first long side portion 2pa.

[0157] Here, if the first pressing portion 331 is in close proximity to the upper surface of the portion along the first long side 2pa of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B, it can press down from above to prevent upward movement of the portion along the first long side 2pa of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B. In this case, the distance between the first upper surface 321u of the first support portion 321 and the first lower surface 331b of the first pressing portion 331 is slightly greater than the thickness of the portion along the first long side 2pa of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B.

[0158] In the example shown in Figure 11, each of the multiple fixing devices 3A has a first holding portion H1 which is formed by a first support portion 321 and a first pressing portion 331, holding and supporting from below a portion of one first solar cell module 2A along the first long side portion 2pa. In other words, each of the multiple fixing devices 3A includes a first holding portion H1 which is composed of a first support portion 321 and a first pressing portion 331.

[0159] In the example shown in Figure 12, each of the multiple fixing devices 3B has a first holding portion H1 which is formed by a first support portion 321 and a first pressing portion 331, holding and supporting from below a portion of one second solar cell module 2B along the first long side portion 2pa. In other words, each of the multiple fixing devices 3B includes a first holding portion H1 which is composed of a first support portion 321 and a first pressing portion 331.

[0160] The second pressing portion 332 is located, for example, on the side of the third member 330 in the -X direction, which is the first direction. The second pressing portion 332 can press down on the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) supported by the second support portion 322 from above. For example, the second pressing portion 332 has a lower surface (also called the second lower surface) 332b that can press down on the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a). The second lower surface 332b may be, for example, a surface along the XY plane.

[0161] As shown in Figure 12, for example, in the fixing device 3B, the second pressing portion 332 is in contact with or close to the upper surface of the portion of the first solar cell module 2A along the second long side portion 2pb. As shown in Figure 13, for example, in the fixing device 3C, the second pressing portion 332 is in contact with or close to the upper surface of the portion of the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side portion 2pb.

[0162] Here, if the second pressing portion 332 is in contact with the upper surface of the portion of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side portion 2pb, it is pressing down on the portion of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side portion 2pb from above. In this case, the distance between the second upper surface 322u of the second support portion 322 and the second lower surface 332b of the second pressing portion 332 is the same as or approximately the same as the thickness of the portion of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side portion 2pb.

[0163] Here, if the second pressing portion 332 is in close proximity to the upper surface of the portion of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side portion 2pb, it can press down on the upward movement of the portion of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side portion 2pb from above. In this case, the distance between the second upper surface 322u of the second support portion 322 and the second lower surface 332b of the second pressing portion 332 is slightly greater than the thickness of the portion of the first solar cell module 2A or the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side portion 2pb.

[0164] In the example shown in Figure 12, each of the multiple fixing devices 3B has a second holding portion H2 which is formed by a second support portion 322 and a second pressing portion 332, holding and supporting from below a portion of one first solar cell module 2A along the second long side portion 2pb. In other words, each of the multiple fixing devices 3B includes a second holding portion H2 which is composed of a second support portion 322 and a second pressing portion 332.

[0165] In the example shown in Figure 13, each of the multiple fixing devices 3C has a second holding portion H2 formed by a second support portion 322 and a second pressing portion 332, which holds and supports from below a portion of one second solar cell module 2B along the second long side portion 2pb. In other words, each of the multiple fixing devices 3C includes a second holding portion H2 formed by a second support portion 322 and a second pressing portion 332.

[0166] The third member 330 has, for example, a through hole (also called a second through hole) 330h that penetrates along the Z direction. A part of the first fastening portion 340 is positioned through this second through hole 330h. In the examples shown in Figures 11 to 17, when viewed from above, the third member 330 has the second through hole 330h near its center.

[0167] The third member 330 may have, for example, a portion near the center where its thickness in the Z direction is increased (also called a thickened portion). In this case, the first retaining portion 331 of the third member 330 may be located on the side of the second direction, the +X direction, relative to the thickened portion, and the second retaining portion 332 may be located on the side of the first direction, the -X direction, relative to the thickened portion. The second through hole 330h may penetrate the thickened portion of the third member 330 along the Z direction.

[0168] In the examples shown in Figures 11 to 17, the third member 330 has a second projection (also called a second pin) Pn2 on the lower side of the second pressing portion 332, which can function as an example of the second portion Po2. Here, the second projection Pn2 protrudes downward from the second lower surface 332b of the second pressing portion 332. The second projection Pn2 may have a shape that extends along the +Y direction, which is a fourth direction, for example.

[0169] As shown in Figure 12, for example, in the fixing device 3B, the second projection Pn2 is inserted into the second mounting hole 2h2 located along the second long side 2pb of the first solar cell module 2A. As a result, the second projection Pn2 is inserted into one of the multiple second mounting holes 2h2 of the first solar cell module 2A, and holds the portion of the first solar cell module 2A along the second long side 2pb.

[0170] As shown in Figure 13, for example, in the fixing device 3C, the second projection Pn2 is inserted into the second mounting hole 2h2 located along the second long side 2pb of the second solar cell module 2B. As a result, the second projection Pn2 is inserted into one of the multiple second mounting holes 2h2 of the second solar cell module 2B, and holds the portion of the second solar cell module 2B along the second long side 2pb.

[0171] <1-3-4. 1st fastening part> The first fastening portion 340 is, for example, the portion that fastens the second member 320 and the third member 330 to the first member 310. The first fastening portion 340 includes, for example, a nut 341 and a bolt 342 that are fitted together.

[0172] For example, a plate-shaped nut (also called a plate nut) may be used for the nut 341. This plate nut has a flat plate shape along the XY plane. The nut 341 has a threaded hole 341h that penetrates along the Z direction. The nut 341 is, for example, hooked onto the first member 310. More specifically, the nut 341 is positioned hooked onto, for example, the lower surface of the portion of the first mounting portion 3131 that protrudes in the -X direction from the first side wall 3121, and the lower surface of the portion of the second mounting portion 3132 that protrudes in the +X direction from the second side wall 3122.

[0173] For example, a hexagonal bolt or a socket head cap screw can be used for the bolt 342. This bolt 342 is inserted through the second through hole 330h and the first through hole 320h and is fitted into the threaded hole 341h.

[0174] The first fastening portion 340 fastens the second member 320 and the third member 330 to the first member 310 by sandwiching a part of the first member 310, the second member 320, and the third member 330 between the nut 341 and the head of the bolt 342.

[0175] Furthermore, if, for example, the second through-hole 330h of the third member 330 is an elongated hole extending along the X direction, then fine adjustment of the position of the third member 330 relative to the second member 320 in the X direction becomes possible.

[0176] <1-3-5. Variations of Fixation Devices> In the above description, the second member 320 had a first projection Pn1 projecting upward from the first support portion 321, and the third member 330 had a second projection Pn2 projecting downward from the second pressing portion 332, but the invention is not limited to this.

[0177] For example, the first projection Pn1 may be included in either the first support portion 321 of the second member 320 or the first pressing portion 331 of the third member 330. For example, the third member 330 may have the first projection Pn1 on the lower side of the first pressing portion 331. In this case, the first projection Pn1 protrudes downward from the first lower surface 331b of the first pressing portion 331.

[0178] For example, the second projection Pn2 may be included in either the second support portion 322 of the second member 320 or the second pressing portion 332 of the third member 330. For example, the second member 320 may have the second projection Pn2 on the upper side of the second support portion 322. In this case, the second projection Pn2 protrudes upward from the second upper surface 322u of the second support portion 322.

[0179] The length (also called the height) of the first projection Pn1 along the Z direction may be the same as, or smaller than, the distance between the first upper surface 321u of the first support portion 321 and the first lower surface 331b of the first pressing portion 331. The length (also called the height) of the second projection Pn2 along the Z direction may be the same as, or smaller than, the distance between the second upper surface 322u of the second support portion 322 and the second lower surface 332b of the second pressing portion 332.

[0180] The above describes one example of the configuration of the fixing device 3, but the configuration of the fixing device 3 is not limited to this. The fixing device 3 may have various configurations as long as it can hold the portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) along the first long side 2pa and support it from below. The fixing device 3 may also have various configurations as long as it can hold the portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) along the second long side 2pb and support it from below. The first holding part H1 may have various configurations as long as it holds the portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) along the first long side 2pa and supports it from below. The second holding part H2 may have various configurations as long as it holds the portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) along the second long side 2pb and support it from below.

[0181] <1-4. Forms of holding with multiple fasteners and bending of solar cell modules> Here, the configuration of holding a single solar cell module 2 with multiple fixing devices 3 is described. Figure 18 schematically shows an example of a configuration in which a solar cell module 2 is held by multiple fixing devices 3.

[0182] As shown in Figure 18, the multiple fixing devices 3 that secure one solar cell module 2 to the installation target section 900 include a plurality of first fixing devices 31 and a plurality of second fixing devices 32.

[0183] Each of the multiple first fixing devices 31 holds and supports from below a portion of a solar cell module 2 along its first long side 2pa. In other words, each of the multiple first fixing devices 31 is attached to a portion of a solar cell module 2 along its first long side 2pa. The multiple first fixing devices 31 are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. In other words, the multiple first fixing devices 31 are located spaced apart in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. The multiple first fixing devices 31 may or may not be located at regular intervals in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may also be the fourth direction, the +Y direction.

[0184] In the example shown in Figure 18, the multiple fixing devices 3 that secure one solar cell module 2 to the installation target area 900 include four first fixing devices 31. The four first fixing devices 31 include a first A fixing device 31a, a first B fixing device 31b, a first C fixing device 31c, and a first D fixing device 31d. The first A fixing device 31a, the first C fixing device 31c, the first D fixing device 31d, and the first B fixing device 31b are arranged in this order along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. In other words, in the direction from the first short side portion 2pc to the second short side portion 2pd of one solar cell module 2, the first A fixing device 31a, the first C fixing device 31c, the first D fixing device 31d, and the first B fixing device 31b are arranged in this order.

[0185] Each of the multiple second fixing devices 32 holds and supports from below a portion of a solar cell module 2 along its second long side 2pb. In other words, each of the multiple second fixing devices 32 is attached to a portion of a solar cell module 2 along its second long side 2pb. The multiple second fixing devices 32 are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. In other words, the multiple second fixing devices 32 are located spaced apart in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. The multiple second fixing devices 32 may or may not be located at constant intervals in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may also be the fourth direction, the +Y direction.

[0186] In the example shown in Figure 18, the multiple fixing devices 3 that secure one solar cell module 2 to the installation target area 900 include four second fixing devices 32. The four second fixing devices 32 include a second A fixing device 32a, a second B fixing device 32b, a second C fixing device 32c, and a second D fixing device 32d. The second A fixing device 32a, the second C fixing device 32c, the second D fixing device 32d, and the second B fixing device 32b are arranged in this order along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. In other words, in the direction from the first short side portion 2pc to the second short side portion 2pd of one solar cell module 2, the second A fixing device 32a, the second C fixing device 32c, the second D fixing device 32d, and the second B fixing device 32b are arranged in this order.

[0187] Furthermore, each of the multiple first fixing devices 31 includes, for example, the first holding part H1 described above. In other words, the multiple first fixing devices 31 include the multiple first holding parts H1. The first holding part H1 holds and supports one solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) from below. Here, as described above, the multiple first fixing devices 31 are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, and therefore the multiple first holding parts H1 are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. In other words, the multiple first holding parts H1 are located spaced apart in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may also be the fourth direction, the +Y direction.

[0188] In the example shown in Figure 18, four of the multiple fixing devices 3 that secure one solar cell module 2 to the installation target area 900 include four first retaining parts H1. These four first retaining parts H1 include a first A retaining part H1a, a first B retaining part H1b, a first C retaining part H1c, and a first D retaining part H1d. The first A retaining part H1a, the first C retaining part H1c, the first D retaining part H1d, and the first B retaining part H1b are arranged in this order along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. In other words, in the direction from the first short side 2pc to the second short side 2pd of one solar cell module 2, the first A retaining part H1a, the first C retaining part H1c, the first D retaining part H1d, and the first B retaining part H1b are arranged in this order.

[0189] Furthermore, each of the multiple second fixing devices 32 includes, for example, the second holding part H2 described above. In other words, the multiple second fixing devices 32 include the multiple second holding parts H2. The second holding part H2 holds and supports one solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) from below. Here, as described above, the multiple second fixing devices 32 are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, and therefore the multiple second holding parts H2 are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. In other words, the multiple second holding parts H2 are located spaced apart in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may also be the fourth direction, the +Y direction.

[0190] In the example shown in Figure 18, four of the multiple fixing devices 3 that secure one solar cell module 2 to the installation target area 900 include four second retaining parts H2. These four second retaining parts H2 include a second A retaining part H2a, a second B retaining part H2b, a second C retaining part H2c, and a second D retaining part H2d. The second A retaining part H2a, the second C retaining part H2c, the second D retaining part H2d, and the second B retaining part H2b are arranged in the order described above along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. In other words, in the direction from the first short side 2pc to the second short side 2pd of one solar cell module 2, the second A retaining part H2a, the second C retaining part H2c, the second D retaining part H2d, and the second B retaining part H2b are arranged in the order described above.

[0191] In the first embodiment, as described above, the portion of the solar cell module 2 along the first long side 2pa is held by a plurality of first fixing devices 31 that are spaced apart from each other, and the portion of the solar cell module 2 along the second long side 2pb is held by a plurality of second fixing devices 32 that are spaced apart from each other. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the solar cell device 1 by miniaturizing the devices that fix the solar cell module 2 to the installation target 900.

[0192] For example, as shown in Figure 18, there is a one-to-one correspondence between multiple first retaining parts H1 and multiple second retaining parts H2. In other words, multiple fixing devices 3 have multiple sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2. In the example in Figure 18, multiple fixing devices 3 have four sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2. More specifically, the set of first A retaining part H1a and second A retaining part H2a, the set of first C retaining part H1c and second C retaining part H2c, the set of first D retaining part H1d and second D retaining part H2d, and the set of first B retaining part H1b and second B retaining part H2b are arranged in the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction, in the order described above.

[0193] Here, in each of the multiple sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2, for example, the first retaining part H1 and the second retaining part H2 may be positioned side by side along the second direction, the +X direction. In each of the multiple sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2, the positions of the first retaining part H1 and the second retaining part H2 may or may not perfectly coincide in the fourth direction, the +Y direction. For example, in each of the multiple sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2, the positions of the first retaining part H1 and the second retaining part H2 may overlap at least partially in the fourth direction, the +Y direction. From another perspective, when viewed from a plane, in each of the multiple sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2, it is sufficient that each of the first retaining part H1 and the second retaining part H2 is located on a single linear virtual line (also called the first virtual line) Ln1 along the second direction, which is the +X direction.

[0194] Figure 18 shows an example of a linear first virtual line Ln1 for each of multiple sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2, indicated by a thin dashed line. In the example in Figure 18, the first A virtual line Ln1a, which is the linear first virtual line Ln1 for the set of first A retaining part H1a and second A retaining part H2a, is indicated by a thin dashed line. The first B virtual line Ln1b, which is the linear first virtual line Ln1 for the set of first B retaining part H1b and second B retaining part H2b, is indicated by a thin dashed line. The first C virtual line Ln1c, which is the linear first virtual line Ln1 for the set of first C retaining part H1c and second C retaining part H2c, is indicated by a thin dashed line. The first D virtual line Ln1d, which is the linear first virtual line Ln1 for the set of first D retaining part H1d and second D retaining part H2d, is indicated by a thin dashed line.

[0195] Here, for example, in each of the multiple sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2, the third proportion or more of the first retaining part H1 and the fourth proportion or more of the second retaining part H2 may be positioned in a manner that they overlap each other in the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. The third proportion and the fourth proportion may be any proportion between 30% and 50%, 50%, any proportion between 50% and 80%, 80%, any proportion between 80% and 100%, and substantially 100%.

[0196] In each of the multiple sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2, the distance L1 between the first retaining part H1 and the second retaining part H2 (also called the first distance) may be a constant distance or not. The first distance L1 may be, for example, the distance in the +X direction as the second direction between the first retaining part H1 and the second retaining part H2. In the set of first A retaining part H1a and second A retaining part H2a, the distance L1 between the first A retaining part H1a and second A retaining part H2a (also called the first A distance) is the first A distance (also called the first A length) L1A. In the set of first B retaining part H1b and second B retaining part H2b, the distance L1 between the first B retaining part H1b and second B retaining part H2b (also called the first distance) is the first B distance (also called the first B length) L1B. In a pair of first C retainer H1c and second C retainer H2c, the distance (first distance) L1 between the first C retainer H1c and the second C retainer H2c is the first C distance (also called the first C length) L1C. In a pair of first D retainer H1d and second D retainer H2d, the distance (first distance) L1 between the first D retainer H1d and the second D retainer H2d is the first D distance (also called the first D length) L1D. The first A distance (first A length) L1A, the first B distance (first B length) L1B, the first C distance (first C length) L1C, and the first D distance (first D length) L1D may or may not be the same distance (length).

[0197] Here, the distance between multiple first retaining parts H1 and the first short side part 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, and the distance between multiple first retaining parts H1 and the second short side part 2pd in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, are set to a second distance L2, which is either a constant distance or a non-constant distance. The distance between multiple first retaining parts H1 and the first short side part 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, is the distance between the first retaining part H1 closest to the first short side part 2pc among the multiple first retaining parts H1 and the first short side part 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction. The distance between multiple first retaining parts H1 and the second short side part 2pd in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, is the distance between the first retaining part H1 closest to the second short side part 2pd among the multiple first retaining parts H1 and the second short side part 2pd in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. In the example in Figure 18, the distance (second distance) L2 between the first A retainer H1a, which is the first retainer H1 closest to the first short side 2pc among the multiple first retainer H1s, and the first short side 2pc, in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, is the 2A distance L2A. The distance (second distance) L2 between the first B retainer H1b, which is the first retainer H1 closest to the second short side 2pd among the multiple first retainer H1s, and the second short side 2pd, in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, is the 2B distance L2B. The 2A distance L2A and the 2B distance L2B may be the same distance or different distances. Here, the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, may be the third direction, the -Y direction, and the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may be the fourth direction, the +Y direction.

[0198] Here, the distance between the multiple second retaining parts H2 and the first short side part 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, and the distance between the multiple second retaining parts H2 and the second short side part 2pd in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, are set to a third distance L3, which is either a constant distance or a non-constant distance. The distance between the multiple second retaining parts H2 and the first short side part 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, is the distance between the second retaining part H2 closest to the first short side part 2pc among the multiple second retaining parts H2 and the first short side part 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction. The distance between the multiple second retaining parts H2 and the second short side part 2pd in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, is the distance between the second retaining part H2 closest to the second short side part 2pd among the multiple second retaining parts H2 and the second short side part 2pd in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. In the example in Figure 18, the distance L3 (third distance) between the second A retainer H2a, which is the second retainer H2 closest to the first short side 2pc among the multiple second retainer H2s, and the first short side 2pc, in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, is the third A distance L3A. The distance L3 (third distance) between the second B retainer H2b, which is the second retainer H2 closest to the second short side 2pd among the multiple second retainer H2s, and the second short side 2pd, in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, is the third B distance L3B. The third A distance L3A and the third B distance L3B may be the same distance or different distances. Here, the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, may be the third direction, the -Y direction, and the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may be the fourth direction, the +Y direction.

[0199] Here, the distance L4 between two adjacent first retaining parts H1 (also called the fourth distance) may be a constant distance or not. The fourth distance L4 may be, for example, the distance between two adjacent first retaining parts H1 in the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. In the example of Figure 18, the distance L4 between the first A retaining part H1a and the first C retaining part H1c (the fourth distance) is the fourth A distance L4A. More specifically, the fourth A distance L4A is the distance between the first A retaining part H1a and the first C retaining part H1c in the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. The distance L4 between the first C retaining part H1c and the first D retaining part H1d (the fourth distance) is the fourth C distance L4C. More specifically, the 4C distance L4C is the distance between the 1C holding part H1c and the 1D holding part H1d in the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. The distance L4 between the 1D holding part H1d and the 1B holding part H1b (the 4th distance) is the 4B distance L4B. More specifically, the 4B distance L4B is the distance between the 1D holding part H1d and the 1B holding part H1b in the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. The 4A distance L4A, the 4B distance L4B, and the 4C distance L4C may or may not be the same distance. Here, the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction, may also be the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction.

[0200] Here, the distance L5 between two adjacent second retaining parts H2 among the multiple second retaining parts H2 (also called the fifth distance) may be a constant distance or not. The fifth distance L5 may be, for example, the distance between two adjacent second retaining parts H2 among the multiple second retaining parts H2 in the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. In the example of Figure 18, the distance L5 between the second A retaining part H2a and the second C retaining part H2c (the fifth distance) is the fifth A distance L5A. More specifically, the fifth A distance L5A is the distance between the second A retaining part H2a and the second C retaining part H2c in the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. The distance L5 between the second C retaining part H2c and the second D retaining part H2d (the fifth distance) is the fifth C distance L5C. More specifically, the 5C distance L5C is the distance between the 2C holding part H2c and the 2D holding part H2d in the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. The distance (5th distance) L5 ​​between the 2D holding part H2d and the 2B holding part H2b is the 5B distance L5B. More specifically, the 5B distance L5B is the distance between the 2D holding part H2d and the 2B holding part H2b in the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction. The 5A distance L5A, the 5B distance L5B, and the 5C distance L5C may or may not be the same distance. Here, the direction along the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction, may also be the +Y direction, which is the fourth direction.

[0201] <1-4-1. Control of bending in power generators> For example, the front surface f1 of the power generation element 2a of the solar cell module 2 may be subjected to a uniform or nearly uniform load (also called a distributed load) due to snow accumulation or wind pressure. In this case, a flat power generation element 2a is more likely to experience a simple curved surface than a complex curved surface. Here, if the radius of curvature of the simple curved surface of the power generation element 2a is large, the curvature of the power generation element 2a becomes gentler. This can reduce the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation element 2a.

[0202] <<Bending control focusing on the first short side portion of the power generation element>> In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the plurality of first fixing devices 31 include a first A fixing device 31a located closest to the first short side portion 2pc among the plurality of first fixing devices 31. This first A fixing device 31a includes a first A retaining portion H1a as one first retaining portion H1. The first A retaining portion H1a holds and supports the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) from below. The distance between the first A retaining portion H1a and the first short side portion 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, is set to a second A distance (also called a second A length) L2A. The plurality of second fixing devices 32 also include a second A fixing device 32a located closest to the first short side portion 2pc among the plurality of second fixing devices 32. This second A fixing device 32a includes a second A retaining portion H2a as one second retaining portion H2. The second A holding part H2a holds the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) and supports it from below. The distance between the second A holding part H2a and the first short side part 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, is set to the third A distance (also called the third A length) L3A. Here, when the solar cell module 2 and the multiple fixing devices 3 are viewed from above toward the first surface 21f, each of the first A holding part H1a and the second A holding part H2a is located on the first virtual line Ln1a, which is the first virtual line Ln1 along the first direction, the -X direction. Here, the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, may also be the third direction, the -Y direction.

[0203] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 18, the portion of the power generation body 2a extending from between the portion held by the first A holding portion H1a and the portion held by the second A holding portion H2a to the first short side portion 2pc is referred to as the first end portion P1a.

[0204] In this case, as shown in Figure 19, the first end portion P1a, when viewed in the direction along the first direction (-X), can be approximately considered as a cantilever beam having lengths from the second A length L2A to the third A length L3A in the direction along the third direction (-Y). In Figure 19, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilever beam portion of the first end portion P1a is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0205] Here, for example, consider a case where the length of the second A L2A and the length of the third A L3A are excessively large, and a distributed load is applied from above to the first end portion P1a. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, the first end portion P1a may develop a monoconvex curve (also called the first type of curve) that curves downward as it approaches the first short side portion 2pc. This first type of curve tends to be a bend with a small radius of curvature. As a result, the power generator 2a may develop a bend at the first end portion P1a such that the first short side portion 2pc comes into contact with the installation target portion 900. In Figure 20, the outer edge of the first end portion P1a before the bend occurs is schematically shown by a thin dashed line.

[0206] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, when the first end portion P1a is viewed in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, it can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having a first length L1A in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In Figure 21, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the first end portion P1a is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0207] Here, for example, consider a case where the lengths of the second A (L2A) and the third A (L3A) are relatively small, and a distributed load is applied from above to the first end portion P1a. In this case, as shown in Figure 22, the first end portion P1a may develop a monoconformal curve (also called a second form of curvature) that curves downward as it approaches the midpoint between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. This second form of curvature can be limited by the first A distance (first A length) L1A between the first A holding portion H1a and the second A holding portion H2a. Therefore, this second form of curvature can be a gentle curve with a large radius of curvature. In Figure 22, the outer edge of the first end portion P1a before the curvature occurs is schematically shown by a thin dashed line.

[0208] Here, as shown in Figure 19, it is assumed that the first end portion P1a is considered to be a cantilever beam having a second length L2A in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilever beam, the maximum bending moment M2Amax generated in this cantilever beam is given by the following equation (1A).

[0209] M2Amax = (1 / 2) × w × (L2A) 2 ...(1A).

[0210] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, it is assumed that the first end portion P1a is considered to be a cantilever beam having a third length L3A in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilever beam, the maximum bending moment M3Amax generated in this cantilever beam is given by the following equation (1B).

[0211] M3Amax = (1 / 2) × w × (L3A) 2 ...(1B).

[0212] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, it is assumed that the first end portion P1a is considered to be a part in the form of a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first length L1A in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Amax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (2).

[0213] M1Amax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1A) 2 ...(2).

[0214] Here, if the maximum bending moment M1Amax is greater than either the maximum bending moment M2Amax or the maximum bending moment M3Amax, then equations (3) and (4) hold based on equations (1A), (1B), and (2). √6 is the positive square root of 6, which is approximately 2.449.

[0215] L1A > √6 × L2A ... (3) L1A > √6 × L3A ... (4).

[0216] If the inequalities in equations (3) and (4) hold, then the second form of bending described above may preferentially occur at the first end portion P1a of the power generator 2a over the first form of bending described above.

[0217] In the first embodiment, the first A distance L1A is greater than √6 times the second A distance L2A and greater than √6 times the third A distance L3A. The first A distance L1A is the distance between the first A holding part H1a and the second A holding part H2a. The second A distance L2A is the distance between the first A holding part H1a and the first short side part 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction. The third A distance L3A is the distance between the second A holding part H2a and the first short side part 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction. When this condition is met, the inequalities in equations (3) and (4) hold. Here, the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, may also be the third direction, the -Y direction.

[0218] As a result, for example, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generation element 2a of the solar cell module 2, the second form of bending described above may preferentially occur at the first end portion P1a of the power generation element 2a over the first form of bending described above. For this reason, throughout the power generation element 2a, there is a higher possibility that a monosurface-like bending that curves downward as it approaches the center of the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction will preferentially occur. This form of bending can be limited by the first distance L1 between the first holding portion H1 and the second holding portion H2. More specifically, the second form of bending can be limited by the first A distance L1A between the first A holding portion H1a and the second A holding portion H2a. Here, the first distance L1 between the first holding portion H1 and the second holding portion H2 may be smaller than the length L0b in the short side direction of the power generation element 2a. More specifically, the first A distance L1A can be smaller than the length L0b in the shorter direction of the power generation unit 2a. Therefore, the radius of curvature in the simple curved surface of the power generation unit 2a can be increased. As a result, the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation unit 2a can be reduced. Thus, in addition to reducing the weight of the solar cell device 1, damage to the solar cell device 1 can be reduced.

[0219] <<Bending control focusing on the second short side portion of the power generation element>> In the first embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 18, the plurality of first fixing devices 31 include a first B fixing device 31b located closest to the second short side portion 2pd of the plurality of first fixing devices 31. This first B fixing device 31b includes a first B retaining portion H1b as a first retaining portion H1. The first B retaining portion H1b holds and supports the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) from below. The distance between the first B retaining portion H1b and the second short side portion 2pd in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction is set to the second B distance (also called the second B length) L2B. Also, for example, the plurality of second fixing devices 32 include a second B fixing device 32b located closest to the second short side portion 2pd of the plurality of second fixing devices 32. This second B fixing device 32b includes a second B retaining portion H2b as a second retaining portion H2. The second B holding portion H2b holds the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) and supports it from below. The distance between the second B holding portion H2b and the second short side portion 2pd in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, is set to the third B distance (also called the third B length) L3B. Here, for example, when the solar cell module 2 and the multiple fixing devices 3 are viewed from a plane toward the first surface 21f, each of the first B holding portion H1b and the second B holding portion H2b is located on the first B virtual line Ln1b, which is the first virtual line Ln1 along the first direction, the -X direction. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may also be the fourth direction, the +Y direction.

[0220] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 18, the portion of the power generation body 2a that extends from between the portion held by the first B holding portion H1b and the portion held by the second B holding portion H2b to the second short side portion 2pd is referred to as the second end portion P1b.

[0221] In this case, as shown in Figure 23, the second end portion P1b, when viewed along the -X direction as the first direction, can be approximately considered as a cantilevered portion having lengths from the second B length L2B to the third B length L3B along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In Figure 23, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered portion of the second end portion P1b is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0222] Here, for example, consider a case where the lengths of the second B section L2B and the third B section L3B are excessively large, and a distributed load is applied from above to the second end section P1b. In this case, as shown in Figure 24, the second end section P1b may develop a simple curved shape (also called a third type of curve) that curves downward as it approaches the second short side section 2pd. This third type of curve tends to be a bend with a small radius of curvature. As a result, the power generator 2a may develop a bend at the second end section P1b such that the second short side section 2pd comes into contact with the installation target section 900. In Figure 24, the outer edge of the second end section P1b before the bend occurs is schematically shown by a thin dashed line.

[0223] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, when the second end portion P1b is viewed in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction, it can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having a first length L1B in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In Figure 25, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the second end portion P1b is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0224] Here, for example, consider a case where the lengths of the second B section L2B and the third B section L3B are relatively small, and a distributed load is applied from above to the second end section P1b. In this case, as shown in Figure 26, the second end section P1b may develop a monoconformal curve (also called a fourth type of curve) that curves downward as it approaches the midpoint between the first long side section 2pa and the second long side section 2pb in the direction along the X direction. This fourth type of curve can be limited by the first B distance (first B length) L1B between the first B holding section H1b and the second B holding section H2b. Therefore, this fourth type of curve can be a gentle curve with a large radius of curvature. In Figure 26, the outer edge of the second end section P1b before the curve occurs is schematically shown by a thin dashed line.

[0225] Here, as shown in Figure 23, it is assumed that the second end portion P1b is considered to be a cantilever beam having a second length L2B in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilever beam, the maximum bending moment M2Bmax generated in this cantilever beam is given by the following equation (5A).

[0226] M2Bmax = (1 / 2) × w × (L2B) 2 ...(5A).

[0227] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23, it is assumed that the second end portion P1b is considered to be a cantilever beam having a third length L3B in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilever beam, the maximum bending moment M3Bmax generated in this cantilever beam is given by the following equation (5B).

[0228] M3Bmax = (1 / 2) × w × (L3B) 2 ...(5B).

[0229] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, it is assumed that the second end portion P1b is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first length L1B in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Bmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (6).

[0230] M1Bmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1B) 2 ...(6).

[0231] Here, if the maximum bending moment M1Bmax is greater than either the maximum bending moment M2Bmax or the maximum bending moment M3Bmax, then equations (7) and (8) hold based on equations (5A), (5B), and (6). √6 is the positive square root of 6, which is approximately 2.449.

[0232] L1B > √6 × L2B ... (7) L1B > √6 × L3B ... (8).

[0233] If the inequalities in equations (7) and (8) hold, then the fourth type of bending described above may preferentially occur at the second end portion P1b of the power generator 2a over the third type of bending described above.

[0234] In the first embodiment, for example, the first B distance L1B may be greater than √6 times the second B distance L2B and greater than √6 times the third B distance L3B. The first B distance L1B is the distance between the first B holding part H1b and the second B holding part H2b. The second B distance L2B is the distance between the first B holding part H1b and the second short side part 2pd in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. The third B distance L3B is the distance between the second B holding part H2b and the second short side part 2pd in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. When this condition is met, the inequalities of equations (7) and (8) hold. Here, the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction may be the +Y direction as the fourth direction.

[0235] As a result, for example, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generation element 2a of the solar cell module 2, the fourth form of bending described above may preferentially occur at the second end portion P1b of the power generation element 2a rather than the third form of bending described above. For this reason, throughout the power generation element 2a, there is a higher probability that a monosurface-like bending, which is directed downwards as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction, may preferentially occur. This form of bending can be limited by the first distance L1 between the first holding portion H1 and the second holding portion H2. More specifically, the fourth form of bending can be limited by the first B distance L1B between the first B holding portion H1b and the second B holding portion H2b. Here, the first distance L1 between the first holding portion H1 and the second holding portion H2 may be smaller than the length L0b in the short side direction of the power generation element 2a. More specifically, the first B distance L1B can be smaller than the length L0b in the shorter direction of the power generation unit 2a. Therefore, the radius of curvature in the simple curved surface of the power generation unit 2a can be increased. As a result, the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation unit 2a can be reduced. Thus, in addition to reducing the weight of the solar cell device 1, damage to the solar cell device 1 can be reduced.

[0236] <<Bending control focusing on the inner portion of the power generation unit, away from its short side>> For example, as shown in Figure 18, the plurality of first fixing devices 31 may further include a first C fixing device 31c located closest to the first A fixing device 31a among the plurality of first fixing devices 31. This first C fixing device 31c includes a first C retaining part H1c as a first retaining part H1. The first C retaining part H1c holds and supports the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) from below. The distance (fourth distance) L4 between the first A retaining part H1a and the first C retaining part H1c is set to the fourth A distance (also called the fourth A length) L4A. Also, for example, the plurality of second fixing devices 32 may further include a second C fixing device 32c located closest to the second A fixing device 32a among the plurality of second fixing devices 32. This second C fixing device 32c includes a second C retaining part H2c as a second retaining part H2. The second C holding part H2c holds the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) and supports it from below. The distance (fifth distance) L5 ​​between the second A holding part H2a and the second C holding part H2c is set to the fifth A distance (also called the fifth A length) L5A. Here, for example, when the solar cell module 2 and the multiple fixing devices 3 are viewed from a plane toward the first surface 21f, each of the first C holding part H1c and the second C holding part H2c is located on the first C virtual line Ln1c, which is the first virtual line Ln1 along the -X direction as the first direction.

[0237] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 18, the portion of the power generation body 2a that extends from between the portion held by the first A holding portion H1a and the portion held by the second A holding portion H2a to the portion held by the first C holding portion H1c and the portion held by the second C holding portion H2c is called the first inner portion P2a. The first inner portion P2a is the inner portion (also called the inner portion) of the power generation body 2a that is separated from the first short side portion 2pc and the second short side portion 2pd, respectively.

[0238] In this case, as shown in Figure 27, the first inner portion P2a, when viewed along the -X direction as the first direction, can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having lengths from the fourth A length L4A to the fifth A length L5A along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In Figure 27, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the first inner portion P2a is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0239] Here, for example, consider a case where the length of the 4th A (L4A) and the length of the 5th A (L5A) are excessively large, and a distributed load is applied from above to the first inner portion P2a. In this case, as shown in Figure 28, the first inner portion P2a may develop a monosurface curve (also called a fifth type of curve) that curves downward as it approaches the center in the direction along the Y direction. When this fifth type of curve is likely to occur, the first inner portion P2a is less likely to develop a monosurface curve that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. In Figure 28, the outer edge of the first inner portion P2a before the curve occurs is schematically shown by a thin dashed line.

[0240] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, when the first inner portion P2a is viewed in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, it can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having a length from the first A length L1A to the first C length L1C in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In Figure 29, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the first inner portion P2a is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0241] Here, for example, it is conceivable that when the fourth A length L4A and the fifth A length L5A are relatively small and a distributed load is applied from above to the first inner portion P2a. In this case, as shown in FIG. 30, the first inner portion P2a may form a single-curved surface-like bend (also referred to as the sixth form of bend) that curves downward as it approaches the vicinity of the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. This sixth form of bend can be restricted by the first A distance (first A length) L1A between the first A holding portion H1a and the second A holding portion H2a and the first C distance (first C length) L1C between the first C holding portion H1c and the second C holding portion H2c. Therefore, this sixth form of bend can be a gentle bend with a large radius of curvature. In FIG. 30, the outer edge of the first inner portion P2a before the bend occurs is schematically shown by a thin two-dot chain line.

[0242] Here, as shown in FIG. 27, it is assumed that the first inner portion P2a is regarded as a portion in the form of a simply supported beam with both ends fixed having a fourth A length L4A in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this simply supported beam, the maximum bending moment M4Amax generated in this simply supported beam is shown by the following formula (9A).

[0243] M4Amax=(1 / 12)×w×(L4A) 2 ···(9A).

[0244] Also, as shown in FIG. 27, it is assumed that the first inner portion P2a is regarded as a portion in the form of a simply supported beam with both ends fixed having a fifth A length L5A in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this simply supported beam, the maximum bending moment M5Amax generated in this simply supported beam is shown by the following formula (9B).

[0245] M5Amax=(1 / 12)×w×(L5A) 2 ···(9B).

[0246] Also, as shown in FIG. 29, it is assumed that the first inner portion P2a is regarded as a portion in the form of a simply supported beam with both ends fixed having a first A length L1A in the direction along the +X direction as the second direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this simply supported beam, the maximum bending moment M1Amax generated in this simply supported beam is represented by the following formula (10A).

[0247] M1Amax=(1 / 12)×w×(L1A) 2 ···(10A).

[0248] Also, as shown in FIG. 29, it is assumed that the first inner portion P2a is regarded as a portion in the form of a simply supported beam with both ends fixed having a first C length L1C in the direction along the +X direction as the second direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this simply supported beam, the maximum bending moment M1Cmax generated in this simply supported beam is represented by the following formula (10B).

[0249] M1Cmax=(1 / 12)×w×(L1C) 2 ···(10B).

[0250] Here, when each of the maximum bending moment M1Amax and the maximum bending moment M1Cmax is larger than either the maximum bending moment M4Amax and the maximum bending moment M5Amax, based on formula (9A), formula (9B), formula (10A) and formula (10B), the following formulas (11) to (14) are established.

[0251] L1A>L4A ···(11) L1A>L5A ···(12) L1C>L4A ···(13) L1C>L5A ···(14).

[0252] If the inequality from equation (11) to equation (14) holds, then in the first inner portion P2a of the power generator 2a, the sixth form of bending described above may occur preferentially over the fifth form of bending described above.

[0253] In the first embodiment, for example, the 4A distance L4A may be smaller than the 1A distance L1A and smaller than the 1C distance L1C, and the 5A distance L5A may be smaller than the 1A distance L1A and smaller than the 1C distance L1C. The 4A distance L4A is the distance between the 1A holding part H1a and the 1C holding part H1c. The 5A distance L5A is the distance between the 2A holding part H2a and the 2C holding part H2c. The 1A distance L1A is the distance between the 1A holding part H1a and the 2A holding part H2a. The 1C distance L1C is the distance between the 1C holding part H1c and the 2C holding part H2c. If this condition is met, the inequalities from equations (11) to (14) hold.

[0254] As a result, for example, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generation body 2a of the solar cell module 2, the sixth form of bending described above may preferentially occur in the first inner portion P2a of the power generation body 2a rather than the fifth form of bending described above. For this reason, throughout the power generation body 2a, there is a higher possibility that a monoconvex bending shape that curves downward as it approaches the center of the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction will preferentially occur. This form of bending can be limited by the first distance L1 between the first retaining portion H1 and the second retaining portion H2. More specifically, the sixth form of bending can be limited by the first A distance L1A between the first A retaining portion H1a and the second A retaining portion H2a and the first C distance L1C between the first C retaining portion H1c and the second C retaining portion H2c. Here, the first distance L1 between the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 may be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. More specifically, the first A distance L1A and the first C distance L1C may each be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. As a result, the radius of curvature in the monoconvex curve of the power generation body 2a may be increased. Consequently, the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation body 2a may be reduced. Thus, in addition to reducing the weight of the solar cell device 1, damage to the solar cell device 1 may also be reduced.

[0255] Here, for example, for all first holding parts H1 and all second holding parts H2 that hold the power generator 2a of a single solar cell module 2, the condition that the fourth distance L4 and the fifth distance L5 are each smaller than the first distance L1 may always be satisfied. This further increases the likelihood that, for example, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generator 2a of the solar cell module 2, a monoconvex curve in the power generator 2a will preferentially occur, in the direction along the X direction, as it approaches the center between the first long side 2pa and the second long side 2pb. This type of curve can be limited by the first distance L1 between the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2. Here, the first distance L1 between the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 may be smaller than the length L0b in the short side direction of the power generator 2a. Therefore, the radius of curvature in the monoconvex curve of the power generator 2a can be increased. As a result, the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation unit 2a can be reduced. Therefore, in addition to reducing the weight of the solar cell device 1, damage to the solar cell device 1 can also be reduced. Thus, both weight reduction and damage reduction of the solar cell device 1 can be achieved.

[0256] <<Bending control focusing on the other inner parts of the power generation unit>> For example, as shown in Figure 18, the plurality of first fixing devices 31 may further include a first D fixing device 31d located closest to the first B fixing device 31b among the plurality of first fixing devices 31. This first D fixing device 31d includes a first D holding part H1d as a first holding part H1. The first D holding part H1d holds and supports the solar cell module 2 (more specifically the power generator 2a) from below. The distance (fourth distance) L4 between the first D holding part H1d and the first B holding part H1b is set to the fourth B distance (also called the fourth B length) L4B. Also, for example, the plurality of second fixing devices 32 may further include a second D fixing device 32d located closest to the second B fixing device 32b among the plurality of second fixing devices 32. This second D fixing device 32d includes a second D holding part H2d as a second holding part H2. The second D holding part H2d holds the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) and supports it from below. The distance (fifth distance) L5 ​​between the second D holding part H2d and the second B holding part H2b is set to the fifth B distance (also called the fifth B length) L5B. Here, for example, when the solar cell module 2 and the multiple fixing devices 3 are viewed from a plane toward the first surface 21f, the first D holding part H1d and the second D holding part H2d are each located on the first D virtual line Ln1d, which is the first virtual line Ln1 along the -X direction as the first direction.

[0257] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 18, the portion of the power generator 2a that extends from between the portion held by the first D holding portion H1d and the portion held by the second D holding portion H2d to the portion held by the first B holding portion H1b and the portion held by the second B holding portion H2b is called the second inner portion P2b. The second inner portion P2b is the inner portion (inner part) of the power generator 2a that is separated from the first short side portion 2pc and the second short side portion 2pd, respectively.

[0258] In this case, as shown in Figure 27, the second inner portion P2b, when viewed along the -X direction as the first direction, can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having lengths from the fourth B length L4B to the fifth B length L5B along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In Figure 27, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the second inner portion P2b is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0259] Here, for example, consider a case where the length of the 4th B (L4B) and the length of the 5th B (L5B) are excessively large, and a distributed load is applied from above to the second inner portion P2b. In this case, as shown in Figure 28, the second inner portion P2b may develop a monosurface curve (also called the seventh type of curve) that curves downward as it approaches the center in the direction along the Y direction. When this seventh type of curve is likely to occur, the second inner portion P2b is less likely to develop a monosurface curve that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. In Figure 28, the outer edge of the second inner portion P2b before the curve occurs is schematically shown by a thin dashed line.

[0260] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, when the second inner portion P2b is viewed in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, it can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having lengths from the first B length L1B to the first D length L1D in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In Figure 29, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the second inner portion P2b is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0261] Here, for example, it is conceivable that the fourth B length L4B and the fifth B length L5B are relatively small and a distributed load is applied from above to the second inner portion P2b. In this case, as shown in FIG. 30, the second inner portion P2b may generate a single-curved bend (also referred to as the eighth form of bend) in a form that descends toward the vicinity of the center between the first long-side portion 2pa and the second long-side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. This eighth form of bend may be restricted by the first B distance (first B length) L1B between the first B holding portion H1b and the second B holding portion H2b and the first D distance (first D length) L1D between the first D holding portion H1d and the second D holding portion H2d. For this reason, this eighth form of bend may be a gentle bend with a large radius of curvature. In FIG. 30, the outer edge of the second inner portion P2b before the bend occurs is schematically shown by a thin two-dot chain line.

[0262] Here, as shown in FIG. 27, it is assumed that the second inner portion P2b is regarded as a portion in the form of a simply supported beam with both ends fixed having a fourth B length L4B in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this simply supported beam, the maximum bending moment M4Bmax generated in this simply supported beam is represented by the following formula (15A).

[0263] M4Bmax=(1 / 12)×w×(L4B) 2 ···(15A).

[0264] Further, as shown in FIG. 27, it is assumed that the second inner portion P2b is regarded as a portion in the form of a simply supported beam with both ends fixed having a fifth B length L5B in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this simply supported beam, the maximum bending moment M5Bmax generated in this simply supported beam is represented by the following formula (15B). [[ID=巧15]]

[0265] M5Bmax=(1 / 12)×w×(L5B) 2 ···(15B).

[0266] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, it is assumed that the second inner portion P2b is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first length L1D in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Dmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (16A).

[0267] M1Dmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1D) 2 ...(16A).

[0268] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, it is assumed that the second inner portion P2b is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first length L1B in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Bmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (16B).

[0269] M1Bmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1B) 2 ...(16B).

[0270] Here, if the maximum bending moment M1Dmax and the maximum bending moment M1Bmax are greater than either the maximum bending moment M4Bmax or the maximum bending moment M5Bmax, then equations (17) through (20) hold based on equations (15A), (15B), (16A), and (16B).

[0271] L1D>L4B ···(17) L1D>L5B ···(18) L1B>L4B ···(19) L1B>L5B ···(20).

[0272] If the inequality in equation (20) holds from equation (17), then the eighth type of bending described above may preferentially occur in the second inner portion P2b of the power generator 2a over the seventh type of bending described above.

[0273] In the first embodiment, for example, the 4B distance L4B may be smaller than the 1D distance L1D and smaller than the 1B distance L1B, and the 5B distance L5B may be smaller than the 1D distance L1D and smaller than the 1B distance L1B. The 4B distance L4B is the distance between the 1D holding part H1d and the 1B holding part H1b. The 5B distance L5B is the distance between the 2D holding part H2d and the 2B holding part H2b. The 1D distance L1D is the distance between the 1D holding part H1d and the 2D holding part H2d. The 1B distance L1B is the distance between the 1B holding part H1b and the 2B holding part H2b. If this condition is met, the inequalities from equation (17) to equation (20) hold.

[0274] As a result, for example, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generation body 2a of the solar cell module 2, the eighth form of bending described above may preferentially occur in the second inner portion P2b of the power generation body 2a rather than the seventh form of bending described above. For this reason, throughout the power generation body 2a, there is a higher possibility that a monoconvex bending shape that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction will preferentially occur. This form of bending can be limited by the first distance L1 between the first retaining portion H1 and the second retaining portion H2. More specifically, the eighth form of bending can be limited by the first D distance L1D between the first D retaining portion H1d and the second D retaining portion H2d, and the first B distance L1B between the first B retaining portion H1b and the second B retaining portion H2b. Here, the first distance L1 between the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 may be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. More specifically, the first D distance L1D and the first B distance L1B may each be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. As a result, the radius of curvature in the monoconvex curve of the power generation body 2a may be increased. Consequently, the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation body 2a may be reduced. Thus, in addition to reducing the weight of the solar cell device 1, damage to the solar cell device 1 may also be reduced.

[0275] For example, as shown in Figure 18, the multiple first fixing devices 31 may include adjacent first C fixing devices 31c and first D fixing devices 31d from among the multiple first fixing devices 31. In other words, the multiple first fixing devices 31 may include a first D fixing device 31d adjacent to a first C fixing device 31c. The distance (fourth distance) L4 between the first C holding part H1c and the first D holding part H1d is set to the fourth C distance (also called the fourth C length) L4C. Also, for example, the multiple second fixing devices 32 may include adjacent second C fixing devices 32c and second D fixing devices 32d from among the multiple second fixing devices 32. In other words, the multiple second fixing devices 32 may include a second D fixing device 32d adjacent to a second C fixing device 32c. The distance (fifth distance) L5 ​​between the second C holding part H2c and the second D holding part H2d is set to the fifth C distance (also called the fifth C length) L5C. Here, for example, it is assumed that the solar cell module 2 and the multiple fixing devices 3 are viewed planarly toward the first surface 21f. In this case, the first C holding part H1c and the second C holding part H2c are located on the first C virtual line Ln1c along the first direction, which is the -X direction, and the first D holding part H1d and the second D holding part H2d are located on the first D virtual line Ln1d along the first direction, which is the -X direction.

[0276] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 18, the portion of the power generator 2a that extends from between the portion held by the first C holding portion H1c and the portion held by the second C holding portion H2c to the portion held by the first D holding portion H1d and the portion held by the second D holding portion H2d is called the third inner portion P2c. The third inner portion P2c is the inner portion (inner part) of the power generator 2a that is separated from the first short side portion 2pc and the second short side portion 2pd, respectively.

[0277] In this case, as shown in Figure 27, the third inner portion P2c, when viewed along the -X direction as the first direction, can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having lengths from the fourth C length L4C to the fifth C length L5C along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In Figure 27, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the third inner portion P2c is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0278] Here, for example, consider a case where the length of the 4th C (L4C) and the length of the 5th C (L5C) are excessively large, and a distributed load is applied from above to the 3rd inner portion P2c. In this case, as shown in Figure 28, the 3rd inner portion P2c may develop a monosurface curve (also called the 9th type of curve) that curves downward as it approaches the center in the direction along the Y direction. When this 9th type of curve is likely to occur, the 3rd inner portion P2c is less likely to develop a monosurface curve that curves downward as it approaches the center between the 1st long side portion 2pa and the 2nd long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. In Figure 28, the outer edge of the 3rd inner portion P2c before the curve occurs is schematically shown by a thin dashed line.

[0279] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, when the third inner portion P2c is viewed along the direction of the fourth direction, the +Y direction, it can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having lengths from the first C length L1C to the first D length L1D along the direction of the second direction, the +X direction. In Figure 29, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the third inner portion P2c is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0280] Here, for example, consider a case where the length of the fourth C section L4C and the length of the fifth C section L5C are relatively small, and a distributed load is applied from above to the third inner section P2c. In this case, as shown in Figure 30, the third inner section P2c may develop a monoconformal curve (also called the tenth form of curvature) that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side section 2pa and the second long side section 2pb in the direction along the X direction. This tenth form of curvature can be limited by the first C distance (first C length) L1C between the first C holding section H1c and the second C holding section H2c, and the first D distance (first D length) L1D between the first D holding section H1d and the second D holding section H2d. Therefore, this tenth form of curvature can be a gentle curve with a large radius of curvature. Figure 30 schematically shows the outer edge of the third inner portion P2c before the bending occurs, represented by a thin dashed line.

[0281] Here, as shown in Figure 27, it is assumed that the third inner portion P2c is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a fourth C length L4C in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M4Cmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (21A).

[0282] M4Cmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L4C) 2 ...(21A).

[0283] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, it is assumed that the third inner portion P2c is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a fifth C length L5C in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M5Cmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (21B).

[0284] M5Cmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L5C) 2 ...(21B).

[0285] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, it is assumed that the third inner portion P2c is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first C length L1C in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Cmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (22A).

[0286] M1Cmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1C) 2 ...(22A).

[0287] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, it is assumed that the third inner portion P2c is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first length L1D in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Dmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (22B).

[0288] M1Dmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1D) 2 ...(22B).

[0289] Here, if the maximum bending moment M1Cmax and the maximum bending moment M1Dmax are greater than either the maximum bending moment M4Cmax or the maximum bending moment M5Cmax, then equations (23) through (26) hold based on equations (21A), (21B), (22A), and (22B).

[0290] L1C>L4C ···(23) L1C>L5C ···(24) L1D>L4C ···(25) L1D>L5C ···(26).

[0291] If the inequality in equation (26) holds from equation (23), then the tenth type of bending described above may preferentially occur in the third inner portion P2c of the power generator 2a over the ninth type of bending described above.

[0292] In the first embodiment, for example, the fourth C distance L4C may be smaller than the first C distance L1C and smaller than the first D distance L1D, and the fifth C distance L5C may be smaller than the first C distance L1C and smaller than the first D distance L1D. The fourth C distance L4C is the distance between the first C holding part H1c and the first D holding part H1d. The fifth C distance L5C is the distance between the second C holding part H2c and the second D holding part H2d. The first C distance L1C is the distance between the first C holding part H1c and the second C holding part H2c. The first D distance L1D is the distance between the first D holding part H1d and the second D holding part H2d. If this condition is met, the inequalities from equation (23) to equation (26) hold.

[0293] As a result, for example, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generation body 2a of the solar cell module 2, the tenth form of bending described above may preferentially occur in the third inner portion P2c of the power generation body 2a rather than the ninth form of bending described above. For this reason, throughout the power generation body 2a, there is a higher possibility that a monoconvex bending shape that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction will preferentially occur. This form of bending can be limited by the first distance L1 between the first retaining portion H1 and the second retaining portion H2. More specifically, the tenth form of bending can be limited by the first C distance L1C between the first C retaining portion H1c and the second C retaining portion H2c, and the first D distance L1D between the first D retaining portion H1d and the second D retaining portion H2d. Here, the first distance L1 between the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 may be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. More specifically, the first C distance L1C and the first D distance L1D may each be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. As a result, the radius of curvature in the monoconvex curve of the power generation body 2a may be increased. Consequently, the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation body 2a may be reduced. Thus, in addition to reducing the weight of the solar cell device 1, damage to the solar cell device 1 may also be reduced.

[0294] <1-5. Others> In the solar cell device 1 according to the first embodiment, as described above, if a distributed load is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generation body 2a due to snow accumulation or wind pressure, a monoconvex curve may preferentially occur in the power generation body 2a, in which the curve is directed downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. When such a curve occurs, tensile stress or compressive stress is applied to the solar cell 22c in the power generation body 2a of the solar cell module 2 in the direction from the first long side portion 2pa to the second long side portion 2pb and in the direction from the second long side portion 2pb to the first long side portion 2pa.

[0295] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 2, the one or more solar cells 22c included in the solar cell section 22 of the solar cell device 1 may include multiple solar cells 22c. Here, for example, the solar cell section 22 may include multiple solar cell strings 22st arranged along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. Also, for example, each of these multiple solar cell strings 22st may include two or more solar cells 22c arranged along the +X direction as the second direction. Furthermore, for example, each of these multiple solar cell strings 22st may include multiple first wiring materials W1 that electrically connect these two or more solar cells 22c in series by electrically connecting each of two adjacent solar cells 22c among the two or more solar cells 22c.

[0296] In this case, in the solar cell module 2, the solar cells 22c are connected to each other by multiple first wiring materials W1 along the direction from the first long side portion 2pa to the second long side portion 2pb. Therefore, when a single-curve bending occurs in the power generation body 2a in the direction along the X direction, with the curve sloping downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb, the multiple first wiring materials W1 can perform the function of the fibrous material in the fiber-reinforced composite material. As a result, the multiple first wiring materials W1, together with other parts of the power generation body 2a, can bear the stress applied to the solar cell module 2. Consequently, the stress applied to the solar cells 22c can be reduced. Therefore, the occurrence of cracks in the solar cells 22c can be reduced.

[0297] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2, 7, and 8, for example, in each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st included in the solar cell unit 22, each of the two or more solar cell cells 22c may have a rectangular first cell surface 22f, a second cell surface 22s on the opposite side of the first cell surface 22f, and four sides E1. These four sides E1 connect the first cell surface 22f and the second cell surface 22s, respectively, and include a first side E1a, a second side E1b on the opposite side of the first side E1a, a third side E1c, and a fourth side E1d on the opposite side of the third side E1c. Here, the first side E1a and the second side E1b may each be located along the +X direction as a second direction, and the third side E1c and the fourth side E1d may each be located along the +Y direction as a fourth direction. Furthermore, here, for example, the lengths of the first side portion E1a and the second side portion E1b in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction, may be smaller than the lengths of the third side portion E1c and the fourth side portion E1d in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. Here, the direction along the second direction, the +X direction, may be the second direction, the +X direction, and the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may be the fourth direction, the +Y direction.

[0298] Here, when viewed from above, the first side E1a and the second side E1b, which are a pair of sides (also called short-sides) extending along the short direction of the solar cell 22c, are shorter than the third side E1c and the fourth side E1d, which are a pair of sides (also called long-sides) extending along the longitudinal direction of the solar cell 22c. Therefore, in the power generation unit 2a, if a monoconvex curve occurs in the direction along the X direction, with the curve radiating downwards as it approaches the center between the first long side 2pa and the second long side 2pb, the curvature of the solar cell 22c can be reduced compared to when the curve occurs in the direction along the Y direction. In other words, the occurrence of cracks in the solar cell 22c can be reduced due to the so-called dimensional effect. Also, in the power generation unit 2a, the number of gaps (also called inter-cell gaps) located between two adjacent solar cells 22c in the direction along the +X direction, which is the second direction from the first long side 2pa to the second long side 2pb, can increase. As a result, if the power generation body 2a exhibits a unidirectional curvature that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X-direction, the increased cell gap can bear more of the curvature, thereby reducing the stress applied to the solar cell 22c. Consequently, the occurrence of cracks in the solar cell 22c can be reduced.

[0299] Furthermore, it is assumed that, for example, in each of the multiple solar cell strings 22st, two adjacent solar cells 22c are the first solar cell 22c and the second solar cell 22c. In this case, for example, as shown in Figures 2 and 6 to 8, the multiple first wiring materials W1 may include one or more first wiring materials W1 that are electrically connected to the first cell surface 22f of the first solar cell 22c along the second direction, the +X direction, and also electrically connected to the second cell surface 22s of the second solar cell 22c along the second direction, the +X direction. Here, for example, if the power generation body 2a has a monoconvex curve that curves downward as it approaches the center of the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction, then, for example, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, the solar cell 22c tends to develop cracks CK1 along the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction. Figure 31 schematically shows an example of the configuration of a solar cell 22c with a crack CK1, as viewed from a line of sight along the -Z direction. In Figure 31, an example of a configuration is shown with the crack CK1 added, based on the configuration of the example in Figure 7. Figure 32 schematically shows an example of the configuration of a solar cell 22c with a crack CK1, as viewed from a line of sight along the +Z direction. In Figure 32, an example of a configuration is shown with the crack CK1 added, based on the configuration of the example in Figure 8. In Figures 31 and 32, the crack CK1 is drawn with a thick line for convenience. For example, as shown in Figures 31 and 32, if a crack CK1 occurs in the solar cell 22c along the Y direction, the solar cell 22c may be divided into multiple parts along the X direction. Even in such a case, the first wiring material W1 may be connected to each of the divided parts of the solar cell 22c. In other words, in a solar cell 22c where a crack CK1 occurs, the occurrence of isolated portions where the first wiring material W1 is not electrically connected can be reduced. This can reduce the decrease in power generation in the solar cell module 2. In the examples of Figures 31 and 32, one or more first wiring materials W1 are five first wiring materials W1.

[0300] <1-6. Summary of the First Embodiment> In the solar cell apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the portion of the solar cell module 2 along its first long side 2pa is held by a plurality of first fixing devices 31 that are spaced apart from each other, and the portion of the solar cell module 2 along its second long side 2pb is held by a plurality of second fixing devices 32 that are spaced apart from each other. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the solar cell apparatus 1 by miniaturizing the devices that fix the solar cell module 2 to the installation target 900.

[0301] Furthermore, in the solar cell apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the first A distance L1A is greater than √6 times the second A distance L2A and greater than √6 times the third A distance L3A. The first A distance L1A is the distance between the first A holding part H1a of the first A fixing device 31a that holds the solar cell module 2 and the second A holding part H2a of the second A fixing device 32a that holds the solar cell module 2. The second A distance L2A is the distance between the first A holding part H1a and the first short side portion 2pc of the solar cell module 2 in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction. The third A distance L3A is the distance between the second A holding part H2a and the first short side portion 2pc in the direction along the third direction, the -Y direction.

[0302] Here, for example, consider a case where a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generation unit 2a of the solar cell module 2. In this case, in the power generation unit 2a, a simple curve that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side 2pa and the second long side 2pb in the direction along the X direction is more likely to occur than a simple curve that curves downward as it approaches the first short side 2pc. This type of curve can be limited by the first A distance L1A between the first A holding part H1a and the second A holding part H2a. The first A distance L1A can be smaller than the length L0b in the short side direction of the power generation unit 2a. Therefore, the radius of curvature in the simple curve of the power generation unit 2a can be increased. As a result, the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation unit 2a can be reduced.

[0303] Therefore, in addition to reducing the weight of the solar cell device 1, damage to the solar cell device 1 can also be reduced.

[0304] <2. Other Embodiments> This disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0305] <2-1. Second Embodiment> In the solar cell apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, for example, as shown in Figure 33, among the plurality of fixing devices 3 that fix one solar cell module 2 to the installation target part 900, the plurality of first fixing devices 31 may be two first fixing devices 31, and the plurality of second fixing devices 32 may be two second fixing devices 32. In other words, for example, the first B fixing device 31b may be the first fixing device 31 located closest to the first A fixing device 31a among the plurality of first fixing devices 31, and the second B fixing device 32b may be the second fixing device 32 located closest to the second A fixing device 32a among the plurality of second fixing devices 32. Here, the first B fixing device 31b is the first fixing device 31 located closest to the second short side portion 2pd among the plurality of first fixing devices 31, and the second B fixing device 32b is the second fixing device 32 located closest to the second short side portion 2pd among the plurality of second fixing devices 32. From another point of view, the plurality of fixing devices 3 may have two sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2. More specifically, the plurality of first fixing devices 31 may include a first A retaining part H1a and a first B retaining part H1b as two first retaining parts H1, and the plurality of second fixing devices 32 may include a second A retaining part H2a and a second B retaining part H2b as two second retaining parts H2. Here, for example, one solar cell module 2 may have multiple first mounting holes 2h1, with two first mounting holes 2h1 corresponding to the positions of two first fixing devices 31, and multiple second mounting holes 2h2, with two second mounting holes 2h2 corresponding to the positions of two second fixing devices 32.

[0306] Figure 33 schematically shows an example of a configuration in the solar cell apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment in which the solar cell module 2 is held by a plurality of fixing devices 3. The configuration in the example in Figure 33 is based on the configuration in the example in Figure 18, but the first C fixing device 31c, the first D fixing device 31d, the second C fixing device 32c, and the second D fixing device 32d are removed, resulting in a configuration in which the length of the solar cell module 2 in the direction along the Y direction is shortened.

[0307] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 33, the distance between the first A retainer H1a and the first B retainer H1b is set to the sixth distance (also called the sixth length) L6. More specifically, for example, the sixth distance L6 may be the distance between the first A retainer H1a and the first B retainer H1b in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. Also, the distance between the second A retainer H2a and the second B retainer H2b is set to the seventh distance (also called the seventh length) L7. More specifically, for example, the seventh distance L7 may be the distance between the second A retainer H2a and the second B retainer H2b in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. The sixth distance (sixth length) L6 and the seventh distance (seventh length) L7 may be the same distance or may be different distances from each other. Here, the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction may be the +Y direction as the fourth direction.

[0308] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 33, the portion of the power generation body 2a that extends from between the portion held by the first A holding portion H1a and the portion held by the second A holding portion H2a to the portion held by the first B holding portion H1b and the portion held by the second B holding portion H2b is called the fourth inner portion P2d. The fourth inner portion P2d is the inner portion (inner part) of the power generation body 2a that is separated from the first short side portion 2pc and the second short side portion 2pd, respectively.

[0309] In this case, as shown in Figure 27, the fourth inner portion P2d can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having lengths from the sixth length L6 to the seventh length L7 in the direction along the fourth direction, +Y, when viewed along the first direction, -X. In Figure 27, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the fourth inner portion P2d is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0310] Here, for example, consider a case where the sixth length L6 and the seventh length L7 are excessively large, and a distributed load is applied from above to the fourth inner portion P2d. In this case, as shown in Figure 28, the fourth inner portion P2d may develop a monosurface curve (also called the 11th type of curve) that curves downward as it approaches the center in the direction of Y. When this 11th type of curve is likely to occur, the fourth inner portion P2d is less likely to develop a monosurface curve that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction of X. In Figure 28, the outer edge of the fourth inner portion P2d before the curve occurs is schematically shown by a thin dashed line.

[0311] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, when the fourth inner portion P2d is viewed along the +Y direction as the fourth direction, it can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having a length from the first A length L1A to the first B length L1B along the +X direction as the second direction. In Figure 29, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the fourth inner portion P2d is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0312] Here, for example, consider the case where the sixth length L6 and the seventh length L7 are relatively small, and a distributed load is applied from above to the fourth inner portion P2d. In this case, as shown in Figure 30, the fourth inner portion P2d may develop a monoconvex curve (also called the twelfth form of curvature) that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. This twelfth form of curvature can be limited by the first A distance (first A length) L1A between the first A holding portion H1a and the second A holding portion H2a, and the first B distance (first B length) L1B between the first B holding portion H1b and the second B holding portion H2b. Therefore, this twelfth form of curvature can be a gentle curve with a large radius of curvature. Figure 30 schematically shows the outer edge of the fourth inner portion P2d before the bending occurs, represented by a thin dashed line.

[0313] Here, as shown in Figure 27, it is assumed that the fourth inner portion P2d is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a sixth length L6 in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M6max generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (27A).

[0314] M6max = (1 / 12) × w × (L6) 2 ...(27A).

[0315] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, it is assumed that the fourth inner portion P2d is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a seventh length L7 in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M7max generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (27B).

[0316] M7max = (1 / 12) × w × (L7) 2 ...(27B).

[0317] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, it is assumed that the fourth inner portion P2d is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first length L1A in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Amax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (28A).

[0318] M1Amax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1A) 2 ...(28A).

[0319] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, it is assumed that the fourth inner portion P2d is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first length L1B in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Bmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (28B).

[0320] M1Bmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1B) 2 ...(28B).

[0321] Here, if the maximum bending moment M1Amax and the maximum bending moment M1Bmax are greater than either the maximum bending moment M6max or the maximum bending moment M7max, then equations (29) to (32) hold based on equations (27A), (27B), (28A), and (28B).

[0322] L1A>L6 ···(29) L1A>L7 ···(30) L1B>L6 ···(31) L1B>L7 ···(32).

[0323] If the inequality in equation (32) holds from equation (29), then the 12th form of bending described above may preferentially occur in the fourth inner portion P2d of the power generator 2a over the 11th form of bending described above.

[0324] In the second embodiment, for example, the sixth distance L6 may be smaller than the first A distance L1A and smaller than the first B distance L1B, and the seventh distance L7 may be smaller than the first A distance L1A and smaller than the first B distance L1B. The sixth distance L6 is the distance between the first A holding part H1a and the first B holding part H1b. The seventh distance L7 is the distance between the second A holding part H2a and the second B holding part H2b. The first A distance L1A is the distance between the first A holding part H1a and the second A holding part H2a. The first B distance L1B is the distance between the first B holding part H1b and the second B holding part H2b. If this condition is met, the inequalities from equation (29) to equation (32) hold.

[0325] As a result, for example, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generation body 2a of the solar cell module 2, the 12th form of bending described above may preferentially occur in the fourth inner portion P2d of the power generation body 2a rather than the 11th form of bending described above. For this reason, throughout the power generation body 2a, there is a higher possibility that a monoconvex bending that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction will preferentially occur. This form of bending can be limited by the first distance L1 between the first retaining portion H1 and the second retaining portion H2. More specifically, the 12th form of bending can be limited by the first A distance L1A between the first A retaining portion H1a and the second A retaining portion H2a and the first B distance L1B between the first B retaining portion H1b and the second B retaining portion H2b. Here, the first distance L1 between the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 may be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. More specifically, the first A distance L1A and the first B distance L1B may each be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. As a result, the radius of curvature in the monoconvex curve of the power generation body 2a may be increased. Consequently, the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation body 2a may be reduced. Thus, in addition to reducing the weight of the solar cell device 1, damage to the solar cell device 1 may also be reduced.

[0326] <2-2. Third Embodiment> In the solar cell apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above, for example, as shown in Figure 34, among the plurality of fixing devices 3 that fix one solar cell module 2 to the installation target part 900, the plurality of first fixing devices 31 may consist of three first fixing devices 31, and the plurality of second fixing devices 32 may consist of three second fixing devices 32. From another point of view, the plurality of fixing devices 3 may have three sets of first retaining parts H1 and second retaining parts H2. More specifically, the plurality of first fixing devices 31 may include three first retaining parts H1 as first A retaining part H1a, first B retaining part H1b, and first C retaining part H1c, and the plurality of second fixing devices 32 may include three second retaining parts H2 as second A retaining part H2a, second B retaining part H2b, and second C retaining part H2c. Here, the pairs of the first A retaining part H1a and the second A retaining part H2a, the first C retaining part H1c and the second C retaining part H2c, and the first B retaining part H1b and the second B retaining part H2b may be arranged along the +Y direction as the fourth direction in the order described. Here, for example, one solar cell module 2 may have a plurality of first mounting holes 2h1, with three first mounting holes 2h1 corresponding to the positions of three first fixing devices 31, and a plurality of second mounting holes 2h2, with three second mounting holes 2h2 corresponding to the positions of three second fixing devices 32.

[0327] Figure 34 schematically shows an example of a configuration in the solar cell apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment in which the solar cell module 2 is held by a plurality of fixing devices 3. The configuration of the example in Figure 34 is based on the configuration of the example in Figure 18, but the first D fixing device 31d and the second D fixing device 32d are removed, and the length of the solar cell module 2 in the direction along the Y direction is shortened. Here, for example, as shown in Figure 34, the distance between the first C holding part H1c and the first B holding part H1b is set to the fourth D distance (also called the fourth D length) L4D. More specifically, for example, the fourth D distance L4D may be the distance between the first C holding part H1c and the first B holding part H1b in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. Also, the distance between the second C holding part H2c and the second B holding part H2b is set to the fifth D distance (also called the fifth D length) L5D. More specifically, for example, the 5th D distance L5D may be the distance between the 2C retaining part H2c and the 2B retaining part H2b in the direction along the +Y direction as the 4th direction. The 4th D distance (4th D length) L4D and the 5th D distance (5th D length) L5D may be the same distance or may be different distances from each other. Here, the direction along the +Y direction as the 4th direction may be the +Y direction as the 4th direction.

[0328] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 34, the portion of the power generator 2a that extends from between the portion held by the first C holding portion H1c and the portion held by the second C holding portion H2c to the portion held by the first B holding portion H1b and the portion held by the second B holding portion H2b is called the fifth inner portion P2e. The fifth inner portion P2e is the inner portion (inner part) of the power generator 2a that is separated from the first short side portion 2pc and the second short side portion 2pd, respectively.

[0329] In this case, as shown in Figure 27, the fifth inner portion P2e can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having lengths from the fourth D length L4D to the fifth D length L5D in the direction of the fourth direction, +Y, when viewed in the direction of the first direction, -X. In Figure 27, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the fifth inner portion P2e is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0330] Here, for example, consider a case where the length of the 4th D (L4D) and the length of the 5th D (L5D) are excessively large, and a distributed load is applied from above to the 5th inner portion P2e. In this case, as shown in Figure 28, the 5th inner portion P2e may develop a monosurface curve (also called the 13th type of curve) that curves downward as it approaches the center in the direction along the Y direction. When this 13th type of curve is likely to occur, the 5th inner portion P2e is less likely to develop a monosurface curve that curves downward as it approaches the center between the 1st long side portion 2pa and the 2nd long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. In Figure 28, the outer edge of the 5th inner portion P2e before the curve occurs is schematically shown by a thin dashed line.

[0331] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, when the fifth inner portion P2e is viewed along the direction of the fourth direction, the +Y direction, it can be approximately considered as a cantilevered beam portion having a length from the first C length L1C to the first B length L1B along the direction of the second direction, the +X direction. In Figure 29, the distribution load applied from above to the cantilevered beam portion of the fifth inner portion P2e is shown by arrows and line segments drawn with thin dashed lines.

[0332] Here, for example, consider a case where the length of the 4th D L4D and the length of the 5th D L5D are relatively small, and a distributed load is applied from above to the 5th inner portion P2e. In this case, as shown in Figure 30, the 5th inner portion P2e may develop a monoconvex curve (also called the 14th form of curvature) that curves downward as it approaches the center between the 1st long side portion 2pa and the 2nd long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction. This 14th form of curvature can be limited by the 1st C distance (1st C length) L1C between the 1st C holding portion H1c and the 2nd C holding portion H2c, and the 1st B distance (1st B length) L1B between the 1st B holding portion H1b and the 2nd B holding portion H2b. Therefore, this 14th form of curvature can be a gentle curve with a large radius of curvature. Figure 30 schematically shows the outer edge of the fifth inner portion P2e before the bending occurs, represented by a thin dashed line.

[0333] Here, as shown in Figure 27, it is assumed that the fifth inner portion P2e is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a fourth length L4D in the direction along the +Y direction as the fourth direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M4Dmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (33A).

[0334] M4Dmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L4D) 2 ...(33A).

[0335] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, it is assumed that the fifth inner portion P2e is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a fifth length L5D in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M5Dmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (33B).

[0336] M5Dmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L5D) 2 ...(33B).

[0337] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, it is assumed that the fifth inner portion P2e is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first C length L1C in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Cmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (34A).

[0338] M1Cmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1C) 2 ...(34A).

[0339] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 29, it is assumed that the fifth inner portion P2e is considered to be a cantilevered beam with both ends fixed, having a first length L1B in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In this case, when a distributed load w per meter is applied downward on this cantilevered beam, the maximum bending moment M1Bmax generated in this cantilevered beam is given by the following equation (34B).

[0340] M1Bmax = (1 / 12) × w × (L1B) 2 ...(34B).

[0341] Here, if the maximum bending moment M1Cmax and the maximum bending moment M1Bmax are greater than either the maximum bending moment M4Dmax or the maximum bending moment M5Dmax, then equations (35) through (38) hold based on equations (33A), (33B), (34A), and (34B).

[0342] L1C>L4D ···(35) L1C>L5D ···(36) L1B>L4D ···(37) L1B>L5D ···(38).

[0343] If the inequality in equation (38) holds from equation (35), then the 14th form of bending described above may preferentially occur in the 5th inner portion P2e of the power generator 2a over the 13th form of bending described above.

[0344] In the third embodiment, for example, the 4D distance L4D may be smaller than the 1C distance L1C and smaller than the 1B distance L1B, and the 5D distance L5D may be smaller than the 1C distance L1C and smaller than the 1B distance L1B. The 4D distance L4D is the distance between the 1C holding part H1c and the 1B holding part H1b. The 5D distance L5D is the distance between the 2C holding part H2c and the 2B holding part H2b. The 1C distance L1C is the distance between the 1C holding part H1c and the 2C holding part H2c. The 1B distance L1B is the distance between the 1B holding part H1b and the 2B holding part H2b. If this condition is met, the inequalities from equation (35) to equation (38) hold.

[0345] As a result, for example, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generation body 2a of the solar cell module 2, the 14th form of bending described above may preferentially occur in the 5th inner portion P2e of the power generation body 2a rather than the 13th form of bending described above. For this reason, throughout the power generation body 2a, there is a higher possibility that a monoconvex bending shape that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X direction will preferentially occur. This form of bending can be limited by the first distance L1 between the first retaining portion H1 and the second retaining portion H2. More specifically, the 14th form of bending can be limited by the first C distance L1C between the first C retaining portion H1c and the second C retaining portion H2c and the first B distance L1B between the first B retaining portion H1b and the second B retaining portion H2b. Here, the first distance L1 between the first holding part H1 and the second holding part H2 may be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. More specifically, the first C distance L1C and the first B distance L1B may each be smaller than the length L0b in the short direction of the power generation body 2a. As a result, the radius of curvature in the monoconvex curve of the power generation body 2a may be increased. Consequently, the occurrence of cracks and disconnections in the solar cells 22c within the power generation body 2a may be reduced. Thus, in addition to reducing the weight of the solar cell device 1, damage to the solar cell device 1 may also be reduced.

[0346] <2-3. Fourth Embodiment> In each of the above-described first to third embodiments, for example, it is assumed that the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) includes a first reinforcing member 251 and a second reinforcing member 252, and also has a plurality of first mounting holes 2h1 and a plurality of second mounting holes 2h2. In this case, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) may include one or more reinforcing layers 26. These one or more reinforcing layers 26 are located in the gap 2g between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24, for example, as shown in Figures 35 to 40. Each of these one or more reinforcing layers 26 is a layer containing fiber-reinforced plastic. Each of these one or more reinforcing layers 26 may be a layer made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0347] Figure 35 schematically shows a first example of a hypothetical cross-section at the location where a pair of mounting holes 2h exist in the solar cell module 2 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 36 schematically shows an example of an enlarged view of section XXXVI in Figure 35. Figure 37 schematically shows a second example of a hypothetical cross-section at the location where a pair of mounting holes 2h exist in the solar cell module 2 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 38 schematically shows an example of an enlarged view of section XXXVIII in Figure 37. Figure 39 schematically shows a third example of a hypothetical cross-section at the location where a pair of mounting holes 2h exist in the solar cell module 2 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 40 schematically shows an example of an enlarged view of section XXXX in Figure 39.

[0348] In the fourth embodiment, for example, as shown in Figures 11 to 13, each of the plurality of first retaining parts H1 includes the first part Po1 described above. In other words, for example, each of the plurality of first fixing devices 31 includes a first part Po1 that holds the portion of the solar cell module 2 along the first long side 2pa when inserted into one of the plurality of first mounting holes 2h1. Also, for example, as shown in Figures 11 to 13, each of the plurality of second retaining parts H2 includes the second part Po2 described above. In other words, for example, each of the plurality of second fixing devices 32 includes a second part Po2 that holds the portion of the solar cell module 2 along the second long side 2pb when inserted into one of the plurality of second mounting holes 2h2.

[0349] Here, for example, it is assumed that the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above towards the first surface 21f. In this case, each of the one or more reinforcing layers 26 is located, for example, from the region overlapping with the first reinforcing member 251, through the region overlapping with the solar cell portion 22, to the region overlapping with the second reinforcing member 252. And, for example, each of the multiple first mounting holes 2h1 penetrates the first reinforcing member 251 and each of the one or more reinforcing layers 26. For example, each of the multiple second mounting holes 2h2 penetrates the second reinforcing member 252 and each of the one or more reinforcing layers 26.

[0350] Here, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) is held in place by a first portion Po1 or a second portion Po2 inserted into a mounting hole 2h in the fixing device 3, along the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb of the solar cell module 2. This reduces the likelihood of the solar cell module 2 falling off the fixing device 3 when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generator 2a of the solar cell module 2. Furthermore, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the power generator 2a of the solar cell module 2, the occurrence of displacement of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) in the first holding portion H1 and the second holding portion H2 is reduced. This can reduce the increase in curvature when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) exhibits a unidirectional curvature that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction along the X-direction.

[0351] Furthermore, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a), the concentration of stress near the mounting hole 2h of the reinforcing member 25 can be reduced by one or more reinforcing layers 26 each containing fiber-reinforced plastic. Here, the concentration of stress near the mounting hole 2h of the reinforcing member 25 may include the concentration of stress in the filler material 23 located between the reinforcing member 25 and the solar cell unit 22, the concentration of stress at the interface between the filler material 23 and the reinforcing member 25, and the concentration of stress at the mounting hole 2h of the reinforcing member 25. As a result, the occurrence of damage to the reinforcing member 25 and the filler material 23 at and near the mounting hole 2h of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) can be reduced.

[0352] Here, for example, as shown in Figures 35 and 36, a configuration may be adopted in which one or more reinforcing layers 26 include the first reinforcing layer 261. The first reinforcing layer 261 is located between the first sheet member 21, the first reinforcing member 251, the solar cell section 22, and the second reinforcing member 252.

[0353] In the examples shown in Figures 35 and 36, the first reinforcing layer 261 is located between the first sheet member 21 and the first filler 231. Between the first reinforcing layer 261 and the first sheet member 21, there may be a layer (also called the first adhesive layer) 27 that adheres the first reinforcing layer 261 and the first sheet member 21. The solar cell module 2 in the examples shown in Figures 35 and 36 is based on an example of the solar cell module 2 according to the first embodiment, with the first reinforcing layer 261 and the first adhesive layer 27 added. In this case, for example, when the laminated structure 200 is formed as shown in Figures 9 and 10, instead of placing the first resin sheet 23s1 on top of the first sheet member 21, the fourth resin sheet which will become the first adhesive layer 27, the sheet which will become the first reinforcing layer 261 (also called the first reinforcing sheet), and the first resin sheet 23s1 may be placed on top of the first sheet member 21 in the order described above. As a result, the laminated structure 200 is a structure in which the first sheet member 21, the fourth resin sheet, the first reinforcing sheet, the first resin sheet 23s1, the solar cell section 22, the first reinforcing member 251 and the second reinforcing member 252, the second resin sheet 23s2, the third resin sheet 23s3, and the second sheet member 24 are laminated together.

[0354] Furthermore, if, for example, at least one of the portion of the first reinforcing layer 261 on the first sheet member 21 side and the portion of the first sheet member 21 on the first reinforcing layer 261 side has adhesive strength, then the first adhesive layer 27 may be omitted. For example, if the first sheet member 21 is a multilayer sheet or multilayer film, and the layer of the first sheet member 21 on the first reinforcing layer 261 side melts due to heating when the laminated structure 200 is integrated by lamination, thereby exhibiting adhesive strength, then the first adhesive layer 27 may be omitted.

[0355] The fiber-reinforced plastic in the first reinforcing layer 261 is, for example, translucent. The fiber-reinforced plastic in this first reinforcing layer 261 may be a reinforced plastic in which strength is improved by compounding fibers (also called reinforcing fibers) with a resin matrix. Here, the matrix resin can be one or more resins selected from, for example, EVA, POE, IO, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin. The reinforcing fibers can be, for example, glass fibers. For example, if epoxy resin is used as the matrix resin and glass fibers are used as the reinforcing fibers, the fiber-reinforced plastic may be a glass epoxy resin. If the fiber-reinforced plastic in the first reinforcing layer 261 is a glass epoxy resin, the first reinforcing sheet in the laminated structure 200 may be, for example, a prepreg material in which epoxy resin is impregnated into glass cloth and is in a semi-cured state. The epoxy resin in the prepreg material can be cured by heating when the laminated structure 200 is integrated by lamination. For example, the curing temperature of the epoxy resin may be around 120°C to 150°C, and the lamination temperature may be around 130°C to 150°C. Here, for example, if the portion of the first reinforcing layer 261 on the first sheet member 21 side has adhesive strength depending on the specifications of the base resin, the first adhesive layer 27 may be omitted. The thickness of the first reinforcing layer 261 is set to, for example, 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0356] The material of the first adhesive layer 27 may be, for example, the same as the material of the first filler 231, a resin such as EVA, POE, or IO, or it may be composed of two or more materials. Each of the two or more materials may be, for example, a resin such as EVA, POE, or IO. The thickness of the first adhesive layer 27 is set to, for example, about 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0357] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 37 and 38, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which one or more reinforcing layers 26 include a second reinforcing layer 262. The second reinforcing layer 262 is located between the first reinforcing member 251, the solar cell section 22 and the second reinforcing member 252 and the second sheet member 24.

[0358] In the examples of Figures 37 and 38, the second reinforcing layer 262 is located between the second filler 232 and the second sheet member 24. Between the second reinforcing layer 262 and the second sheet member 24, there may be a layer (also called the second adhesive layer) 28 that adheres the second reinforcing layer 262 and the second sheet member 24. The solar cell module 2 in the examples of Figures 37 and 38 is based on an example of the solar cell module 2 according to the first embodiment, with the addition of the second reinforcing layer 262 and the second adhesive layer 28. In this case, for example, when the laminated structure 200 is formed as shown in Figures 9 and 10, instead of the second sheet member 24 being placed on top of the third resin sheet 23s3, the sheet that will become the second reinforcing layer 262 (also called the second reinforcing sheet), the fifth resin sheet that will become the second adhesive layer 28, and the second sheet member 24 may be placed on top of the third resin sheet 23s3 in the order described above. As a result, the laminated structure 200 is a structure in which a first sheet member 21, a first resin sheet 23s1, a solar cell section 22, a first reinforcing member 251 and a second reinforcing member 252, a second resin sheet 23s2, a third resin sheet 23s3, a second reinforcing sheet, a fifth resin sheet, and a second sheet member 24 are laminated together.

[0359] Furthermore, if, for example, at least one of the portion of the second reinforcing layer 262 on the second sheet member 24 side and the portion of the second sheet member 24 on the second reinforcing layer 262 side has adhesive properties, the second adhesive layer 28 may be omitted. For example, if the second sheet member 24 is a multilayer sheet or multilayer film, and the layer of the second sheet member 24 on the second reinforcing layer 262 side melts due to heating when the laminated structure 200 is integrated by lamination, thereby exhibiting adhesive properties, the second adhesive layer 28 may be omitted.

[0360] The fiber-reinforced plastic in the second reinforcing layer 262 may or may not be translucent. For example, the fiber-reinforced plastic in the second reinforcing layer 262 may be a reinforced plastic in which strength is improved by compounding fibers (also called reinforcing fibers) with a resin matrix. Here, the matrix resin may be one or more resins from among EVA, POE, IO, epoxy resin, and acrylic resin. The reinforcing fibers may be one or more fibers from among glass fibers, carbon fibers, and metal fibers.

[0361] In this case, if glass fiber is used as the reinforcing fiber, the second reinforcing sheet may be, for example, a sheet of glass cloth. In this case, the third resin sheet 23s3 and the fifth resin sheet may melt due to heating when the laminated structure 200 is integrated by lamination, and the molten resin may impregnate the glass cloth sheet to produce a second reinforcing layer 262 containing fiber-reinforced plastic. In this case, for example, if there is a layer on the surface of the glass cloth sheet that is coated with resin (also called a resin coating layer), the resin coating layer can become the second adhesive layer 28 during the lamination process of the laminated structure 200, even without the fifth resin sheet. The thickness of the second reinforcing layer 262 is set to, for example, about 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0362] The material of the second adhesive layer 28 may be the same as the material of the first adhesive layer 27, for example, a resin such as EVA, POE, or IO, or it may be composed of two or more types of materials. Each of the two or more types of materials may be a resin such as EVA, POE, or IO. The thickness of the second adhesive layer 28 is set to, for example, about 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm.

[0363] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 39 and 40, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which one or more reinforcing layers 26 include a first reinforcing layer 261 and a second reinforcing layer 262. The first reinforcing layer 261 is located between the first sheet member 21, the first reinforcing member 251, the solar cell section 22, and the second reinforcing member 252. The second reinforcing layer 262 is located between the first reinforcing member 251, the solar cell section 22, the second reinforcing member 252, and the second sheet member 24. If this configuration is adopted, for example, when a distributed load such as snow accumulation or wind pressure is applied to the front surface f1 of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a), the force applied to the mounting hole 2h by the first part Po1 or the second part Po2 of the fixing device 3 can be distributed over a wider area of ​​the solar cell module 2 by the first reinforcing layer 261 and the second reinforcing layer 262. This can further reduce stress concentration near the first mounting hole 2h1 of the first reinforcing member 251 and near the second mounting hole 2h2 of the second reinforcing member 252. As a result, the occurrence of damage in and near the mounting hole 2h of the first reinforcing member 251 and the filler 23 can be further reduced. Furthermore, the reinforcement of the mounting hole 2h by the first reinforcing layer 261 and the second reinforcing layer 262 can reduce the propagation of cracks from the mounting hole 2h. As a result, the localized force applied to some of the solar cells 22c located near the mounting hole 2h can be reduced.

[0364] The solar cell module 2 in the examples shown in Figures 39 and 40 is based on the example of the solar cell module 2 according to the first embodiment, and has a configuration in which a first reinforcing layer 261, a first adhesive layer 27, a second reinforcing layer 262, and a second adhesive layer 28 are added. Here again, for example, if at least one of the portion of the first reinforcing layer 261 on the first sheet member 21 side and the portion of the first sheet member 21 on the first reinforcing layer 261 side has adhesive strength, the first adhesive layer 27 may be omitted. For example, if at least one of the portion of the second reinforcing layer 262 on the second sheet member 24 side and the portion of the second sheet member 24 on the second reinforcing layer 262 side has adhesive strength, the second adhesive layer 28 may be omitted.

[0365] Figure 41 schematically shows a first example of a region in which one or more reinforcing layers 26 are located in a solar cell module 2 according to the fourth embodiment. Here, when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above, for example, as shown in Figure 41, the region (also called the first region) Ar1 in which each of the one or more reinforcing layers 26 is located may be a region that overlaps with all the mounting holes 2h and the entire area of ​​the solar cell portion 22 in the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a). In other words, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which each of the one or more reinforcing layers 26 is located from a region that overlaps with all the first mounting holes 2h1 of the first reinforcing member 251, through a region that overlaps with the solar cell portion 22, to a region that overlaps with all the second mounting holes 2h2 of the second reinforcing member 252. Figure 41 is based on Figure 2, but the notation VI-VI indicating the cutting position has been removed, and a thin dashed line has been added to show an example of the outer edge of the first region Ar1.

[0366] Figure 42 schematically shows a second example of a region in which one or more reinforcing layers 26 are located in a solar cell module 2 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 42 is based on Figure 2, with the VI-VI label indicating the cutting position removed and a thin dashed line added to show an example of the outer edge of the first region Ar1. Here, when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generator 2a) is viewed from above, the region (first region) Ar1 in which each of the one or more reinforcing layers 26 is located may include multiple regions that are separated from each other, as shown in Figure 42, for example. In the example of Figure 42, the first region Ar1 includes the first A region Ar11, the first B region Ar12, the first C region Ar13, and the first D region Ar14 as multiple regions that are separated from each other. Each of the first A region Ar11, the first B region Ar12, the first C region Ar13, and the first D region Ar14 is located along the +X direction as the second direction with respect to a pair of mounting holes 2h, from the region overlapping with the first mounting hole 2h1, through the region overlapping with the portion of the solar cell 22 located between the first mounting hole 2h1 and the second mounting hole 2h2, to the region overlapping with the second mounting hole 2h2. In other words, for example, one or more reinforcing layers 26 can be configured to be located along the +X direction as the second direction, from the region overlapping with one of the first mounting holes 2h1 of the first reinforcing member 251, through the region overlapping with the solar cell 22, to the region overlapping with one of the second mounting holes 2h2 of the second reinforcing member 252.

[0367] In the example shown in Figure 42, when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above, the first A region Ar11 is located along the +X direction, which is the second direction, with respect to the first pair of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2, from the region overlapping with the first mounting hole 2h1, through the region overlapping with the portion of the solar cell 22 located between the first mounting hole 2h1 and the second mounting hole 2h2, to the region overlapping with the second mounting hole 2h2. When the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above, the first B region Ar12 is located along the second direction, the +X direction, with respect to the second pair of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2, from the region overlapping with the first mounting hole 2h1, through the region overlapping with the portion of the solar cell 22 located between the first mounting hole 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2, to the region overlapping with the second mounting hole 2h2. When the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above, the first C region Ar13 is located along the second direction, the +X direction, with respect to the third pair of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2, from the region overlapping with the first mounting hole 2h1, through the region overlapping with the portion of the solar cell 22 located between the first mounting hole 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2, to the region overlapping with the second mounting hole 2h2. When the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above, the first D region Ar14 is located along the +X direction as the second direction with respect to the fourth pair of first mounting holes 2h1 and second mounting holes 2h2, from the region overlapping with the first mounting hole 2h1, through the region overlapping with the portion of the solar cell 22 located between the first mounting hole 2h1 and the second mounting hole 2h2, to the region overlapping with the second mounting hole 2h2.

[0368] Here, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which each of the one or more reinforcing layers 26 is positioned along the +X direction as the second direction, from a region overlapping with one or more first mounting holes 2h1 of the first reinforcing member 251, through a region overlapping with the solar cell portion 22, to a region overlapping with one or more second mounting holes 2h2 of the second reinforcing member 252. In other words, when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above, for example, the first region Ar1 in which each of the one or more reinforcing layers 26 is located may include two or more regions that are separated from each other.

[0369] Here, for example, it is assumed that one or more reinforcing layers 26 include two or more reinforcing layers 26. In this case, when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above, the regions where the two or more reinforcing layers 26 are located may completely overlap with each other, or they may only partially overlap.

[0370] <2-4. Fifth Embodiment> In the fourth embodiment described above, for example, as shown in Figures 43 to 47, the first reinforcing member 251 may be covered with filler material 23 from the first long side portion 2pa side, and the second reinforcing member 252 may be covered with filler material 23 from the second long side portion 2pb side. Also, for example, as shown in Figures 43 to 47, the first reinforcing member 251 may be covered with filler material 23 from the inner circumferential surface side of each of the plurality of first mounting holes 2h1, and the second reinforcing member 252 may be covered with filler material 23 from the inner circumferential surface side of each of the plurality of second mounting holes 2h2.

[0371] Figure 43 schematically shows an example of a hypothetical cross-section at the location where a pair of mounting holes 2h exist in the solar cell module 2 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 44 schematically shows an example of an enlarged view of part XXXXIV in Figure 43. Figure 45 schematically shows an example of an enlarged view of part XXXXV in Figure 43. Figure 46 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the first mounting hole 2h1 and the vicinity of the first mounting hole 2h1 in the solar cell module 2 according to the fifth embodiment as seen with the line of sight along the -Z direction. Figure 47 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the second mounting hole 2h2 and the vicinity of the second mounting hole 2h2 in the solar cell module 2 according to the fifth embodiment as seen with the line of sight along the -Z direction. The solar cell module 2 in the examples of Figures 43 to 47 is based on the solar cell module 2 in the examples of Figures 39 and 40, and has a configuration in which a portion of the two reinforcing members 25 is replaced with a portion of the filler material 23.

[0372] Here, for example, as shown in Figures 43 to 47, the filler 23 includes a first covering portion 23a, a second covering portion 23b, a third covering portion 23c, and a fourth covering portion 23d. Each of the plurality of first mounting holes 2h1 has an inner circumferential surface (also called the first inner circumferential surface) Si1. Each of the plurality of second mounting holes 2h2 has an inner circumferential surface (also called the second inner circumferential surface) Si2. The first covering portion 23a is the portion that covers the first reinforcing member 251 from the first long side portion 2pa side. The second covering portion 23b is the portion that covers the second reinforcing member 252 from the second long side portion 2pb side. The third covering portion 23c is the portion that covers the first reinforcing member 251 from the inner circumferential surface (first inner circumferential surface) Si1 side of each of the plurality of first mounting holes 2h1. The fourth covering portion 23d is the portion that covers the second reinforcing member 252 from the Si2 side of each of the multiple second mounting holes 2h2 (second inner surface). If this configuration is adopted, for example, even if the two reinforcing members 25 are made of a conductive material such as metal, the insulation performance of the solar cell module 2 can be improved because these two reinforcing members 25 are covered with the filler material 23. In other words, the degradation of the dielectric strength performance of the solar cell module 2 can be reduced.

[0373] The first covering portion 23a may cover, for example, a part of the surface of the first reinforcing member 251 located on the side in the -X direction as the first direction, or it may cover all of it. In the example shown in Figures 43 to 47, the first covering portion 23a covers the surface of the first reinforcing member 251 located on the side in the -X direction as the first direction. More specifically, the first covering portion 23a covers the entire surface of the first reinforcing member 251 located on the side in the -X direction as the first direction. As a result, the portion of the first reinforcing member 251 along the first long side portion 2pa is not exposed to the outside of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a).

[0374] The second covering portion 23b may, for example, cover a part of the surface of the second reinforcing member 252 located on the side in the +X direction as the second direction, or it may cover all of it. In the example shown in Figures 43 to 47, the second covering portion 23b covers the surface of the second reinforcing member 252 located on the side in the +X direction as the second direction. More specifically, the second covering portion 23b covers the entire surface of the second reinforcing member 252 located on the side in the +X direction as the second direction. As a result, the portion of the second reinforcing member 252 along the second long side portion 2pb is not exposed to the outside of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a).

[0375] In the fifth embodiment, for example, as shown in Figures 44 and 46, the first reinforcing member 251 has a through hole (also called a first A through hole) TH1a for each of the plurality of first mounting holes 2h1. This first A through hole TH1a penetrates the first reinforcing member 251 from the first sheet member 21 side toward the second sheet member 24 side. The first reinforcing layer 261 has a through hole (also called a first B through hole) TH1b for each of the plurality of first mounting holes 2h1. This first B through hole TH1b penetrates the first reinforcing layer 261 from the first sheet member 21 side toward the first reinforcing member 251 side. The second reinforcing layer 262 has a through hole (also called a first C through hole) TH1c for each of the plurality of first mounting holes 2h1. This first C through-hole TH1c penetrates the second reinforcing layer 262 from the first reinforcing member 251 side toward the second sheet member 24 side. In the examples of Figures 44 and 46, the first A through-hole TH1a penetrates the first reinforcing member 251 along the Z direction. In the examples of Figures 44 and 46, the first B through-hole TH1b penetrates the first reinforcing layer 261 along the Z direction. In the examples of Figures 44 and 46, the first C through-hole TH1c penetrates the second reinforcing layer 262 along the Z direction.

[0376] For example, as shown in Figures 44 and 46, each of the first A through-hole TH1a, the first B through-hole TH1b, and the first C through-hole TH1c may be a hole (also called an elongated hole) in which the width in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, is larger than the width in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In the examples of Figures 44 and 46, when viewed from above, each of the first A through-hole TH1a, the first B through-hole TH1b, and the first C through-hole TH1c has a rectangular interior shape. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may be the fourth direction, the +Y direction, and the direction along the second direction, the +X direction, may be the second direction, the +X direction.

[0377] In the fifth embodiment, for example, as shown in Figures 45 and 47, the second reinforcing member 252 has a through hole (also called a second A through hole) TH2a for each of the plurality of second mounting holes 2h2. This second A through hole TH2a penetrates the second reinforcing member 252 from the first sheet member 21 side toward the second sheet member 24 side. The first reinforcing layer 261 has a through hole (also called a second B through hole) TH2b for each of the plurality of second mounting holes 2h2. This second B through hole TH2b penetrates the first reinforcing layer 261 from the first sheet member 21 side toward the second reinforcing member 252 side. The second reinforcing layer 262 has a through hole (also called a second C through hole) TH2c for each of the plurality of second mounting holes 2h2. This second C through-hole TH2c penetrates the second reinforcing layer 262 from the second reinforcing member 252 side toward the second sheet member 24 side. In the examples of Figures 45 and 47, the second A through-hole TH2a penetrates the second reinforcing member 252 along the Z direction. In the examples of Figures 45 and 47, the second B through-hole TH2b penetrates the first reinforcing layer 261 along the Z direction. In the examples of Figures 45 and 47, the second C through-hole TH2c penetrates the second reinforcing layer 262 along the Z direction.

[0378] For example, as shown in Figures 45 and 47, each of the second A through-hole TH2a, the second B through-hole TH2b, and the second C through-hole TH2c may be a hole (elongated hole) whose width in the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, is greater than its width in the direction along the second direction, the +X direction. In the examples of Figures 45 and 47, when viewed from above, each of the second A through-hole TH2a, the second B through-hole TH2b, and the second C through-hole TH2c has a rectangular interior shape. Here, the direction along the fourth direction, the +Y direction, may be the fourth direction, the +Y direction, and the direction along the second direction, the +X direction, may be the second direction, the +X direction.

[0379] Here, the third covering portion 23c may, for example, cover a part of the inner circumferential surface of the first A through-hole TH1a of the first reinforcing member 251, or it may cover the whole of it. In the examples of Figures 44 and 46, the third covering portion 23c has a cylindrical shape along the inner circumferential surface of the first A through-hole TH1a of the first reinforcing member 251. More specifically, the third covering portion 23c covers the entire inner circumferential surface of the first A through-hole TH1a of the first reinforcing member 251. As a result, the inner circumferential surface of the first A through-hole TH1a of the first reinforcing member 251 is not exposed to the outside of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a).

[0380] Here, the fourth covering portion 23d may, for example, cover a part of the inner circumferential surface of the second A through-hole TH2a of the second reinforcing member 252, or it may cover the whole of it. In the examples of Figures 45 and 47, the fourth covering portion 23d has a cylindrical shape along the inner circumferential surface of the second A through-hole TH2a of the second reinforcing member 252. More specifically, the fourth covering portion 23d covers the entire inner circumferential surface of the second A through-hole TH2a of the second reinforcing member 252. As a result, the inner circumferential surface of the second A through-hole TH2a of the second reinforcing member 252 is not exposed to the outside of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a).

[0381] In the fifth embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 46, when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above toward the first surface 21f, the first B through-hole TH1b and the first C through-hole TH1c may each be located inside the first A through-hole TH1a. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 47, when the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) is viewed from above toward the first surface 21f, the second B through-hole TH2b and the second C through-hole TH2c may each be located inside the second A through-hole TH2a.

[0382] If this configuration is adopted, wear on the third coating portion 23c by the first portion Po1 of the first fixing device 31 inserted into each of the multiple first mounting holes 2h1 can be reduced even with long-term use of the solar cell module 2. Also, wear on the fourth coating portion 23d by the second portion Po2 of the second fixing device 32 inserted into each of the multiple second mounting holes 2h2 can be reduced even with long-term use of the solar cell module 2. As a result, the deterioration of the insulation performance of the solar cell module 2 due to long-term use can be reduced. In other words, the deterioration of the withstand voltage performance of the solar cell module 2 can be reduced.

[0383] For example, with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the first B through-hole TH1b of the first reinforcing layer 261, the entire inner circumferential surface may be covered with the filler material 23, a part of the inner circumferential surface may be covered with the filler material 23, or the inner circumferential surface may not be covered with the filler material 23. For example, with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the first C through-hole TH1c of the second reinforcing layer 262, the entire inner circumferential surface may be covered with the filler material 23, a part of the inner circumferential surface may be covered with the filler material 23, or the inner circumferential surface may not be covered with the filler material 23. For example, with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the second B through-hole TH2b of the first reinforcing layer 261, the entire inner circumferential surface may be covered with the filler material 23, a part of the inner circumferential surface may be covered with the filler material 23, or the inner circumferential surface may not be covered with the filler material 23. For example, with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the second C through-hole TH2c of the second reinforcing layer 262, the entire inner circumferential surface may be covered with the filler material 23, a part of the inner circumferential surface may be covered with the filler material 23, or the inner circumferential surface may not be covered with the filler material 23 at all.

[0384] <3. Others> In each of the above-described first to third embodiments, for example, the first holding portion H1 may clamp the portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) along the first long side portion 2pa. In this way, the first holding portion H1 may hold and support the portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) along the first long side portion 2pa from below. For example, the second holding portion H2 may clamp the portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) along the second long side portion 2pb. In this way, the second holding portion H2 may hold and support the portion of the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) along the second long side portion 2pb from below.

[0385] For example, as shown in Figure 48, the fixing device 3 does not have to have a first projection Pn1 as an example of a first part Po1 and a second projection Pn2 as an example of a second part Po2. In other words, the first retaining part H1 does not have a first part Po1, and the second retaining part H2 does not have to have a second part Po2. Figure 48 schematically shows an example of a hypothetical cross-section of one fixing device 3B of the solar cell device 1 and the configuration of the vicinity of said fixing device 3B. The configuration of the example in Figure 48 is based on the configuration of the example in Figure 12, with the first projection Pn1, the second projection Pn2, and the protruding part 320p removed from the fixing device 3, and the mounting hole 2h removed from the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a).

[0386] In the example shown in Figure 48, the first support portion 321 and the first pressing portion 331 clamp the portion of the solar cell module 2 along the first long side portion 2pa. As a result, the fixing device 3 has a first holding portion H1 which holds and supports from below the portion of one solar cell module 2 along the first long side portion 2pa, formed by the first support portion 321 and the first pressing portion 331. Also in the example shown in Figure 48, the second support portion 322 and the second pressing portion 332 clamp the portion of the solar cell module 2 along the second long side portion 2pb. As a result, the fixing device 3 has a second holding portion H2 which holds and supports from below the portion of one solar cell module 2 along the second long side portion 2pb, formed by the second support portion 322 and the second pressing portion 332.

[0387] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 49, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) does not have to have multiple mounting holes 2h. Figure 49 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the solar cell module 2 as seen when the line of sight is along the -Z direction. The solar cell module 2 in the example of Figure 49 has a configuration based on the configuration of the solar cell module 2 illustrated in Figure 2, with the multiple mounting holes 2h removed.

[0388] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 50, the solar cell module 2 (more specifically, the power generation unit 2a) does not necessarily have to include the two reinforcing members 25. Figure 50 schematically shows an example of the configuration of the solar cell module 2 as seen with the line of sight along the -Z direction. The solar cell module 2 in the example of Figure 50 has a configuration based on the configuration of the solar cell module 2 illustrated in Figure 49, with the two reinforcing members 25 removed.

[0389] In each of the first, fourth, and fifth embodiments described above, for example, a plurality of first fixing devices 31 that fix one solar cell module 2 to the installation target section 900 may include five or more first predetermined numbers of first fixing devices 31, and a plurality of second fixing devices 32 that fix one solar cell module 2 to the installation target section 900 may include five or more first predetermined numbers of second fixing devices 32. In this case, for example, a first predetermined number of first fixing devices 31 may include a first predetermined number of first holding parts H1, and a first predetermined number of second fixing devices 32 may include a first predetermined number of second holding parts H2. Furthermore, for example, one solar cell module 2 may have a plurality of first mounting holes 2h1, which correspond to the positions of a predetermined number of first fixing devices 31, and a plurality of second mounting holes 2h2, which correspond to the positions of a predetermined number of second fixing devices 32.

[0390] In each of the first to fifth embodiments described above, for example, each of the one or more solar cells 22c in the solar cell section 22 may be a solar cell having a so-called back contact (BC) structure. A solar cell having a BC structure has, for example, an electrode corresponding to the first electrode 221 and an electrode corresponding to the second electrode 222 on the second cell surface 22s side as the sixth surface. In other words, a solar cell having a BC structure has, for example, a positive electrode and a negative electrode on the second cell surface 22s side as the sixth surface. Here, for example, it is assumed that in each of a plurality of solar cell strings 22st, two adjacent solar cells 22c are the first solar cell 22c and the second solar cell 22c. In this case, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the first wiring material W1 is electrically connected to the second cell surface 22s of the first solar cell 22c along the +X direction as the second direction, and also electrically connected to the second cell surface 22s of the second solar cell 22c along the +X direction as the second direction. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which one or more first wiring materials W1 are electrically connected to the second cell surface 22s of the first solar cell 22c along the +X direction as the second direction, and also electrically connected to the second cell surface 22s of the second solar cell 22c along the +X direction as the second direction. Even with this configuration, if the power generation body 2a bends in a monoconvex shape that curves downward as it approaches the center between the first long side portion 2pa and the second long side portion 2pb in the direction of X, and if a crack occurs in the solar cell 22c along the Y direction, the solar cell 22c may be divided into multiple parts along the direction of X. Even in such a case, the first wiring material W1 may be connected to each of the divided parts of the solar cell 22c. In other words, the occurrence of isolated parts in the cracked solar cell 22c where the first wiring material W1 is not electrically connected can be reduced. This can reduce the decrease in power generation in the solar cell module 2.

[0391] In each of the first to fifth embodiments described above, for example, the multiple solar cells 22c in the solar cell section 22 may not be arranged two-dimensionally along a virtual XY plane, but rather one-dimensionally along a virtual XY plane.

[0392] In each of the first to fifth embodiments described above, for example, the one or more solar cells 22c in the solar cell unit 22 are not limited to multiple solar cells 22c. For example, the one or more solar cells 22c in the solar cell unit 22 may be a single solar cell 22c.

[0393] In each of the first to fourth embodiments described above, for example, the first reinforcing member 251 may include a portion that protrudes from between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24 toward the side opposite to the solar cell portion 22. More specifically, for example, the first reinforcing member 251 may include a portion that protrudes from between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24 toward the -X direction as a first direction. Also, for example, the second reinforcing member 252 may include a portion that protrudes from between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24 toward the side opposite to the solar cell portion 22. More specifically, for example, the second reinforcing member 252 may include a portion that protrudes from between the first sheet member 21 and the second sheet member 24 toward the +X direction as a second direction.

[0394] As described above, solar cell devices have been explained in detail, but the above explanation is illustrative in all respects, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the various examples described above can be combined and applied insofar as they do not contradict each other. And countless examples not illustrated can be conceived without falling outside the scope of this disclosure.

[0395] This disclosure includes the following:

[0396] In one embodiment, (1) the solar cell device comprises a solar cell module and a plurality of fixing devices for fixing the solar cell module to the installation target, the solar cell module comprises a first sheet member, a solar cell section including one or more solar cells, a filler, and a second sheet member, the first sheet member being made of a light-transmitting resin and having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the second sheet member being made mainly of resin and having a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and the 1 One or more solar cells are positioned along the second surface in the gap between the first sheet member and the second sheet member, and the filler is positioned in the gap covering one or more solar cells, and when the solar cell module is viewed in plan toward the first surface, the solar cell module has a rectangular outer shape and has a first long side, a second long side, a first short side, and a second short side, the first long side is located at the end of the solar cell module in the first direction along the first surface, and the second long side is the solar cell The first short side is located at the end of the module in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second short side is located at the end of the module in a third direction that is in a direction along the first surface of the solar cell module and perpendicular to the first direction, the second short side is located at the end of the solar cell module in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, the lengths of the first long side and the second long side in the direction along the third direction are greater than the lengths of the first short side and the second short side in the direction along the first direction, the plurality of fixing devices include a plurality of first fixing devices and a plurality of second fixing devices, each of the plurality of first fixing devices holds and supports from below the portion of the solar cell module along the first long side, the plurality of first fixing devices are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, each of the plurality of second fixing devices holds and supports from below the portion of the solar cell module along the second long side, the plurality of second fixing devices are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction, and the plurality of first fixing devices areThe plurality of first fixing devices includes a first A fixing device located closest to the first short side of the plurality of first fixing devices, the plurality of second fixing devices includes a second A fixing device located closest to the first short side of the plurality of second fixing devices, the first A fixing device includes a first A holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, and the second A fixing device includes a second A holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, and when the solar cell module and the plurality of fixing devices are viewed planarly toward the first surface, each of the first A holding portion and the second A holding portion is located on a first imaginary line first A along the first direction, the first A distance between the first A holding portion and the second A holding portion is greater than √6 times the second A distance between the first A holding portion and the first short side in the direction along the third direction, and greater than √6 times the third A distance between the second A holding portion and the first short side in the direction along the third direction.

[0397] (2) In the solar cell apparatus described in (1) above, the plurality of first fixing devices include a first B fixing device located closest to the second short side of the plurality of first fixing devices, the plurality of second fixing devices include a second B fixing device located closest to the second short side of the plurality of second fixing devices, the first B fixing device includes a first B holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, and the second B fixing device includes a second B holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below The solar cell module and the plurality of fixing devices are viewed planarly toward the first surface, and each of the firstB holding portion and the secondB holding portion is located on a firstB imaginary line along the first direction, and the firstB distance between the firstB holding portion and the secondB holding portion may be greater than √6 times the secondB distance between the firstB holding portion and the second short side portion in the direction along the fourth direction, and greater than √6 times the thirdB distance between the secondB holding portion and the second short side portion in the direction along the fourth direction.

[0398] (3) In the solar cell apparatus of (1) or (2) above, the plurality of first fixing devices include a first C fixing device located closest to the first A fixing device among the plurality of first fixing devices, the plurality of second fixing devices include a second C fixing device located closest to the second A fixing device among the plurality of second fixing devices, the first C fixing device includes a first C holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, and the second C fixing device holds and supports the solar cell module from below The solar cell module and the plurality of fixing devices are viewed planarly toward the first surface, and each of the first C retainer and the second C retainer is located on a first imaginary line first C along the first direction, the fourth A distance between the first A retainer and the first C retainer may be smaller than the first A distance and smaller than the first C distance between the first C retainer and the second C retainer, and the fifth A distance between the second A retainer and the second C retainer may be smaller than the first A distance and smaller than the first C distance.

[0399] (4) In the solar cell apparatus described in (2) above, the 1B fixing device is the first fixing device located closest to the 1A fixing device among the plurality of first fixing devices, the 2B fixing device is the second fixing device located closest to the 2A fixing device among the plurality of second fixing devices, the sixth distance between the 1A holding part and the 1B holding part may be smaller than the 1A distance and smaller than the 1B distance, and the seventh distance between the 2A holding part and the 2B holding part may be smaller than the 1A distance and smaller than the 1B distance.

[0400] (5) In the solar cell device of (3) or (4) above, the one or more solar cells include a plurality of solar cells, the solar cell section includes a plurality of solar cell strings arranged along the fourth direction, each of the plurality of solar cell strings includes two or more solar cells arranged along the second direction, and a plurality of first wiring materials that electrically connect the two or more solar cells in series by electrically connecting each of two adjacent solar cells among the two or more solar cells, each of the two or more solar cells has a rectangular fifth face, a rectangular sixth face located on the opposite side of the fifth face, and four sides connecting the fifth face and the sixth face, the four sides include a first side, a second side located on the opposite side of the first side, a third side, and a fourth side located on the opposite side of the third side, and each of the first side and the second side The first and second solar cells are a first solar cell and a second solar cell, and the plurality of first wiring materials may include one or more first wiring materials that are electrically connected to the fifth surface of the first solar cell and to the sixth surface of the second solar cell in the second direction, or that are electrically connected to the sixth surface of the first solar cell and to the sixth surface of the second solar cell in the second direction.

[0401] (6) In any one of the solar cell devices described in (1) to (5) above, the solar cell module has a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes, the plurality of first holes are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction in the portion of the solar cell module along the first long side, each of the plurality of first holes penetrates the solar cell module from the first surface to the fourth surface, the plurality of second holes are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction in the portion of the solar cell module along the second long side, each of the plurality of second holes penetrates the solar cell module from the first surface to the fourth surface, each of the plurality of first fixing devices includes a first part that holds the portion of the solar cell module along the first long side when inserted into one of the plurality of first holes, and each of the plurality of second fixing devices includes a first part that holds the portion of the solar cell module along the first long side when inserted into one of the plurality of second holes The solar cell module includes a second portion that holds a portion, and comprises a strip-shaped first reinforcing member located in a region along the first long side of the gap, a strip-shaped second reinforcing member located in a region along the second long side of the gap, and one or more reinforcing layers located in the gap, each of which cont...

Claims

1. Solar cell modules and The solar cell module is equipped with multiple fixing devices that secure it to the installation site, The solar cell module includes a first sheet member, a solar cell section containing one or more solar cells, a filler, and a second sheet member. The first sheet member is made of a light-transmitting resin and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second sheet member is made primarily of resin and has a third surface facing the second surface and a fourth surface on the opposite side of the third surface. The one or more solar cells are positioned along the second surface in the gap between the first sheet member and the second sheet member, The filler is positioned in the gap so as to cover one or more solar cells. When the solar cell module is viewed in plan toward the first surface, the solar cell module has a rectangular shape and comprises a first long side, a second long side, a first short side, and a second short side. The first long side portion is located at the end of the solar cell module in the first direction along the first surface, The second long side portion is located at the end of the solar cell module in the second direction opposite to the first direction, The first short side portion is located at the end of a third direction that is in a direction along the first surface of the solar cell module and perpendicular to the first direction, The second short side portion is located at the end of the solar cell module in the fourth direction opposite to the third direction, The lengths of the first long side and the second long side in the direction along the third direction are greater than the lengths of the first short side and the second short side in the direction along the first direction. The aforementioned plurality of fixing devices include a plurality of first fixing devices and a plurality of second fixing devices. Each of the plurality of first fixing devices holds and supports from below the portion of the solar cell module along the first long side. The plurality of first fixing devices are positioned apart from each other in a direction along the fourth direction, Each of the plurality of second fixing devices holds and supports from below the portion of the solar cell module along the second long side. The plurality of second fixing devices are positioned apart from each other in a direction along the fourth direction, The plurality of first fixing devices include the first A fixing device located closest to the first short side of the plurality of first fixing devices, The plurality of second fixing devices include the second A fixing device located closest to the first short side of the plurality of second fixing devices, The first A fixing device includes a first A holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, The second A fixing device includes a second A holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, When the solar cell module and the plurality of fixing devices are viewed from a plane toward the first surface, the first A holding portion and the second A holding portion are each located on the first imaginary line A along the first direction, A solar cell device wherein the first A distance between the first A holding portion and the second A holding portion is greater than √6 times the second A distance between the first A holding portion and the first short side portion in the direction along the third direction, and greater than √6 times the third A distance between the second A holding portion and the first short side portion in the direction along the third direction.

2. A solar cell apparatus according to claim 1, The plurality of first fixing devices include a first B fixing device located closest to the second short side of the plurality of first fixing devices, The plurality of second fixing devices include a second B fixing device located closest to the second short side of the plurality of second fixing devices, The first B fixing device includes a first B holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, The second B fixing device includes a second B holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, When the solar cell module and the plurality of fixing devices are viewed from a plane toward the first surface, the first B holding portion and the second B holding portion are each located on the first imaginary line B along the first direction, A solar cell device wherein the first B distance between the first B holding portion and the second B holding portion is greater than √6 times the second B distance between the first B holding portion and the second short side portion in the direction along the fourth direction, and greater than √6 times the third B distance between the second B holding portion and the second short side portion in the direction along the fourth direction.

3. A solar cell apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, The plurality of first fixing devices include a first C fixing device located closest to the first A fixing device among the plurality of first fixing devices, The plurality of second fixing devices include a second C fixing device located closest to the second A fixing device among the plurality of second fixing devices, The first C fixing device includes a first C holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, The second C fixing device includes a second C holding portion that holds and supports the solar cell module from below, When the solar cell module and the plurality of fixing devices are viewed from a plane toward the first surface, the first C holding portion and the second C holding portion are each located on the first imaginary C line along the first direction, The fourth A distance between the first A holding portion and the first C holding portion is smaller than the first A distance and smaller than the first C distance between the first C holding portion and the second C holding portion. A solar cell device in which the fifth A distance between the second A holding portion and the second C holding portion is smaller than the first A distance and also smaller than the first C distance.

4. A solar cell apparatus according to claim 2, The 1B fixing device is the first fixing device located closest to the 1A fixing device among the plurality of first fixing devices. The 2B fixing device is the second fixing device located closest to the 2A fixing device among the plurality of second fixing devices. The sixth distance between the first A holding portion and the first B holding portion is smaller than the first A distance and smaller than the first B distance. A solar cell device in which the seventh distance between the second A holding portion and the second B holding portion is smaller than the first A distance and also smaller than the first B distance.

5. A solar cell apparatus according to claim 3, The one or more solar cells mentioned above include a plurality of solar cells, The solar cell section includes a plurality of solar cell strings arranged along the fourth direction, Each of the plurality of solar cell strings includes two or more solar cells arranged along the second direction, and a plurality of first wiring materials that electrically connect the two or more solar cells in series by electrically connecting each of two adjacent solar cells among the two or more solar cells, Each of the two or more solar cells has a rectangular fifth surface, a rectangular sixth surface located on the opposite side of the fifth surface, and four sides connecting the fifth surface and the sixth surface, The four sides include a first side, a second side located on the opposite side of the first side, a third side, and a fourth side located on the opposite side of the third side. Each of the first and second sides is positioned along the second direction, The third side and the fourth side are each located along the fourth direction, The lengths of the first and second sides in the direction along the second direction are smaller than the lengths of the third and fourth sides in the direction along the fourth direction. The two solar cells mentioned above are the first solar cell and the second solar cell. A solar cell apparatus comprising one or more first wiring materials, each electrically connected to the fifth surface of the first solar cell along the second direction and each electrically connected to the sixth surface of the second solar cell along the second direction, or each electrically connected to the sixth surface of the first solar cell along the second direction and each electrically connected to the sixth surface of the second solar cell along the second direction.

6. A solar cell apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, The solar cell module has a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes, The plurality of first holes are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction in the portion of the solar cell module along the first long side, Each of the plurality of first holes penetrates the solar cell module from the first surface to the fourth surface, The plurality of second holes are located apart from each other in the direction along the fourth direction in the portion of the solar cell module along the second long side, Each of the plurality of second holes penetrates the solar cell module from the first surface to the fourth surface, Each of the plurality of first fixing devices includes a first portion that holds the portion of the solar cell module along the first long side when inserted into one of the plurality of first holes, Each of the plurality of second fixing devices includes a second portion that holds the portion of the solar cell module along the second long side when inserted into one of the plurality of second holes, The solar cell module includes a strip-shaped first reinforcing member located in a region along the first long side of the gap, a strip-shaped second reinforcing member located in a region along the second long side of the gap, and one or more reinforcing layers each containing fiber-reinforced plastic located in the gap. Each of the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member has greater bending rigidity than the first sheet member, the second sheet member, and the remaining portion excluding the first and second reinforcing members located in the gap. When the solar cell module is viewed through a plane toward the first surface, each of the one or more reinforcing layers is positioned from the region overlapping with the first reinforcing member, through the region overlapping with the solar cell portion, to the region overlapping with the second reinforcing member. Each of the plurality of first holes penetrates the first reinforcing member and each of the one or more reinforcing layers. A solar cell device in which each of the plurality of second holes penetrates the second reinforcing member and each of the one or more reinforcing layers.

7. A solar cell apparatus according to claim 6, The aforementioned one or more reinforcing layers include a first reinforcing layer and a second reinforcing layer. The first reinforcing layer is located between the first sheet member, the first reinforcing member, the solar cell portion, and the second reinforcing member. A solar cell device in which the second reinforcing layer is located between the first reinforcing member, the solar cell portion, the second reinforcing member, and the second sheet member.

8. A solar cell apparatus according to claim 7, The filler includes a portion covering the first reinforcing member from the first long side, a portion covering the second reinforcing member from the second long side, a portion covering the first reinforcing member from the inner circumferential surface side of each of the plurality of first holes, and a portion covering the second reinforcing member from the inner circumferential surface side of each of the plurality of second holes. With respect to each of the plurality of first holes, the first reinforcing member has a first A through hole that penetrates from the first sheet member side toward the second sheet member side, the first reinforcing layer has a first B through hole that penetrates from the first sheet member side toward the first reinforcing member side, and the second reinforcing layer has a first C through hole that penetrates from the first reinforcing member side toward the second sheet member side. With respect to each of the plurality of second holes, the second reinforcing member has a second A through hole that penetrates from the first sheet member side toward the second sheet member side, the first reinforcing layer has a second B through hole that penetrates from the first sheet member side toward the second reinforcing member side, and the second reinforcing layer has a second C through hole that penetrates from the second reinforcing member side toward the second sheet member side. A solar cell device in which, when the solar cell module is viewed from above toward the first surface, the first B through-hole and the first C through-hole are located inside the first A through-hole, and the second B through-hole and the second C through-hole are located inside the second A through-hole.

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