Solar cell modules

Abstract

To provide a solar cell module that can ensure water vapor transmission performance from the module ends. [Solution] The solar cell module 1 comprises a spacer 7 positioned between the end of the front plate 2 and the end of the back plate 3 so as to surround the solar cell unit sealed with a sealing material 6, and securing space for the solar cell unit to be positioned in the thickness direction of the solar cell unit; butyl rubber 8 that seals the gap between the end of the front plate 2 and the spacer 7; butyl rubber 9 that seals the gap between the end of the back plate 3 and the spacer 7; and foamed rubber 10 positioned between the front plate 2 and the back plate 3 so as to be interposed between the spacer 7 and the sealing material 6 (located inside the spacer 7), and capable of (elastically) mitigating or absorbing the pressing force from the sealing material 6 to the spacer 7.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a solar cell module provided with a spacer made of glass, resin, or metal at the module end. This solar cell module includes a solar cell array composed of a plurality of solar cells electrically connected to each other, a first plate-like member located on the non-light-receiving surface side of the solar cell array, a light-transmissive second plate-like member located on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell array, a frame-like spacer member located between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member so as to surround the solar cell array and securing a space in the thickness direction of the solar cell array where the solar cell array is disposed, and a light-transmissive resin sealing layer located between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member, adhering to the first plate-like member, the second plate-like member, and the frame-like spacer member and sealing the solar cell array inside. For this reason, it is described that the inflow of moisture from the module end can be prevented, and the occurrence of cracks and chips in the solar cells during the manufacturing process can be prevented.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in an arrangement where a spacer made of glass, resin, or metal is provided at the module end as in the above prior art, the water vapor transmission rate performance from the module end cannot be ensured. For example, when butyl rubber is used as the spacer, if the thickness of the butyl rubber is thick, the water vapor transmission rate performance cannot be ensured.

[0005] For example, in the case of a perovskite solar cell module with a laminated glass structure, a structure using metal spacers and butyl rubber has been considered to prevent water intrusion from the module edges by reducing the thickness of the butyl rubber and ensuring water vapor transmission performance. However, in such a structure, the internal sealing material pushes the metal spacers and butyl rubber outward during manufacturing, so water vapor transmission performance still cannot be ensured. In other words, the combination of spacers (made of glass, resin, or metal) and butyl rubber alone cannot improve water vapor transmission performance.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a solar cell module that can ensure water vapor transmission performance from the module ends. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the solar cell module according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a solar cell unit including at least one solar cell; a solar cell encapsulant for sealing the solar cell unit; a surface plate disposed on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell encapsulant; a back plate disposed on the opposite side of the solar cell encapsulant from the light-receiving surface side; a spacer disposed between the end of the surface plate and the end of the back plate so as to surround the solar cell unit sealed by the solar cell encapsulant, and securing a space in the thickness direction of the solar cell unit for which the solar cell unit is arranged; a surface plate side encapsulant for sealing the gap between the end of the surface plate and the spacer; a back plate side encapsulant for sealing the gap between the end of the back plate and the spacer; and a foamed rubber disposed between the surface plate and the back plate so as to be interposed between the spacer and the solar cell encapsulant, and capable of mitigating or absorbing the pressing force from the solar cell encapsulant to the spacer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, for example, the position and thickness of the sealing material can be precisely controlled by a spacer having a recess for accommodating the sealing material, and the thickness of the sealing material can be controlled by absorbing excess sealing material with foamed rubber provided inside the spacer, thereby ensuring water vapor transmission performance from the module end. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view showing the solar cell module according to this embodiment mounted on an existing roof substrate of a vehicle, and includes an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the end of the solar cell module. [Figure 2] This is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the end of the solar cell module according to this embodiment (a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along line AA in Figure 1). [Figure 3] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the end of a solar cell module according to modified form 1. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the end of a solar cell module according to modified form 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that the embodiments described below are only one aspect of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment mounted on an existing roof substrate of a vehicle 11. By mounting the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment on the roof substrate, it constitutes the roof 12 of the vehicle 11. The solar cell module 1 has a curved plate-like shape. Therefore, it can be mounted on the roof substrate according to the similarly curved shape of the roof substrate of the vehicle 11.

[0012] The solar cell module 1 has a tandem structure and has a translucent glass surface plate 2 on the uppermost layer of the roof 12 (i.e., the layer closest to the viewer in the orientation of Figure 1). When sunlight or other light is shone on the solar cell module 1, the shone light passes through the surface plate 2 and reaches the inside of the solar cell module 1. This generates an electromotive force between the positive and negative electrodes of the solar cell module 1, and the generated electricity can be supplied to the vehicle 11 or the like.

[0013] Furthermore, the solar cell module 1 is thin and lightweight. Taking advantage of these characteristics, the solar cell module 1 can be mounted on various surfaces, such as building roofs, in addition to the roof substrate of the vehicle 11 exemplified in Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the end of the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment, that is, a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-section cut along line AA in Figure 1. Note that the solar cell module 1 is for vehicle mounting and is curved to correspond to the shape of the roof substrate of the vehicle 11, but in the cross-sectional view, it is shown as a flat plate for the sake of explanation. The solar cell module 1 comprises a front plate 2, a back plate 3, first and second solar cell units (also called solar cell arrays) 4 and 5 arranged sequentially from the front plate 2 side between the front plate 2 and the back plate 3, and a sealing material 6 for sealing the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5. The back plate 3 is also made of glass, similar to the front plate 2. In other words, in the solar cell module 1, the first solar cell unit 4 and the second solar cell unit 5 are arranged vertically (stacked) between the front plate 2 and the back plate 3, and they are sealed and joined together by the sealing material 6.

[0015] The first solar cell unit 4 has a plurality of substantially rectangular first solar cells 40, and the plurality of first solar cells 40 are slightly spaced apart from each other and arranged in a matrix in a plan view. In this embodiment, the first solar cell unit 4 has a plurality of (for example, four) strip-shaped first solar cells 40 (longer in the vehicle width direction than in the vehicle length direction), and the plurality of first solar cells 40 are arranged in parallel in their shorter direction (vehicle length direction) (see also Figure 1). Each first solar cell 40 has a perovskite element, electrodes, etc., and is curved according to the curved shape of the solar cell module 1. The perovskite element is a power generation element made from titanite and is flexible.

[0016] The second solar cell unit 5 has a plurality of substantially rectangular silicon cells 50, which are second solar cells. The plurality of silicon cells 50 are arranged in a matrix, slightly spaced apart from each other in a plan view, so as to face the plurality of first solar cells 40 from above and below. In this embodiment, the second solar cell unit 5 has a plurality of (for example, six) silicon cells 50 arranged along the longitudinal direction (vehicle width direction) of the first solar cells 40 (a total of 6 × 4 = 24 cells) (see also Figure 1). Each silicon cell 50 has a silicon element, electrodes, etc., and is curved according to the curved shape of the solar cell module 1. The silicon element is also a type of power generation element, and the silicon element may be a single crystal or a polycrystalline material.

[0017] As described above, after the irradiation light passes through the surface plate 2, it reaches the inside of the solar cell module 1. When this irradiation light first reaches the perovskite element, depending on the wavelength range of the irradiation light, the irradiation light is absorbed by the perovskite element or passes through the perovskite element and is absorbed by the silicon element. Specifically, light in a wavelength range shorter than a predetermined value such as visible light is absorbed by the perovskite element, and light in a wavelength range longer than a predetermined value such as infrared light passes through the perovskite element and is absorbed by the silicon element. That is, by laminating power generation elements with different absorption wavelength lengths, light with wavelengths in a wide spectral range can be absorbed, and the energy of the irradiation light can be converted into electrical energy with high conversion efficiency.

[0018] Each perovskite element (the first solar cell 40) and each silicon element (silicon cell 50) are electrically connected by an interconnector (not shown), and current flows through the entire first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 via the interconnector.

[0019] Note that the configuration of the solar cell unit, which is the power generation part of the solar cell module 1, is not limited to the illustrated configuration. For example, in this embodiment, a tandem-type structure in which the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 are arranged vertically is illustrated, but a single solar cell unit (for example, a solar cell unit composed of a plurality of silicon cells) may be used to form the power generation part. Also, the solar cells constituting the solar cell unit are not particularly limited, and any conventionally known solar cell can be used.

[0020] This embodiment is characterized by the structure of the end part of the solar cell module 1. A structure for preventing water intrusion (ensuring water vapor transmission rate performance) and preventing the sealant from protruding is provided around the entire circumference of the end part of the solar cell module 1.

[0021] Specifically, between the end portions (perimeters) of the front plate 2 disposed on the light-receiving surface side (incident light side) of the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5, and the end portions (perimeters) of the back plate 3 disposed on the side opposite to the light-receiving surface side of the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 (the anti-light-receiving surface side), spacers 7, butyl rubbers 8 and 9, and foamed rubber 10, which are each generally formed in a frame shape (in other words, made of frame-shaped members), are interposed.

[0022] The spacers 7, the butyl rubber 8, and the butyl rubber 9 each have an enclosing shape in which the edge portions disposed at the four end portions of the solar cell module 1 are connected to the adjacent edge portions, and define a predetermined space inside. The outer shapes of the spacers 7, the butyl rubber 8, and the butyl rubber 9 are configured to be substantially the same size as the front plate 2 and the back plate 3.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the spacer 7 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. The spacer 7 has a thickness of a predetermined size in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1 (the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5), and is disposed between the end portion (perimeter) of the front plate 2 and the end portion (perimeter) of the back plate 3 so as to surround the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 (on the outside), separates the front plate 2 and the back plate 3 in the thickness direction, and serves to secure a space in which the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 are disposed in the thickness direction.

[0024] Further, the spacer 7 has a width of a predetermined size in the width direction (a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction) of the solar cell module 1 (the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5), and (annular) recesses 72 and 73 each formed of a step having a width of a predetermined size in the width direction are formed at the end portion (perimeter) of the upper surface facing the end portion of the front plate 2 and the end portion (perimeter) of the lower surface facing the back plate 3, respectively.

[0025] As the material of the spacer 7, for example, a material having heat resistance sufficient to withstand the heat applied in the lamination process described later can be used. For example, aluminum is suitable, but it is not limited thereto.

[0026] In this embodiment, the butyl rubber 8 and butyl rubber 9 each have a flattened, substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape (i.e., a thin, wide sheet), and are housed (mounted) in the recess 72 provided on the upper surface of the spacer 7 and the recess 73 provided on the lower surface of the spacer 7, and are interposed between the spacer 7 and the end of the surface plate 2, and between the spacer 7 and the end of the back plate 3. The butyl rubber 8 has a predetermined thickness in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1 (first and second solar cell units 4 and 5), and while minimizing the cross-sectional area (area viewed in the width direction) of the water passage, it elastically adheres to the spacer 7 (upper surface) and the end of the surface plate 2 (lower surface), and plays a role in sealing the gap (all around) between the spacer 7 and the end of the surface plate 2. Similarly, the butyl rubber 9 has a predetermined thickness in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1 (first and second solar cell units 4 and 5), and while minimizing the cross-sectional area (area viewed in the width direction) of the water passage, it elastically adheres to the spacer 7 (lower surface) and the end of the back plate 3 (upper surface), and plays a role in sealing the gap (all around) between the spacer 7 and the end of the back plate 3.

[0027] Furthermore, the butyl rubber 8 and butyl rubber 9 each have a predetermined width in the width direction of the solar cell module 1 (first and second solar cell units 4 and 5), ensuring the path length (width direction) of the water passage (sealing portion) between the spacer 7 and the end of the surface plate 2, and the path length of the water passage between the spacer 7 and the end of the back plate 3.

[0028] In this embodiment, butyl rubber is used as the sealing material placed above and below the spacer 7. However, other materials may be used as long as they have sufficient heat resistance to withstand the heat applied in the lamination process described later.

[0029] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, recesses 72 and 73 for accommodating butyl rubber 8 and 9 are formed at the outer end (periphery) of the spacer 7, but recesses may also be formed at the inner end or in the center of the spacer 7. Alternatively, recesses may be formed at multiple locations on the spacer 7 (for example, on both the outer and inner ends), and butyl rubber as a sealing material may be accommodated (in division) in each recess.

[0030] The foamed rubber 10, like the spacer 7, basically has an enclosure shape and defines a predetermined space inside. In this embodiment, the foamed rubber 10 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. The foamed rubber 10 has approximately the same thickness as the spacer 7 in the thickness direction of the solar cell module 1 (first and second solar cell units 4 and 5), and is positioned between the surface plate 2 and the back plate 3 so as to be interposed between the spacer 7 and the sealing material 6 (in other words, positioned adjacent to the inside of the spacer 7) (see also Figure 1).

[0031] Furthermore, the foamed rubber 10 has a predetermined width in the width direction of the solar cell module 1 (first and second solar cell units 4 and 5), and is interposed between the spacer 7 and the sealing material 6, playing a role in elastically mitigating or absorbing the pressing force from the sealing material 6 to the spacer 7 during the lamination process described later.

[0032] As for the material of the foamed rubber 10, for example, a material having sufficient heat resistance to withstand the heat applied in the lamination process described later can be used. For example, silicone is preferred, but it is not limited to this.

[0033] The internal space of the solar cell module 1, defined by the foamed rubber 10 disposed inside the front plate 2, back plate 3, and spacer 7, is filled with the sealing material 6. That is, the sealing material 6 adheres closely to the foamed rubber 10 disposed inside the front plate 2, back plate 3, and spacer 7, respectively, sealing the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 inside. Suitable resin materials for the sealing material 6 include, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) resin, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) resin, silicone resin, polyolefin resin, ionomer resin, and the like.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spacers 7, butyl rubbers 8 and 9, and foamed rubber 10 are positioned outside the module beyond the black ceramic coating of the light-transmitting surface plate 2.

[0035] Next, a method for manufacturing the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The manufacturing method includes a fabrication step and a hot-pressing step. Specifically, in the fabrication step, a first solar cell unit 4 as a power generation circuit is prepared in advance by electrically connecting a plurality of first solar cell cells 40 with interconnectors. Similarly, a second solar cell unit 5 as a power generation circuit is prepared by electrically connecting a plurality of silicon cells 50 with interconnectors. In addition, a spacer 7 is prepared in advance by attaching butyl rubber 8 and 9 to recesses 72 and 73 and attaching foamed rubber 10 to the inside. Then, a laminate is fabricated (also called layup) in which the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 are arranged in order from the surface plate 2 side, sandwiching a resin sealing material sheet (also called a laminate sheet) between a light-transmitting, curved surface plate 2 and a curved back plate 3, and inside the foamed rubber 10 that is disposed inside the spacer 7 with the butyl rubber 8 and 9. At this time, the connection ends of the interconnectors of the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 are inserted, for example, into through holes provided in the back panel 3, and the connection ends are brought out to the inside of the vehicle.

[0036] Perovskite elements degrade more significantly due to water ingress than conventional silicon cells, necessitating countermeasures. In addressing this, using butyl rubber as a sealing material around the outer circumference of the solar cell module 1 is a promising structure, and minimizing the opening cross-sectional area (area viewed in the width direction) of the sealing portion is an effective method. As a preferred example of this embodiment, which has a stacked layer structure, when the thickness excluding the front plate 2 and back plate 3 is set from the light-transmitting front plate 2 side as follows, the total thickness is 2.4 mm: 0.5 mm for the sealing material sheet, 0.2 mm for the first solar cell unit, 1.0 mm for the sealing material sheet, 0.2 mm for the second solar cell unit, and 0.5 mm for the sealing material sheet. At this time, the thickness of the stepped spacer 7 is designed to be 2.4 mm, and the depth dimension (dimension in the thickness direction) of the recesses 72 and 73 formed by the step is preferably 0.1 mm on each side. A structure in which butyl rubber 8 and 9 (thickness slightly over 0.1 mm) is filled into these 0.1 mm recesses 72 and 73 is preferred. The seal width of butyl rubber 8 and 9 is the path length, and is preferably 10 to 20 mm, but is not limited to this.

[0037] In the hot-pressing process (laminating process), a vacuum laminating device (hereinafter also called a laminator) is used to hot-press the laminate manufactured in the manufacturing process at a heating temperature above the softening point of the resin until the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 are sealed with the resin of the sealing material sheet. Specifically, the laminate is placed on a laminating jig, this laminating jig is placed on the heater plate of the laminator, and after sealing it in the chamber, the air is thoroughly removed to prevent the inclusion of air or other contaminants. After sufficient degassing, the resin of the sealing material sheet is heated to a heating temperature above the softening point of the resin by a heater built into the heater plate, and softened. At this time, the inside of the laminator is opened to atmospheric pressure, and the diaphragm presses down on the laminate from above with atmospheric pressure (e.g., 100 kPa). Subsequently, the softened resin of the sealing sheet is crosslinked and bonded, forming a sealing material 6 within the space defined by the surface plate 2, the back plate 3, and the foamed rubber 10 placed inside the spacer 7. The hot-pressing process is completed by sealing the first and second solar cell units 4 and 5 with this sealing material 6. In this hot-pressing process, when the amount of sealing material 6 is large, the foamed rubber 10 undergoes elastic deformation (its volume is compressed), which allows the force that the crosslinked and hardened sealing material 6 exerts on the spacers 7 (and butyl rubber 8 and 9) outward to be elastically mitigated or absorbed, thereby absorbing variations in the volume of the sealing material 6.

[0038] In the above embodiment, foamed rubber 10 is placed inside the spacer 7 to alleviate or absorb the pressing force from the sealing material 6 to the spacer 7 (and butyl rubber 8, 9). However, for example, a structure in which a movable spacer portion is provided inside the spacer 7 (instead of foamed rubber 10) is also possible. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, in a location where foamed rubber 10 is not provided between the spacer 7 and the sealing material 6, a movable spacer portion 74 that contacts the sealing material 6 may be formed inside the spacer 7, and a space 75 in which this movable spacer portion 74 can move may be formed outside this movable spacer portion 74 (on the opposite side from the sealing material 6). Furthermore, a biasing member 76 that biases the movable spacer portion 74 inward (towards the sealing material 6) may be provided in this space 75. Suitable biasing members 76 include foamed rubber (a separate material from the foamed rubber 10) and springs. In the above hot-pressing process, when the amount of sealing material 6 is large, the movable spacer portion 74 moves outward within the space 75 (against the biasing force of the biasing member 76), thereby mitigating or absorbing the force that the crosslinked and hardened sealing material 6 exerts on the spacers 7 (and butyl rubber 8, 9) outward.

[0039] Alternatively, for example, a space 77 may be provided inside the spacer 7, with an entrance on the inside (sealant 6 side). More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, in areas where foamed rubber 10 is not provided between the spacer 7 and the sealant 6, a space 77 may be formed inside the spacer 7 (the part in contact with the sealant 6), opening to the inside of the spacer 7 (sealant 6 side), into which a portion (excess) of the sealant 6 can enter. The shape, volume, number, and placement of this space 77 can be arbitrarily set. In the above hot-pressing process, when the amount of sealant 6 is large, a portion (excess) of the sealant 6 enters the space 77, which helps to mitigate or absorb the force that the cross-linked and hardened sealant 6 exerts on the spacer 7 (and butyl rubber 8, 9) outward.

[0040] In summary, the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment has a structure in which stepped spacers 7 and butyl rubbers 8 and 9 are arranged around the entire circumference of the end of the solar cell module 1, and the butyl rubbers 8 and 9 are loaded into recesses 72 and 73 formed by the steps of the spacers 7.

[0041] Furthermore, foamed rubber 10 is provided on the inside of the stepped spacer 7 (Figures 1 and 2).

[0042] Furthermore, a movable spacer portion 74 is provided inside the stepped spacer 7 (Figure 3).

[0043] Furthermore, a space 77 with an entrance is provided inside the stepped spacer 7 (Figure 4).

[0044] Furthermore, the stepped spacer 7 and the foamed rubber 10 are positioned outside the module, relative to the black ceramic coating on the light-transmitting surface plate 2.

[0045] The stepped spacer 7 ensures that the sealing height of the butyl rubbers 8 and 9, which are positioned above and below, is precisely controlled.

[0046] Therefore, when considering the water pathways entering the solar cell module 1 from the outside, the cross-sectional area of ​​the water pathway is A × B, which is the product of the seal height (A) of the butyl rubber 8 and 9 and the outer circumference (B) of the solar cell module 1. The path length is the seal width (C) of the butyl rubber 8 and 9. Thus, from a geometrical approach, effective measures against water intrusion into the solar cell module 1 are to minimize the cross-sectional area (A × B) and to lengthen the path length (C). However, lengthening the path length (C) has the drawback of reducing the cell area, so minimizing the cross-sectional area (A × B) is a more promising method.

[0047] When manufacturing solar cell modules 1, a vacuum laminating machine (laminator) is used. Although a predetermined number of encapsulant sheets are produced, there are manufacturing variations in the thickness of the encapsulant sheets, and the layup process cannot be properly controlled in a mass production environment. If there is too much encapsulant, there is a problem of pushing the stepped spacers 7 and butyl rubber 8 and 9 outwards. On the other hand, if there is too little encapsulant, there is a problem of air bubbles forming around the cells. Therefore, when realizing the structure of the seal described above, it is necessary to strictly control the volume of the encapsulant 6. In this embodiment, in order to suppress the generation of air bubbles, the sealing material 6 is filled with a volume larger than the volume inside the solar cell module assuming the minimum thickness of the sealing material sheet due to manufacturing variations. However, the excess amount of sealing material 6 is dealt with by the foamed rubber 10, the movable spacer portion 74, and the space 77 inside the spacer 7. This prevents the excess sealing material 6 from pushing the stepped spacer 7 and the butyl rubber 8 and 9 out of the solar cell module 1, thereby enabling the production of a solar cell module 1 as desired.

[0048] Furthermore, the buffer space of the sealing material 6 is located immediately inside the spacer 7. During lamination, it is compressed during the pressing process, but any excess sealing material 6 is processed inside the stepped spacer 7, thus preventing the generation of air bubbles in the cell arrangement area.

[0049] Furthermore, the inside of the light-transmitting surface panel 2 is coated with black ceramic paint, and the stepped spacer 7, foamed rubber 10, movable spacer part 74, and the space 77 inside the spacer 7 are not visible from the outside, thereby improving the appearance quality.

[0050] As described above, the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment includes a solar cell unit (first and second solar cell units 4 and 5) containing at least one solar cell, a solar cell encapsulant (encapsulant 6) that seals the solar cell unit, a surface plate 2 (translucent) disposed on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell unit in the solar cell encapsulant, a back plate 3 disposed on the opposite side (anti-light-receiving surface side) of the solar cell encapsulant, and the ends (periphery) of the surface plate 2 and the back plate 3 surrounding the solar cell unit (outside) sealed by the solar cell encapsulant (around the solar cell unit (outside)). The solar cell unit comprises: a spacer 7 positioned between the end (periphery) and the surface plate 2 to secure a space for the solar cell unit to be positioned in the thickness direction of the solar cell unit; a surface plate side sealing material (butyl rubber 8) that seals the gap (around the entire circumference) between the end of the surface plate 2 and the spacer 7; a back plate side sealing material (butyl rubber 9) that seals the gap (around the entire circumference) between the end of the back plate 3 and the spacer 7; and a foamed rubber 10 positioned between the surface plate 2 and the back plate 3 so as to be interposed between the spacer 7 and the solar cell sealing material (located inside the spacer 7), which can (elastically) mitigate or absorb the pressing force from the solar cell sealing material to the spacer 7.

[0051] The surface plate side sealing material (butyl rubber 8) is fitted into an annular recess 72 provided on the upper surface of the spacer 7 facing the end of the surface plate 2, and the back plate side sealing material (butyl rubber 9) is fitted into an annular recess 73 provided on the lower surface of the spacer 7 facing the end of the back plate 3.

[0052] In areas where the foamed rubber 10 is not provided between the spacer 7 and the solar cell encapsulant (encapsulant 6), the spacer 7 comprises a movable spacer portion 74 that contacts the solar cell encapsulant, and a space 75 provided on the side of the movable spacer portion 74 opposite to the solar cell encapsulant side (outside), which allows the movable spacer portion 74 to move.

[0053] A biasing member 76 is provided in the space 75 to bias the movable spacer portion 74 toward the solar cell encapsulant side (inward).

[0054] In areas where the foamed rubber 10 is not provided between the spacer 7 and the solar cell encapsulant (encapsulant 6), the spacer 7 has a space 77 in the portion (inside) that contacts the solar cell encapsulant, which opens towards the solar cell encapsulant and into which a portion (excess) of the solar cell encapsulant can enter.

[0055] According to this embodiment, for example, the spacer 7 having recesses 72 and 73 for accommodating the sealing material (butyl rubber 8 and 9) allows for precise control of the position and thickness of the sealing material (butyl rubber 8 and 9), and the foamed rubber 10 provided inside the spacer 7 absorbs excess sealing material 6, thereby controlling the thickness of the sealing material 6 and ensuring water vapor transmission performance from the module end.

[0056] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be appropriately modified and altered without departing from the objective of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1: Solar cell module, 2: Front panel, 3: Back panel, 4: First solar cell unit, 40: First solar cell (perovskite element), 5: Second solar cell unit, 50: Silicon cell (second solar cell, silicon element), 6: Encapsulation material (solar cell encapsulation material), 7: Spacer, 72: Recess (top surface), 73: Recess (bottom surface), 74: Movable spacer part, 75: Space, 76: Biasing member, 77: Space, 8: Butyl rubber (sealing material on the front panel side), 9: Butyl rubber (sealing material on the back panel side), 10: Foamed rubber, 11: Vehicle, 12: Roof

Claims

1. A solar cell unit including at least one solar cell, A solar cell encapsulant for sealing the aforementioned solar cell unit, A surface plate disposed on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell unit in the solar cell encapsulant, A back plate located on the opposite side of the light-receiving surface in the solar cell encapsulant, A spacer is provided, which is positioned between the end of the front plate and the end of the back plate so as to surround the solar cell unit sealed with the solar cell encapsulant, and which secures the space in the thickness direction of the solar cell unit in which the solar cell unit is positioned. A sealing material on the surface plate side that seals the gap between the end of the surface plate and the spacer, and a sealing material on the back plate side that seals the gap between the end of the back plate and the spacer, A solar cell module characterized by comprising: a foamed rubber disposed between the front plate and the back plate so as to be interposed between the spacer and the solar cell encapsulant, and capable of mitigating or absorbing the pressing force from the solar cell encapsulant to the spacer.

2. A solar cell module according to claim 1, A solar cell module characterized in that the surface plate side sealing material is fitted into a recess provided on the upper surface of the spacer facing the end of the surface plate, and the back plate side sealing material is fitted into a recess provided on the lower surface of the spacer facing the end of the back plate.

3. A solar cell module according to claim 1, In a portion where the foamed rubber is not provided between the spacer and the solar cell encapsulant, the spacer is characterized by comprising a movable spacer portion that contacts the solar cell encapsulant, and a space provided on the side of the movable spacer portion opposite to the solar cell encapsulant, the movable spacer portion being movable.

4. A solar cell module according to claim 3, A solar cell module characterized in that a biasing member is provided in the aforementioned space for biasing the movable spacer portion toward the solar cell encapsulant side.

5. A solar cell module according to claim 1, In a portion of the spacer where the foamed rubber is not provided between the spacer and the solar cell encapsulant, the spacer is characterized in that, in the portion that contacts the solar cell encapsulant, it has an opening toward the solar cell encapsulant and a space into which a part of the solar cell encapsulant can enter.

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