A translucent solar cell module with superior aesthetics and its manufacturing method.

Abstract

This invention provides a translucent solar cell module with excellent aesthetics that minimizes dead lines that may occur during pattern formation, maximizes energy conversion efficiency by utilizing the solar cell layer as is, and allows appropriate light to pass through, as well as a method for manufacturing the same. [Solution] The present invention relates to a light-transmitting solar cell module with excellent aesthetics and a method for manufacturing the same. The method for manufacturing the light-transmitting solar cell module comprises a first step of forming a thin-film solar cell, which includes a patterned thin-film solar cell layer on a glass substrate, and a second step of placing an upper glass substrate on the upper surface of the thin-film solar cell. The first step comprises a step of forming a pattern mask on the other surface of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed, and a step of forming the thin-film solar cell layer by processing by irradiating the upper part on which the pattern mask is formed with a laser.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light-transmissive solar cell module having excellent aesthetics and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a light-transmissive solar cell module capable of transmitting light and forming a design pattern and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] In the conventional technology using silicon as the main material, a light-transmissive (see-thru) solar cell in a form of being processed with holes in a silicon wafer has been manufactured.

[0003] However, according to the conventional technology, since the size of the silicon wafer is small, there are limitations in mounting, it takes a lot of time and cost associated with hole processing, and there are considerable difficulties in realization due to breakage or the like.

[0004] On the other hand, in the case of a thin-film solar cell, since it is configured in a form of depositing a thin film on a glass substrate, there is an advantage that design formation by thin-film processing is relatively advantageous. However, in the pattern formation process, the thin films laminated are melted, and problems due to damage such as the laminated thin films being connected to each other occur.

[0005] Also, in the case of existing pattern formation modules, there are problems in that there is a dead line of the module, visibility is reduced, and energy conversion efficiency is decreased by joining the front glass on which the pattern is formed or using a patterning formation technique through custom manufacturing in a puzzle form.

[0006] In addition, since a large amount of metal bonding is performed in the connection process between solar cells, there are problems in that not only a complicated manufacturing process but also metal is exposed at the light-emitting part, resulting in a decrease in visibility and aesthetics.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2584910 (October 6, 2023) [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned prior art, and the object of the present invention is to provide a light-transmitting solar cell module with excellent aesthetics that minimizes dead lines that may occur in pattern formation, maximizes energy conversion efficiency by utilizing the solar cell layer as is, and allows appropriate light to pass through, as well as a method for manufacturing the same.

[0009] More specifically, the objective of the present invention is to improve the problem of reduced output due to shading in products that provide aesthetic appeal by applying patterns and designs to the front glass of solar cell modules using conventional technology, and to maximize energy conversion efficiency as well as visibility and aesthetic appeal by enabling design through processing of the thin film itself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the aforementioned objectives comprises: a first step of forming a thin-film solar cell including a patterned thin-film solar cell layer on a glass substrate; and a second step of placing an upper glass substrate on the upper surface of the thin-film solar cell, wherein the first step includes forming a pattern mask on the other surface of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed, and forming the thin-film solar cell layer by irradiating the upper part on which the pattern mask is formed with a laser.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the step of forming the thin-film solar cell layer can be performed by irradiating a laser onto a pattern mask formed on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed, thereby forming a thin-film solar cell layer including electrodes (Busbars).

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the step of forming the thin-film solar cell layer involves irradiating a pattern mask formed on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed with a laser beam overlap ratio of 50% or more, thereby forming a thin-film solar cell layer with a processing line width of 0.05 mm to 5 mm.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the invention may further include the step of forming terminals of copper or aluminum material that are connected to the electrodes (Busbar) by conductive tape, ultrasonic welding, or soldering, after the step of forming the thin-film solar cell layer.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film solar cell layer is CIGS, It may consist of a Perovskite or CIGS-Perovskite Tandem thin-film solar cell layer.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second step may further comprise the step of arranging a back glass substrate on the back of the thin-film solar cell.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second step may include the step of applying a sealing material between the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate to bond the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second step may further include the step of applying a sealing material between the thin-film solar cell and the top glass substrate, and between the thin-film solar cell and the back glass substrate, thereby joining the thin-film solar cell to the top glass substrate and the back glass substrate.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing material may consist of POE (Polyolefin Elastomer) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).

[0019] A translucent solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a glass substrate and a thin-film solar cell including a patterned thin-film solar cell layer on the glass substrate, and an upper glass substrate disposed on the upper surface of the thin-film solar cell, wherein the thin-film solar cell layer is formed by irradiating a pattern mask formed on the other surface of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed with a laser.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film solar cell layer can be formed to include an electrode (busbar) by irradiating a pattern mask formed on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed with a laser on the other side.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film solar cell layer can be formed with a processing line width of 0.05 mm to 5 mm by irradiating a pattern mask formed on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed with a laser beam overlap ratio of 50% or more.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film solar cell layer may further include terminals made of copper or aluminum material connected to the electrodes (Busbar) by conductive tape, ultrasonic welding, or soldering.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the thin-film solar cell layer may consist of a CIGS, Perovskite, or CIGS-Perovskite Tandem thin-film solar cell layer.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the invention may further include a back glass substrate disposed on the back of the thin-film solar cell.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, it may further include a sealing material applied between the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate to bond the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, it may further include a sealing material disposed between the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate and between the thin-film solar cell and the back glass substrate to bond between the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate and the back glass substrate.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing material may be made of POE (Polyolefin Elastomer) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] The present invention can minimize dead lines that may occur in pattern formation, maximize energy conversion efficiency by directly utilizing the solar cell layer, and provide a light-transmissive solar cell module with excellent aesthetics that allows appropriate light to pass through, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0029] More specifically, the present invention improves the problem of output reduction due to the shadow of a product that provides aesthetics by applying patterns and designs on the bonding glass of a solar cell module in the prior art, enables design through the processing of the thin film itself, and can maximize the energy conversion efficiency as well as visibility and aesthetics.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [[ID=2,7]] [Figure 1] It is a drawing showing a light-transmissive solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a light-transmissive solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is an exploded perspective view of a light-transmitting solar cell module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] These are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a drawing showing an actual translucent solar cell module manufactured according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Hereinafter, the present invention can be modified in various ways, and various embodiments can be shown as examples. However, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description of the invention. However, this should not be understood as limiting the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather as including all variations, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0032] However, in describing embodiments, if it is determined that a specific description of a relevant known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the sizes of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and do not represent the actual sizes in application.

[0033] Furthermore, when a component is referred to as being "linked" or "connected" to another component throughout the specification, it should be understood that the component may be directly linked or connected to the other component, but unless otherwise clearly stated, it may also be linked or connected through other components in between. Also, when a part of the specification "includes" a component, unless otherwise clearly stated, this does not exclude other components, but rather means that it may include other components.

[0034] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a translucent solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the translucent solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] In the following section, with reference to the drawings, Figure 2 illustrates the configuration of a translucent solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] A translucent solar cell module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a thin-film solar cell 110 and an upper glass substrate 120.

[0037] The thin-film solar cell 110 comprises a glass substrate and a thin-film solar cell layer patterned on the glass substrate.

[0038] The thin-film solar cell layer may be formed by irradiating a pattern mask formed on the glass substrate with a laser.

[0039] In this case, the pattern mask may be formed on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed, and the pattern mask may be formed to include an electrode (busbar) by irradiating the other side of the pattern mask with a laser.

[0040] The pattern mask consists of a tape made of a metal material or a pattern mask made of a material that is not processed by a laser. In this case, the pattern mask is made to be in maximum contact with the glass substrate so as not to cause processing errors due to lifting.

[0041] Furthermore, the thin-film solar cell 110 is designed so that a pattern mask is formed on the electrode portions at both ends. This is to ensure that the electrode portions are processed together during laser processing, thereby preventing the reduction of electrode area and the generation of resistance during subsequent module manufacturing. Moreover, if the formed modules do not make smooth contact with the electrodes, it can lead to a decrease in the fill factor and current, and thus a reduction in output.

[0042] Thus, the thin-film solar cell layer can be formed with a processing line width of 0.05 mm to 5 mm by irradiating a pattern mask formed on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed with a laser beam overlap ratio of 50% or more.

[0043] Furthermore, the thin-film solar cell layer may further include terminals made of copper or aluminum material that are connected to the electrodes (Busbars) by conductive tape, ultrasonic welding, or soldering.

[0044] Furthermore, the thin-film solar cell layer according to one embodiment of the present invention may consist of a CIGS, Perovskite, or CIGS-Perovskite Tandem thin-film solar cell layer.

[0045] CIGS is a semiconductor material used in thin-film solar cells. Its high efficiency and applicability to flexible substrates enable the manufacture of solar cells in a variety of forms. CIGS thin-film solar cells exhibit stable properties even in high-temperature environments.

[0046] Perovskite is a solar cell material that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years, as it has the advantage of providing high efficiency at a low cost.

[0047] On the other hand, tandem solar cells, which combine CIGS and perovskite, utilize the advantages of both materials to absorb a wider range of light and maximize efficiency. Generally, CIGS absorbs the infrared region of sunlight well, while perovskite absorbs the visible and ultraviolet regions well. Combining these two materials has the advantage of further improving energy conversion efficiency.

[0048] Furthermore, the translucent solar cell module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a sealing material 130.

[0049] The sealing material 130 is applied between the thin-film solar cell 110 and the upper glass substrate 120 to bond the thin-film solar cell 110 and the upper glass substrate 120.

[0050] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a light-transmitting solar cell module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a light-transmitting solar cell module including a thin-film solar cell 110, an upper glass substrate 120, and a back glass substrate 125.

[0052] The thin-film solar cell 110 comprises a glass substrate 111 and a thin-film solar cell layer 112 patterned on the glass substrate 111.

[0053] The thin-film solar cell layer 112 can be formed by irradiating a pattern mask formed on the glass substrate 111 with a laser.

[0054] In this case, the pattern mask may be formed on the other side of the glass substrate 111 where the thin-film solar cell layer 112 is formed, and the pattern mask may be formed to include an electrode (busbar) 113 by irradiating the other side of the pattern mask with a laser.

[0055] The pattern mask consists of a tape made of a metal material or a pattern mask made of a material that is not processed by a laser. At this time, the pattern mask is made to be in maximum contact with the glass substrate 111 so that processing errors due to lifting do not occur.

[0056] Furthermore, the thin-film solar cell 110 is designed so that a pattern mask is also formed on the electrode 113 portions at both ends. This ensures that the electrode portions are processed together during laser processing, which naturally reduces the electrode area during subsequent module manufacturing and generates resistance. This also prevents a decrease in output due to poor contact between the formed modules and the electrodes (busbars), which would otherwise lead to a reduction in the fill factor and current.

[0057] Thus, the thin-film solar cell layer 112 can be formed with a processing line width of 0.05 mm to 5 mm by irradiating a pattern mask formed on the other side of the glass substrate 111 where the thin-film solar cell layer 112 is formed with a laser beam overlap ratio of 50% or more.

[0058] Furthermore, the thin-film solar cell layer 112 may further include terminals 114 made of copper or aluminum material that are connected to the electrodes (busbars) 113 by conductive tape, ultrasonic welding, or soldering.

[0059] As described above, the thin-film solar cell layer 112 according to one embodiment of the present invention may consist of a CIGS, Perovskite, or CIGS-Perovskite Tandem thin-film solar cell layer.

[0060] Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention, the translucent solar cell module 100, may further include a sealing material 130.

[0061] The sealing material 130 is placed between the thin-film solar cell 110 and the top glass substrate 120, and between the thin-film solar cell 110 and the back glass substrate 125, thereby bonding the thin-film solar cell 110 to the top glass substrate 120 and the back glass substrate 125.

[0062] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a translucent solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating a method for manufacturing a translucent solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 6 is a drawing showing an actual translucent solar cell module manufactured according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The following describes a method for manufacturing a translucent solar cell module according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0065] First, a pattern mask 101 is formed on the glass substrate 111 (S210).

[0066] At this time, a pattern mask 101 is formed on the other side of the glass substrate 111 where the thin-film solar cell layer 112 is formed.

[0067] In this case, the pattern mask 101 may be formed on the other side of the glass substrate 111 from the surface on which the thin-film solar cell layer is formed, and the pattern mask 101 is made of a metal tape or a material that is not processed by a laser. In this case, the pattern mask 101 is made to be in maximum contact with the glass substrate 111 so as not to cause processing errors due to lifting.

[0068] Furthermore, the thin-film solar cell 110 is configured such that a pattern mask 101 is also formed on the electrode portions at both ends.

[0069] Subsequently, a thin-film solar cell layer 112 is formed by irradiating the upper part of the pattern mask 101 with a laser L (S220).

[0070] At this time, a laser L can be irradiated onto a pattern mask 101 formed on the other side of the glass substrate 111 where the thin-film solar cell layer 112 is formed, thereby forming the thin-film solar cell layer 112 including electrodes (Busbar).

[0071] In this way, a pattern mask 101 is formed on the electrode portions at both ends of the thin-film solar cell 110, so that the electrode portions are processed together during laser processing. This naturally reduces the electrode area during subsequent module manufacturing, which generates resistance. Furthermore, if the formed modules do not make smooth contact with the electrodes (busbars), it is possible to prevent a decrease in the fill factor and current, which would lead to a decrease in output.

[0072] Furthermore, terminals made of copper or aluminum material can be formed on the electrode (Busbar) by conductive tape, ultrasonic welding, or soldering.

[0073] More specifically, the thin-film solar cell layer 112 can be formed with a processing line width of 0.05 mm to 5 mm by irradiating a pattern mask 101 formed on the other side of the glass substrate 111 where the thin-film solar cell layer 112 is formed with a laser beam L at an overlap ratio of 50% or more.

[0074] The thin-film solar cell layer 112 formed in this manner may consist of a CIGS, Perovskite, or CIGS-Perovskite Tandem thin-film solar cell layer.

[0075] Thereafter, an upper glass substrate is placed on the upper surface of the thin-film solar cell 110 (S230). A back glass substrate may also be placed on the back surface of the thin-film solar cell 110.

[0076] At this time, the thin-film solar cell 110 and the upper glass substrate can be joined by applying a sealing material between the thin-film solar cell 110 and the upper glass substrate, and the thin-film solar cell 110 and the back glass substrate can be joined by applying a sealing material between the thin-film solar cell 110 and the upper glass substrate, and between the thin-film solar cell 110 and the back glass substrate.

[0077] In addition, such sealing materials may consist of POE (Polyolefin Elastomer) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate).

[0078] This invention minimizes dead lines that may occur during pattern formation, maximizes energy conversion efficiency by utilizing the solar cell layer as is, and provides an aesthetically pleasing translucent solar cell module and a method for manufacturing the same that allows appropriate light to pass through.

[0079] More specifically, the present invention improves upon the problem of reduced output due to shading in conventional solar cell modules that provide aesthetic appeal by applying patterns and designs to the bonding glass (front glass). Furthermore, the present invention enables design through the processing of the thin film itself, thereby maximizing not only visibility and aesthetics but also energy conversion efficiency.

[0080] The detailed description of the present invention described above has focused on specific embodiments. However, various modifications are possible as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. The technical concept of the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described above, but should be defined not only by the claims but also by equivalent claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 100: Translucent solar cell module 101: Pattern Mask 110: Thin-film solar cells 111: Glass substrate 112: Thin film solar cell layer 113: Electrode 114: Terminal 120: Top glass substrate 125: Rear glass substrate 130: Sealing material

Claims

1. The first step involves forming a thin-film solar cell, which includes a patterned thin-film solar cell layer on a glass substrate, The second step involves placing an upper glass substrate on the upper surface of the thin-film solar cell, The first stage is, The steps include forming a pattern mask on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed, The method is characterized by including the step of forming the thin-film solar cell layer by irradiating the upper part of the pattern mask with a laser. A method for manufacturing translucent solar cell modules.

2. The step of forming the thin-film solar cell layer is, The method is characterized by irradiating a laser onto a pattern mask formed on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed, thereby forming a thin-film solar cell layer including an electrode (busbar). A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to claim 1.

3. After the step of forming the thin-film solar cell layer, The invention further comprises the step of forming terminals of copper or aluminum material on the electrode (Busbar) by conductive tape, ultrasonic welding, or soldering. A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to claim 2.

4. The thin-film solar cell layer is Characterized by comprising a CIGS, Perovskite, or CIGS-Perovskite Tandem thin-film solar cell layer, A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to claim 1.

5. The second stage described above is, The invention further includes the step of arranging a back glass substrate on the back of the thin-film solar cell, A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to claim 1.

6. The second stage described above is, The invention further includes the step of applying a sealing material between the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate to bond the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate. A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to claim 1.

7. The second stage described above is, The invention further includes the step of applying a sealing material between the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate, and between the thin-film solar cell and the back glass substrate, thereby bonding the thin-film solar cell to the upper glass substrate and the back glass substrate. A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to claim 5.

8. The aforementioned sealing material is Characterized by being composed of POE (Polyolefin Elastomer) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), A method for manufacturing a light-transmitting solar cell module according to claim 6 or 7.

9. A thin-film solar cell comprising a glass substrate and a thin-film solar cell layer patterned on the glass substrate, The thin-film solar cell comprises an upper glass substrate disposed on the upper surface, The thin-film solar cell layer is The pattern mask formed on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed is characterized by being formed by irradiating it with a laser. Translucent solar cell module.

10. The thin-film solar cell layer is The pattern mask formed on the other side of the glass substrate where the thin-film solar cell layer is formed is irradiated with a laser on the other side to form electrodes (busbars), characterized in that the pattern mask includes electrodes (busbars). The translucent solar cell module according to claim 9.

11. The thin-film solar cell layer is The invention further comprises a terminal made of copper or aluminum material connected to the electrode (Busbar) by conductive tape, ultrasonic welding, or soldering, and is characterized by this. The translucent solar cell module according to claim 10.

12. The thin-film solar cell layer is Characterized by comprising a CIGS, Perovskite, or CIGS-Perovskite Tandem thin-film solar cell layer, The translucent solar cell module according to claim 9.

13. The invention further comprises a back glass substrate disposed on the back of the thin-film solar cell, The translucent solar cell module according to claim 9.

14. The present invention further comprises a sealing material applied between the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate, which joins the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate. The light-transmitting battery module according to claim 9.

15. The present invention further includes a sealing material disposed between the thin-film solar cell and the upper glass substrate, and between the thin-film solar cell and the back glass substrate, which joins the thin-film solar cell to the upper glass substrate and the back glass substrate. A translucent solar cell module as described in claim 13.

16. The aforementioned sealing material is Characterized by being composed of POE (Polyolefin Elastomer) or EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), A translucent solar cell module according to claim 14 or 15.

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