Solar power generation equipment

Abstract

To increase the value of power generation using solar panels within the power grid. [Solution] The photovoltaic power generation device 10 comprises a plurality of columns 20 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction X and erected in the ground, and a solar panel 40 that is placed between the plurality of columns 20 and has a light-receiving surface 40F1 formed on at least one side, which generates electricity from sunlight. The plurality of columns 20 support the solar panel 40 so that the light-receiving surface 40F1 faces either east or west.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar power generation device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various proposals have been made regarding solar power generation devices having solar panels installed on the ground. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a solar power generation device in which a large number of solar panels are installed on the ground.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the installed solar panels are installed in a state of being laid on farmland or parking lots so that maximum power generation can be performed when the sun is at its zenith. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the solar power generation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 regarding improving the value of power generation by solar panels in the power transmission network.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a solar power generation device that is an improvement over conventional solar power generation devices and can improve the value of power generation by solar panels in the power transmission network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the photovoltaic power generation device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of columns arranged at intervals and erected in the ground, and a solar panel positioned between the plurality of columns, having a light-receiving surface formed on at least one side, and generating electricity from sunlight on the light-receiving surface. The plurality of columns support the solar panel such that the light-receiving surface faces either east or west. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the photovoltaic power generation device has the above structure, and therefore can improve the value of power generation by solar panels in the power grid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a photovoltaic power generation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the solar power generation system shown in Figure 1, viewed from the front. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the poles of the solar power generation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the solar panels relative to the beam in the photovoltaic power generation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, which is a magnified portion of Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of part C in Figure 4. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of part B of Figure 4. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the solar power generation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow DD in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of how solar panels are attached to beams in a conventional photovoltaic power generation system. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a solar panel included in the solar power generation device shown in FIG. 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [Embodiment] The following embodiments relate to the solar power generation device 10 according to the present invention and include not only essential components of the invention but also optional and preferred components. Hereinafter, embodiments of the solar power generation device 10 according to this invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] The solar power generation device 10 according to the present embodiment is provided, for example, in farmland, a pasture, a parking lot, or the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the solar power generation device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of columns 20, a plurality of beams 30, a plurality of solar panels 40, and a plurality of connectors 50.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of the solar power generation device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the solar power generation device 10 shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the front side.

[0012] The solar power generation device 10 according to the embodiment has a longitudinal direction X, a lateral direction Y orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X, and a vertical direction Z orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y, respectively.

[0013] The plurality of columns 20 are arranged at intervals, for example, in the longitudinal direction X and are each erected on the ground GR. In the solar power generation device 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, the surface of the ground GR on which the column 20 is erected coincides with the horizontal plane HF.

[0014] Each of the columns 20 has, as shown in FIG. 3, a first member 21 disposed below in the vertical direction Z and a second member 22 disposed above in the vertical direction Z with respect to the first member 21. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the column 20 included in the solar power generation device 10 shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] The first member 21 and the second member 22 are formed such that the rigidity of the first member 21 with respect to the longitudinal direction X is greater than the rigidity of the second member 22 with respect to the longitudinal direction X. Also, the first member 21 and the second member 22 are formed such that the rigidity of the first member 21 with respect to the lateral direction Y is greater than the rigidity of the second member 22 with respect to the lateral direction Y. And the first member 21 is embedded in the ground.

[0016] Each of the first members 21 is formed of a metallic material so as to extend in the vertical direction Z. Also, the first member 21 has an H shape in a cross section that crosses the vertical direction Z. That is, each of the first members 21 is a steel H section. And the surface of each of the first members 21 is painted to suppress the occurrence of rust.

[0017] To describe the first member 21 more specifically, in a cross section, the first member 21 includes a base portion 211 formed in a flat plate shape, and a pair of opposing portions 212a and 212b that are arranged at both ends of the base portion, are formed in a flat plate shape, and face each other in the lateral direction Y.

[0018] Also, a plurality of through holes 21H that penetrate the base portion 211 in the longitudinal direction X are formed in an upper portion of the base portion of the first member 21 in the vertical direction Z. The plurality of through holes 21H are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction Z, for example.

[0019] Each of the second members 22 is formed of a metallic material so as to extend in the vertical direction Z. Also, each of the second members 22 has a substantially C shape in a cross section that crosses the vertical direction Z. And the surface of each of the second members 22 is painted to suppress the occurrence of rust.

[0020] To describe the second member 22 more specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in a cross section, the second member 22 includes a base portion 221, a pair of first opposing portions 222a and 222b, a pair of narrow portions 223a and 223b, a pair of second opposing portions 224a and 224b, and a pair of bent portions 225a and 225b.

[0021] The base portion 221 is formed in a flat plate shape. The pair of first opposing portions 222a and 222b are positioned at both ends of the base portion 221, are formed in a flat plate shape, and face each other in the short direction Y.

[0022] The pair of narrow sections 223a and 223b are positioned at both ends of the pair of first opposing sections 222a and 222b, are formed in a flat plate shape, and face each other in the short direction Y. Furthermore, the pair of narrow sections 223a and 223b gradually incline from both ends of the pair of first opposing sections 222a and 222b toward the tip, so that the distance between them gradually narrows.

[0023] The pair of second opposing portions 224a and 224b are positioned at both ends of the pair of narrow portions 223a and 223b, are formed in a flat plate shape, and face each other in the short direction Y.

[0024] The pair of bent portions 225a and 225b are positioned at both ends of the pair of second opposing portions 224a and 224b, are formed in a flat shape, and face each other in the short direction Y. Furthermore, the pair of bent portions 225a and 225b are positioned from both ends of the pair of second opposing portions 224a and 224b such that the distance between them increases in the short direction Y.

[0025] As the second member 22 is configured as described above, the base portion 221 and the pair of first opposing portions 222a and 222b form a first cable routing space 22S through which cables connected to the solar panel 40 are routed.

[0026] Each of the pair of second opposing portions 224a and 224b of the second member 22 having the above configuration has a fifth through-hole 224H that penetrates the second opposing portions 224a and 224b in the short direction Y. As shown in Figure 7, the fifth through-hole 224H is formed in an oval shape, with the dimension in the vertical direction Z being longer than the dimension in the longitudinal direction X. Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of part C in Figure 4.

[0027] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a plurality of through holes 22H are formed in the base portion 221 of the second member 22, penetrating the base portion 221 in the longitudinal direction X. The plurality of through holes 22H are arranged at equal intervals, for example, in the vertical direction Z.

[0028] Next, the assembly of the first member 21 and the pair of second members 22 will be described. First, the worker positions the pair of second members 22 so that their base portions 221 are back to back, and the base portions 221 of the pair of second members 22 sandwich the base portion 211 of the first member 21.

[0029] Next, the worker inserts the tip of the bolt Bo4 into the through hole 22H of the base portion 221 of the second member 22. Then, the worker inserts the tip of the bolt Bo4 into the through hole 21H of the base portion 211 of the first member 21. Next, the worker inserts the tip of the bolt Bo4 into the through hole 22H of the base portion 221 of the second member 22. Then, the first member 21 and the pair of second members 22 are assembled by screwing the threaded portion of the bolt Bo4 into the threaded portion of a nut (not shown). Then, by performing the same operation, the first member 21 and the second member 22 are connected by screwing the bolt Bo4, whose tip has been inserted into the through hole 21H of the first member 21 and the through hole 22H of the second member 22, into the nut, thereby forming the column 20.

[0030] Each of the columns 20 configured in this way is erected on the ground GR such that the axis 20z of the column 20 is perpendicular to the horizontal plane HF, as shown in Figure 12. In other words, in the solar power generation device 10 according to this embodiment, the intersection angle θ1 between the axis 20z of the column 20 and the horizontal plane HF is 90 degrees.

[0031] Each of the beams 30 extends along the longitudinal direction X, as shown in Figure 4, and connects two columns 20 along the longitudinal direction X. Each of the beams 30 is made of metal. Each of the beams 30 is formed in a substantially C shape in cross-section along the longitudinal direction X. The surface of each of the beams 30 is painted to suppress rust formation.

[0032] More specifically, each of the beams 30 comprises a base portion 31, a pair of opposing portions 32a and 32b, and a pair of bent portions 33a and 33b, as shown in Figures 5 and 7.

[0033] The base portion 31 is formed in a flat plate shape. The pair of opposing portions 32a and 32b are positioned at both ends of the base portion 31 in the short direction Y, and are formed in a flat plate shape and face each other in the short direction Y.

[0034] The pair of bent portions 33a and 33b are arranged from both ends of the pair of opposing portions 32a and 32b such that the distance between them increases in the shorter direction Y.

[0035] As the beam 30 is constructed as described above, the base portion 31 and the pair of opposing portions 32a and 32b form a second cable routing space 30S through which cables connected to the solar panel 40 are routed (see Figure 10). Then, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the first cable routing space 22S and the second cable routing space 30S are connected at both ends in the longitudinal direction X of the beam 30.

[0036] Furthermore, in the opposing portions 32a and 32b of the beam 30, a sixth through-hole 31H1 is formed at each end in the longitudinal direction X, penetrating the opposing portions 32a and 32b in the short direction Y. As shown in Figure 7, the sixth through-hole 31H1 is formed in an oval shape, with the dimension in the longitudinal direction X being longer than the dimension in the vertical direction Z.

[0037] Furthermore, in the opposing portions 32a and 32b of the beam 30, a fourth through-hole 31H2 is formed in the portions excluding both ends in the longitudinal direction X, penetrating the opposing portions 32a and 32b in the short direction Y. As shown in Figure 8, the fourth through-hole 31H2 is formed in an oval shape, with the dimension in the longitudinal direction X being longer than the dimension in the vertical direction Z.

[0038] Furthermore, the photovoltaic power generation device 10 according to this embodiment further comprises a plurality of fastening devices for attaching one component to the other component. The fastening devices consist of, for example, a bolt Bo having a head and a cylindrically formed screw, and a ring-shaped nut Nu.

[0039] The bolt Bo is a fastener in which the threads formed on the outer surface of the bolt Bo and the threads formed on the inner surface of the annular nut are screwed together, thereby maintaining the state in which one part is attached to the other part.

[0040] Then, the worker uses a third fastening device equipped with a third bolt (third fastener) Bo3 and a third nut Nu3 to insert the tip of the third bolt Bo3 into the fifth through hole 224H of the second member 22, and also inserts the tip of the third bolt Bo3 into the sixth through hole 31H1 of the beam 30, and then screws the third bolt Bo3 and the third nut Nu3 together to attach the beam 30 to the column 20.

[0041] Next, each of the multiple solar panels 40 will be described. Each of the solar panels 40 is positioned between multiple columns 20 (more specifically, two columns 20) as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Each of the solar panels 40 is rectangular in shape and flat when viewed from the short side direction Y. Each of the solar panels 40 also comprises a frame 41, vertical bars 42a and horizontal bars 42b positioned inside the frame 41, and a panel body 43 positioned inside the frame 41 that generates electricity from sunlight.

[0042] Furthermore, in each of the solar panels 40 according to this embodiment, the panel body 43 is formed in a plate shape and includes a first light-receiving surface 40F1 arranged on one side (front) and a second light-receiving surface 40F2 arranged on the other side (back). In other words, the solar panel 40 according to this embodiment is capable of generating electricity from sunlight on the first light-receiving surface 40F1 on one side and on the second light-receiving surface 40F2 on the other side. To put it another way, the solar panel 40 according to this embodiment is capable of generating electricity from two sides (both front and back).

[0043] The first light-receiving surface 40F1 is a light-receiving surface capable of generating electricity from sunlight. The solar panel 40 is positioned such that the first normal 40NL1 perpendicular to the surface of the first light-receiving surface 40F1 points, for example, due east, as shown in Figure 12. In other words, the solar power generation device 10 is positioned so that the first light-receiving surface 40F1 faces due east.

[0044] The second light-receiving surface 40F2 is a light-receiving surface capable of generating electricity from sunlight. The solar panel 40 is positioned such that the second normal 40NL2 perpendicular to the surface of the second light-receiving surface 40F2 is, for example, due west. In other words, the solar power generation device 10 is positioned so that the second light-receiving surface 40F2 faces due west.

[0045] Each of the frames 41 has a plurality of second through-holes 40H that penetrate the frame 41 in the short-side direction Y. In other words, the second through-holes 40H penetrate the solar panel 40 in the short-side direction Y. In the photovoltaic power generation device 10 according to this embodiment, the second through-holes 40H are formed in the upper part of the frame 41 in the vertical direction Z and in the lower part of the frame 41 in the vertical direction Z.

[0046] Each of the multiple connectors 50 connects the beam 30 to the solar panel 40. Each of the multiple connectors 50 comprises a first part 51, a second part 52, and a third part 53.

[0047] The first part 51 is formed in a plate shape. The mounting portion is positioned so that the surface of the first part 51 and the horizontal plane HF coincide.

[0048] The second portion 52 is formed in a plate shape. The second portion 52 is positioned at one end of the first portion 51 in the short-side direction Y. In this state, the surface of the second portion 52 is perpendicular to the short-side direction Y. Also in this state, the second portion 52 is positioned on one side of the first portion 51 in the vertical direction Z. For example, in Figure 8, the second portion 52 is positioned above the first portion 51 in the vertical direction Z.

[0049] Furthermore, a third through-hole 50H1 is formed in the second portion 52, penetrating the second portion 52 in the short direction Y.

[0050] The third portion 53 is formed in a plate shape. The third portion 53 is positioned at the other end of the first portion 51 in the short direction Y. In this state, the surface of the third portion 53 is perpendicular to the short direction Y. Also in this state, the third portion 53 is positioned on the other side of the first portion 51 in the vertical direction Z. For example, in Figure 8, the third portion 53 is positioned below the first portion 51 in the vertical direction Z.

[0051] Furthermore, a first through-hole 50H2 is formed in the third portion 53 in the short direction Y, penetrating the third portion 53.

[0052] Next, the attachment of the solar panels 40 to the beam 30 via the connector 50 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view that enlarges part B of Figure 4. In other words, Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the attachment of the solar panels 40 to the beam 30 via the connector 50 in the photovoltaic power generation device 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0053] The worker uses the second bolt (second fastener) Bo2 and second nut Nu2 of the second fastening device to attach the connector 50 to the solar panel 40. First, insert the second bolt (second fastener) Bo2 through the first through hole 50H2 and the second through hole 40H, and then screw the second bolt Bo2 and the second nut Nu2 together.

[0054] Next, using the first bolt (first fastener) Bo1 and first nut Nu1 of the first fastening device, the worker inserts the first bolt (first fastener) Bo1 through the third through hole 50H1 and the fourth through hole 31H2, and then screws the first bolt Bo1 and the first nut Nu1 together to attach the solar panel 40 to the beam 30 via the connector 50.

[0055] Incidentally, conventional solar power generation systems are installed on vacant lots or on the roofs of buildings such as houses, with the light-receiving surface facing south. More specifically, the solar panels of conventional solar power generation systems are installed in a horizontal position such that the angle at which the surface of the solar panel (light-receiving surface) intersects with the horizontal plane HF is between 5 and 30 degrees, and the light-receiving surface faces south. For these reasons, the peak power generation of solar panels in conventional solar power generation systems occurs around noon on sunny days. Since solar panels in solar power generation systems installed throughout Japan are generally installed as described above, the power grid approaches saturation around noon on sunny days. Consequently, electricity around noon on sunny days has low value in the power grid.

[0056] On the other hand, in the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment, the solar panels 40 are installed so that the first light-receiving surface 40F1 faces due east, so the peak of solar power generation on the first light-receiving surface 40F1 occurs around sunrise. Also, in the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment, the solar panels 40 are installed so that the second light-receiving surface 40F2 faces due west, so the peak of solar power generation on the second light-receiving surface 40F2 occurs around sunset. Therefore, the peak power generation of the solar panels 40 in the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment occurs around sunrise and sunset, which differs from the peak power generation times of the solar panels 40 in conventional photovoltaic power generation systems 10. As a result, the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment can improve the value of power generation by solar panels 40 in the power grid.

[0057] The photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment, described above, comprises a plurality of columns 20 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction X and erected on the ground GR, and a solar panel 40 positioned between the plurality of columns 20, with a light-receiving surface 40F1 formed on at least one side, which generates electricity from sunlight. The plurality of columns 20 support the solar panel 40 such that the light-receiving surface 40F1 faces either east or west. Therefore, the peak power generation of the solar panel 40 in the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment occurs around sunrise and sunset, which differs from the peak power generation time of the solar panel 40 in conventional photovoltaic power generation systems 10. As a result, the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment can improve the value of power generation by the solar panel 40 in the power grid.

[0058] Furthermore, in the photovoltaic power generation device 10 according to this embodiment, the solar panel 40 is capable of generating electricity from sunlight on the first light-receiving surface 40F1 on one side, and also capable of generating electricity from sunlight on the second light-receiving surface 40F2 on the other side. Therefore, in the photovoltaic power generation device 10 according to this embodiment, for example, there is a peak in power generation around sunrise on the first light-receiving surface 40F1, and a peak in power generation around sunset on the second light-receiving surface 40F2. Consequently, the daily power generation amount of the photovoltaic power generation device 10 can be increased.

[0059] Furthermore, the solar power generation device 10 according to this embodiment further comprises a beam 30 extending along the longitudinal direction X and connecting two columns 20 in the longitudinal direction X, a connector 50 connecting the beam 30 and the solar panel 40, a second bolt (second fastener) Bo2 inserted through a first through hole 50H2 that penetrates the connector 50 in the short direction Y and a second through hole 40H that penetrates the solar panel 40 in the short direction Y, a third through hole 50H1 that penetrates the connector 50 in the short direction Y and a first bolt (first fastener) Bo1 inserted through a fourth through hole 31H2 that penetrates the beam 30 in the short direction Y.

[0060] In a conventional solar power generation device 100, as shown in Figure 11, the worker first forms a through-hole 200H through the column 200, then attaches a rail 402 with a U-shaped cross-section and a mounting fixture 401 having a through-hole 400H to the solar panel 400 with bolts bo11, then inserts the tip of bolt Bo10 into the through-holes 200H and 400H, and then screws bolt Bo10 and nut Nu10 together. Therefore, in a conventional solar power generation device 100, the direction in which bolt Bo10 extends and the direction in which wind load is applied to the solar panel 400 are perpendicular, and there is a risk that bolt Bo10 may break due to the shear stress generated in bolt Bo10 based on the wind load.

[0061] On the other hand, according to the photovoltaic power generation device 10 of this embodiment, by configuring it as described above, the extending direction of the first fastener Bo1 can be made to coincide with the direction in which wind load is applied to the solar panel 40, thereby reducing the risk of the first fastener Bo1 breaking due to shear stress generated in the first fastener Bo1 due to the wind load. Furthermore, according to the photovoltaic power generation device 10 of this embodiment, by configuring it as described above, the extending direction of the second fastener Bo2 can be made to coincide with the direction in which wind load is applied to the solar panel 40, thereby reducing the risk of the second fastener Bo2 breaking due to shear stress generated in the second fastener Bo2 due to the wind load.

[0062] Each of the columns 20 has a first member 21 positioned below in the vertical direction Z, and a second member 22 positioned above the first member 21 in the vertical direction Z. The first member 21 and the second member 22 are formed such that the rigidity of the first member 21 in the longitudinal direction X is greater than the rigidity of the second member 22 in the longitudinal direction X, and the first member 21 is embedded in the ground.

[0063] The device further includes a fifth through-hole 224H that penetrates the second member 22 in the short direction Y, and a sixth through-hole 31H1 that penetrates the beam 30 in the short direction Y, both of which are inserted into a third bolt (third fastener) Bo3.

[0064] Multiple columns 20 are erected such that the intersection angle between the axis 20z of each column 20 and the horizontal plane HF is 90 degrees.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment is a vertical type in which the axes 20z of the multiple columns 20 are arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane HF. Therefore, in the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment, the only places where snow accumulates are the uppermost part 20U of the multiple columns 20 shown in Figure 9, and the upper surface 30U of the beam 30 located at the very top in the vertical direction Z. As a result, snow hardly accumulates on the first light-receiving surface 40F1 (see Figure 12) and the second light-receiving surface 40F2 of the solar panel 40, and the amount of snow that accumulates on the columns 20 and beam 30 can be kept to a minimum. Therefore, the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment can minimize the increase in load (load burden) due to snow accumulation, and thus reduce the risk of collapse due to snow accumulation. Accordingly, the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment can expand the land on which it can be installed, for example, in areas with heavy snowfall such as the Sea of ​​Japan side. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the photovoltaic power generation system 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 and 9, the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of columns 20 arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction X and erected on the ground GR, and a solar panel 40 positioned between the plurality of columns 20, with a light-receiving surface 40F1 formed on at least one of its surfaces, which generates electricity from sunlight. In the installed state, the solar panel 40 is a non-movable type, with the angle of the light-receiving surface 40F1 relative to the axis 20z of the column 20 being constant. Therefore, compared to conventional movable solar power generation systems, the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment can reduce the risk of failure due to the complexity of the drive mechanism.

[0067] In the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment, the beam 30 has a second cable routing space 30S, which is an internal space, as shown in Figure 10, and cables electrically connected to the solar panels 40 are inserted through this second cable routing space 30S. Here, the number of cables and / or their storage locations vary depending on the number of solar panels 40, the interconnection of multiple systems 10, the type of system, etc. In the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment, since the beam 30 has a second cable routing space 30S for inserting cables electrically connected to the solar panels 40, sufficient space for inserting multiple cables is secured structurally, thereby accommodating various cable storage conditions. Furthermore, in the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment, the work of fixing cables to the beam 30 and / or column 20 with cable ties or the like is unnecessary, making the installation of the photovoltaic power generation system 10 easier. Accordingly, concerns about poor cable connections or damage due to improper cable storage can be reduced. On the other hand, in conventional photovoltaic power generation systems where the beam 30 does not have a second cable routing space 30S for inserting cables electrically connected to the solar panels 40, it becomes necessary to attach cable ties to secure the cables at appropriate intervals, making the installation of the photovoltaic power generation system complicated. Furthermore, there is a risk of cable connection failure due to improper cable accommodation, as well as the risk of cable damage. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow DD in Figure 9.

[0068] Furthermore, in the photovoltaic power generation device 10 according to this embodiment, the solar panels 40 are attached to the beam 30 via connectors 50 so that the solar panels 40 cannot rotate or move.

[0069] In the solar panel 40 according to the above embodiment, the first light-receiving surface 40F1 is positioned to face due east and the second light-receiving surface 40F2 is positioned to face due west. However, the solar panel 40 according to this embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, in the solar panel 40 according to this embodiment, the first light-receiving surface 40F1 may be positioned to face slightly east of due east, and the second light-receiving surface 40F2 may be positioned to face slightly west of due west.

[0070] Furthermore, in the photovoltaic power generation device 10 according to the above-described embodiment, the solar panel 40 is described as being capable of generating electricity from sunlight on a first light-receiving surface 40F1 on one side and capable of generating electricity from sunlight on a second light-receiving surface 40F2 on the other side. However, the solar panel 40 according to this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the solar panel 40 according to this embodiment only needs to have a light-receiving surface capable of generating electricity from sunlight formed on at least one side. In this case, the photovoltaic power generation device 10 supports the solar panel 40 with multiple columns 20 such that the light-receiving surface (40F1) faces either east or west.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment of the solar power generation device 10, the column 20 was described in which the intersection angle θ1 between the axis 20z of the column 20 and the horizontal plane is 90 degrees. However, the column 20 in this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the column 20 in this embodiment includes those in which the intersection angle θ1 between the axis 20z of the column 20 and the horizontal plane falls within the range of approximately 90 degrees (i.e., roughly 90 degrees).

[0072] Furthermore, in the photovoltaic power generation device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, a gap is provided in the short direction Y between the opposing portion 212a of the first member 21 and the first opposing portion 222a of the second member 22, and a gap is provided between the opposing portion 212b of the first member 21 and the first opposing portion 222b of the second member 22. However, the photovoltaic power generation device 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the second member 22 may be attached to the first member 21 by bringing the opposing portion 212a of the first member 21 and the first opposing portion 222a of the second member 22 into contact in the short direction Y, and bringing the opposing portion 212b of the first member 21 and the first opposing portion 222b of the second member 22 into contact. By attaching the second member 22 to the first member 21 in this way, the contact area between the first member 21 and the second member 22 is increased, thereby increasing the design pressure resistance against wind in the direction (specifically, the shorter direction) Y in which the wind load is applied to the solar panel 400.

[0073] Furthermore, the photovoltaic power generation system 10 according to this embodiment supports a solar panel 40 that generates a relatively large amount of electricity, and therefore supports the solar panel 40 with multiple poles 20. For this reason, the photovoltaic power generation system according to this embodiment does not include a solar panel that generates a small amount of electricity and is supported by a single pole.

[0074] Furthermore, the solar power generation system 10 according to this embodiment is electrically connected to, for example, the power grid of a power company in order to buy and sell the electricity generated by sunlight on the solar panel 40. Therefore, an independent solar power generation system that is not electrically connected to the power grid of a power company is not included in the solar power generation system according to this embodiment.

[0075] In addition to the materials described in the specification, various known materials commonly used in this type of article may be used without limitation for each component of the photovoltaic power generation device according to the present invention. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "fifth," and "sixth" are used simply to distinguish similar elements, positions, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 10. Solar power generation equipment 20 pillars 21 First Member 22 Second Member 224H 5th through hole 30 Beam 30S 2nd wiring space (internal space) 31H1 6th through hole 31H2 4th through hole 40 solar panels 40F1 1st light receiving surface (light receiving surface) 40F2 2nd light receiving surface 40H 2nd through hole 50 connectors 50H1 3rd through hole 50H2 1st through hole Bo1 First bolt (first fastener) Bo2 Second bolt (second fastener) Bo3 Third bolt (third fastener) GR ground HF horizontal plane X Longitudinal direction Y-short direction Z vertical direction θ1 is the angle of intersection between the axis 20z of column 20 and the horizontal plane.

Claims

1. Multiple columns are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction and each is erected in the ground, A solar panel is positioned between the aforementioned plurality of columns, has a light-receiving surface formed on at least one of its surfaces, and generates electricity using sunlight on the light-receiving surface. Equipped with, A photovoltaic power generation device characterized in that the plurality of columns support the solar panels such that the light-receiving surface faces east or west.

2. The aforementioned light-receiving surface is the first light-receiving surface, The aforementioned solar panel is On one side, the first light-receiving surface makes it possible to generate electricity using sunlight, The photovoltaic power generation device according to claim 1, wherein it is possible to generate electricity using sunlight on the second light-receiving surface of the other side.

3. A beam extending along the longitudinal direction and connecting two columns in the longitudinal direction, A connector for connecting the beam and the solar panel, A first fastener is inserted through a first through-hole that penetrates the connector in a short direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and a second through-hole that penetrates the solar panel in the short direction, A second fastener is inserted through a third through-hole that penetrates the connector in the shorter direction, and a fourth through-hole that penetrates the beam in the shorter direction, The photovoltaic power generation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. Each of the aforementioned columns is A first member positioned downwards in the vertical direction, A second member is positioned above the first member in the vertical direction, It has, The first member and the second member are formed such that the rigidity of the first member in the longitudinal direction is greater than the rigidity of the second member in the longitudinal direction. The solar power generation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first member is buried in the ground.

5. The photovoltaic power generation apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a third fastener inserted through a fifth through-hole that penetrates the second member in the short direction and a sixth through-hole that penetrates the beam in the short direction.

6. The solar power generation device according to claim 3, wherein the snow accumulation is limited to the uppermost parts of the plurality of columns and the upper surface of the beam located at the highest point in the vertical direction.

7. The beam has an internal space, The photovoltaic power generation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a cable electrically connected to the solar panel is inserted into the internal space.

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