Solar power generation equipment

Abstract

To depress a secondary disaster caused by submergence of a solar panel.SOLUTION: In a photovoltaic power generation device 1, a solar panel 10 has a submergence notification device 40. When the solar panel 10 is sunk, the submergence notification device 40 notifies the surroundings of the presence of the sunk solar panel 10. Thus, a secondary disaster caused by a risk of electric shock can be depressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for improving the safety of a solar power generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a photovoltaic power generation system that has solar panels and a power conditioner. The solar panels are installed in a location exposed to sunlight, such as the roof of a house. The solar panels receive sunlight and generate electricity. The power conditioner converts the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power. The power conditioner is also called a PV (Photovoltaic) inverter or simply an inverter. In most cases, the power conditioner is installed at a lower position than the solar panels.

[0003] Solar power generation equipment is said to be highly safe because it does not use heat. However, if a solar power generation system is submerged in water, there is a risk of electrical leakage and electric shock, because the solar power generation system continues to generate electricity using the solar panels as long as sunlight is shining on them.

[0004] Therefore, a photovoltaic power generation device has been proposed that cuts off the power from the solar cell panel to the power conditioner when the power conditioner is submerged (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-216660 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The solar power generation device of Patent Document 1 can reduce the risk of electric shock at the power input section of the power conditioner. However, because solar panels continue to generate electricity as long as they are exposed to sunlight, there is a risk of electric shock due to the output current of the solar panels. For this reason, for example, solar panels that are drifting or have been washed ashore or abandoned pose a risk of electric shock, regardless of whether they are disconnected from the power conditioner.

[0007] Therefore, while solar power generation systems are highly safe under normal circumstances, there is a risk of electric shock if solar panels are submerged, which could cause secondary damage. In other words, if a house equipped with solar panels is submerged due to a tsunami or river flooding, there is a risk of electric shock during the daytime on clear days, which could delay evacuation, rescue, recovery work, etc. Furthermore, even if solar panels are not actually installed, evacuation, rescue, recovery work, etc. may be delayed because careful work is required in houses where solar panels may be installed or in places where solar panels may have washed ashore.

[0008] The present invention prevents secondary damage caused by the submersion of solar panels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In one embodiment of the solar power generation device, the solar panel has a submersion notification means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] A solar power generation device according to one embodiment can prevent secondary disasters by alerting the surrounding area that a submerged solar panel exists. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a solar power generation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a submersion alarm device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams of the detection unit of the first embodiment, in which (a) shows the state when not submerged in water and (b) shows the state when submerged in water. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a solar power generation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a first conceptual diagram of an intermediary device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams of a detection unit according to a second embodiment, in which (a) shows a state when not submerged in water, and (b) shows a state when submerged in water. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a second conceptual diagram of the intermediary device of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a solar power generation device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] [First embodiment] [composition] As shown in FIG. 1, the solar power generation device 1 of the first embodiment includes a solar panel (module) 10, a junction box 20, and a power conditioner 30. The solar panel 10 includes a plurality of solar cells. The solar panel 10 includes a pair of output terminals 11. The junction box 20 includes a pair of input terminals 21 and a pair of output terminals 22. The power conditioner 30 includes a pair of input terminals 31 and a pair of output terminals 32. The output terminals 11 of the solar panel 10 are connected to the input terminals 21 of the junction box 20 via a cable 70. The output terminals 22 of the junction box 20 are connected to the input terminals 31 of the power conditioner 30 via a cable 70. The pair of output terminals 32 of the power conditioner 30 are connected to a power receiving facility (not shown) via a cable (not shown). The solar panel 10 outputs DC power from the output terminals 11. The junction box 20 collects the DC power output by the solar panel 10 and supplies it to the power conditioner 30. The power conditioner 30 converts DC power supplied from the solar panel 10 via the connection box 20 into AC power, and supplies the AC power to a power receiving facility (not shown).

[0014] The solar panel 10 has a submersion alarm device (submersion alarm means) 40. The submersion alarm device 40 is a device for notifying the surrounding area that a submerged solar panel 10 exists. Submersion here means that the solar panel 10 is wholly or partially submerged. Furthermore, the surrounding area refers to the area near the solar panel 10 (for example, an area within several meters of the solar panel 10), people near the solar panel 10 (for example, people within several meters of the solar panel 10), people at risk of electric shock from the output current of the submerged solar panel 10, people near the submerged solar panel 10, etc. These people include, for example, people evacuating from a house or the like in which the solar panel 10 is installed, people rescuing people or pets from a house or the like in which the solar panel 10 is installed, people performing recovery work in an area including the house or the like in which the solar panel 10 is installed, people performing search work in an area including the house or the like in which the solar panel 10 is installed, etc.

[0015] The submersion alarm device 40 is water resistant. The submersion alarm device 40 operates using DC power output by the solar panel 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the submersion alarm device 40 has a detection unit 41 and an alarm unit 42. The detection unit 41 is a component for detecting that the solar panel 10 has been submerged in water. The alarm unit 42 is a component for notifying those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel 10 exists.

[0016] Any method can be used to detect that the solar panel 10 has been submerged. The detection unit 41 illustrated in FIG. 3 has a pair of electrodes 411, 412. The electrodes 411, 412 are provided, for example, on the back (bottom) of the solar panel 10 or in the vicinity thereof. As shown in FIG. 3(a), under normal circumstances (when not submerged), the electrodes 411, 412 are insulated by air A. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when the solar panel 10 is submerged, the electrodes 411, 412 are short-circuited by water W. Arrow C indicates the current that flows between the electrodes 411, 412 due to the short-circuit. The detection unit 41 detects the short-circuit between the electrodes 411, 412 as the solar panel 10 being submerged.

[0017] When the detection unit 41 detects submersion (when a short circuit occurs between the electrodes 411, 412 in the example of FIG. 3), the notification unit 42 notifies those around that a submerged solar panel 10 exists.

[0018] The manner in which the presence of a submerged solar panel 10 can be notified to those in the vicinity is arbitrary. For example, the notification unit 42 shown in FIG. 2 has a vibration generating source (vibration generating means) 421. Examples of the vibration generating source 421 include a speaker, a vibrator, etc. The speaker is a means for generating an alarm sound (air vibration). By generating the alarm sound, the presence of the submerged solar panel 10 can be audibly notified to those in the vicinity. Furthermore, by outputting an audio message from the speaker as the alarm sound to notify that there is a risk of electric shock from the submerged solar panel 10, the risk of electric shock can be more clearly notified to those in the vicinity and a warning can be given. The audio message includes a message urging people not to approach the location from which the message is being emitted, i.e., the submerged solar panel 10 (for example, "Electric shock! Danger! Stay away! Electric shock! Danger! Stay away! ...", "There is a submerged solar panel. There is a risk of electric shock. Do not approach", etc.). The vibrator is a means for vibrating the solar panel 10 itself (solid vibration). By vibrating the solar panel 10 itself, the presence of the submerged solar panel 10 can be visually alerted to those in the vicinity. For example, the vibration of the solar panel 10 causes ripples to occur periodically on the water surface, thereby alerting the presence of the submerged solar panel 10 and calling attention to it. Furthermore, the vibration of the solar panel 10 generates an audible sound, making it possible to auditorily alert the presence of the submerged solar panel 10 and call attention to it.

[0019] The alarm unit 42 may be activated in any manner. For example, a known normally open contact device may be used as a switching means for switching the alarm unit 42 between activated and deactivated. The normally open contact device has a fixed contact and a movable contact that can be brought into contact with and separated from the fixed contact. The normally open contact device is provided in the power supply path to the alarm unit 42. The normally open contact device remains open under normal circumstances (when not submerged), cutting off the supply of power to the alarm unit 42. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs between the two electrodes 411, 412 of the detection unit 41, this triggers the normally open contact device to close. This supplies power to the alarm unit 42. The supply of power activates the alarm unit 42, and alerts those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel 10 is present.

[0020] 3 can also be used as a switching means for switching between inactivation and activation of the alarm unit 42. In this case, both electrodes 411, 412 are provided in a power supply path to the alarm unit 42, and a short circuit between the two electrodes supplies power to the alarm unit 42. When power is supplied, the alarm unit 42 operates and notifies those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel 10 is present.

[0021] [Operation] When the solar panel 10 of the solar power generation device 1 of the first embodiment configured as described above is submerged, the solar power generation device 1 notifies the surrounding area that the submerged solar panel 10 is present.

[0022] [effect] The solar power generation device 1 of the first embodiment configured and operating as described above can alert those in the vicinity to the presence of the submerged solar panel 10, thereby drawing attention and preventing secondary disasters due to the risk of electric shock. By alerting those in the vicinity to the presence of the submerged solar panel 10, evacuation, rescue, recovery work, etc. can be carried out while taking care to avoid electric shock.

[0023] In the following description, components that are the same as those already described will be given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. [Second embodiment] [composition] As shown in FIG. 4, the solar power generation device 2 of the second embodiment includes a solar cell module string 50, a junction box 20, and a power conditioner 30. The solar cell module string 50 includes a plurality of solar panels (solar cell modules) 10. The plurality of solar panels 10 are electrically connected in series. Adjacent solar panels 10 are electrically connected via an intermediary device 60 and two cables 70. The intermediary device 60 mediates the two cables (power paths) 70 that electrically connect the adjacent solar panels 10 in series. The intermediary device 60 has a function (power path blocking function) of cutting off the electrical connection between terminals 70a, 70b of the cables 70 that it mediates in an emergency (when submerged in water).

[0024] Each solar panel 10 has a submersion notification device (submersion notification means) 40. When the submersion notification device 40 detects that the solar panel 10 is submerged, it notifies the surrounding area that a submerged solar panel 10 exists.

[0025] The intermediary device 60 is waterproof. The intermediary device 60 is disposed on the back (bottom) of the solar panel 10 or in the vicinity thereof. The intermediary device 60 is connected to the DC power output by the solar panel 10. As shown in Fig. 5, the intermediary device 60 has a detection unit 61 and a current interruption unit 62. The detection unit 61 is a component for detecting that a solar panel 10 has been submerged in water. The current interruption unit 62 is a component (current interruption device) for interrupting conduction between terminals 70a and 70b of cables 70 extending from adjacent solar panels 10.

[0026] The manner in which the solar panel 10 is detected to be submerged is arbitrary. The detection unit 61 illustrated in FIG. 6 has a pair of electrodes 611, 612. The electrodes 611, 612 are provided, for example, on the outer surface of a housing 63 (see FIG. 7) of the intermediary device 60. As shown in FIG. 6(a), under normal circumstances (when not submerged), the electrodes 611, 612 are insulated by air A. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when the solar panel 10 is submerged, the electrodes 611, 612 are short-circuited by water W. Arrow C indicates the current that flows between the electrodes 611, 612 due to the short-circuit. The detection unit 61 detects the short-circuit between the electrodes 611, 612 as the solar panel 10 being submerged.

[0027] When the detection unit 61 detects submersion in water (when a short circuit occurs between the electrodes 611, 612 in the example of FIG. 5), the electrical cutoff unit 62 cuts off the electrical connection between the cables 70 that it mediates. As a result, the electrical connection (energization) between the adjacent solar panels 10 connected in series with each other is cut off.

[0028] The electrical connection between the two cables 70 may be interrupted in any manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , a normally closed contact device 621 may be used as the electrical interrupter 62. The normally closed contact device 621 has a fixed contact 621a and a movable contact 621b that can be brought into contact with and separated from the fixed contact 621a. The normally closed contact device 621 is provided in the power path between the terminals 70a and 70b of the two cables 70. The normally closed contact device 621 remains closed under normal conditions (when not submerged), electrically connecting the two cables 70. In this case, a short circuit between the electrodes 611 and 612 of the detection unit 61 triggers the normally closed contact device 621 to open, as shown by the dashed line. This interrupts the electrical connection between the two cables 70.

[0029] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, an actuator 622 can be used as the electrical cutoff unit 62. As illustrated in FIG. 7(a), before the actuator 622 is activated, the terminal (male terminal) 70a of the cable 70 and the terminal (female terminal) 60b of the intermediary device 60 are connected to each other. The actuator 622 is activated when a short circuit occurs between the electrodes 611, 612 of the detection unit 61. When the actuator is activated, the cable 70 is completely disconnected from the intermediary device 60, as illustrated in FIG. 7(b). That is, the actuator 622 electrically and structurally (mechanically) separates the two cables 70 mediated by the intermediary device 60. This more effectively cuts off the electrical connection between the two cables 70. An electromagnetic solenoid, for example, can be used as a power source for the actuator 622.

[0030] [Effect] In the solar power generation system 2 of the second embodiment configured as described above, when a solar panel 10 is submerged, the electrical connection between adjacent solar panels 10 connected in series is cut off. As a result, the multiple solar panels 10 that are normally electrically connected in series are electrically separated into individual solar panels 10. This reduces the output voltage compared to when the multiple solar panels 10 are electrically connected in series, reducing the risk of electric shock. For example, in the case of the solar cell module string 50 illustrated in FIG. 4, by separating the solar panels 10 into three electrically individual solar panels 10, the open-circuit voltage can theoretically be reduced to one-third.

[0031] Furthermore, when the solar panel 10 of the solar power generation device 2 of the second embodiment configured as described above is submerged, the solar panel 10 notifies the surrounding area that a submerged solar panel 10 exists.

[0032] [effect] The solar power generation device 2 of the second embodiment configured and operating as described above can alert those in the vicinity to the presence of a submerged solar panel 10 to draw attention, thereby preventing secondary disasters due to the risk of electric shock (delays in evacuation, rescue, recovery work, etc.) and reducing the risk in the event of an electric shock accident. By alerting those in the vicinity to the presence of a submerged solar panel 10, evacuation, rescue, recovery work, etc. can be carried out while taking care to avoid electric shock.

[0033] [Third embodiment] [composition] As shown in Fig. 8, a submersion alarm device 80 of a solar power generation system 3 according to the third embodiment is attached to a solar panel 10. The submersion alarm device 80 is water resistant. The submersion alarm device 80 operates using DC power output by the solar panel 10. The submersion alarm device 80 has a pair of input terminals 81 connected to both output terminals 11 of the solar panel 10, a pair of output terminals 82 connected to cables 70, a detection unit 41 for detecting that the solar panel 10 has been submerged, and a notification unit 42 for notifying that the solar panel 10 has been submerged. When the detection unit 41 detects that the solar panel 10 has been submerged, the notification unit 42 notifies those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel 10 exists.

[0034] [Effect] The submersion alarm device 80 of the third embodiment configured as described above can be retrofitted to an existing solar panel 10. When the solar panel 10 equipped with the submersion alarm device 80 is submerged, the submersion alarm device 80 notifies the surrounding area of ​​the presence of the submerged solar panel 10.

[0035] [effect] The submersion alarm device 80 of the third embodiment, which is configured and operates as described above, can alert those in the vicinity to the presence of a submerged solar panel 10, drawing attention to the situation and preventing secondary disasters due to the risk of electric shock. By alerting those in the vicinity to the presence of a submerged solar panel 10, evacuation, rescue, recovery work, and the like can be carried out while taking care to avoid electric shock.

[0036] [Other embodiments] In the first and second embodiments, the submersion alarm device 40 may be retrofitted to an existing solar panel 10, i.e., a solar panel 10 that does not have a submersion alarm device 40. The submersion alarm device 40 may also be integrated into the solar panel 10.

[0037] In the second embodiment, the intermediary device 60 may have a current fuse that melts due to an abnormal current when the solar panel 10 is submerged. According to this configuration, the current fuse melts when the solar panel 10 is submerged, and the electrical connection between the solar panels 10 that make up the solar cell module string 50 is cut off. In this case, the current fuse functions as a detection unit 61 and an electrical cutoff unit 62.

[0038] In the second embodiment, the intermediary device 60 may be integrated into the solar panel 10. In this case, the detection unit 61 is provided, for example, on the back surface (bottom surface) of the solar panel 10. The electrical cutoff unit 62 is provided, for example, at the output terminal 11 of the solar panel 10. When the detection unit 61 detects that the solar panel 10 is submerged in water, the electrical cutoff unit 62 cuts off the electrical connection between the output terminal 11 of the solar panel 10 and the cable 70 connected to the output terminal 11. This cuts off the electrical connection between the solar panels 10 that make up the solar cell module string 50. With this configuration, the intermediary device 60 that connects the cables 70 can be omitted, simplifying the configuration of the solar power generation device 2.

[0039] In the second embodiment, the solar power generation device 2 may have a solar cell module array in which a plurality of solar cell module strings 50 are electrically connected in parallel to one another.

[0040] In the first and second embodiments, the submersion alarm device 40 is provided on the solar panel 10, but it may also be provided on other components of the solar power generation devices 1 and 2 (for example, the junction box 20, the cable 70, etc.).

[0041] In the third embodiment, the submersion alarm device 80 may include an electrical circuit breaker 62. In this case, when the detector 41 detects that the solar panel 10 is submerged, the electrical circuit breaker 62 breaks the electrical connection between the output terminal 11 of the solar panel 10 and the cable 70 connected to the output terminal 11. This configuration is suitable for a submersion alarm device for a solar power generation device 2 including a solar cell module string 50, as in the second embodiment. That is, by attaching the submersion alarm device 80 including the electrical circuit breaker 62 to an existing solar panel 10 that constitutes the solar cell module string 50, the intermediary device 60 that connects the cables 70 can be omitted, simplifying the configuration of the solar power generation device 2. When a solar panel 10 is submerged, the electrical connection between adjacent solar panels 10 connected in series can be broken and the presence of the submerged solar panel 10 can be notified to those around it.

[0042] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the notification unit 42 of the submersion notification device 40, 80 may have a light source capable of emitting light at a brightness visible even on a clear day, and may illuminate the light source when the solar panel 10 is submerged, thereby visually notifying those in the vicinity of the presence of the submerged solar panel. The notification unit 42 may also have the light source and a vibration generating source 421, and perform a notification operation using light emission and vibration (air vibration, solid vibration). This allows for more reliable notification of the presence of the submerged solar panel 10 to those in the vicinity. The light emission may be in any form. Examples of the light emission form include continuous light emission at a constant brightness, flashing light emission that alternates between light emission (on) and non-emission (off) at predetermined intervals, color-changing light emission that changes the emission wavelength at predetermined intervals, and synchronous light emission that emits light (on) or non-emission (off) in synchronization with a vibration pattern.

[0043] In the first, second and third embodiments, the solar power generation devices 1, 2 and 3 may be installed on a house or on the ground, or may be mounted on a moving body (vehicle, aircraft, ship, etc.).

[0044] This specification discloses at least the following configurations: Note that the components of the present invention are not limited to the components indicated by the reference numerals in parentheses below. Configuration 1: A solar panel (solar panel 10) equipped with a submersion alarm device (submersion alarm device 40, submersion alarm device 80) for notifying surrounding areas that a submerged solar panel exists. According to this configuration, the presence of a submerged solar panel can be notified to those in the vicinity, thereby preventing secondary disasters due to the risk of electric shock.

[0045] Configuration 2: In the solar panel of Configuration 1, the submersion alarm device operates on the power output by the solar panel. This configuration makes it possible to alert the surrounding area to the presence of a submerged solar panel without receiving power from an external source or installing a battery. The submersion alarm device functions only when sunlight is shining on the solar panel, and will not function if sunlight is not shining on the solar panel, even if the solar panel is submerged. However, this is not a problem because the solar panel will not generate electricity if sunlight is not shining on it, and there is no risk of electric shock.

[0046] Configuration 3: In the solar panel of configuration 1 or 2, the submersion alarm device has a detection unit (detection unit 41) for detecting that the solar panel has been submerged, and an alarm unit (alert unit 42) for notifying those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel exists. When the detection unit detects that the solar panel has been submerged, the alarm unit notifies those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel exists. According to this configuration, with a simple configuration in which the detection unit detects the submersion of the solar panel and the notification unit notifies the same, it is possible to reliably notify those around when the solar panel becomes submerged.

[0047] Configuration 4: In the solar panel of configuration 3, the notification unit has a vibration generating source (vibration generating source 421) for notifying the surrounding area of ​​the presence of a submerged solar panel by vibration. According to this configuration, by employing a vibration generating source as a submersion alarm means for alerting the surrounding area of ​​a submerged solar panel, the presence of the submerged solar panel can be effectively alerted to the surrounding area even if the solar panel submerges during the daytime on a clear day. Because solar panels generate electricity when sunlight hits the solar panel, even if a light source is used as a submersion alarm means to emit light, the alert is likely to be difficult to perceive. However, by using a vibration generating source to generate vibrations (sound, vibration of the submersion alarm device, vibration of the solar panel, vibration of the water surface associated with the vibration of the submersion alarm device, vibration of the water surface associated with the vibration of the solar panel, vibration of an object in contact with the solar panel, vibration of an object in contact with the submersion alarm device, etc.), the alert is more easily perceivable. Examples of sounds include the vibration sound of the submersion alarm device and the vibration sound of the solar panel. Examples of objects in contact with the solar panel and the submersion alarm device include dust, rubble, and tree branches and leaves washed away by flooding.

[0048] Configuration 5: In the solar panel of configuration 3, the detection unit has a pair of electrodes that short-circuit when submerged in water, and the notification unit notifies the surrounding area that a submerged solar panel is present when a short-circuit occurs between the pair of electrodes. According to this configuration, by employing a pair of electrodes that short-circuit when submerged as submersion detection means for detecting submersion of the solar panel, the submersion detection means can be realized with an extremely simple configuration.

[0049] Configuration 6: A solar power generation system having a plurality of solar panels electrically connected in series with each other, a submersion alarm device for alerting the surrounding area of ​​the presence of a submerged solar panel, and a current interrupter (current interrupter unit 62) for interrupting the flow of electricity between the solar panels when the solar panels are submerged. According to this configuration, the solar power generation device cuts off the power path when a solar panel is submerged and alerts those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel exists. By alerting those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel exists and drawing attention to it, secondary disasters due to the risk of electric shock can be reduced. By cutting off the power path electrically connecting adjacent solar panels in series and reducing the output voltage of solar power generation in a system having multiple solar panels electrically connected in series, the risk of electric shock can be reduced.

[0050] Configuration 7: A submersion alarm device (submersion alarm device 80) attached to a solar panel has a detection unit for detecting that the solar panel has been submerged, and a notification unit for notifying those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel exists, and the notification unit notifies those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel exists when the detection unit detects that the solar panel has been submerged. The submersion alarm device is attached to the output terminal of the solar panel, for example, and operates using DC power output by the solar panel. According to this configuration, by attaching a submersion alarm device to a solar panel, if the solar panel is submerged, the presence of the submerged solar panel can be alerted to those in the vicinity, thereby preventing secondary disasters due to the risk of electric shock.

[0051] Configuration 8: A solar power generation device (solar power generation device 1, solar power generation device 2, solar power generation device 3) having a solar panel, the solar panel being equipped with a submergence alarm device for alerting the surrounding area that a submerged solar panel is present. According to this configuration, when a solar panel is submerged, the presence of the submerged solar panel is notified to those in the vicinity, thereby making it possible to prevent secondary disasters due to the risk of electric shock.

[0052] Configuration 9: An intermediary device (intermediary device 60) that mediates a power path (cable 70) that electrically connects adjacent solar panels in series, the intermediary device having a detection unit that detects that the solar panels are submerged in water, a current interruption unit that cuts off the power path, and a notification unit that notifies those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel exists, wherein the current interruption unit cuts off the power path when the detection unit detects that the solar panel is submerged, and the notification unit notifies those in the vicinity that a submerged solar panel exists when the detection unit detects that the solar panel is submerged. The intermediary device operates on DC power output by the solar panels. According to this configuration, by interposing an intermediary device in the power path electrically connecting adjacent solar panels in series, when a solar panel is submerged, the power path can be cut off and the surrounding area can be notified of the presence of the submerged solar panel. By notifying the surrounding area of ​​the presence of a submerged solar panel and drawing attention, secondary disasters due to the risk of electric shock can be reduced. By cutting off the power path electrically connecting adjacent solar panels in series and reducing the output voltage of solar power generation in a system having multiple solar panels electrically connected in series, the risk of electric shock can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1. Solar power generation equipment 2. Solar power generation equipment 3. Solar power generation equipment 10 Solar panels (modules) 11 Output terminal 20 Junction box 21 Input terminal 22 Output terminal 30 Power Conditioner 31 Input terminal 32 output terminal 40 Submersion notification device (submersion notification means) 41 Detection unit 42 Information Department 411 Electrode 412 Electrode 50 solar module strings 60 Intermediary device 61 Detection unit 62 Current interruption unit (current interruption device) 611 Electrode 612 Electrode 621 Normally closed contact device 621a Fixed contact 621b Movable contact 622 Actuator 63 Case 70 Cable (power path) 70a terminal 70b terminal 80 Submersion notification device (submersion notification means) 81 Input terminal 82 Output terminal A. Air W water

Claims

1. A solar panel equipped with a submersion alarm device having a vibration generating source for notifying the surrounding area of ​​the presence of a submerged solar panel by solid vibration, The submersion alarm device operates using the power output by the solar panel, and functions only when sunlight is shining on the solar panel, and does not function if sunlight is not shining on the solar panel, even if the solar panel is submerged in water.

2. The solar panel according to claim 1 , wherein the submersion alarm device vibrates the solar panel.

3. The submersion notification device has a detection unit for detecting that the solar panel is submerged, The solar panel according to claim 2 , wherein the solar panel is vibrated when the detection unit detects that the solar panel is submerged in water.

4. A submersion warning device has a vibration generating source for notifying the surrounding area of ​​the presence of a submerged solar panel by solid-state vibration, and is operated by the power output from the solar panel, so that it functions only when sunlight is shining on the solar panel, and does not function if sunlight is not shining on the solar panel, even if the solar panel is submerged.

5. The submersion warning device according to claim 4, wherein the solar panel vibrates.

6. The submersion notification device has a detection unit for detecting that the solar panel is submerged, 6. The submersion warning device according to claim 5, wherein the solar panel is vibrated when the detection unit detects that the solar panel is submerged.

7. A solar power generation device having a solar panel, The solar panel includes a submersion alarm device having a vibration generating source for notifying surrounding areas of the presence of a submerged solar panel by solid-state vibration, The submersion alarm device operates using the power output by the solar panel, and functions only when sunlight is shining on the solar panel, and does not function if sunlight is not shining on the solar panel, even if the solar panel is submerged in water.

8. a plurality of solar panels electrically connected in series with one another; a submersion alarm device having a vibration generating source for notifying the surrounding area of ​​the presence of a submerged solar panel by solid-state vibration; a current interruption device for interrupting current between the solar panels when the solar panels are submerged, The submersion alarm device operates using the power output by the solar panel, and functions only when sunlight is shining on the solar panel, and does not function if sunlight is not shining on the solar panel, even if the solar panel is submerged in water.

9. An intermediary device that mediates a power path that electrically connects adjacent solar panels in series with each other, a submersion alarm device having a vibration generating source for notifying the surrounding area of ​​the presence of a submerged solar panel by solid-state vibration; a current interruption device for interrupting current between the solar panels when the solar panels are submerged, The submersion alarm device is an intermediary device that operates using the power output by the solar panel, and functions only when sunlight is shining on the solar panel, and does not function if sunlight is not shining on the solar panel, even if the solar panel is submerged in water.

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