Solar cell module

Abstract

To provide a solar cell module with improved design.SOLUTION: A solar cell module comprises a solar cell and a printed matter. A pattern printed layer 9 of the printed matter includes a first color pattern 10 composed of first color dots 11 and a second color pattern 20 composed of second color dots 21. The first color dots 11 include first color pigment chips 13, and the second color dots 21 include second color pigment chips 23. The color pigment chips include a small particle size grade interference pigment and a large particle size grade interference pigment with a particle size range larger than that of the small particle size grade. The small particle size grade interference pigment is arranged in such a manner as to fill the gaps between the large particle size grade interference pigments.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

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

Background Art

[0002] Aiming for a carbon-neutral and decarbonized society by 2050, the spread of ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building), which can greatly reduce the energy consumption in buildings, is required. ZEB is a building that aims to achieve a zero balance of annual primary energy consumption in the building while realizing a comfortable indoor environment. Since people are active in the building, it is impossible to completely zero the energy consumption. However, it is possible to net-zero the energy consumption by reducing the energy used through energy conservation and generating the energy used through energy generation.

[0003] As an energy generation method that does not use fossil fuels, for example, there are solar power generation, wind power generation, biomass power generation, etc. Considering the installation location and cost, solar power generation is suitable as an energy generation method in buildings. The rooftops of buildings are occupied by outdoor units such as air conditioners, and in order to obtain power generation, it is necessary to install solar cell modules on the wall surfaces other than the rooftops.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When installing a solar cell module on a wall surface, the conventional solar cell module lacks sufficient designability and improvement is desired.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell module with improved designability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [1] The present invention relates, in one aspect, to a solar cell module comprising at least one solar cell and a printed material disposed on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell and having a pattern printing layer. The pattern printing layer has a first color pattern composed of a plurality of first color dots and a second color pattern provided so as to overlap the first color pattern and composed of a plurality of second color dots. Each of the plurality of first color dots includes a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed inside the first color binder, and each of the plurality of second color dots includes a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed inside the second color binder. Either the plurality of first color pigment chips or the plurality of second color pigment chips is a plurality of first interference pigments of multiple colors that generate first interference light that is different from the first interference light that is mixed by the plurality of first color pigments, and the other of the plurality of first color pigment chips or the plurality of second color pigment chips is a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light that is different from the color mixture shown by the plurality of first interference pigments. At least one of the first interference pigment and the second interference pigment includes a small-particle-size grade interference pigment with a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm and a large-particle-size grade interference pigment with a particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm. In the pattern printing layer of this solar cell module, the small-particle-size grade interference pigment is arranged to fill the gaps between the large-particle-size grade interference pigments, and multiple first and second interference lights are additively mixed.

[0008] According to the inventors' research, it was found that when the particle size of the interference pigment contained in the pattern printing layer is small, although the color development is weak, it is possible to suppress the dark appearance of the pattern even when the printed material is placed in front of a solar cell of a black color. On the other hand, it was found that when the particle size of the interference pigment contained in the pattern printing layer is large, although the transparency of the printed material increases, the color development of the pattern can be improved. Therefore, the inventors have come up with a solar cell module having a printed material in which the dark appearance of the pattern is suppressed and the color development of the pattern is excellent, by configuring the interference pigment to include both small particle size grade interference pigment and large particle size grade interference pigment, and arranging the small particle size grade interference pigment to fill the gaps between the large particle size grade interference pigments. Thus, a solar cell module with the above configuration can provide a pattern with excellent visibility and color development, and it is possible to improve the design. Furthermore, in this solar cell module, the reduction in the transparency of the pattern printing layer is suppressed by including large particle size grade interference pigment. Therefore, this solar cell module effectively suppresses the decrease in transmitted light to the solar cells, thereby maintaining power generation efficiency.

[0009] [2] The present invention relates, in another aspect, to a solar cell module comprising at least one solar cell and a printed material disposed on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell and having a pattern printing layer. The pattern printing layer has a first color pattern composed of a plurality of first color dots and a second color pattern provided so as to overlap the first color pattern and composed of a plurality of second color dots. Each of the plurality of first color dots includes a first color binder and a plurality of first color pigment chips dispersed inside the first color binder, and each of the plurality of second color dots includes a second color binder and a plurality of second color pigment chips dispersed inside the second color binder. Either the plurality of first color pigment chips or the plurality of second color pigment chips is a plurality of first interference pigments of multiple colors that generate first interference light that is different from the first interference light of the plurality of first color pigments, and the other of the plurality of first color pigment chips or the plurality of second color pigment chips is a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light that is different from the color mixture shown by the plurality of first interference pigments. At least one of the first interference pigment and the second interference pigment includes a small-particle-size grade interference pigment with a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm and a large-particle-size grade interference pigment with a particle size range of 25 μm to 60 μm. In the pattern printing layer of this solar cell module, the small-particle-size grade interference pigment is arranged to fill the gaps between the large-particle-size grade interference pigments, and multiple first and second interference lights are additively mixed. With this solar cell module, as described above, the decrease in transmitted light to the solar cell is well suppressed, and power generation efficiency can be maintained.

[0010] [3] In the solar cell modules described in [1] or [2] above, at least one of the small-particle-diameter grade interference pigment and the large-particle-diameter grade interference pigment may be an interference pigment containing titanium dioxide-coated mica. In this case, the wavelength of the interference light can be adjusted by adjusting the film thickness and transmittance of the titanium dioxide film. In addition, the perceived brightness can be improved by increasing the smoothness of the mica surface.

[0011] [4] In any of the solar cell modules described in [1] to [3] above, the printed material may further include a translucent substrate provided on the first color pattern. In this case, the pattern printing layer can be protected without reducing the amount of light transmitted to the solar cell.

[0012] [5] In any of the solar cell modules described in [1] to [4] above, the printed material may further have a white pattern layer composed of multiple silver dots, each of which may contain a silver binder and multiple silver pigment chips dispersed within the silver binder. A second color pattern may be provided on top of the white pattern layer. In this case, the color development of the first color pattern and the second color pattern is improved, and the pattern printed layer can have a pattern that gives a whitish impression.

[0013] [6] In any of the solar cell modules described in [1] to [5] above, the printed material may further include a transparent smoke printing layer provided between the pattern printing layer and the solar cell. In this case, the color development of the first color pattern and the second color pattern is improved. Furthermore, because the transparent smoke printing layer is transparent, the reduction in transmitted light to the solar cell is well suppressed.

[0014] [7] In any of the solar cell modules described in [1] to [6] above, the thickness of each of the first color pattern and the second color pattern may be 10 μm or less. In this case, the reduction in transmitted light to the solar cell is well suppressed.

[0015] [8] In any of the solar cell modules described in [1] to [7] above, both the first interference pigment and the second interference pigment may include a small particle size grade interference pigment with a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm and a large particle size grade interference pigment with a particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm or 25 μm to 60 μm. In this case, the aesthetic design of the solar cell module can be further improved, and the reduction in transmitted light to the solar cell can be well suppressed.

[0016] [9] Any of the solar cell modules [1] to [8] above may further include a glass substrate provided on the surface of the printed matter and on the side opposite to the solar cell. In this case, since the printed matter is protected by the glass substrate, the weather resistance of the printed matter can be improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, a solar cell module with improved design is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a solar cell module according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the printed matter included in the solar cell module shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the pattern printing layer of the printed matter shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the printed matter. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the white pattern layer included in the printed matter shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the printed matter. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a third modification of the printed matter. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modification of the solar cell module.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] A specific example of a solar cell module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements in the description of the drawings, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a solar cell module according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the solar cell module 1 includes a thin-plate-shaped solar cell 2, a backsheet 3, a sealing material layer 4, a surface plate 5, and a printed matter 6. The solar cell module 1 may further include a hard coat layer 7 on the surface side of the printed matter 6.

[0021] The solar cell 2 is a thin-plate-shaped photoelectric conversion element having a thickness of about 0.2 mm, such as crystalline / amorphous silicon, thin-film silicon, perovskite, chalcopyrite, III-V group, CdTe, CIS, etc., and mainly absorbs light having a wavelength in the visible light region to generate electricity. The solar cell 2 is embedded (sealed) in the sealing material layer 4 so that the light-receiving surface 2a faces the printed matter 6. The light-receiving surface 2a of the solar cell 2 exhibits black or dark blue. In the example shown in FIG. 1, only one solar cell 2 is shown, but the solar cell module 1 may include a plurality of solar cells 2.

[0022] The backsheet 3 is a member formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin, glass, metal (such as aluminum) in a layered, film-like, or plate-like shape. The sealing material layer 4 is formed on such a backsheet 3.

[0023] The sealing material layer 4 is a layer formed of a transparent sealing material such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyolefin resin, ionomer resin, silicone resin, etc. The sealing material layer 4 is formed by sealing the above-described solar cell 2 with a transparent sealing material so as to surround it. The thickness of the sealing material layer 4 is, for example, about 1 mm.

[0024] The surface plate 5 is a transparent plate-shaped member placed on the sealing material layer 4 and protects the solar cell 2. The surface plate 5 is positioned to face the light-receiving surface 2a of the solar cell 2. The surface plate 5 is made from a transparent material such as polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin, or glass. The thickness of the surface plate 5 is, for example, about 3 mm. The back material 3 and the surface plate 5 may be fixed to the sealing material layer 4 by the adhesive force of the sealing material (resin, etc.) that constitutes the sealing material layer 4, or they may be fixed to the sealing material layer 4 by individual transparent adhesives.

[0025] The printed material 6 is a component used to add aesthetic appeal to the solar cell module. The printed material 6 is attached to the surface side of the surface plate 5 using a transparent adhesive or the like. Details of the printed material 6 will be described later.

[0026] The hard coat layer 7 is a coating layer for protecting the printed material 6. The thickness of the hard coat layer 7 may be, for example, 5 to 50 μm, preferably 10 to 40 μm, and more preferably 15 to 30 μm. The hard coat layer 7 may be formed from, for example, an active energy ray curable coating composition that hardens with ultraviolet irradiation or electron beams, or a thermosetting coating composition.

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the printed material of the solar cell module shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the pattern printing layer of the printed material shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the printed material 6 is a sheet for displaying a pattern and comprises a light-transmitting substrate 8, a pattern printing layer 9, and a transparent smoke printing layer 30. The printed material 6 is provided in front of the solar cell 2. The printed material 6 is fully light-transmitting. Therefore, when sunlight enters the solar cell module 1 through the printed material 6, the solar cell 2 can generate electricity from the sunlight. In addition, the pattern displayed on the printed material 6 can be seen.

[0028] The translucent substrate 8 is a substrate that transmits visible light. The translucent substrate 8 is, for example, made of a transparent resin. Examples of transparent resins include PET, PMMA, polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. The thickness of the translucent substrate 8 is, for example, 25 μm to 250 μm. If necessary, a surface protective layer may be provided on the surface side of the translucent substrate 8 (the side opposite to the pattern printing layer 9).

[0029] The pattern printing layer 9 is a layer that expresses the pattern of the printed material 6. The pattern printing layer 9 comprises a first color pattern 10 provided on one surface 8a of the translucent substrate 8, and a second color pattern 20 provided on the first color pattern 10.

[0030] The first color pattern 10 can be applied to the surface 8a of the translucent substrate 8 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. As shown in Figure 3, the first color pattern 10 is composed of a plurality of first color dots 11. Here, "dot" means a point that constitutes an element of the printed image, and its shape is not limited to a circle, but may be a rectangle, polygon, or other shape. Each of the plurality of first color dots 11 contains a first color binder 12 and a plurality of first color pigment chips 13 dispersed inside the first color binder 12. The content of the plurality of first color pigment chips 13 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 parts by weight or more and 20 parts by weight or less, when the first color binder 12 is 100 parts by weight.

[0031] Examples of the first color binder 12 include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the first color pattern 10 is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The first color pattern 10 may also contain a curing agent. In this case, the heat resistance of the first color pattern 10 and the adhesion of the first color pattern 10 to the translucent substrate 8 can be improved.

[0032] Multiple first-color pigment chips 13 are first-interference pigments 14a, 14b of multiple colors that generate different interference light from each other. Each of the first-interference pigments 14a, 14b consists of a thin film (not shown) that transmits visible light and a metal oxide film (not shown) that covers the thin film. Of the light incident from the translucent substrate 8 to the first-color pattern 10, the light reflected at the surface of the metal oxide film and the light that passes through the metal oxide film and is reflected at the surface of the thin film interfere with each other, generating interference light. By adjusting the thickness of the metal oxide film and the refractive index of the metal oxide film, interference light with a desired wavelength can be generated.

[0033] Each of the first interference pigments 14a and 14b is, for example, titanium dioxide-coated mica. The flakes constituting the first interference pigments 14a and 14b may be other than mica, for example, silica, alumina, glass, or polysilicate. The metal oxide film constituting the first interference pigments 14a and 14b may be other than titanium dioxide, for example, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, or tin oxide.

[0034] The first interference pigment 14a comprises a plurality of first titanium dioxide coated mica 15a of small particle size grades including a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm, and a second titanium dioxide coated mica 15b of large particle size grades including a particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm. The first interference pigment 14b comprises a plurality of first titanium dioxide coated mica 16a of small particle size grades including a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm, and a plurality of second titanium dioxide coated mica 16b of large particle size grades including a particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm. The average particle size (D50) of the first titanium dioxide coated mica 15a,16a is, for example, about 15 μm, and the average particle size (D50) of the second titanium dioxide coated mica 15b,16b is, for example, about 25 μm. As a result, the average particle size of the first titanium dioxide-coated mica 15a,16a is smaller than the average particle size of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b,16b. The second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b,16b may include a particle size range of 25 μm to 60 μm. In this case, the average particle size (D50) of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b,16b is, for example, about 35 μm. Each of the multiple first titanium dioxide-coated mica 15a,16a is arranged to fill the gaps between the multiple second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b,16b, as shown in Figure 3. Here, "particle size" refers to the longest diameter of the particle cross-section.

[0035] When incident light L is incident on the first color pattern 10, each of the first interference pigments 14a and 14b generates a plurality of different first interference rays 17a and 17b. That is, the wavelengths of the first interference rays 17a and 17b are different from each other. As a result, the first interference pigments 14a and 14b exhibit color mixing. Each of the first interference pigments 14a and 14b may be, for example, a red interference pigment (red pearl pigment) and a gold interference pigment (gold pearl pigment). In this case, the first interference rays 17a and 17b will each exhibit red and gold colors. Each of the first interference pigments 14a and 14b may be an interference pigment of another color. The proportions of the first interference pigments 14a and 14b may be the same or different from each other.

[0036] The second color pattern 20 can be applied to the first color pattern 10 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. The second color pattern 20 is composed of a plurality of second color dots 21, as shown in Figure 3. Here, "dot" refers to a point that constitutes an element of the printed image, and its shape is not limited to circles, but may be rectangular, polygonal, or other shapes. Each of the plurality of second color dots 21 contains a second color binder 22 and a plurality of second color pigment chips 23 dispersed inside the second color binder 22. The content of the plurality of second color pigment chips 23 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 parts by weight or more and 20 parts by weight or less, when the second color binder 22 is 100 parts by weight.

[0037] Examples of the second color binder 22 include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the second color pattern 20 is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The second color pattern 20 may also contain a curing agent. In this case, the heat resistance of the second color pattern 20 and the adhesion of the second color pattern 20 to the first color pattern 10 can be improved.

[0038] Multiple second-color pigment chips 23 are second interference pigments 24 that generate monochromatic interference light different from the color mixing shown by the first interference pigments 14a and 14b. The second interference pigment 24 is composed of a thin film (not shown) that transmits visible light and a metal oxide film (not shown) that covers the thin film. Of the light incident on the second-color pattern 20 from the translucent substrate 8 side, the light reflected at the surface of the metal oxide film and the light that passes through the metal oxide film and is reflected at the surface of the thin film interfere with each other, generating interference light. By adjusting the thickness of the metal oxide film and the refractive index of the metal oxide film, interference light with a desired wavelength can be generated.

[0039] The second interference pigment 24 is, for example, titanium dioxide-coated mica. The flakes constituting the second interference pigment 24 may be other than mica, for example, silica, alumina, glass, or polysilicate. The metal oxide film constituting the second interference pigment 24 may be other than titanium dioxide, for example, zirconium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, or tin oxide.

[0040] The second interference pigment 24 includes a plurality of first titanium dioxide-coated mica 25a particles of small particle size grade, including a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm, and second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b particles of large particle size grade, including a particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm. The average particle size (D50) of the first titanium dioxide-coated mica 25a is, for example, about 15 μm, and the average particle size (D50) of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b is, for example, about 25 μm. As a result, the average particle size of the first titanium dioxide-coated mica 25a is smaller than the average particle size of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b. The second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b may include a particle size range of 25 μm to 60 μm. In this case, the average particle size (D50) of the second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b is, for example, about 35 μm. Each of the multiple first titanium dioxide-coated mica 25a is arranged to fill the gaps between the multiple second titanium dioxide-coated mica 25b. Here, "particle size" refers to the longest diameter of the particle cross-section.

[0041] When incident light L enters the second color pattern 20 from the second interference pigment 24, a monochromatic second interference light 26 is generated. As a result, the second interference pigment 24 exhibits a monochromatic color. The second interference pigment 24 can be any interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light 26 different from the color mixture shown by the first interference pigments 14a and 14b, for example, a green interference pigment (green pearl pigment). In this case, the second interference light 26 exhibits a green color. Note that the second interference pigment 24 may be an interference pigment of a color other than green.

[0042] The transparent smoke printing layer 30 is a layer that attenuates light transmitted through the printed material 6 to a degree that does not affect solar power generation. The transparent smoke printing layer 30 is provided on the outermost surface opposite to the translucent substrate 8 relative to the pattern printing layer 9. In the first embodiment, the transparent smoke printing layer 30 is provided on the second color pattern 20 (below in the illustration) as shown in Figure 2. The transparent smoke printing layer 30 can be provided on the second color pattern 20 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing, using an ink in which a small amount of carbon black is dispersed in a resin binder such as vinyl, acrylic, urethane, or polyester. The thickness of the transparent smoke printing layer 30 is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm.

[0043] In printed material 6, the design is expressed by additive color mixing of the first interference light 17a, 17b generated by the first interference pigments 14a, 14b and the second interference light 26 generated by the second interference pigment 24.

[0044] The total light transmittance of printed material 6 is, for example, 30% to 70%. The total light transmittance referred to here is the value measured using a spectrophotometer (for example, a UV-2100 spectrophotometer manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). Furthermore, the light referred to here is in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm.

[0045] In the solar cell module 1 according to the embodiment described above, in the first color pattern 10 of the pattern printing layer 9 of the printed material 6, each of the multiple first titanium dioxide coated mica 15a, 16a of small particle size grade, including a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm, is arranged to fill the gaps between the multiple second titanium dioxide coated mica 15b, 16b of large particle size grade, including a particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm. In the printed material 6, in the second color pattern 20, each of the multiple first titanium dioxide coated mica 25a of small particle size grade, including a particle size range of 5 μm to 25 μm, is arranged to fill the gaps between the multiple second titanium dioxide coated mica 25b of large particle size grade, including a particle size range of 25 μm to 40 μm. With this solar cell module 1, it is possible to provide a pattern with excellent visibility and color development, and to improve the design. Furthermore, in this solar cell module 1, the first color pattern 10 includes large-particle-size grade second titanium dioxide coated mica 15b,16b, and the second color pattern 20 includes large-particle-size grade second titanium dioxide coated mica 25b. This suppresses a decrease in the transmittance of the pattern printing layer 9. Therefore, with the solar cell module 1, the decrease in transmitted light to the solar cell 2 is well suppressed, and power generation efficiency can be maintained.

[0046] In the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment, the large-particle-diameter grade second titanium dioxide-coated mica 15b, 16b, and 25b may have a particle size range of 25 μm to 60 μm. In this case, the color development of the pattern is improved. Furthermore, the power generation efficiency can be maintained even more effectively.

[0047] In the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment, the first interference pigments 14a, 14b and the second interference pigment 24 are interference pigments containing titanium dioxide-coated mica. Therefore, the wavelength of the interference light can be adjusted by adjusting the film thickness and transmittance of the titanium dioxide film. In addition, the perceived brightness can be improved by increasing the smoothness of the mica surface.

[0048] In the solar cell module 1 according to this embodiment, the printed material 6 may include a transparent smoke printing layer 30 provided between the pattern printing layer 9 and the solar cell 2. This improves the color development of the first color pattern 10 and the second color pattern 20, further enhancing the design. Furthermore, because the transparent smoke printing layer 30 is transparent, the reduction in transmitted light to the solar cell 2 is effectively suppressed.

[0049] The solar cell module 1 according to the present invention has been described above, but the solar cell module according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other modifications are possible. Below, modifications of the printed material 6 used in the solar cell module 1 and modifications of the solar cell module 1 will be described.

[0050] [First variation] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the printed material. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the white pattern layer of the printed material shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the printed material 6A comprises a translucent substrate 8 and a pattern printing layer 9. The printed material 6A further comprises a white pattern layer 40 provided on the second color pattern 20 (shown below).

[0051] The white pattern layer 40 can be applied to the second color pattern 20 of the pattern printing layer 9 by, for example, screen printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or offset printing. As shown in Figure 5, the white pattern layer 40 is composed of a plurality of silver dots 41. Each of the plurality of silver dots 41 contains a silver binder 42 and a plurality of silver pigment chips 43 dispersed inside the silver binder 42. The content of the plurality of silver pigment chips 43 is, for example, in the range of 0.5 parts by weight or more and 20 parts by weight or less, when the silver binder 42 is 100 parts by weight.

[0052] Examples of silver binders 42 include vinyl resins, acrylic resins, thermoplastic urethane resins, polyester resins, and polycarbonate resins. The thickness of the white pattern layer 40 is, for example, 1 μm to 10 μm. The white pattern layer 40 may also contain a curing agent. In this case, the heat resistance of the white pattern layer 40 and the adhesion of the white pattern layer 40 to the second color pattern 20 can be improved.

[0053] Even a solar cell module equipped with the printed material 6A described above will have the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the solar cell module according to this first modified example includes a white pattern layer 40 provided on the second color pattern 20 and composed of a plurality of silver dots 41, each of which contains a silver binder 42 and a plurality of silver pigment chips 43 dispersed inside the silver binder 42. As a result, the color development of the first color pattern 10 and the second color pattern 20 is excellent, and the pattern printing layer 9 can have a pattern that gives a whitish impression.

[0054] [Second variation] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the printed material. As shown in Figure 6, the printed material 6B comprises a light-transmitting substrate 8 and a pattern printing layer 9. That is, the printed material 6B does not include a light-transmitting smoke printing layer 30 and a white pattern layer 40. Even a solar cell module equipped with the printed material 6B described above will have the same effects and advantages as the embodiments described above.

[0055] [Third variation] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the printed material. As shown in Figure 7, the printed material 6C comprises a light-transmitting substrate 8, a pattern printing layer 9, a white pattern layer 40, and a transparent smoke printing layer 30. The white pattern layer 40 is provided on the second color pattern 20, and the transparent smoke printing layer 30 is provided on the white pattern layer 40. A solar cell module equipped with the printed material 6C described above will also produce the same effects and advantages as the embodiments described above.

[0056] [Fourth variation] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a solar cell module. As shown in Figure 8, solar cell module 1A, like solar cell module 1, comprises a thin plate-shaped solar cell 2, a backing material 3, a sealing material layer 4, a surface plate 5, and a printed material 6. Various modified examples described above may be used as the printed material 6. Furthermore, solar cell module 1A is further provided with a glass substrate 7A on the surface side of the printed material 6. That is, the glass substrate 7A is provided on the surface of the printed material 6, on the side opposite to the solar cell 2. The glass substrate 7A may be fixed to the printed material 6 with an adhesive or the like, or by other means, and is not particularly limited. By providing the glass substrate 7A, the weather resistance of the film material such as the printed material 6 can be improved.

[0057] It should be noted that the solar cell module according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and various modifications described above, and can be further modified in various ways. For example, the second color pattern may include a first interference pigment that generates first interference light that is different from the first color pattern, and the first color pattern may include a second interference pigment that generates a monochromatic second interference light that is different from the color mixture shown by the plurality of first interference pigments of the second color pattern.

[0058] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the first interference pigment and the second interference pigment each contained a plurality of first titanium dioxide-coated mica and a plurality of second titanium dioxide-coated mica. However, it is sufficient if at least one of the first interference pigment and the second interference pigment contains a plurality of first titanium dioxide-coated mica and a plurality of second titanium dioxide-coated mica. Also, in the embodiments described above, the first color pigment chip contained two first interference pigments, but the first color pigment chip may contain three or more first interference pigments. In addition, the multiple first interference pigments may be mixed together. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1,1A...Solar cell module, 2...Solar cell, 2a...Light receiving surface, 3...Back material, 4...Sealing layer, 5...Front plate, 6,6A,6B,6C...Printed material, 7...Hard coat layer, 7A...Glass substrate, 8...Translucent substrate, 9...Pattern printing layer, 10...First color pattern, 11...First color dot, 12...Binder for first color, 13...First color pigment chip, 14a,14b...First interference pigment, 15a,16a,25a...First of two Titanium dioxide-coated mica, 15b, 16b, 25b... Second titanium dioxide-coated mica, 17a, 17b... First interference light, 20... Second color pattern, 21... Second color dots, 22... Binder for second color, 23... Second color pigment chip, 24... Second interference pigment, 26... Second interference light, 30... Translucent smoke printing layer, 40... White pattern layer, 41... Silver dots, 42... Binder for silver, 43... Silver pigment chip.

Claims

1. At least one solar cell, A solar cell module comprising a printed material having a pattern printing layer, which is disposed on the light-receiving surface side of the solar cell, The aforementioned pattern printing layer has a color pattern composed of multiple color dots, Each of the plurality of color dots comprises a color binder and color pigment chips dispersed within the color binder. The aforementioned color pigment chip contains interference pigments of a small particle size grade and interference pigments of a large particle size grade with a particle size range larger than that of the small particle size grade. A solar cell module in which the small-particle-diameter interference pigments are arranged to fill the gaps between the large-particle-diameter interference pigments.

2. The average particle size of the interference pigment of the small particle size grade is smaller than the average particle size of the interference pigment of the large particle size grade. The solar cell module according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned color pigment chip includes a first interference pigment and a second interference pigment having a different color from the first interference pigment. A solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. At least one of the small-particle-size interference pigment and the large-particle-size interference pigment is an interference pigment containing titanium dioxide-coated mica. A solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The printed material further comprises a translucent substrate provided on the color pattern. A solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The printed material further comprises a transparent smoke printing layer provided between the pattern printing layer and the solar cell. A solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The printed material further comprises a glass substrate provided on the side opposite to the solar cell. A solar cell module according to claim 1 or 2.

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