Solar cell module

Abstract

To provide a solar cell module in which solar cell panels are less likely to be damaged even if subjected to external forces due to earthquakes or the like.SOLUTION: A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cell panels each having a rectangular shape or a square shape in plan view, and a frame supporting the plurality of solar cell panels. The plurality of solar cell panels are fixed to the frame while being arranged in one direction or two orthogonal directions. The frame has: an outer frame disposed along an outer peripheral edge of the plurality of solar cell panels; and a plurality of inner frames, each of which is provided at least to connect a first side of the outer frame and a second side facing the first side. The side of each solar cell panel is disposed along the inner frame, and the inner frame has wall parts standing parallel to each other at a position with a distance from the side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0003] , , , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a solar cell module in which a plurality of solar cell panels are supported by a frame.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cell panels has been proposed (Patent Document 1). This solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cell panels (modules), a connecting frame that connects adjacent solar cell panels, and an outer frame that is arranged in a state of collectively surrounding the plurality of solar cell panels and supports the plurality of solar cell panels. frame. This solar cell module is arranged on a gantry composed of a base and a cross member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, since this solar cell module only collectively surrounds a plurality of solar cell panels with an outer frame, if the outer frame is deformed by an external force such as an earthquake, the solar cell panels may be damaged.

[0005] [[ID=۳۸]] An object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell module in which solar cell panels are less likely to be damaged even when subjected to an external force such as an earthquake.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The solar cell module of the present invention includes a plurality of solar cell panels that are rectangular or square in plan view, and a frame that supports the plurality of solar cell panels. The plurality of solar panels are fixed to the frame in an arrangement that is aligned in one direction or in two orthogonal directions. The frame comprises an outer frame arranged along the outer edge of the plurality of solar panels, and a plurality of inner frames provided to connect at least a first side of the outer frame with a second side opposite to the first side. The inner frame is positioned so that the sides of each solar cell panel are aligned with it, and the inner frame has a wall portion that rises parallel to the sides of the panels at a distance from them.

[0007] With this configuration, even if the frame is distorted into a parallelogram shape to some extent due to an earthquake, a distance is maintained between the wall and the side of each solar panel, making it less likely for the frame to compress each solar panel. Therefore, even if the solar modules are subjected to external forces such as earthquakes, damage due to the frame compressing each solar panel is less likely to occur.

[0008] The aforementioned solar cell module is The system includes a retaining device that is fixed to the frame so as to sandwich adjacent solar panels in the thickness direction of each solar panel, The retaining device may have a projection along the wall portion, the projection located on the side of the wall portion opposite to the solar cell panel.

[0009] With this configuration, the solar panel can be securely fixed by the retainer having a protruding portion, while maintaining the suppression of damage to the solar panel by the wall.

[0010] In the aforementioned solar cell module, The edge of each of the aforementioned solar panels that is not held in place by the retaining clip does not need to be fixed to the frame.

[0011] With this configuration, the edges of each solar panel that are not fitted with the fasteners can be left in a free state, unfixed to the frame. Therefore, the edges that are left free are not affected by the distortion of the frame caused by earthquakes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] Based on the above, the present invention provides a solar cell module that is less susceptible to damage even when subjected to external forces such as earthquakes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of a solar cell module according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the solar cell module. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken at position III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the solar cell module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the solar cell module installed on the mounting frame. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modified solar cell module with one solar cell panel removed. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the solar cell module 1 includes a plurality of solar cell panels 2 each having a rectangular or square planar view, and a frame 3 that supports the plurality of solar cell panels 2. In the present embodiment, the solar cell module 1 includes six solar cell panels 2, and the frame 3 supports the six solar cell panels. The number of solar cell panels 2 included in the solar cell module 1 may be two or more and five or less, or seven or more. The solar cell module 1 of the present embodiment includes a pressing tool 4 that is fixed to the frame 3 so as to sandwich each solar cell panel 2. Further, the solar cell module 1 has a plate shape with a rectangular planar view.

[0016] Each solar cell panel 2 is formed by laminating a plurality of solar cells, a glass material, a sealing material, and the like. The plurality of solar cell panels 2 are fixed to the frame 3 in a state where the long side 20 sides of each are adjacent to each other. Further, the plurality of solar cell panels 2 are fixed to the frame 3 in a state where they are arranged in one direction (the left - right direction in the drawing). In the present embodiment, the direction in which the long side 20 of each solar cell panel 2 extends coincides with the short side direction of the solar cell module 1. Note that the plurality of solar cell panels 2 may be fixed to the frame 3 in a state where they are arranged in two orthogonal directions (for example, the left - right direction and the vertical direction in the drawing).

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 3 supports the long - side end edges 200 of each solar cell panel 2 while being separated from and not supporting the short - side end edges 210. Thereby, a space portion S is formed between the frame 3 and the short - side end edges 210 of each solar cell panel 2. That is, in the solar cell module 1, the short - side end edges 210 are in an exposed form. In the present embodiment, since the frame 3 is arranged separated from and not supporting both of the pair of short - side end edges 211, 212, the space portion S is formed between the frame 3 and both of the pair of short - side end edges 211, 212. Note that the space portion S may be formed at least in the portion that becomes the lower side when the solar cell module 1 is arranged.

[0018] Further, the frame 3 is located away (with a space S) in the longitudinal direction of the solar cell panel 2 with respect to the short-side edge 210. Note that the frame 3 may be located away in the thickness direction in addition to the longitudinal direction of the solar cell panel 2 with respect to the short-side edge 210.

[0019] An elastic gasket 5 is attached to the long-side edge 200 of each solar cell panel 2. In the present embodiment, the gasket 5 is attached to all of the long-side edges 200 of the solar cell panel 2 that are adjacent to another solar cell panel 2 among the long-side edges 200 of the solar cell panel 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the gasket 5 is in contact with the frame 3. The material of the gasket 5 is, for example, a resin such as rubber.

[0020] In this configuration, in the solar cell module 1, as shown in FIG. 5, when one end (for example, one short-side edge 211 of a pair of short-side edges 210) of the longitudinal side of each solar cell panel 2 is high (specifically, on the ridge side of the roof of a building) and the other end side (for example, the other short-side edge 212 side) is low (specifically, on the eaves side of the roof of a building) in a general arrangement, moisture and dust that have fallen on the light-receiving surface 22 are likely to move to the space S located on the other end side of each solar cell panel 2 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the space S formed between the frame 3 and the short-side edge 210 of each solar cell panel 2 can exclude moisture from the light-receiving surface 22 and prevent dust from accumulating on the light-receiving surface 22. Further, due to the friction of the elastic gasket 5 against the frame 3, displacement of each solar cell panel 2 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the frame 3 can be prevented, so that even when the solar cell module 1 is installed with the solar cell panel 2 inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the space S can be maintained. Thus, since the space S can be maintained, measures against moisture such as rainwater on the light-receiving surface 22 and measures against dust accumulation can be continuously taken over a long period. In addition, it is possible to suppress displacement of the plurality of solar cell panels 2 and damage to the aesthetics.

[0021] In this embodiment, the gasket 5 is in a compressed state due to the fixing of the retainer 4, and in particular, is in a compressed state in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 2, and is in contact with the frame 3 (in this embodiment, the inner frame 7 of the frame 3, which will be described later) (see Figure 3). Due to this contact accompanied by compressive force, the friction of the gasket 5 with the frame 3 can be strengthened, and displacement of each solar cell panel 2 relative to the frame 3 can be prevented more effectively.

[0022] The gasket 5 is, for example, a long member that extends along the long side 20 of each solar cell panel 2. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the gasket 5 is approximately U-shaped. Specifically, the gasket 5 includes a frame contact portion 51 that abuts against the frame 3, a retainer contact portion 52 that abuts against the retainer 4, and a connecting portion 53 that connects the frame contact portion 51 and the retainer contact portion 52.

[0023] The retaining clip contact portion 52 contacts the edge of the back surface 23 (including the long edge 200 on the back surface 23), which is the surface of each solar cell panel 2 opposite to the light-receiving surface 22. Hereinafter, the light-receiving surface 22 side of each solar cell panel 2 will be referred to as the upper side and the back surface side as the lower side.

[0024] The frame contact portion 51 is positioned with a gap in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 2 relative to the end of the light-receiving surface 22 of each solar cell panel 2, including the long-side edge 200. The frame contact portion 51 also partially contacts the frame 3. Specifically, the surface of the frame contact portion 51 facing the frame 3 (the lower surface) is provided with grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of each solar cell panel 2. Multiple grooves (three grooves in this embodiment) are provided on the lower surface of the frame contact portion 51, but one groove may be provided. The provision of grooves on the lower surface of the frame contact portion 51 prevents errors in the mounting direction (vertical mounting) of the gasket 5 during the assembly of the solar cell module 1. It also reduces the material cost of the gasket 5. Furthermore, by providing a protrusion on the upper part of the inner frame 7 of the frame 3 that corresponds to the groove provided on the lower surface of the frame contact portion 51, and creating a structure in which the protrusion of the inner frame 7 and the groove of the frame contact portion 51 interlock, the contact area between the inner frame 7 and the gasket 5 is increased, making it less likely for the gasket 5 to slip against the inner frame 7.

[0025] In this embodiment, since the connecting portion 53 is in contact with the long-side edge 200 of each solar cell panel 2, the frictional force between the inner surface of the connecting portion 53 and the long-side edge 200 can more effectively prevent misalignment of the solar cell panel 2 relative to the frame 3. Note that the connecting portion 53 does not necessarily have to be in contact with the long-side edge 200.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the frame 3 has an outer frame 6 arranged along the outer edge 24 of the multiple solar panels 2, and multiple inner frames 7 provided to connect at least the first side 61 of the outer frame 6 with the second side 62 opposite the first side 61. In this frame 3, the outer frame 6 has four sides 60, including the first side 61, the second side 62, and sides 63 and 64 (described later). In addition, in this frame 3, the inner frames 7 are arranged between adjacent solar panels 2. Furthermore, this frame 3 has five inner frames 7.

[0027] The outer frame 6 is rectangular. The first side 61 and the second side 62 of the outer frame 6 are, for example, the long sides of the outer frame 6 (see Figure 2). The remaining sides 63 and 64 of the outer frame 6 are, for example, the short sides of the outer frame 6.

[0028] The long side members 65 that constitute the long side of the outer frame 6 are, for example, elongated members. In a plan view of each solar cell panel 2, the long side members 65 are adjacent to the short side edges 210 of each solar cell panel 2 with a space S between them. Furthermore, the end of the long side member 65 in the extension direction overlaps with the end of the short side member 66 that constitutes the short side of the outer frame 6 in the extension direction, and is fixed to the end of the short side member 66 in the extension direction by a fixing member (a screw in this embodiment). The long side members 65 maintain the shape of the outer frame 6 and support the inner frame 7. Also, as shown in Figure 5, a mounting member 9 is attached to the long side member 65.

[0029] The short-side member 66 that constitutes the short side of the outer frame 6 is, for example, an elongated member (see Figure 2). The short-side member 66 also supports the long-side edge 200 of the solar cell panel 2. In this embodiment, the short-side member 66 covers the light-receiving surface (surface) 22 of the long-side edge 200 of the solar cell panel 2. Specifically, the short-side member 66 has a support portion that sandwiches the long-side edge 200 in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 2. This support portion sandwiches the long-side edge 200 via, for example, a gasket. This gasket contributes to suppressing misalignment of the short-side member 66 relative to the solar cell panel 2.

[0030] The inner frame 7 is, for example, a long-shaped member, and in this embodiment, for example, a substantially cylindrical member formed by extrusion molding. The inner frame 7 is positioned so that the side edges (long side 20 in this embodiment) of each solar cell panel 2 are aligned with it. In this embodiment, the long side edge 200 of each solar cell panel 2 rests on the inner frame 7. The inner frame 7 is fixed to the outer frame 6 (long side member 65 of the outer frame 6 in this embodiment) by fixing members (screws in this embodiment).

[0031] Furthermore, the inner frame 7 has a wall portion 70 that rises parallel to the long side 20 of each solar cell panel 2 at a distance from it (see Figure 3). In this configuration, even if the solar cell module 1 is subjected to external force due to an earthquake or the like and the frame 3 is distorted to some extent into a parallelogram shape, a distance is maintained between the wall portion 70 and the side of each solar cell panel 2, so the frame 3 is less likely to compress each solar cell panel 2. Therefore, even if the solar cell module 1 is subjected to external force due to an earthquake or the like, damage due to the frame 3 compressing each solar cell panel 2 is less likely to occur.

[0032] In this embodiment, the inner frame 7 has a roughly rectangular cylindrical portion 71 with a wall portion 70 at its upper part, and a plate-shaped extending portion 72 that extends from the lower part of the cylindrical portion 71 to both sides in the short direction of each solar cell panel 2 (see Figure 3).

[0033] The inner frame 7 is provided with a through-hole 73 that penetrates in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the inner frame 7 (see Figure 4). The power extraction cable C extending from each solar panel 2 passes through the through-hole 73. In this embodiment, the through-hole 73 is provided in the cylindrical portion 71. With this configuration, the cable C can be prevented from protruding below the solar panel 2 at least in the portion of the inner frame 7 during installation. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, when the frame 3 is placed on a mounting base B or the like located below, the portion of the cable C protruding below the solar panel 2 can be prevented from being caught between the mounting base B and the frame 3, thus preventing damage to the cable C. The through-hole 73 is formed by extruding a material to form a roughly rectangular cylindrical member, and then partially cutting out this formed member. In this embodiment, the cable C is located on the outside of the inner frame 7.

[0034] The inner frame 7 has a cavity 74 extending in the longitudinal direction (in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of each solar cell panel 2) (see Figure 3). This cavity 74 is, for example, the internal space of the cylindrical portion 71. Furthermore, a cable C may be placed in the cavity 74. In this configuration, at least a portion of the cable C is covered by the inner frame 7, thus reducing the portion exposed from the frame 3 that could be damaged.

[0035] Furthermore, the inner frame 7 may have a window portion that communicates with the inside and outside of the cavity 74. In this case, the cable C may have a connector for connecting to other cables C, and this connector may be provided at a position that coincides with the window portion. In this configuration, even if the cable C is located in the cavity 74 of the inner frame 7, connection by connector is easy.

[0036] Furthermore, a retaining portion may be formed on the inner surface 75 of the inner frame 7 (in this embodiment, the inner surface 710 of the cylindrical portion 71) to hold the cable C so that it does not shift from the inner surface 75. For example, the retaining portion is a pair of C-shaped parts facing each other in a cross-sectional view of the inner frame 7 and is formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 71. Since the retaining portion is integrally molded during the extrusion molding of the inner frame 7, it may extend continuously or intermittently in the extending direction of the inner frame 7. Furthermore, in addition to having a pair (two) of retaining portions facing each other, there may be one to three or more retaining portions. In this configuration, the cable C can be easily held in the retaining portion of the inner frame 7.

[0037] Alternatively, instead of the inner frame 7, the outer frame 6 may have a cavity for arranging the cable C, or both the inner frame 7 and the outer frame 6 may have this cavity. Also, instead of the inner surface 75 of the inner frame 7, a retaining portion for holding the cable C may be formed on the inner surface of the outer frame 6, or this retaining portion may be formed on both the inner surface 75 of the inner frame 7 and the inner surface of the outer frame 6. Furthermore, this retaining portion may be formed on the outer surface of the outer frame 6 or the outer surface of the inner frame 7.

[0038] The fastener 4 is, for example, a long, rectangular member. In this embodiment, the fastener 4 is positioned between adjacent solar panels 2 along the side of each solar panel 2 (in this embodiment, the long side 20). The cross-sectional shape of the fastener 4 is, for example, roughly T-shaped. The material of the fastener 4 is, for example, metal.

[0039] Furthermore, the retainer 4 is fixed to the frame 3 by sandwiching each solar panel 2 together with the frame 3 in the thickness direction of each solar panel 2. In this embodiment, the retainer 4 is fixed to the frame 3 (inner frame 7) by a fixing member (screw in this embodiment). The retainer 4 also has a protruding portion 40 that runs along the wall portion 70 of the inner frame 7 and is located on the side of the wall portion 70 opposite to the solar panel 2. With this configuration, the solar panel 2 can be securely fixed by the retainer 4 having the protruding portion 40, while maintaining the suppression of damage to the solar panel 2 by the wall portion 70.

[0040] Furthermore, the edge of each solar cell 2 that is not held in place by the retaining clip 4 (in this embodiment, the short-side edge 210) is not fixed to the frame 3, and can therefore be left in a free state. As a result, the free edge of each solar cell 2 (in this embodiment, the short-side edge 210) is not affected by the distortion of the frame 3 caused by an earthquake.

[0041] The solar cell module 1 described above is manufactured from a tile-integrated solar cell module, for example, which is placed on the roof of a building such as a private house in place of roof tiles. Specifically, the manufacturing method of the solar cell module 1 includes a panel forming step in which the frame that was provided around the solar cell panel is removed from the tile-integrated solar cell module to form the solar cell panel 2, and an integration step in which the solar cell panels 2 formed in the panel forming step are lined up and fixed to the frame 3. In the integration step of this embodiment, the solar cell panel 2 is fixed to the frame 3 (for example, an outer frame 6 and an inner frame 7) in a removable manner (for example, by fixing members such as screws). With this configuration, the solar cell panel 2 can be removed from the frame 3 when necessary, so the recyclability and maintainability of the components constituting the solar cell module 1 are high.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the solar cell module 1 is fixed to the mounting frame B by attaching a mounting member 9 (in this embodiment, an L-shaped mounting bracket 9) to a member 65 on the long side of the outer frame 6 of the frame 3, and then fixing the mounting member 9 to the mounting frame B with fixing members such as screws.

[0043] The solar cell module of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, and a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0044] Furthermore, in the frame 3, the portion covered by each solar cell panel 2 may have a projection (not shown) that is biased upward and protrudes, and deforms downward while generating a repulsive force as each solar cell panel 2 is placed on it. Specifically, such a projection may be formed on the upper part of the cylindrical portion 71 of the inner frame 7. In this configuration, the repulsive force generated when the projection deforms downward as the solar cell panel 2 is placed on the frame 3 can more effectively prevent misalignment of each solar cell panel 2 relative to the frame 3 (for example, the inner frame 7).

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the solar cell module 1 may include a plate-shaped support plate 8 fixed to the frame 3 and supporting each solar cell panel 2 from below. In this configuration, each solar cell panel 2 can be reinforced because the support plate 8 provides surface support from below.

[0046] Furthermore, the support plate 8 has a raised portion 80 on at least one of the longitudinal sides of the solar cell panel 2 that hooks onto the short-side edge 210 of each solar cell panel 2. With such a support plate 8, the contact between the raised portion 80 and the edge of each solar cell panel 2 (in this embodiment, the short-side edge 210) prevents misalignment of each solar cell panel 2 relative to the frame 3. In other words, the support plate 8 can complement the gasket 5's prevention of misalignment of each solar cell panel 2 relative to the frame 3.

[0047] Furthermore, the support plate 8 has one or more first parts 81 fixed to the frame 3, and one or more second parts 82 that are movable along the longitudinal direction of each solar cell panel 2 relative to the first parts 81. The illustrated support plate 8 has one first part 81 and one second part 82. Furthermore, the first part 81 has a first rising part 810, and the second part 82 has a second rising part 820. However, the number of plate-shaped members of the support plate 8 is not limited. With this support plate 8, the position of the rising part 80 (specifically, the second rising part 820) can be easily adjusted by adjusting the position of the second part 82 relative to the first part 81 to match the size of each solar cell panel 2.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the long side member 65 and the short side member 66 of the outer frame 6 are fixed together. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the pair of members constituting the frame 3 that fixes the solar cell panel 2 only need to be engaged so that they do not move apart from each other. For example, one of the pair of members constituting the frame 3 may have a recess, and the other member may have a protrusion that fits into this recess. Alternatively, the pair of members constituting the frame 3 may be fastened and fixed together with screws. With such a configuration, even if an external force is applied to the solar cell module 1, it is possible to prevent the pair of members constituting the frame 3 from coming apart.

[0049] Furthermore, the components constituting the frame 3 may have a U-shaped rail formed in their cross-sectional shape, and the solar cell panel 2 may be fixed by sliding it against this rail. In this configuration, by positioning the solar cell panel 2 inside the U-shape of the rail, it is possible to prevent the solar cell panel 2 from shifting position relative to the components constituting the frame 3 in the thickness direction of the solar cell panel 2.

[0050] Furthermore, the components constituting the frame 3 may have a rail with a U-shaped cross-section, as well as a protrusion at the end of the rail in the direction of extension, so that the end of the solar cell panel 2 (for example, the long side edge 200) can contact this protrusion and be fixed in place so as not to shift position relative to the solar cell panel 2. Furthermore, the solar cell panel 2 may be provided with a recess that corresponds to the shape of the protrusion of the components constituting the frame 3, so that the solar cell panel 2 can be fixed in place by the recess fitting into the protrusion. With such a configuration, the solar cell panel 2 can be securely fixed to the frame 3.

[0051] In this case, the fitting between the recess of the solar panel 2 and the protrusion of the component constituting the frame 3 may be removable. This configuration improves the recyclability and maintainability of the solar panel 2.

[0052] Furthermore, the frame 3 may have a push-rivet-like portion, and the mounting frame B for fixing the solar cell module 1 may be configured to allow insertion of the push-rivet-like portion. In this case, the shape of the protrusion of the frame 3 for fixing the solar cell panel 2 may be a roughly T-shaped protrusion with a thickened tip. In addition, the mounting frame B may be provided with a daruma-shaped recess into which the protrusion of the frame 3 fits, and the protrusion of the frame 3 may be able to fit by sliding from the wider part to the narrower part of the recess.

[0053] In this configuration, when installing the solar cell module 1 to the mounting frame B, only the frame 3 with the push-rivet-like portion is installed on the mounting frame B, and the solar cell panel 2 is attached to the frame 3 installed on the mounting frame B. In this way, the push-rivet-like portion of the frame 3 is pressed down by the solar cell panel 2, and the frame 3 and the mounting frame B are fitted together and fixed. In this case, the effort of fixing the frame 3 to the mounting frame B with a separate component is eliminated, and it can be fixed with a single touch.

[0054] Furthermore, when installing the solar cell module 1 to the mounting frame B, if an L-shaped bracket 9 is used to hold the solar cell module 1 in place, this bracket 9 may have a claw-like portion at its tip for holding the solar cell module 1. In this case, a concave groove may be provided in the frame 3 (for example, the outer frame 6), and the claw-like portion of the bracket 9 may engage with the concave groove in the frame 3 to secure it. In such a configuration, the claw-like portion of the bracket 9 holds the solar cell module 1 (for example, the frame 3), thus preventing the solar cell module 1 from shifting relative to the mounting frame B.

[0055] For example, multiple solar panels 2 may be fixed to the frame 3 in an arrangement where their respective short sides 21 are adjacent to each other. In this case, the inner frame 7 may be positioned so that the short sides 21 of each solar panel are aligned with it. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1...Solar cell module, 2...Solar cell panel, 3...Frame, 4...Presser, 5...Gasket, 6...Outer frame, 7...Inner frame, 8...Support plate, 9...Mounting component (mounting bracket), 20...Long side, 22...Light-receiving surface (front), 23...Back, 24...Outer edge, 40...Protruding part, 51...Frame contact part, 52...Presser contact part, 53...Connection part, 60, 63, 64...Sides, 61...First side, 62 ...Second side, 65...Long side member, 66...Short side member, 70...Wall section, 71...Cylindrical section, 72...Extending section, 73...Penetration section, 74...Cavity, 75...Inner surface, 80...Raised section, 81...First section, 82...Second section, 200...Long side edge, 210, 211, 212...Short side edge, 710...Inner surface, 810...First raised section, 820...Second raised section, B...Frame, C...Cable, S...Space

Claims

1. A plurality of solar panels having a rectangular or square shape in plan view, and a frame that supports the plurality of solar panels, The system includes a retainer that is fixed to the frame by sandwiching adjacent solar panels in the thickness direction of each solar panel, The plurality of solar panels are fixed to the frame in an arrangement that is aligned in one direction or in two orthogonal directions. The frame comprises an outer frame arranged along the outer edge of the plurality of solar panels, and a plurality of inner frames provided to connect at least a first side of the outer frame with a second side opposite to the first side. The inner frame is positioned so as to follow the side edges of each solar panel, and the inner frame has a wall portion that rises parallel to the side edges at a distance from them. The aforementioned retainer is a solar cell module having a projection along the wall portion, the projection of which is located on the side of the wall portion opposite to the solar cell panel.

2. The solar cell module according to claim 1, wherein the edge of each solar cell panel that is not held by the retaining clip is not fixed to the frame.

Images