Solar cell module

Abstract

This solar cell module comprises a first protection layer, a solar cell unit, a support member, and a filler. The first protection layer has a first surface and a second surface on the reverse side from the first surface. The solar cell unit includes a plurality of solar cell elements that are positioned opposite the second surface of the first protection layer. The support member is positioned adjacent to the solar cell unit. The support member includes an inner portion positioned opposite the second surface of the first protection layer, and an outer portion positioned extending outward from the inner portion. The filler is positioned in contact with the second surface of the first protection layer, and covering the inner portion and the solar cell unit. The thickness of the filler between the solar cell unit and the support member is greater than the thickness of the filler between two of the plurality of solar cell elements that are adjacent to each other.

Description

solar cell module CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-075028 (filed April 28, 2022), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to solar cell modules.

[0003] A solar cell module is known in which a plurality of solar cell elements arranged in a plane and electrically connected are positioned between a front protective layer and a back protective layer (see, for example, the description in Patent Document 1). In this solar cell module, the plurality of solar cell elements are covered with a filler mainly composed of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA).

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 070743

[0005] A solar cell module is disclosed.

[0006] In one embodiment, the solar cell module includes a first protective layer, a solar cell unit, a support member, and a filler. The first protective layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The solar cell unit includes a plurality of solar cell elements facing the second surface of the first protective layer. The support member is located adjacent to the solar cell unit. The support member includes an inner portion facing the second surface of the first protective layer and an outer portion extending outward from the inner portion. The filler is located in contact with the second surface of the first protective layer and covers the inner portion and the solar cell unit. The thickness of the filler between the solar cell unit and the support member is greater than the thickness of the filler between two adjacent solar cell elements among the plurality of solar cell elements.

[0007] In one embodiment, the solar cell module includes a first protective layer, a solar cell unit, a support member, and a filler. The first protective layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The solar cell unit is positioned facing the second surface of the first protective layer. The support member is positioned adjacent to the solar cell unit. The support member includes an inner portion facing the second surface of the first protective layer and an outer portion extending outward from the inner portion. The filler is positioned in contact with the second surface of the first protective layer and covering the inner portion and the solar cell unit. The thickness of the filler increases from the solar cell unit toward the support member.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the appearance of a solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual cut surface of the solar cell module of FIG. 1 taken along line Ib-Ib. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a first element surface of a solar cell element when viewed in plan. FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a second element surface of a solar cell element when viewed in plan. FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) are each diagrams illustrating a cross-sectional state during manufacturing in a first specific example of a method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are each diagrams illustrating a cross-sectional state during manufacturing in a second specific example of a method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a bent state of the solar cell module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual cut surface of a solar cell module according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 7. FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are each diagrams illustrating a cross-sectional state during manufacturing in a first specific example of a method for manufacturing a solar cell module according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams illustrating a cross-sectional state during manufacturing in a second specific example of the manufacturing method for the solar cell module according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual cut surface of the solar cell module according to the third embodiment. FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are diagrams illustrating a cross-sectional state during manufacturing in the manufacturing method for the solar cell module according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13(a) is a plan view showing an example of the appearance of the solar cell module according to the fourth embodiment when viewed in plan. FIG. 13(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual cut surface taken along line IIb-IIb of the solar cell module of FIG. 13(a). FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of the appearance of the solar cell module according to the fifth embodiment when viewed in plan. FIG. 15(a) is a plan view showing an example of the appearance of the solar cell module according to the sixth embodiment when viewed in plan. FIG. 15(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual cut surface taken along line IIIb-IIIb of the solar cell module of FIG. 15(a). FIG. 16(a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the solar cell module according to the seventh embodiment when viewed in plan.Fig. 16(b) is a diagram showing an example of a virtual cross section taken along line IVb-IVb of the solar cell module of Fig. 16(a). Fig. 17(a) is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the solar cell unit according to the seventh embodiment when viewed in plan. Fig. 17(b) is a diagram showing an example of a virtual cross section taken along line Vb-Vb of the solar cell unit of Fig. 17(a).

[0009] The inventors have created a technology for improving the flexibility and strength of a solar cell module, which will be described below in first to seventh embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In the drawings, parts having the same or similar configurations and functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted below. The drawings are schematic. A right-handed XYZ coordinate system is shown in Figures 1 to 17(b). In this XYZ coordinate system, the short-side direction of the front surface 10f of the solar cell panel 10 is the +X direction, the long-side direction of the front surface 10f is the +Y direction, and the normal direction of the front surface 10f, which is perpendicular to both the +X direction and the +Y direction, is the +Z direction.

[0011] <1-1. Solar Cell Module> A solar cell module 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3(b).

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the solar cell module 100 includes, for example, a solar cell panel 10. The solar cell panel 10 has, for example, a light-receiving surface (also referred to as a front surface) 10f onto which light is mainly incident, and a back surface 10b located on the opposite side of the front surface 10f. In the first embodiment, the front surface 10f faces the +Z direction. The back surface 10b faces the -Z direction. The +Z direction is set, for example, to face the sun at its zenith point. In the example of Figure 1, the front surface 10f has a rectangular shape, which is an example of a rectangular shape.

[0013] The solar cell module 100 may further include a terminal box (not shown) for extracting the power generated in the solar cell panel 10 to the outside.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a solar cell panel 10 includes, for example, a front surface protective layer 1, a back surface protective layer 2, a solar cell portion 3, a filler 4, and a support member 5.

[0015] <1-1-1. Surface Protective Layer> The surface protective layer 1 has, for example, a first surface 1f and a second surface 1s (see FIG. 2). In the first embodiment, the first surface 1f constitutes, for example, the front surface 10f of the solar cell panel 10. That is, the surface protective layer 1 has a rectangular shape as an example of a rectangular shape. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the first surface 1f is exposed to a space 200 outside the solar cell module 100 (also referred to as an external space). The second surface 1s is the surface opposite to the first surface 1f.

[0016] The surface protective layer 1 has, for example, translucency. Specifically, the surface protective layer 1 has, for example, translucency for light having a wavelength in a specific range. The specific range of wavelengths includes, for example, wavelengths of light that can be photoelectrically converted by the solar cell section 3. If the specific range of wavelengths includes wavelengths of light with high irradiation intensity in sunlight, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell module 100 can be improved.

[0017] The surface protective layer 1 may be made of, for example, a weather-resistant resin. In other words, the surface protective layer 1 may be made of, for example, a layer made of a weather-resistant resin. Here, weather resistance refers to the property of being resistant to deformation, discoloration, degradation, and other changes in quality when used outdoors. By using a resin as the material for the surface protective layer 1, the surface protective layer 1 may reduce the intrusion of water, such as water droplets, from the external space 200 of the solar cell module 100 toward the solar cell unit 3, and may also have the property of allowing moisture to easily pass from the filler 4 toward the external space 200 (also referred to as moisture permeability and waterproofing). Here, the weather-resistant resin may include, for example, a fluorine-based resin. Examples of the fluorine-based resin include fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), and ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE). Here, for example, the surface protective layer 1 may be composed of two or more layers of weather-resistant resin. In this case, the fluorine-based resin applied to the surface protective layer 1 may be, for example, two or more types of resin. Therefore, for example, a conceivable embodiment is one in which the fluorine-based resin applied to the surface protective layer 1 includes at least one resin selected from FEP, ETFE, and ECTFE.

[0018] The thickness of the surface protective layer 1 is, for example, about 0.05 millimeters (mm) to 0.5 mm. As described above, the surface protective layer 1 is made of a moisture-permeable resin with a relatively low density, and since the thickness is thin, the surface protective layer 1 is light. Therefore, compared to a structure in which high-density glass with a thickness of about 1 mm or more is used instead of the surface protective layer 1, the solar cell module 100 can be made lighter and thinner.

[0019] Note that, instead of or in addition to the fluorine-based resin, resins such as acrylic resin and polycarbonate can be used as the material for the surface protective layer 1. When acrylic resin or polycarbonate is used, the thickness of the resin is, for example, about 0.03 mm to 0.6 mm. The surface protective layer 1 may be formed by laminating multiple types of resins.

[0020] <1-1-2. Solar Cell Unit> The solar cell unit 3 is located, for example, between the surface protective layer 1 and the back protective layer 2. In other words, the solar cell unit 3 faces the surface protective layer 1 in the Z direction and also faces the back protective layer 2 in the Z direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the solar cell unit 3 has, for example, a plurality of solar cell elements 31. The plurality of solar cell elements 31 are located between the second surface 1 s of the surface protective layer 1 and the back protective layer 2. In the first embodiment, the plurality of solar cell elements 31 are arranged two-dimensionally. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 , the plurality of solar cell elements 31 are arranged in a plane so as to be located along the second surface 1 s of the surface protective layer 1. Note that the plurality of solar cell elements 31 may also be arranged one-dimensionally.

[0021] The solar cell unit 3 further includes, for example, a plurality of first wiring members 32, second wiring members 33, and third wiring members 34. The solar cell unit 3 includes, for example, a plurality of (here, two) solar cell strings 30. The plurality of solar cell strings 30 are arranged, for example, in the X direction. Each of the plurality of solar cell strings 30 includes, for example, a plurality of (here, five) solar cell elements 31 and a plurality of first wiring members 32. In each solar cell string 30, the plurality of solar cell elements 31 are arranged, for example, in the Y direction. The plurality of first wiring members 32 electrically connect, for example, two adjacent solar cell elements 31 among the plurality of solar cell elements 31. The second wiring member 33 electrically connects two adjacent solar cell strings 30 among the plurality of solar cell strings 30. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 , each of the two third wiring members 34 is connected to two solar cell strings 30. The third wiring member 34 connected to the solar cell string 30 located at the end closest to the -X direction and the third wiring member 34 connected to the solar cell string 30 located at the end closest to the +X direction are pulled out to the outside of the solar cell panel 10.

[0022] Each of the multiple solar cell elements 31 can convert light energy into electrical energy. Each of the multiple solar cell elements 31 has a surface (also referred to as a first element surface) 31f located on the front surface side and a surface (also referred to as a second element surface) 31s on the opposite side of the first element surface 31f. In the example of FIG. 2, the first element surface 31f faces in the +Z direction, and the second element surface 31s faces in the −Z direction. In this case, for example, the first element surface 31f mainly serves as a surface onto which light is incident (also referred to as a light-receiving surface), and the second element surface 31s mainly serves as a surface onto which light is not incident (also referred to as a non-light-receiving surface).

[0023] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), each of the multiple solar cell elements 31 has a semiconductor substrate 310, a first output extraction electrode 311, a first collecting electrode 312, a second output extraction electrode 313, and a second collecting electrode 314.

[0024] The semiconductor substrate 310 may be made of, for example, a crystalline semiconductor such as crystalline silicon, an amorphous semiconductor such as amorphous silicon, or a compound semiconductor using four elements (copper, indium, gallium, and selenium) or two elements (cadmium and tellurium). Here, we assume that the semiconductor substrate 310 is made of crystalline silicon. In this case, the semiconductor substrate 310 has a region primarily having a first conductivity type (also referred to as a first conductivity type region) and a region having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type (also referred to as a second conductivity type region). The first conductivity type region is located, for example, on the second element surface 31s side of the semiconductor substrate 310 in the −Z direction. The second conductivity type region is located, for example, in the surface layer portion of the semiconductor substrate 310 on the first element surface 31f side in the +Z direction. Here, for example, if the first conductivity type is p-type, the second conductivity type is n-type. Furthermore, for example, if the first conductivity type is n-type, the second conductivity type is p-type. As a result, the semiconductor substrate 310 has a pn junction located at the interface between the first conductivity type region and the second conductivity type region. The thickness of the semiconductor substrate 310 is, for example, about 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0025] The first output extraction electrode 311 and the first collecting electrode 312 are located, for example, on the surface of the semiconductor substrate 310 facing the first element surface 31f. For example, a bus bar electrode is used as the first output extraction electrode 311. For example, a finger electrode is used as the first collecting electrode 312. In the example of FIG. 3( a), five substantially parallel first output extraction electrodes 311 are located on the first element surface 31f side of the semiconductor substrate 310, and a number of substantially parallel first collecting electrodes 312 are located so as to be substantially perpendicular to the five first output extraction electrodes 311. In the example of FIG. 3( a), each of the first output extraction electrodes 311 has an elongated shape that is long in the Y direction, and each of the first collecting electrodes 312 has a linear shape that is long in the X direction. Furthermore, an insulating film serving as an anti-reflection film 315 made of, for example, silicon nitride may be positioned in a region above the second conductivity-type region of the semiconductor substrate 310 where the first output-extracting electrode 311 and the first current-collecting electrode 312 are not formed. For example, if the first output-extracting electrode 311 is primarily composed of silver, the first output-extracting electrode 311 may be formed by applying a silver paste to a desired shape by screen printing or the like and then firing the paste. The term "primary component" refers to the component that has the highest proportion (also referred to as the content) of the components contained. For example, the silver paste may be a metal paste containing a metal powder containing silver as the primary component, an organic vehicle, and glass frit. For example, if the first current-collecting electrode 312 is primarily composed of silver, the first current-collecting electrode 312 may be formed, like the first output-extracting electrode 311, by applying a silver paste to a desired shape by screen printing or the like and then firing the paste. The first output-extracting electrode 311 and the first current-collecting electrode 312 may be formed, for example, in separate steps or in the same step.

[0026] The second output extraction electrode 313 and the second collecting electrode 314 are located, for example, on the surface of the semiconductor substrate 310 facing the second element surface 31s. For example, a bus bar electrode is used as the second output extraction electrode 313. In the example of FIG. 3B , five rows of second output extraction electrodes 313 are located on the second element surface 31s side of the semiconductor substrate 310, and are generally parallel to one another along the +Y direction. The second collecting electrode 314 is located on the second element surface 31s side of the semiconductor substrate 310 over substantially the entire area where the second output extraction electrodes 313 are not formed, except for the portions where the second output extraction electrodes 313 and the second collecting electrodes 314 overlap and are connected to each other. Each of the five rows of second output extraction electrodes 313 includes, for example, four electrodes arranged in a row. Furthermore, for example, a thin film of an oxide or nitride such as aluminum oxide may be present as a passivation film in a desired pattern between the first conductivity type region of the semiconductor substrate 310 and the second output extraction electrode 313 and the second current collecting electrode 314. Here, for example, if the main component of the second output extraction electrode 313 is silver, the second output extraction electrode 313 may be formed, like the first output extraction electrode 311, by applying a silver paste to a desired shape by screen printing or the like and then firing the applied paste. For example, if the main component of the second current collecting electrode 314 is aluminum, the second current collecting electrode 314 may be formed by applying an aluminum paste to a desired shape by screen printing or the like and then firing the applied paste. The aluminum paste may be, for example, a metal paste containing a metal powder containing aluminum as a main component, an organic vehicle, and glass frit.

[0027] The first wiring member 32 electrically connects, for example, the first output-extracting electrode 311 of one solar cell element 31 to the second output-extracting electrode 313 of another solar cell element 31 adjacent to the one solar cell element 31. In the examples of FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b), the outer edges of the multiple first wiring members 32 attached to each solar cell element 31 are depicted imaginarily by two-dot chain lines. In the examples of FIGS. 1 to 3(b), the first wiring member 32 has an elongated shape extending in the Y direction. Here, the first wiring member 32 is joined to, for example, the first output-extracting electrode 311 and the second output-extracting electrode 313. Specifically, for example, the first wiring member 32 is located between the first wiring member 32 and the first output-extracting electrode 311, and there is a portion 321 (also referred to as a first joint portion) that joins the first wiring member 32 and the first output-extracting electrode 311. Therefore, for example, the first wiring member 32 is joined to the first output-extracting electrode 311 of one solar cell element 31 via a first joint portion 321. Furthermore, for example, a portion (also referred to as a second joint portion) 322 is located between the first wiring member 32 and the second output-extracting electrode 313 and joins the first wiring member 32 to the second output-extracting electrode 313. Therefore, for example, the first wiring member 32 is joined to the second output-extracting electrode 313 of another solar cell element 31 adjacent to the one solar cell element 31 via the second joint portion 322. For example, a linear or strip-shaped conductive metal body is used for the first wiring member 32. The first joint portion 321 and the second joint portion 322 are made of, for example, a low-melting-point alloy such as solder or a low-melting-point simple metal. More specifically, for example, copper foil having a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm and a width of approximately 1 mm to 2 mm is applied to the first wiring member 32, and the entire surface of this first wiring member 32 is covered with solder. The first wiring member 32 is electrically connected to the first output-extracting electrode 311 and the second output-extracting electrode 313, for example, by soldering. In this case, for example, the solder located between the first wiring member 32 and the first output-extracting electrode 311 constitutes a first joint portion 321. Furthermore, for example, the solder located between the first wiring member 32 and the second output-extracting electrode 313 constitutes a second joint portion 322.

[0028] <1-1-3. Filler> The filler 4 is in a state of covering the solar cell portion 3 between the front surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2. In other words, the filler 4 is in a state of covering the plurality of solar cell elements 31 between the front surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2. From another perspective, the filler 4 is in a state of filling, for example, a region (also referred to as a gap region) 10g between the front surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2 while covering the solar cell portion 3.

[0029] The filler 4 has a first surface 4 f located on the front surface and a second surface 4 s located on the opposite side of the first surface 4 f. The first surface 4 f of the filler 4 is in contact with the second surface 1 s of the surface protective layer 1, and the second surface 4 s of the filler 4 is in contact with the back surface protective layer 2.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the filler 4 includes, for example, a filler (also referred to as a first filler) 41 located on the front surface 10f side and a filler (also referred to as a second filler) 42 located on the back surface 10b side. The first filler 41, for example, constitutes the first surface 4f and covers the entire surface of the solar cell unit 3 on the surface protective layer 1 side. In other words, the first filler 41, for example, covers the multiple solar cell elements 31 between the surface protective layer 1 and the multiple solar cell elements 31. The second filler 42, for example, constitutes the second surface 4s and covers the entire surface of the solar cell unit 3 on the back surface protective layer 2 side. In other words, the second filler 42, for example, covers the multiple solar cell elements 31 between the back surface protective layer 2 and the multiple solar cell elements 31. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the solar cell unit 3 is, for example, surrounded by the first filler 41 and the second filler 42. This allows, for example, the filler 4 to maintain the orientation of the solar cell unit 3 .

[0031] Furthermore, the filler 4 has, for example, translucency. Here, the filler 4 has, for example, translucency for light having a wavelength in the specific range described above. Here, for example, of the first filler 41 and the second filler 42 constituting the filler 4, if at least the first filler 41 has translucency, incident light from the front surface 10 f side can reach the solar cell unit 3.

[0032] Examples of materials used for the first filler 41 include ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyvinyl acetal such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), and acid-modified resins. Here, for example, using relatively inexpensive EVA as the material for the first filler 41 can easily achieve the performance of protecting the multiple solar cell elements 31. Examples of acid-modified resins include modified polyolefin resins that can be formed by graft-modifying resins such as polyolefins with acids. Examples of acids that can be used for graft-modifying acid-modified resins include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, maleic anhydride, himic acid anhydride, itaconic anhydride, and citraconic anhydride. Similar to the first filler 41, examples of materials used for the second filler 42 include polyvinyl acetal such as EVA and PVB, and acid-modified resins. The first filler 41 and the second filler 42 may be composed of, for example, two or more materials.

[0033] The second filler 42 may contain, for example, a pigment. For example, when a white pigment is contained, the second filler 42 can reflect light that has passed through the solar cell section 3 and allow the light to re-enter the solar cell section 3. This can improve the power generation efficiency of the solar cell module 100.

[0034] The filler 4 may include only the first filler 41 without including the second filler 42. In this case, the first filler 41 covers the solar cell portion 3 between the front surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2.

[0035] <1-1-4. Rear surface protective layer> The rear surface protective layer 2, for example, constitutes the rear surface 10b of the solar cell panel 10. The rear surface protective layer 2, for example, faces the second surface 1s of the surface protective layer 1. The rear surface protective layer 2 is in contact with the filler 4 on the side opposite to the surface protective layer 1 with respect to the filler 4. The rear surface protective layer 2 is positioned facing the solar cell unit 3 and an inner portion 51 of the support member 5 in the Z direction. As will be described later, the inner portion 51 is the portion of the support member 5 that is closer to the solar cell unit 3 than the outer portion 52 in the X direction.

[0036] The back surface protective layer 2 can protect the solar cell unit 3 from the back surface 10b side, for example. The back surface protective layer 2 is formed, for example, of a back sheet that forms the back surface 10b. The thickness of the back sheet is, for example, about 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm. The back sheet is made of, for example, a resin. The resin can be made of, for example, the same material as that of the surface protective layer 1. When viewed from the back surface 10b side in a planar perspective, the back surface protective layer 2 has the same or similar shape as the surface protective layer 1. For example, when viewed from the back surface 10b side in a planar perspective, it is assumed that both the surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2 have a rectangular outer shape.

[0037] <1-1-5. Support Member> The support member 5 is a member for improving the rigidity of the solar cell panel 10, and has, for example, a rigidity higher than the rigidity of all of the front surface protective layer 1, the back surface protective layer 2, and the filler 4. The material of the support member 5 can be, for example, a metal, and as a more specific example, aluminum or stainless steel can be used.

[0038] When viewed in a plan view toward the main surface of the surface protective layer 1, the support member 5 is located adjacent to the solar cell unit 3 with a gap therebetween. In other words, when viewed with the line of sight along the Z direction, the support member 5 is located adjacent to the solar cell unit 3 with a gap therebetween. Hereinafter, viewing with the line of sight along the Z direction will also be simply referred to as a plan view. The support member 5 includes an inner portion 51 and an outer portion 52, and the inner portion 51 is located between the surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2 and is covered by the filler 4. In other words, the inner portion 51 faces the surface protective layer 1 in the Z direction, faces the back surface protective layer 2 in the Z direction, and is covered by the filler 4.

[0039] The outer portion 52 extends from the inner portion 51 to the side opposite the solar cell unit 3 (i.e., outside), and is not covered by, for example, the filler 4. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the outer portion 52 extends from the inner portion 51 to the outside of the front surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2 in a plan view. In other words, the outer portion 52 does not face the front surface protective layer 1 in the Z direction, and does not face the back surface protective layer 2 in the Z direction either. The inner portion 51 of the support member 5 is located on the solar cell unit 3 side (i.e., inside) of the outer portion 52 of the support member 5 in a plan view.

[0040] 1 and 2, the support member 5 has a plate-like shape and a rectangular shape in a plan view. In the example of FIG. 2, the ZX cross section of the support member 5 also has a rectangular shape. The corners of the support member 5 may be chamfered as appropriate. The longitudinal direction (here, the Y direction) of the support member 5 is, for example, along one side of the surface protective layer 1. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the support member 5 is, for example, along the arrangement direction (here, the Y direction) of the multiple solar cell elements 31 included in one solar cell string 30. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the support member 5 is, for example, along the longitudinal direction (here, the Y direction) of the first wiring member 32.

[0041] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the solar cell panel 10 includes two support members 5. The two support members 5 are positioned along both sides of the surface protective layer 1 in the X direction. The "sides in the X direction" here include one side of the surface protective layer 1 extending along the Y direction at the -X direction end and one side of the surface protective layer 1 extending along the Y direction at the +X direction end. That is, one support member 5 is positioned at the -X direction end of the surface protective layer 1 and has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the Y direction, while the other support member 5 is positioned at the +X direction end of the surface protective layer 1 and has a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the Y direction. The length of the support member 5 in the longitudinal direction (here, the Y direction) is, for example, approximately equal to the length of the surface protective layer 1. The width of the support member 5 in the lateral direction (here, the X direction) is set to, for example, several tens of millimeters or more. The width of the inner portion 51 of the support member 5 is set to, for example, approximately 20% to 80% of the width of the support member 5. This allows the support member 5 to be integrated with the filler 4 with a relatively high adhesive strength. The thickness of the support member 5 is greater than the thickness of the solar cell section 3, and is set to, for example, about 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0042] The outer portion 52 of the support member 5 is attached to an attachment target member such as an external building material. For example, an attachment hole (not shown) may be formed in the outer portion 52. The attachment hole penetrates the outer portion 52 in the Z direction. The solar cell panel 10 can be attached to the attachment target member by inserting an attachment bolt through the attachment hole and screwing it into the attachment target member. In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 , two support members 5 are located on either side of the solar cell panel 10, so that the two support members 5 on either side of the solar cell panel 10 can be fixed to the attachment target member. This allows the solar cell panel 10 to be attached more firmly to the attachment target member. The support member 5 can also be considered an attachment member.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 1 , the support member 5, which is a rigid body, is not primarily located on either side of the solar cell panel 10 in the Y direction. That is, the support member 5 is not substantially located at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the +Y direction that extends along the X direction, nor is the support member 5 substantially located at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the −Y direction that extends along the X direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 , when an external force F1 is applied to the support member 5, the solar cell panel 10 can bend in an arc shape when viewed in the Y direction. In other words, the solar cell panel 10 can bend in an arc shape when viewed with the line of sight along the Y direction. For example, the solar cell panel 10 can bend to a state along an arc with a radius of several hundred mm (e.g., 500 mm). This makes it easy to attach the solar cell panel 10 to a curved attachment target member.

[0044] 1-1-6. Thickness of Filler 4 As shown in FIG. 2, the thickness of the filler 4 is small in the solar cell section 3 and large between the solar cell section 3 and the support member 5. Here, thicknesses W1 and W3 are introduced. Thickness W1 is the thickness (maximum value) of the filler 4 between the solar cell section 3 and the support member 5. Thickness W3 is the thickness (maximum value) of the filler 4 between two adjacent solar cell elements 31 among the multiple solar cell elements 31 belonging to the solar cell section 3. As shown in FIG. 2, thickness W1 is, for example, larger than thickness W3. The difference between thickness W1 and thickness W3 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, or 1 mm or more.

[0045] Focusing on the distance between the surface protective layer 1 and the back protective layer 2, the distance between the surface protective layer 1 and the back protective layer 2 is small in the solar cell section 3 and is large between the solar cell section 3 and the support member 5. In other words, the distance (maximum value) between the surface protective layer 1 and the back protective layer 2 between the solar cell section 3 and the support member 5 is larger than the distance (maximum value) between the surface protective layer 1 and the back protective layer 2 in the solar cell section 3.

[0046] Here, an example of the thickness distribution of a portion 4a of the filler 4 between the solar cell unit 3 and the support member 5 will be described. The portion 4a here refers to a portion of the filler 4 that is located between the solar cell unit 3 and the support member 5 and that is continuous from the front surface protective layer 1 to the back surface protective layer 2. In the example of Fig. 2, the thickness W1 of the portion 4a at the end on the support member 5 side is greater than the thickness W2 of the portion 4a at the end on the solar cell unit 3 side. The difference between the thickness W1 and the thickness W2 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, or 1 mm or more.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2 , the thickness of the portion 4 a of the filler 4 gradually increases, for example, in at least a portion of region R1 between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3, from the solar cell unit 3 toward the support member 5 in the X direction. That is, the thickness of the portion 4 a of the filler 4 monotonically increases in region R1 from the solar cell unit 3 toward the support member 5 in the X direction. In other words, the thickness of the portion 4 a of the filler 4 at a position in the X direction gradually increases as the position approaches the support member 5 from the solar cell unit 3. In other words, the thickness of the portion 4 a gradually increases in region R1 as the position moves outward in the X direction. The increase in thickness throughout region R1 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, or 1 mm or more. The shape of the portion 4 a of the filler 4 is uniform in the Y direction, for example.

[0048] In the example of Figure 2, the first surface 4f and the second surface 4s of the filler 4 have shapes that are line-symmetrical to each other with respect to the XY plane, but the drawing is only a schematic illustration and is not necessarily limited to this.

[0049] <1-2. Characteristics of the Solar Cell Module> According to this embodiment, the inner portion 51 of the support member 5, which is a rigid body, is covered with the filler 4 between the front protective layer 1 and the back protective layer 2. This improves the rigidity of the solar cell panel 10. In the example of Fig. 1, the support member 5 is located at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the X direction, spanning between both ends of the solar cell panel 10 in the Y direction, thereby improving the rigidity particularly in the Y direction.

[0050] On the other hand, the support members 5 are not located substantially on either side of the solar cell panel 10 in the Y direction. That is, the support members 5 are not located substantially at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the +Y direction that extends along the X direction, nor at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the −Y direction that extends along the X direction. Therefore, when viewed along the Y direction, the solar cell panel 10 can bend in an arc shape (see FIG. 6 ). In this bending state, a relatively large stress is generated in the portion of the solar cell panel 10 between the support members 5 and the solar cell unit 3. More specifically, a large stress is generated in the portion of the solar cell panel 10 near the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5. The inner end surface 5a here refers to the end surface of the support member 5 on the solar cell unit 3 side.

[0051] In this embodiment, the thickness of the filler 4 is greater between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3 and smaller at the solar cell unit 3. In other words, the thickness W1 is greater than the thickness W3. This improves the strength of the solar cell panel 10 between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. This allows the solar cell panel 10 to appropriately cope with stress due to bending. Furthermore, since the filler 4 is thinner at the solar cell unit 3, the flexibility of the solar cell panel 10 can be improved. In other words, the flexibility and strength of the solar cell panel 10 can be both achieved. Furthermore, compared to a structure in which the thickness W3 is increased to the same extent as the thickness W1, the volume of the filler 4 can be reduced, thereby reducing the material cost of the filler 4.

[0052] 2, if the thickness W1 of the portion 4a of the filler 4 is greater than the thickness W2, the strength of the solar cell panel 10 can be improved in the vicinity of the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5. This allows the solar cell panel 10 to more appropriately cope with stress due to bending. Furthermore, if the thickness of the portion 4a in the region R1 gradually increases from the solar cell section 3 toward the support member 5, the stress in the portion 4a can be effectively dispersed.

[0053] 1-3. First Specific Example of Manufacturing the Solar Cell Module According to the First Embodiment Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the solar cell module 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c).

[0054] First, the surface protective layer 1 is prepared. Here, for example, a resin film having a rectangular shape, front and back surfaces, and weather resistance is prepared as the surface protective layer 1. For example, a fluorine-based resin is used as the weather-resistant resin. For example, FEP, ETFE, or ECTFE is used as the fluorine-based resin. Here, for example, a treatment for activating the surface, such as a corona treatment or a plasma treatment, is performed on the second surface 1s, which is one side of the surface protective layer 1. This can improve the adhesion between the surface protective layer 1 and the filler 4 in the lamination process described below.

[0055] Next, for example, as shown in Figures 4(b) and 4(c), the surface protective layer 1, the sheet 41s, the sheet 41t, the solar cell section 3, the support member 5, the sheet 42s, the sheet 42t and the back protective layer 2 are stacked to form the laminate 10s.

[0056] In the laminate 10s, the solar cell section 3 is located between two support members 5, which are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the X direction. Wiring is appropriately positioned so that it extends from the solar cell section 3 to the outside of the solar cell panel 10 and connects to a terminal box or the like. For example, the solar cell elements 31 of the solar cell section 3 are connected to each other by first wiring members 32 and second wiring members 33. Third wiring members 34 are connected to the solar cell section 3.

[0057] Sheets 41s and 41t are sheets made of a resin (such as EVA) that is the base of first filler 41. Sheet 41s is located between surface protective layer 1 and solar cell unit 3, and between surface protective layer 1 and support member 5. In other words, sheet 41s is located on surface protective layer 1, and solar cell unit 3 and support member 5 are located on sheet 41s. Sheet 41s has a rectangular shape as an example of a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0058] In a plan view, the sheet 41t is located on the sheet 41s between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. In the examples of FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), two support members 5 are located, and therefore two sheets 41t are located. In a plan view, each sheet 41t has, for example, an elongated shape that is long in the Y direction. In the examples of FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), the width of each sheet 41t is narrower than the distance between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. In other words, in the examples of FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), the sheet 41t is located so as not to face either the support member 5 or the solar cell unit 3 in the Z direction.

[0059] The sheets 42s and 42t are made of a resin (such as EVA) that is the base material of the second filler 42. The sheets 42s and 42t may contain a pigment. The sheet 42s is located between the back surface protective layer 2 and the solar cell unit 3, and between the back surface protective layer 2 and the support member 5. In other words, the sheet 42s is located with both ends facing the support member 5. The sheet 42s has a rectangular shape as an example of a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0060] In a plan view, the sheet 42t is located on the sheet 42s between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. In the examples of FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), two support members 5 are located, and therefore two sheets 42t are located. In a plan view, each sheet 42t has, for example, an elongated shape that is long in the Y direction. In the examples of FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), the width of each sheet 42t is narrower than the distance between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. In other words, in the examples of FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), the sheet 42t is located so as not to face either the support member 5 or the solar cell unit 3 in the Z direction.

[0061] The back surface protective layer 2 is located on the sheets 42s and 42t.

[0062] As described above, in the laminate 10s, the sheets 41t and 42t are located between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3 in a plan view. Therefore, the total thickness of the sheets between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3 is greater than the total thickness of the sheets in the region facing the solar cell unit 3 by the amount of the sheets 41t and 42t.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 4(c), the sheet 42s and the back surface protective layer 2 are shown in a flat plate shape, but if they are flexible or pliable, their central portions may bend toward the front surface protective layer 1 side.

[0064] Next, for example, a lamination process is performed on the laminate 10s. Here, for example, a laminating device (laminator) is used to integrate the laminate 10s. For example, in the laminator, the laminate 10s is placed on a heater plate in a chamber, and the chamber is depressurized to approximately 50 Pascals (Pa) to 150 Pa while the laminate 10s is heated to approximately 100 degrees Celsius (100°C) to 200 degrees Celsius (200°C). At this time, the sheets 41s, 41t, 42s, and 42t become somewhat fluid due to the heating. In this state, the laminate 10s is pressed in the Z direction by a pressing body such as a diaphragm sheet in the chamber, thereby integrating the laminate 10s.

[0065] In this lamination process, as described above, the sheets 41t and 42t are positioned in the laminate 10s. That is, the total thickness of the sheets is increased between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. This makes it easier to increase the thickness of the filler 4 between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3.

[0066] Furthermore, with sheets 41t and 42t positioned, gaps between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3 of the laminate 10s due to the difference in thickness between the support member 5 and the solar cell element 31 can be reduced. As a result, the laminator's pressing body can press the laminate 10s with sufficient pressure even between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. In other words, uneven pressure distribution due to the difference in thickness between the support member 5 and the solar cell element 31 can be reduced. Therefore, the molten sheet is pressed with sufficient pressure against the surface protective layer 1, the support member 5, the solar cell unit 3, and the back protective layer 2 even between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. As a result, the filler 4 can adhere to these with higher adhesive strength.

[0067] In the above example, in the lamination process, although the sheet 42t is located on the sheet 42s, it may be located between the sheet 42s and the sheet 41t. Furthermore, although the sheet 41t is located on the sheet 41s, it may be located between the sheet 41s and the surface protective layer 1. Furthermore, a plurality of sheets 41t may be stacked in the Z direction between each of the solar cell units 3 and the support members 5, or a plurality of sheets 42t may be stacked in the Z direction. Furthermore, only one of the sheets 41t and 42t may be located.

[0068] Furthermore, although the sheets 41s and 41t are separate sheets in the above example, they may be integrated. That is, it is sufficient that the thickness of the sheet in the region between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3 is greater than the thickness of the sheet in the region facing the solar cell unit 3. The same applies to the sheets 42s and 42t.

[0069] After the lamination process, a terminal box or the like may be attached to the solar cell panel 10 as appropriate. At this time, for example, wiring drawn from the solar cell unit 3 to the outside of the solar cell panel 10 is connected to terminals in the terminal box as appropriate. In this way, the solar cell module 100 is assembled.

[0070] In the above example, the solar cell panel 10 including the support member 5 is integrated by lamination processing. Therefore, assembling the solar cell panel 10 is easier than a structure in which an external frame (not shown) is attached to the solar cell panel 10 with screws or the like instead of the support member 5.

[0071] 1-4. Second Specific Example of Manufacturing the Solar Cell Module According to the First Embodiment As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), in the lamination process, the sheets 41t and 42t may not be positioned on the laminate 10s. In this case, as shown in Figure 5(b), the pressing surface 400s of the pressing body 400 of the laminator may have a stepped shape. The pressing surface 400s is the surface that contacts the laminate 10s and presses the laminate 10s.

[0072] 5(b), the pressing body 400 includes a diaphragm sheet 410, a first release sheet 420, and a second release sheet 421. The diaphragm sheet 410 is made of an elastic material, such as silicone rubber, which is easily elastically deformable. The diaphragm sheet 410 is wider than the laminate 10s in a plan view, and is positioned opposite the entire laminate 10s.

[0073] The first release sheet 420 is a sheet having releasability. The first release sheet 420 is obtained, for example, by forming a release film such as a silicone coating on the surface of a sheet-like substrate. The first release sheet 420 is located on the laminate 10s side with respect to the diaphragm sheet 410. The first release sheet 420 is located in a state where it is overlapped with the diaphragm sheet 410. The first release sheet 420 is wider than the laminate 10s in a plan view, and is located in a state where it faces the entire laminate 10s.

[0074] The second release sheet 421 is a sheet having releasability. The second release sheet 421 is obtained, for example, by forming a release film such as a silicone coating on the surface of a sheet-like substrate. The second release sheet 421 is located on the laminate 10s side with respect to the first release sheet 420. The second release sheet 421 is located in a state where it is overlapped with the first release sheet 420.

[0075] In a plan view, the second release sheet 421 has, for example, an elongated shape that is long in the Y direction. The width of the second release sheet 421 in the X direction is narrower than the distance between the two support members 5 and is equal to or greater than the width of the solar cell unit 3. The second release sheet 421 faces the stack 10s in the Z direction between the two support members 5, but does not face the support members 5 in the Z direction. The second release sheet 421 also faces the entire solar cell unit 3 in the Z direction. The length of the second release sheet 421 in the Y direction is, for example, equal to or greater than the length of the stack 10s in the Y direction.

[0076] The thickness of such a pressing body 400 is small in a region facing the support member 5 in the Z direction and is large in a region facing the solar cell unit 3 in the Z axis direction. Therefore, a pressing surface 400s, which is the surface of the pressing body 400 facing the laminate 10s, has steps on both sides of the second release sheet 421, and the portion of the pressing surface 400s corresponding to the second release sheet 421 protrudes toward the laminate 10s by the thickness of the second release sheet 421. In other words, the pressing surface 400s has a first region 401s facing the support member 5 and a second region 402s located closer to the laminate 10s than the first region 401s and corresponding to the solar cell unit 3, and the step between the first region 401s and the second region 402s is located between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3 in the X direction. The pressing surface 400s of the pressing body 400 has a stepped shape corresponding to the thickness distribution of the filler 4 illustrated in FIG.

[0077] In the lamination process, the pressing body 400 initially presses the back surface protective layer 2 in the second region (i.e., the second release sheet 421) facing the solar cell unit 3, and then presses the back surface protective layer 2 in the first region on the support member 5 side. Therefore, the molten sheet easily flows toward the support member 5 side and flows between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. This makes it easy to increase the thickness of the filler 4 between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3.

[0078] Furthermore, since the molten sheet flows between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3, the volume of the sheet between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3 increases, and the pressing body 400 can press the laminate 10s with a more uniform pressure distribution. As a result, even between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3, the filler 4 can be bonded with higher adhesive strength to the surface protective layer 1, the support member 5, the solar cell unit 3, and the back protective layer 2.

[0079] <1-5. Summary of First Embodiment> In the solar cell module 100 according to the first embodiment, for example, the thickness W1 of the filler 4 between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3 is greater than the thickness W3 of the filler 4 between the solar cell elements 31. This increases the strength of the solar cell panel 10 between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3. As a result, the solar cell panel 10 can withstand stress applied to the portion between the support member 5 and the solar cell unit 3 due to bending caused by the external force F1. Furthermore, since the thickness W3 is small, the flexibility of the solar cell panel 10 can be improved.

[0080] 1, the number of solar cell elements 31 arranged in the X direction is two, which is an even number. In other words, the number of solar cell elements 31 arranged in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support member 5 is an even number. Furthermore, the width of each solar cell element 31 in the X direction is approximately equal to each other. Therefore, no solar cell element 31 is present in the center of the solar cell panel 10 in the X direction. In other words, the center of the solar cell panel 10 corresponds to the portion between the solar cell elements 31.

[0081] Incidentally, when the solar cell panel 10 is deflected by an external force F1 (see also FIG. 6 ), a relatively large stress is also applied to the center of the solar cell panel 10 in the X direction. Furthermore, even when a load such as snow is applied to the solar cell panel 10 with the support member 5 attached to the attachment target member, the solar cell panel 10 may deflect in an arc shape when viewed in the Y direction. Even in such a case, a relatively large stress is applied to the center of the solar cell panel 10 in the X direction.

[0082] 1, there is no solar cell element 31 in the center of the solar cell panel 10. Therefore, even when an external force F1 or a load such as snow is applied to the solar cell panel 10 and the solar cell panel 10 bends, the stress applied to each solar cell element 31 is relatively small. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of problems such as a decrease in the performance of the solar cell element 31 due to stress.

[0083] 2. Other Embodiments The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0084] 7 and 8 , for example, a portion 4b (corresponding to a first portion) of the filler 4 between the support member 5 and the surface protective layer 1 may have a thickness distribution (corresponding to a predetermined first thickness distribution) described below. The first thickness distribution is a thickness distribution in which a thickness W4 at an end of the portion 4b on the solar cell unit 3 side is greater than a thickness W5 at an end of the portion 4b on the outer portion 52 side. The difference between the thickness W4 and the thickness W5 may be, for example, 0.01 mm or more, 0.05 mm or more, or 0.1 mm or more.

[0085] 7 and 8 , the thickness of portion 4b of filler 4 may gradually decrease from the inner end surface 5a toward the outer end surface 5b in at least region R2 of the region facing the support member 5 in the Z direction. The outer end surface 5b here refers to the end surface of the support member 5 on the opposite side from the solar cell unit 3 in the X direction. It can also be said that the thickness of portion 4b may decrease monotonically from the inner end surface 5a toward the outer end surface 5b in region R2. The amount of reduction in thickness throughout region R2 may be, for example, 0.01 mm or more, 0.05 mm or more, or 0.1 mm or more.

[0086] 7 and 8 , the thickness of portion 4a of filler 4 gradually increases from solar cell section 3 toward support member 5, and the thickness of portion 4b of filler 4 gradually decreases from inner end face 5a toward outer end face 5b. Therefore, first surface 4f of filler 4 has a convex shape that bulges in the +Z direction near inner end face 5a of support member 5. Specifically, first surface 4f bulges, for example, in a smooth mountain shape. The shapes of portions 4a and 4b of filler 4 are uniform in the Y direction, for example.

[0087] 7 and 8 , a portion 4c (corresponding to the second portion) of the filler 4 between the support member 5 and the back surface protective layer 2 may also have a thickness distribution (corresponding to the second thickness distribution) described below. The second thickness distribution is a thickness distribution in which a thickness W6 at the end of the portion 4c on the solar cell unit 3 side is greater than a thickness W7 at the end of the portion 4c on the outer portion 52 side. The difference between the thickness W6 and the thickness W7 may be, for example, 0.01 mm or more, 0.05 mm or more, or 0.1 mm or more.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the thickness of the portion 4c of the filler 4 may gradually decrease from the inner end surface 5a toward the outer end surface 5b in at least region R3 of the region facing the support member 5 in the Z direction. In other words, the thickness of the portion 4c may decrease monotonically in region R3 from the inner end surface 5a toward the outer end surface 5b. The amount of reduction in thickness throughout region R3 may be, for example, 0.01 mm or more, 0.05 mm or more, or 0.1 mm or more. In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the second surface 4s of the filler 4 has a convex shape that bulges in the −Z direction near the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5. Specifically, the second surface 4s bulges, for example, in a smooth mountain shape. The shape of the portion 4c of the filler 4 is uniform in the Y direction, for example.

[0089] Here, the following description focuses on the distance between the surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2. That is, the distance between the surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2 at the position of the inner end surface 5 a of the support member 5 is wider than the distance between the surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2 at the end in the X direction of the surface protective layer 1 or the end in the X direction of the back surface protective layer 2. The distance between the surface protective layer 1 and the back surface protective layer 2 is greatest near the inner end surface 5 a of the support member 5.

[0090] The following description focuses on the thickness of the structure formed by the filler 4 and the support member 5. That is, the thickness of the structure at the position of the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5 is greater than the thickness of the structure at the X-direction end of the front surface protective layer 1 or the X-direction end of the back surface protective layer 2. The thickness of the structure is greatest near the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5.

[0091] <2-1-2. Characteristics of the Solar Cell Module> According to the second embodiment, the thickness W4 of the portion 4b of the filler 4 is greater than the thickness W5. This allows the thickness of the solar cell panel 10 near the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5 to be further increased, thereby further improving the strength of the solar cell panel 10 near the inner end surface 5a. Therefore, even if the external force F1 is increased to cause the solar cell panel 10 to bend more significantly, the solar cell panel 10 can withstand the stress. Furthermore, because the thickness W5 of the filler 4 is smaller than the thickness W4, the material cost of the filler 4 can be reduced compared to a structure in which the thickness W5 of the filler 4 is increased to approximately the same as the thickness W4.

[0092] 7 and 8 , the thickness W6 of the portion 4c of the filler 4 is greater than the thickness W7. This allows the thickness of the solar cell panel 10 near the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5 to be further increased, further improving the strength of the solar cell panel 10 near the inner end surface 5a. Therefore, even if the external force F1 is increased to cause the solar cell panel 10 to bend more significantly, the solar cell panel 10 can withstand the stress. Furthermore, because the thickness W7 of the filler 4 is smaller than the thickness W6, the material cost of the filler 4 can be reduced compared to a structure in which the thickness W7 of the filler 4 is increased to approximately the same as the thickness W6.

[0093] In the examples of Figures 7 and 8, the first surface 4f and the second surface 4s of the filler 4 have shapes that are linearly symmetrical to each other with respect to the XY plane, but the drawings are merely schematic illustrations and are not necessarily limited to this.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, either the portion 4b or the portion 4c of the filler 4 may have a uniform thickness. That is, either the portion 4b or the portion 4c may have a flat plate shape with a uniform thickness. This is because, if either the portion 4b or the portion 4c has the above-described thickness distribution, the strength of the solar cell panel 10 can be improved in the vicinity of the inner end surface 5a.

[0095] <2-1-3. First specific example of the method for manufacturing the solar cell module according to the second embodiment> An example of the lamination process in the method for manufacturing the solar cell module 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b).

[0096] 9(a) and 9(b), a laminate 10s is formed by laminating a surface protective layer 1, a sheet 41s, a sheet 41u, a solar cell unit 3, a support member 5, a sheet 42s, a sheet 42u, and a back protective layer 2. That is, compared to the first specific example of the first embodiment, sheets 41u and 42u are used instead of sheets 41t and 42t, respectively.

[0097] The sheet 41u is a sheet made of resin (such as EVA) that forms part of the first filler 41. The sheet 41u is located, for example, on the sheet 41s. In the example of FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), two support members 5 are located, resulting in two sheets 41u. Each sheet 41u has, for example, an elongated shape extending in the Y direction in a plan view. The sheet 41u is located in a region that straddles the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5 in the X direction. In other words, the outer portion of the sheet 41u in the X direction is located between the surface protective layer 1 and the support member 5, and the inner portion of the sheet 41u in the X direction is located inside the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5. This inner portion of the sheet 41u is located, for example, not facing the solar cell unit 3 in the Z direction. Furthermore, the outer end of the sheet 41u in the X direction is located, for example, inside the end of the surface protective layer 1 and the end of the sheet 41s in the X direction.

[0098] The sheet 42u is a sheet made of a resin (such as EVA) that forms part of the second filler 42. The sheet 42u is located, for example, on the sheet 42s. In the example of FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), two support members 5 are located, and therefore two sheets 42u are located. Each sheet 42u has, for example, an elongated shape elongated in the Y direction in a plan view. The sheet 42u is located in a region that straddles the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5 in the X direction. In other words, the outer portion of the sheet 42u in the X direction is located between the back surface protective layer 2 and the support member 5, and the inner portion of the sheet 42u in the X direction is located inside the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5. This inner portion of the sheet 42u is located, for example, so as not to face the solar cell unit 3 in the Z direction. Furthermore, the outer end of the sheet 42u in the X direction is located, for example, inside the end of the back surface protective layer 2 and the end of the sheet 42s in the X direction.

[0099] Next, for example, a lamination process is performed on the laminate 10s. Here, for example, a laminating device (laminator) is used to integrate the laminate 10s. This allows the solar cell panel 10 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 to be manufactured.

[0100] In the laminate 10s, the sheet 41u is positioned so as to straddle the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5. This makes it easier to increase the thickness W4 of the portion 4b of the filler 4. Furthermore, in a plan view, the outer edge of the sheet 41u is positioned inside the edge of the surface protective layer 1 and the edge of the sheet 41s, so it is easier to reduce the thickness W5 of the portion 4b below the thickness W4.

[0101] In the laminate 10s, the sheet 42u is positioned so as to straddle the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5. This makes it easier to increase the thickness W6 of the portion 4c of the filler 4. Furthermore, in a plan view, the outer edge of the sheet 42u is positioned inside the edge of the back surface protective layer 2 and the edge of the sheet 41s, so it is easier to reduce the thickness W7 of the portion 4c below the thickness W6.

[0102] 2-1-4. Second Specific Example of the Manufacturing Method of the Solar Cell Module According to the Second Embodiment As shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), during the lamination process, the sheets 41u and 42u may not be positioned on the laminate 10s. In this case, as shown in Figure 10(b), the pressing surface 400s of the pressing body 400 may have a stepped shape. In the example of Figure 10(b), the pressing body 400 further includes a third release sheet 422 compared to the pressing body 400 of Figure 5(b).

[0103] The third release sheet 422 is a sheet having releasability. The third release sheet 422 is obtained, for example, by forming a release film such as a silicone coating on the surface of a sheet-like substrate. The third release sheet 422 is located on the laminate 10s side with respect to the first release sheet 420. The third release sheet 422 is located in a state where it is overlapped with the first release sheet 420.

[0104] 10(b), two support members 5 are located on the laminate 10s, and therefore two third release sheets 422 are located thereon. The third release sheet 422 has, for example, an elongated shape that is long in the Y direction, and is located opposite the end of the back surface protective layer 2 in the X direction in the Z direction. An inner end 422a of the third release sheet 422 on the second release sheet 421 side is located between the end of the back surface protective layer 2 and the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5 in the X direction. An outer end 422b of the third release sheet 422 on the side opposite to the second release sheet 421 is located outward from the end of the back surface protective layer 2 in the X direction.

[0105] The thickness of such a pressing body 400 is small in a region facing the vicinity of the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5 in the Z direction. Therefore, the pressing surface 400s of the pressing body 400 has a concave shape that is recessed in a region facing the vicinity of the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5 in the Z direction. More specifically, the pressing surface 400s has a first region 401s facing the inner end surface 5a of the support member 5, a second region 402s located closer to the stack 10s than the first region 401s and facing the solar cell unit 3, and a third region 403s located closer to the stack 10s than the first region 401s and facing the end of the back surface protective layer 2. The pressing surface 400s of such a pressing body 400 has a stepped shape corresponding to the thickness distribution of the filler 4 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 .

[0106] In the lamination process, the pressing body 400 presses the regions of the back surface protective layer 2 at both ends in the X direction and the region facing the solar cell unit 3, and then presses the back surface protective layer 2 in the region near the inner end surface 5 a of the support member 5. As a result, the molten sheet flows from both sides in the X direction to the vicinity of each inner end surface 5 a. As a result, the thickness of the filler 4 can be easily increased near the inner end surface 5 a of the support member 5.

[0107] In the laminator, the support surface of the support (not shown) that supports the surface protective layer 1 may have a stepped shape similar to that of the pressing surface 400s of the pressing body 400. That is, the support may include the first release sheet 420, the second release sheet 421, and the third release sheet 422 of the pressing body 400 in an inverted state.

[0108] 11 , the X-direction end 2a of the rear surface protective layer 2 may be located closer to the solar cell unit 3 than the X-direction end 1a of the surface protective layer 1. The end 1a may be the end of the surface protective layer 1 closer to the support member 5, and the end 2a may be the end of the rear surface protective layer 2 closer to the support member 5. More specifically, the −X-direction end 2a of the rear surface protective layer 2 may be located closer to the solar cell unit 3 than the −X-direction end 1a of the surface protective layer 1, and the +X-direction end 2a of the rear surface protective layer 2 may be located closer to the solar cell unit 3 than the +X-direction end 1a of the surface protective layer 1. In other words, the X-direction width of the rear surface protective layer 2 may be smaller than the X-direction width of the surface protective layer 1. 11 , the end 42a of the filler 4 on the back surface protective layer 2 side and on the outer portion 52 side may be located closer to the solar cell unit 3 than the end 41a of the filler 4 on the surface protective layer 1 side and on the outer portion 52 side. Specifically, the end 42a of the filler 4 in the −X direction and −Z direction may be located closer to the solar cell unit 3 than the end 41a of the filler 4 in the −X direction and +Z direction, and the end 42a of the filler 4 in the +X direction and −Z direction may be located closer to the solar cell unit 3 than the end 41a of the filler 4 in the +X direction and +Z direction.

[0109] 11, the back surface protective layer 2 may be positioned so as to avoid the region facing each support member 5 in the Z direction, and the filler 4 may be positioned in the −Z direction (i.e., the opposite side from the surface protective layer 1) from each support member 5 and so as to avoid the region facing each support member 5 in the Z direction. In other words, the filler 4 and the back surface protective layer 2 do not have to be positioned in the −Z direction from the support members 5 and in the region facing each support member 5 in the Z direction.

[0110] In this structure, the entire surface of the support member 5 in the -Z direction is exposed to the outside of the solar cell module 100. In the example of FIG. 11 , the attachment target member 300 to which the +X direction support member 5 is fixed and the fastening member 301 that fastens them are shown in phantom lines. In the example of FIG. 11 , the attachment target member 300 faces the support member 5 in the Z direction and is in contact with the support member 5. The fastening member 301 is, for example, a bolt that penetrates the support member 5 in the Z direction. The fastening member 301 can press and fix the support member 5 to the attachment target member 300. Note that, although not shown in FIG. 11 , the support member 5 in the -X direction can also be attached to the attachment target member in the same way as the support member 5 in the +X direction.

[0111] 11 , the filler 4 and the back surface protective layer 2 are not positioned between the target member 300 and the support member 5. Therefore, even if the thicknesses of the filler 4 and the back surface protective layer 2 vary due to factors such as thermal expansion, thermal contraction, and deterioration over time of the filler 4 and the back surface protective layer 2, the distance between the support member 5 and the target member 300 does not vary. Therefore, loosening of the fastening member 301 caused by variations in the thicknesses of the filler 4 and the back surface protective layer 2 can be suppressed, and the solar cell module 100 can be fixed to the target member 300 more firmly and reliably.

[0112] Furthermore, the opposing area between the support member 5 and the attachment target member 300 can be increased, so that the support member 5 can be more firmly fixed to the attachment target member 300. Conversely, even if the width of the support member 5 in the X direction is narrowed, the opposing area between the support member 5 and the attachment target member 300 can be ensured, so that the solar cell module 100 can be made smaller.

[0113] 11, a portion of the filler 4 is located between the surface protective layer 1 and each support member 5. Therefore, even if water such as rainwater from the external space 200 lands on the front surface 10f of the solar cell panel 10, the water is unlikely to penetrate between the surface protective layer 1 and each support member 5. On the other hand, rainwater is unlikely to reach the back surface 10b of the solar cell panel 10, so little water penetrates between the back surface protective layer 2 and each support member 5 in the first place. Therefore, the solar cell section 3 can also be appropriately protected from water.

[0114] <2-2-2. Manufacturing Method of Solar Cell Module According to Third Embodiment> Next, an example of the lamination process in the manufacturing method of the solar cell module 100 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b).

[0115] For example, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), a laminate 10s is formed by stacking a surface protective layer 1, a sheet 41s, a sheet 41t, a solar cell unit 3, a support member 5, a sheet 42s, a sheet 42t, and a back surface protective layer 2. As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), in the laminate 10s according to the third embodiment, the sheet 42s, which is the base of the filler 4, is not located between the support member 5 and the back surface protective layer 2. In other words, the width of the sheet 42s in the X direction is smaller than the width of the sheet 41s in the X direction, and more specifically, smaller than the distance between the two support members 5. The width of the sheet 42s is also wider than the width of the solar cell unit 3 in the X direction. The sheet 42s is positioned opposite the solar cell unit 3 in the Z direction but not opposite the support member 5 in the Z direction.

[0116] 12(a) and 12(b), the width in the X direction of the back surface protective layer 2 is narrower than the width in the X direction of the front surface protective layer 1. The width in the X direction of the back surface protective layer 2 may be, for example, the same as the distance between two support members 5, or may be narrower than this distance. In another example described later, the width in the X direction of the back surface protective layer 2 may be wider than the distance between the support members 5 and narrower than the width in the X direction of the front surface protective layer 1.

[0117] Next, for example, a lamination process is performed on the laminate 10s. Here, for example, a laminating device (laminator) is used to integrate the laminate 10s. This allows the solar cell panel 10 shown in FIG. 11 to be manufactured.

[0118] 12(a) and 12(b), the sheets 41t and 42t are positioned, but the sheets 41t and 42t may not be positioned as shown in, for example, Figures 5(a) and 5(b). Even in this case, the width of the sheet 42s is set to the width shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b).

[0119] 2-2-3. Another Example of the Third Embodiment In the example of FIG. 11 , the filler 4 and the back surface protective layer 2 are not positioned over the entire area facing each support member 5 in the −Z direction. However, this is not necessarily limited to this. Parts of the back surface protective layer 2 and the filler 4 may be positioned in this area. In the example of FIG. 11 , the state in which part of the filler 4 and part of the back surface protective layer 2 are positioned in this area on the support member 5 side in the −X direction is indicated by a two-dot chain line. Even in this case, in a plan view, the −X direction end 2a of the back surface protective layer 2 is positioned closer to the solar cell unit 3 than the −X direction end 1a of the surface protective layer 1, and the end 42a of the filler 4 on the back surface protective layer 2 side and the outer portion 52 side is positioned closer to the solar cell unit 3 than the end 41a of the filler 4 on the surface protective layer 1 side and the outer portion 52 side. Although not shown in FIG. 11 , part of the filler 4 and part of the back surface protective layer 2 may also be positioned in this area on the support member 5 side in the +X direction.

[0120] Even with this structure, it is possible to increase the area of ​​the portion of each support member 5 that is exposed on the back surface protective layer 2 side. This makes it possible to increase the facing area between the support member 5 and the attachment target member, and the solar cell module 100 can be more firmly fixed to the attachment target member. Alternatively, even if the width of the support member 5 in the X direction in the solar cell module 100 is narrowed, the facing area between the support member 5 and the attachment target member can be secured, allowing the solar cell module 100 to be made smaller.

[0121] 2-3. Fourth Embodiment In the first to third embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 13( a) and 13(b), multiple support members 5 may be positioned lined up at intervals in the Y direction. In the example of FIG. 13(a), four support members 5 are positioned on each side of the solar cell panel 10 in the X direction, arranged in the Y direction. That is, the four support members 5 are positioned at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the −X direction and extending along the Y direction, and the other four support members 5 are positioned at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the +X direction and extending along the Y direction, and arranged in the Y direction, with intervals in the Y direction. In the example of FIG. 13(a), the four support members 5 on one side of the solar cell panel 10 are positioned opposite the four support members 5 on the other side of the solar cell panel 10 in the X direction. That is, eight support members 5 are arranged in a matrix of four rows and two columns.

[0122] 13(b), the thickness of a portion 4d of the filler 4 between two adjacent support members 5 in the Y direction (corresponding to a third portion) will be described. The portion 4d may have a thickness distribution (corresponding to a third thickness distribution) described next. The third thickness distribution is a thickness distribution in which a thickness W8 of the portion 4d at one end of two adjacent support members 5 is greater than a thickness W9 of the portion 4d at a central position between the two support members 5. The difference between the thickness W8 and the thickness W9 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, or 1 mm or more.

[0123] In the example of Figure 13 (b), portion 4d of filler 4 has a thickness distribution in which the thickness gradually decreases toward the center between the two support members 5 in at least a portion of region R4 between two adjacent support members 5 in the Y direction.

[0124] According to the fourth embodiment, the support members 5 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction, so that the solar cell panel 10 can bend in an arc shape when viewed along the X direction. In this bent state, greater stress is generated in the solar cell panel 10 near the end faces 5 c on both sides in the Y direction of each support member 5. The end faces 5 c on both sides in the Y direction here include the end faces 5 c of the support members 5 located on one side in the Y direction and intersecting with the Y direction, and the end faces 5 c of the support members 5 located on the other side in the Y direction and intersecting with the Y direction.

[0125] As shown in Figure 13(b), the thickness of portion 4d of filler 4 is greater on the support member 5 side and smaller in the center between the support members 5. This improves the strength of the solar cell panel 10 near the end surface 5c of the support member 5. This allows the solar cell panel 10 to withstand the stress caused by the above-mentioned bending. Furthermore, because filler 4 is thinner in the center between the support members 5, the flexibility of the solar cell panel 10 can also be improved. Furthermore, the material cost of filler 4 can be reduced compared to a structure in which thickness W9 is increased to approximately the same as thickness W8.

[0126] Such a thickness distribution of the portion 4d of the filler 4 can be easily realized, for example, in a laminating process, by newly positioning a resin sheet that is the base of the filler 4 only at the end portions between the support members 5. Alternatively, for example, in a laminating process, the thickness distribution of the portion 4d can be realized by forming a stepped shape on the pressing surface 400s of the pressing body 400 in accordance with the thickness distribution of the portion 4d.

[0127] Also, as in the second embodiment, the first surface 4f of the filler 4 may have a convex shape that bulges in the +Z direction near the end face 5c of the support member 5, and the second surface 4s of the filler 4 may have a convex shape that bulges in the -Z direction near the end face 5c of the support member 5.

[0128] 2-4. Fifth Embodiment In the first to fourth embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14 , the support member 5 may be located on only one side of the rectangular solar cell panel 10. In other words, the support member 5 may be located on only one side of the rectangular front surface protective layer 1 and back surface protective layer 2. In the example of FIG. 14 , the support member 5 is located on only one side of the solar cell panel 10 in the −X direction. Even with this structure, the rigidity of the solar cell panel 10 can be improved compared to a structure that does not include the support member 5. Furthermore, this solar cell panel 10 is integrated by lamination processing. This makes it easy to assemble the solar cell panel 10.

[0129] Furthermore, since the support members 5 are not located on three sides of the solar cell panel 10, the solar cell panel 10 is more likely to bend in more directions. In other words, the flexibility of the solar cell panel 10 can be improved.

[0130] 2-5. Sixth Embodiment In the first to fifth embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 15( a) and 15(b), the solar cell module 100 may further include a reinforcing fiber member 60. The reinforcing fiber member 60 includes, for example, a fiber member such as aramid fiber (e.g., Kevlar®) or carbon fiber, and is located between the front protective layer 1 and the back protective layer 2 while being covered with a filler material 4. For example, the entire reinforcing fiber member 60 is covered with the filler material 4. In the example of FIG. 15(a), the reinforcing fiber member 60 is located along an edge of the solar cell panel 10 where no support member 5 is located. In the example of FIG. 15(a), two support members 5 are located on both sides of the solar cell panel 10 in the X direction (corresponding to first sides), and therefore two reinforcing fiber members 60 are located on both sides of the solar cell panel 10 in the Y direction (corresponding to second sides). The "sides on both sides in the X direction" referred to here include one side located at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the -X direction and extending in the Y direction, and one side located at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the +X direction and extending in the Y direction, and the "sides on both sides in the Y direction" include one side located at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the -Y direction and extending in the X direction, and one side located at the end of the solar cell panel 10 in the +Y direction and extending in the X direction. The reinforcing fiber member 60 has an elongated shape that is long in the X direction, and is positioned so as not to overlap with the solar cell unit 3 in a planar view. In other words, the reinforcing fiber member 60 is positioned so as not to face the solar cell unit 3 in the Z direction.

[0131] The length in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing fiber member 60 (i.e., the length in the X direction) may be, for example, at least half, at least two-thirds, or at least three-quarters of the width in the X direction of the solar cell panel 10. Both ends of the reinforcing fiber member 60 in the X direction may abut against the support member 5.

[0132] The reinforcing fiber members 60 are easily deformable but have high strength. Therefore, the reinforcing fiber members 60 can improve the strength of the solar cell panel 10 without reducing its flexibility. In the example of FIG. 15( a), the reinforcing fiber members 60 are located on the sides of the solar cell panel 10 where the support members 5 are not located, and therefore the reinforcing fiber members 60 can improve the strength of the weaker portions. Therefore, the support members 5 and the reinforcing fiber members 60 can increase the overall strength of the peripheral region of the solar cell panel 10.

[0133] 2-6. Seventh Embodiment In the first to sixth embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16( a) to 17(b), the solar cell unit 3 may be modified to a solar cell unit 3B having multiple thin-film solar cell regions 31B, each including a thin-film semiconductor and a transparent electrode. Thin-film semiconductors include, for example, silicon-based, compound-based, and other types of semiconductors. Silicon-based thin-film semiconductors include, for example, semiconductors using amorphous silicon or thin-film polycrystalline silicon. Compound-based thin-film semiconductors include, for example, compound semiconductors having a chalcopyrite structure, such as CIS semiconductors or CIGS semiconductors, compound semiconductors such as compounds having a perovskite structure, compound semiconductors having a kesterite structure, or cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductors. CIS semiconductors are compound semiconductors containing copper (Cu), indium (In), and selenium (Se). CIGS semiconductors are compound semiconductors containing Cu, In, gallium (Ga), and Se. Here, an example in which a plurality of thin-film solar cell regions 31B are positioned on a substrate 6 will be described.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 16( a) to 17(b), the solar cell unit 3B includes a substrate 6 and multiple solar cell regions 31B arranged in a plane on the substrate 6. "Arranged in a plane" here means that each of the multiple solar cell regions 31B is positioned along a virtual or actual plane, and that the multiple solar cell regions 31B are arranged in a line. In the example shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), the multiple solar cell regions 31B are arranged along the surface of the substrate 6. The substrate 6 may be, for example, a transparent glass substrate having a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm. Here, for example, assume that the solar cell unit 3B includes N solar cell regions 31B (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2). In this case, if the N solar cell regions 31B are electrically connected in series, the larger the value N, the greater the output voltage of the solar cell unit 3B. 17(a) and 17(b) show an example in which multiple (seven in this example) solar cell regions 31B are arranged along the +Y direction. Here, for example, each solar cell region 31B has an elongated shape with its longitudinal direction along the +X direction. In this case, for example, if the width of the solar cell region 31B in the +Y direction is about several millimeters (mm) to 1 centimeter (cm), tens to hundreds of solar cell regions 31B can be arranged in the solar cell unit 3B.

[0135] Each of the multiple solar cell regions 31B includes a first electrode layer 8a, a semiconductor layer 8b, and a second electrode layer 8c, as shown in FIG. 17(b). Furthermore, in the solar cell section 3B, a connection portion 9 and a transparent portion 7 are present between adjacent solar cell regions 31B, as shown in FIG. 17(b). For example, if the second electrode layer 8c is a layer (also referred to as a translucent electrode layer) that is more translucent to light in a specific range of wavelengths than the semiconductor layer 8b, incident light can pass through the second electrode layer 8c in each solar cell region 31B. As a result, for example, incident light that has passed through the surface protective layer 1 can pass through the second electrode layer 8c and be irradiated onto the semiconductor layer 8b. At this time, for example, the incident light can be absorbed by the semiconductor layer 8b. Here, for example, if the back surface protective layer 2 is made of a material having the same translucency as the front surface protective layer 1, and the first electrode layer 8a is a layer (translucent electrode layer) that is more translucent to light of a specific range of wavelengths than the semiconductor layer 8b, incident light that has passed through the back surface protective layer 2 can be irradiated onto the semiconductor layer 8b through the first electrode layer 8a.

[0136] The first electrode layer 8a is located, for example, on the surface of the substrate 6 facing the +Z direction. The first electrode layer 8a is, for example, an electrode (also referred to as a first electrode) that can collect charges generated by photoelectric conversion in response to light irradiation in the semiconductor layer 8b. If the first electrode layer 8a is made of, for example, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) that is transparent to light of a specific wavelength range, light of the specific wavelength range can pass through the back surface protective layer 2 and the first electrode layer 8a and enter the semiconductor layer 8b. Examples of TCOs include indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), and zinc oxide (ZnO). When zinc oxide is used as the TCO, the TCO may contain aluminum (Al), boron (B), or gallium (Ga) as necessary. In the example of FIG. 17( b ), seven first electrode layers 8 a are arranged in a plane along the +Y direction on the substrate 6. Here, the first electrode layer 8 a of the mth solar cell region 31Bm (m is a natural number from 1 to 6) and the portion of the first electrode layer 8 a of the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1) extending toward the mth solar cell region 31Bm are arranged side by side with a gap (also referred to as a first gap) G1 between them. For example, the first electrode layer 8 a of the first solar cell region 31B1 and the portion of the first electrode layer 8 a of the second solar cell region 31B2 extending toward the first solar cell region 31B1 are arranged side by side with the first gap G1 between them. Each first gap G1 has a longitudinal direction along the +X direction. Here, each first gap G1 has a first groove P1 with its bottom surface on the surface of the substrate 6.

[0137] The semiconductor layer 8b is located between the first electrode layer 8a and the second electrode layer 8c. Here, the semiconductor layer 8b of the mth solar cell region 31Bm is located in a state where it extends onto the end of the portion where the first electrode layer 8a of the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1) adjacent in the +Y direction extends in the -Y direction. For example, the semiconductor layer 8b of the first solar cell region 31B1 is located in a state where it extends onto the end of the portion where the first electrode layer 8a of the adjacent second solar cell region 31B2 extends in the -Y direction. The semiconductor layer 8b is composed of, for example, the thin-film semiconductor described above.

[0138] The second electrode layer 8c is located on the semiconductor layer 8b. The second electrode layer 8c is an electrode (also referred to as a second electrode) that can collect charges generated by photoelectric conversion in response to light irradiation in the semiconductor layer 8b. The second electrode layer 8c may be made of, for example, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) that is transparent to light within a specific wavelength range, similar to the material of the first electrode layer 8a. In the example of FIG. 17(b), seven second electrode layers 8c are arranged in a planar manner along the +Y direction. Here, the portion of the second electrode layer 8c of the mth solar cell region 31Bm extending toward the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1) and the second electrode layer 8c of the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1) are arranged with a gap (also referred to as a second gap) G2 between them. For example, a portion of the second electrode layer 8c of the first solar cell region 31B1 extending toward the +Y direction and a portion of the second electrode layer 8c of the second solar cell region 31B2 are arranged side by side with a gap (second gap) G2 therebetween. Each second gap G2 has a longitudinal direction along the +X direction. Here, a third groove P3 with the first electrode layer 8a as its bottom surface is present in each second gap G2. Also, here, for example, between the mth solar cell region 31Bm and the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1), which are adjacent in the +Y direction, the second gap G2 is positioned offset in the +Y direction from the first gap G1. Therefore, for example, the inter-cell region 31ga between the mth solar cell region 31Bm and the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1), which are adjacent in the +Y direction, is located from the edge of the first gap G1 in the -Y direction to the edge of the second gap G2 in the +Y direction.

[0139] The connection portion 9 electrically connects two adjacent solar cell regions 31B among the multiple solar cell regions 31B in series. In the example of FIG. 17(b), the mth connection portion 9m is positioned so as to penetrate between the semiconductor layer 8b and the transparent portion 7. This mth connection portion 9m electrically connects the mth solar cell region 31Bm and the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1). For example, the first connection portion 91 electrically connects the first solar cell region 31B1 and the second solar cell region 31B2. More specifically, the mth connection portion 9m electrically connects the second electrode layer 8c of the mth solar cell region 31Bm and the first electrode layer 8a of the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1). For example, the first connection portion 91 electrically connects the second electrode layer 8c of the first solar cell region 31B1 and the first electrode layer 8a of the second solar cell region 31B2. This electrically connects the multiple solar cell regions 31B in series. The connection portion 9 is located within a second groove (not shown) whose side faces are the end face of the semiconductor layer 8b facing the +Y direction and the end face of the transparent portion 7 facing the -Y direction, and whose bottom face is the surface of the first electrode layer 8a facing the -Z direction. Each second groove has a longitudinal direction along the +X direction. The connection portion 9 is then filled into this second groove.

[0140] The transparent portion 7 has a higher translucency for light of a specific wavelength range than the semiconductor layer 8b. The transparent portion 7 can be formed, for example, by locally heating a portion of a semiconductor layer having a perovskite structure. Here, the mth transparent portion 7m is located between the mth connection portion 9m of the mth solar cell region 31Bm and the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1). For example, the first transparent portion 71 is located between the first connection portion 91 of the first solar cell region 31B1 and the second solar cell region 31B2. In the example of FIG. 17(b), the mth transparent portion 7m is located between the mth connection portion 9m of the mth solar cell region 31Bm and the third groove portion P3 located between the mth solar cell region 31Bm and the (m+1)th solar cell region 31B(m+1). For example, the first transparent portion 71 is located between the first connection portion 91 of the first solar cell region 31B1 and the third groove portion P3 that is located between the first solar cell region 31B1 and the second solar cell region 31B2. The transparent portion 7 may be, for example, made of a non-transparent semiconductor layer, and may be the same as the semiconductor layer 8b.

[0141] In the first solar cell region 31B1, the first electrode layer 8a has a portion (also referred to as a first extension portion) 8ae that extends further in the -Y direction than the semiconductor layer 8b and the second electrode layer 8c. In the seventh solar cell region 31B7, the semiconductor layer 8b and the second electrode layer 8c extend further in the +Y direction than the first electrode layer 8a, and the second electrode layer 8c has a portion (also referred to as a second extension portion) 8ce that extends further in the +Y direction than the semiconductor layer 8b. A first polarity output wiring member (also referred to as a first output wiring member) 32a is electrically connected to the first extension portion 8ae. Here, the first output wiring member 32a is joined to, for example, the first extension portion 8ae, which is part of the electrode of the first solar cell region 31B1. Specifically, for example, a portion (also referred to as a third joint portion) 321B is located between the first output wiring member 32a and the first extension portion 8ae, joining the first output wiring member 32a and the first extension portion 8ae. In the example of FIG. 17( a), the first output wiring member 32a is located along the edge of the first solar cell region 31B1 located in the -Y direction. A second polarity output wiring member (also referred to as a second output wiring member) 32b is electrically connected to the second extension portion 8ce. Here, the second output wiring member 32b is joined to, for example, the second extension portion 8ce, which is part of the electrode of the seventh solar cell region 31B7. Specifically, for example, there is a portion 322B (also referred to as a fourth joint portion) that is located between the second output wiring member 32b and the second extending portion 8ce and that joins the second output wiring member 32b and the second extending portion 8ce. In the example of Fig. 17(a) , the second output wiring member 32b is located along the edge of the seventh solar cell region 31B7 that is located in the +Y direction.

[0142] The first output wiring member 32a and the second output wiring member 32b are each made of, for example, a wire-shaped or strip-shaped conductive metal. The third joint portion 321B and the fourth joint portion 322B are made of, for example, a low-melting-point alloy or a low-melting-point simple metal such as solder. More specifically, the first output wiring member 32a and the second output wiring member 32b are each made of copper foil having a thickness of, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm and a width of, for example, 1 mm to 2 mm, and the entire surfaces of the first output wiring member 32a and the second output wiring member 32b are covered with solder. The first output wiring member 32a is electrically connected to the first extension portion 8ae, for example, by soldering. The second output wiring member 32b is electrically connected to the second extension portion 8ce, for example, by soldering. In this case, for example, the solder located between the first output wiring member 32a and the first extension 8ae constitutes the third joint portion 321B. Furthermore, for example, the solder located between the second output wiring member 32b and the second extension 8ce constitutes the fourth joint portion 322B. Hereinafter, the third joint portion 321B and the fourth joint portion 322B will also be referred to as "joint portions" as appropriate. Furthermore, for example, if the first polarity is negative, the second polarity is positive. For example, if the first polarity is positive, the second polarity is negative. Each of the first output wiring member 32a and the second output wiring member 32b is extended to the outside via, for example, a through-hole penetrating the back surface protective layer 2.

[0143] Here, for example, the substrate 6 of the solar cell section 3B may be the back surface protective layer 2. In the above example, the solar cell regions 31B are arranged along the Y direction, but this is not necessarily limited to this. The arrangement direction of the solar cell regions 31B may be the X direction, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0144] <3. Others> In the first to seventh embodiments, for example, it is possible to omit the back surface protective layer 2. In this structure, free acid (e.g., acetic acid) generated in the filler 4 is released in a gaseous state from the filler 4 in the −Z direction, thereby reducing defects in the solar cell portion 3 caused by the free acid.

[0145] In the first to seventh embodiments, the two support members 5 may be located on both sides of the solar cell panel 10 in the Y direction, rather than on both sides in the X direction. The solar cell panel 10 can bend when viewed along the X direction. In this case, the number of solar cell elements 31 arranged in the Y direction may be an even number. In this case, the central portion of the solar cell panel 10 in the Y direction corresponds to the portion between the solar cell elements 31. Therefore, the stress generated in the solar cell elements 31 can be reduced compared to a structure in which the number of arranged solar cell elements is an odd number.

[0146] Furthermore, in the third to sixth embodiments, the thickness W1 of the filler 4 does not necessarily have to be greater than the thicknesses W2 and W3, because the effects achieved in each of the third to sixth embodiments do not necessarily depend on the thickness distribution of the filler 4.

[0147] Although the solar cell module has been described in detail above, the above description is merely an example in all respects, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the various examples described above can be combined and applied as long as they are not mutually contradictory. It is understood that countless examples not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0148] This disclosure includes the following:

[0149] In one embodiment, (1) a solar cell module includes: a first protective layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a solar cell unit including a plurality of solar cell elements positioned facing the second surface of the first protective layer; a support member positioned adjacent to the solar cell unit and including an inner portion positioned facing the second surface of the first protective layer and an outer portion positioned extending outward from the inner portion; and a filler material in contact with the second surface of the first protective layer and positioned to cover the inner portion and the solar cell unit, the thickness between the solar cell unit and the support member being greater than the thickness between any two adjacent solar cell elements among the plurality of solar cell elements.

[0150] (2) In the solar cell module of (1) above, the number of the solar cell elements arranged is an even number.

[0151] (3) A solar cell module includes: a first protective layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a solar cell unit positioned facing the second surface of the first protective layer; a support member positioned adjacent to the solar cell unit and including an inner portion positioned facing the second surface of the first protective layer and an outer portion positioned extending outward from the inner portion; and a filler material that is in contact with the second surface of the first protective layer and is positioned so as to cover the inner portion and the solar cell unit, and whose thickness increases from the solar cell unit toward the support member.

[0152] (4) In any one of the solar cell modules (1) to (3) above, a first portion of the filler material between the inner portion of the support member and the first protective layer has a predetermined first thickness distribution, and in the predetermined first thickness distribution, the thickness of the first portion at the end of the first portion on the solar cell portion side is greater than the thickness of the first portion at the end of the first portion on the outer portion side.

[0153] (5) Any one of the solar cell modules (1) to (4) above further includes a second protective layer located on the opposite side of the filler from the first protective layer, in contact with the filler, and facing the solar cell portion.

[0154] (6) In the solar cell module of (5) above, the second protective layer is positioned facing the inner portion of the support member, and a second portion of the filler material between the inner portion of the support member and the second protective layer has a predetermined second thickness distribution, and in the second thickness distribution, the thickness of the second portion at the end on the solar cell portion side is greater than the thickness of the second portion at the end on the outer portion side.

[0155] (7) In the solar cell module of (5) or (6) above, the end of the filler material on the second protective layer side and the outer portion side is located on the solar cell portion side relative to the end of the filler material on the first protective layer side and the outer portion side.

[0156] (8) In the solar cell module of (7) above, the end of the second protective layer on the support member side is located closer to the solar cell unit than the end of the first protective layer on the support member side.

[0157] (9) In the solar cell module of (7) or (8) above, the filler and the second protective layer are positioned on the opposite side of the support member from the first protective layer, avoiding the area facing the support member.

[0158] (10) In any one of the solar cell modules (1) to (9) above, the first protective layer has a rectangular shape, and the multiple support members are positioned in a spaced-apart arrangement along one side of the first protective layer.

[0159] (11) In the solar cell module of (10) above, a third portion, which is part of the filler, is located between two adjacent support members of the plurality of support members, and the third portion has a predetermined third thickness distribution, in which the thickness of the third portion at an end on one side of the two support members is greater than the thickness of the third portion at a central position between the two support members.

[0160] (12) In the solar cell module of any one of (1) to (11) above, the first protective layer has a rectangular shape, and the support member is located on only one side of the first protective layer.

[0161] (13) In any one of the solar cell modules (1) to (12) above, the solar cell module further comprises a carbon fiber member, the first protective layer has a rectangular shape, the support member is located on a first side of the first protective layer, and the carbon fiber member is located on a second side of the first protective layer where the support member is not located, covered with the filler material.

[0162] 1 Surface protective layer 1a End of surface protective layer 1 on the support member 5 side 1f First surface 1s Second surface 2 Back surface protective layer 2a End of back surface protective layer 2 on the support member 5 side 3, 3B Solar cell section 31 Solar cell element 4 Filler 4a Part 4b First part (part) 4c Second part (part) 4d Third part (part) 41a End of filler 4 on the surface protective layer 1 side and outer part 52 side 42a End of filler 4 on the back surface protective layer 2 side and outer part 52 side 5 Support member 60 Reinforced fiber member 100 Solar cell module

Claims

1. 1. A solar cell module, comprising: a first protective layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a solar cell section including a plurality of solar cell elements positioned in a state facing the second surface of the first protective layer; A support member positioned adjacent to the solar cell unit; Filler and Equipped with the support member includes an inner portion positioned opposite the second surface of the first protective layer, and an outer portion positioned extending outward from the inner portion, the filler is in contact with the second surface of the first protective layer and is positioned in a state of covering the inner portion and the solar cell portion, a thickness of the filler between the solar cell section and the support member is greater than a thickness of the filler between two adjacent solar cell elements among the plurality of solar cell elements.

2. The solar cell module according to claim 1 , The solar cell module, wherein the number of the solar cell elements arranged is an even number.

3. 1. A solar cell module, comprising: a first protective layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a solar cell portion located opposite the second surface of the first protective layer; A support member positioned adjacent to the solar cell unit; Filler and Equipped with the support member includes an inner portion positioned opposite the second surface of the first protective layer, and an outer portion positioned extending outward from the inner portion, the filler is in contact with the second surface of the first protective layer and is positioned in a state of covering the inner portion and the solar cell portion, A solar cell module, wherein a thickness of the filler increases from the solar cell portion toward the support member.

4. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a first portion of the filler between the inner portion of the support member and the first protective layer has a first predetermined thickness distribution; A solar cell module, wherein in the predetermined first thickness distribution, the thickness of the first portion at the end on the solar cell portion side is greater than the thickness of the first portion at the end on the outer portion side.

5. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The solar cell module further comprises a second protective layer located on the opposite side of the filler from the first protective layer, in contact with the filler and facing the solar cell portion.

6. The solar cell module according to claim 5 , the second protective layer is positioned opposite the inner portion of the support member; a second portion of the filler between the inner portion of the support member and the second protective layer has a second predetermined thickness distribution; In the second thickness distribution, the thickness of the second portion at the end on the solar cell portion side is greater than the thickness of the second portion at the end on the outer portion side.

7. The solar cell module according to claim 5 , A solar cell module, wherein an end of the filler on the second protective layer side and on the outer portion side is located on the solar cell portion side relative to an end of the filler on the first protective layer side and on the outer portion side.

8. The solar cell module according to claim 7, A solar cell module, wherein an end of the second protective layer on the support member side is located on the solar cell portion side relative to an end of the first protective layer on the support member side.

9. The solar cell module according to claim 7, The filler and the second protective layer are located on a side of the support member opposite the first protective layer, avoiding an area facing the support member.

10. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the first protective layer has a rectangular shape; A solar cell module, wherein the plurality of support members are positioned in a spaced relationship along one side of the first protective layer.

11. The solar cell module according to claim 10, a third portion that is a part of the filler is located between two adjacent support members of the plurality of support members, the third portion has a third predetermined thickness distribution; A solar cell module, wherein in the third thickness distribution, the thickness of the third portion at an end on one side of the two support members is greater than the thickness of the third portion at a central position between the two support members.

12. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the first protective layer has a rectangular shape; A solar cell module, wherein the support member is located on only one side of the first protective layer.

13. The solar cell module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Further comprising a reinforcing fiber member, the first protective layer has a rectangular shape; the support member is located on a first side of the first protective layer, A solar cell module, wherein the reinforcing fiber member is located on a second edge side of the first protective layer where the support member is not located, and is covered by the filler.